badandy570
Aquarium Advice Newbie
Hey everyone!
I was inspired by my brother in law to give keeping an aquarium another try. This time I'm not foolin' around. He explained the basics to a planted aquarium and I couldn't say no!
I just got my new aquarium up and running a couple weeks ago and planted last weekend (1/19/2013). Things seem to be going well so far!
I decided to go the old fashioned route and cycle my tank with fish. I looked for an inexpensive and hardy variety and ended up with a small school of seven Fire Ring Danios. The tank has been planted with a small variety of low-light plants including anubias, a couple echinodorus, hair grass, java moss, and a couple more that I can't remember off the top of my head. They are planted in eco-complete substrate.
Things are looking good thus far. I am seeing growth already from about half of the plants, and not so much from others.
I'm not sure what advice I'm looking for at the moment but here are a few random questions that I have bouncing around:
What should I expect from my plants in the weeks immediately after setting the tank up? Will they struggle at first? If I see any discoloration should I be concerned at this point?
Is the bulb that came with the Aqueon kit going to work at all? Should I just replace it? If so, suggestions? Until I do should I consider leaving the light on for longer durations or no?
I have seen a few small spots of discoloration, especially with the hair grass located in the corners (not getting enough light there maybe). Should I be dosing with a balanced liquid fertilizer at this point?
That's all I have for the moment. I'm so looking forward to seeing my tank grow and flourish. Thanks everyone!
I was inspired by my brother in law to give keeping an aquarium another try. This time I'm not foolin' around. He explained the basics to a planted aquarium and I couldn't say no!
I just got my new aquarium up and running a couple weeks ago and planted last weekend (1/19/2013). Things seem to be going well so far!
I decided to go the old fashioned route and cycle my tank with fish. I looked for an inexpensive and hardy variety and ended up with a small school of seven Fire Ring Danios. The tank has been planted with a small variety of low-light plants including anubias, a couple echinodorus, hair grass, java moss, and a couple more that I can't remember off the top of my head. They are planted in eco-complete substrate.
Things are looking good thus far. I am seeing growth already from about half of the plants, and not so much from others.
I'm not sure what advice I'm looking for at the moment but here are a few random questions that I have bouncing around:
What should I expect from my plants in the weeks immediately after setting the tank up? Will they struggle at first? If I see any discoloration should I be concerned at this point?
Is the bulb that came with the Aqueon kit going to work at all? Should I just replace it? If so, suggestions? Until I do should I consider leaving the light on for longer durations or no?
I have seen a few small spots of discoloration, especially with the hair grass located in the corners (not getting enough light there maybe). Should I be dosing with a balanced liquid fertilizer at this point?
That's all I have for the moment. I'm so looking forward to seeing my tank grow and flourish. Thanks everyone!
to AA! We hope ya enjoy 
