Timeline: 60gal planted tank

[scarthell]

I am using a Lee Mar custom tank purchased used from a LFS in Az. 60GAL is what I was told.

Substrate: CaribSea sand
Occupants: two blue gourami and two honey gourami from the 55gal running already. Also a few java fern from the same tank.

How long should I cycle if using media from my current filter to kick start? Do I need to use the biomedia or is the white filter pad ok? Both filters are fluval 306.

I am considering trading the gourami in for credit to get something else. Definitely some sort of Kuhli loach. Other than that I am interested in small fish less than 4". Any suggestions?

As for plants, Im stuck with two 39watt bulbs for now so im not sure what can survive in that light, but the setup came with a milwaukee regulator so there will be co2. Do I need to put some sort of fertilizer down before I put in the sand? Suggestions for plants?

It also came with an emperor aquatic 18v UV doohickey that I haven't used before. How often do I change/clean it?

Also best suggestions for cleaning out the tank before I use it. I was planning on using a vinegar solution.

I will update as I go along. Thanks!


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[scarthell]

Canopy repurposed?

New spiderwood and holey rock to start my aquascape. Im going to ditch the canopy in favor of LED. Also its a PITA trying to work on the tank with it sitting on top.

Anyone ever repurposed a canopy? Im thinking of turning it into a rolling chest or chest/bench.

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[scarthell]

I want to make a shelf with the rocks. Not sure what plant(s) I want attached to the driftwood yet.

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[scarthell]

So heres what I have so far. Main objects placed and some plants. I am not sure what to do with the section behind the driftwood. Thinking of adding some small river stone. Im also getting a plant package soon so it will look more full. What do think?

Almost killed my fish while I rearranged bc my sand was too high in some spots, almost 4", and was turning black underneath!!! ? so I caught them quickly and took out a good portion of the sand.

Today I picked up a Current Sat+. Its nice on my 55long so I thought I'd go for it. Review said it isnt bright enough for a 24" tank but I think its plenty bright. Hard to tell with the cell phone photos tho. The remote for my 48" led works with the new 36" and accepts both sets of presets. Wasn't expecting that but it works!

I need to find mates for these gourami and Im torn between kuhli loaches or golden dojo. And between pigmy corydoras or regular sized corydoras. There is one that has orange on it that I like but I cant remember the name.

You think amano shrimp would have problems with the gourami? They are big shrimp so I wasnt sure. Before relocating my gourami were living with blackberry shrimp...and keeping them suppressed but not eating adults.

I've been reading about cleaning sand and how "easy" it is but haven't had the easy experience I guess. Maybe that my siphon is too big and draining too fast. Also i didnt slope my substrate to help the debris gather. Is it necessary to remove all of the debris? In gravel it sinks down and I don't care as much but on the sand its more unsightly. I don't want to cause random cycling by cleaning the sand too much. Ill find my answer among the many forum posts here Im sure.

Harrah for Superbowl Sunday!


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[scarthell]

Close up shots

Here are some better photos of my fish friends. One male honey, one female honey, two female 3 spot gourami. I put ferns on the driftwood but I'm not sure how its going to look grown out. Next I think I'll add some river rocks around the base of the driftwood

 

[scarthell]

So I've since added corydoras duplicareus and pygmaeus. I also removed the two blue gourami and traded them in for feeder snails.

After three days in the tank, the pygmy females are laying eggs on the glass and leaves


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