My First Planted Tank- 90 Gallons

[blang]

OK, here is my first planted tank. It is 2.4wpg, 1/2 flourite, 1/2 gravel and no CO2. I plan to add more plants but keep the same type of look as you see in the picture. I do have a problem with bright green hair algae on the glass and overflow, but it seems to settle down 2 weeks after a water change.

I've been reading Diana Walstad's book "Ecology of the Planted Aquarium" and it has inspired me to keep on trying to keep this tank as a low tech tank. I plan to experiment with some of her techniques.

Current Fish:

2 Bristlenoses
3 SAE
4 Melini Cory Cats (2 are babies that I bred!!)
3 Yoyo's
4 Rainbow Fish

Additional Planned:

4 Dennison Barbs
1 Rainbow Shark

4 Blue-eyed Rainbow (may not add and keep in my 10 gallon. If I do, it will be at least another 6 months, as they are tiny)

 

[BillD]

Nice start. It is difficult to keep algae at bay when the tank is only partially planted. It is also expensive to completely plant a tank of that size. It would be nice if the vals were to grow long enough to reach the top of the tank. Good luck.

 

[Simpte]

Keep the co2 levels high )30-35ppm) and algae won't be a problem. I would add at least 4 more sets of stem plants in there and a foreground cover of some sort.

 

[Jchillin]

Congrats and good luck, the tank looks great!

Getting additional plants should not be a problem. Check the barter/trade forum from time to time. Clippings are posted regularly.

 

[blang]

I have trimmed the vals several times. My LFS suggested it so they fill out a little more with some more bottom growth and then let them grow. When they were full grown they looked really cool laying on the top.

Yes, I am slowly adding some more stem plants as I find them. I like taking my time and enjoy shopping around. This weekend I plan to do some cutting and replanting of my stem plants. I will also be separating some of my grassy plants so they will start spreading but I still want to have the open area in the middle.

 

[rich311k]

Tank is looking good. I think you are off to a great start.

 

[cornfedfishies]

Very nice. The stand and canopy look great.

 

[Glenc]

Nice big tank. I really want a tank that size. How long have you had it set up?

 

[blang]

We set it up around Christmas time, using biospira so it was cycled immediately. I've been taking my time adding fish so I can enjoy that "new tank setup". It has been weeks since I added my last fish because the LFS is still trying to get the dennison barbs.

I love having this size tank. It gives you the opportunity to have fish that are just too big for smaller tanks.