Starting a 80 gallon (300l) tank (New hobbyist)

[Paul Low]

Hi Everyone,

I am starting the above. Starting a new tank after 15 years. Lots have change, so need some advise.

My current inventory as follows:

1. 42" x 24" x 27" with cabinet
2. 2 canister Fluval 304 & 305 filter system (2nd hand) with all necessary media.
3. Plan substrate: 1st layer sand; 2nd layer Aquaclay mix with sand and 3rd layer gravel.
4. Setting scape rocks with some plant.

My Questions:

A. Is my substrate ok for minor planting?
B. I plan to cycle it for 2 - 4 weeks then putting in hardy fish.
C. Any observations that need attention during the cycling period?

Appreciate your kind advice soonest. I plan to setup in Saturday this week.

Many thanks.

Polo.

[Berny]

I would recommend planting first before filling tank with water.

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[Berny]

I'm not sure about others, But planting before flooding prevents plants from being uprooted (dsm method) easily and personally, I don't really like meddling around with tank of water, makes it cloudy and unsightly, But all those are just my opinions though.

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[Berny]

I cant help you for that, im quite new to planted tank too.

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[Urban Aquaria]

Just wondering, any reasons to use sand under the aquaclay and gravel? Seems it might compact over time and create an anaerobic environment in the bottom sand layer... why not just use the aquaclay as base and then top with gravel.

[Urban Aquaria]

Yeah, the aquaclay and gravel would be okay, i was referring to the sand underneith them compacting and creating anarobic environment inside the sand layer itself.

Most people with sand substrates stir it up during maintainence to prevent too much stale compaction or have bottom dwelling catfish sifting through it... but if the sand is put right at the bottom layer of a substrate mix, i guess it'll not be touched for a long time.

[jamesneo]

My personal view

A. Is my substrate ok for minor planting? -

Abit overkill if really just for minor planting. Lapis sand will just do it fine.

B. I plan to cycle it for 2 - 4 weeks then putting in hardy fish.

Cycle tank for 2-3 weeks -> Put in plants --> Make sure no algae outbreak --> Put in 2 to 3 fishes to test conidtion (1 week) --> Put in the masses --> Enjoy the scape
Anything happen in between, go back to the step 1.

C. Any observations that need attention during the cycling period?

Yes. Water should be crystal clear, no algae outbreak.

[Paul Low]

Hi all bros,

After taking your advices, I managed to setup my 80 gallon tank with minimum casualty. The fishes in the 80 gallon as follows:

A. 20 neon tetras (small).
B. 15 serpea tetra courtesy from a AQ bro.
C. 2 tiger bark.
D. 12 paty
E. 4 SAE
F. 4 corydoras
G. 6 other tetras
H. 1 silver dollar fish.

Attached is a picture of it. I have also planted some plants in the tank. Still new to this. Don't know the names for them yet.

Please comment and suggestions.

Thanks.
20130713_111502.jpg
Paul Low

[limz_777]

some plants are non-aquatic , dont worry if it rot/melt away

i used expanded clay in my set up before , happen that most of it floats

cant see the substrate from the pic properly , is it aquaclay ?
did yours float ?

[kohanson]

The silver dollar will eat some plants. You can monitor your plants to see if they are getting any shorter. If yes, then most probably is your silver dollar eating it.

[David Moses Heng]

Good effort.

Maybe for your next project, you will wanna practice scaping or planting of plants and hard scape by using the golden ratio ?