New backup tank.

[atolylica]

Hi guys, just wanted to share this low-tech setup done last weekend. It's 19 liters with no CO2, lights on 6 hours a day, Macro and Micro ferts once a week. Currently dosing Excel daily but hoping to go really low tech to the point I don't have to dose excel too.

I got a GEX Slim Filter M, and I was wondering if the 2 filter inserts of activated carbon will interfere with my excel and ferts dosing.
Also, since carbon reduces ammonia, will it affect the cycling process?

If that's the case, I might just change all 3 filters to the stones to increase bio-capacity.

Attachment 41535

[Urban Aquaria]

Actually the plants in your tank are so few and low-demand you don't even need to use much light or even excel. I've also kept java ferns, anubias and mosses in a tank with just ambient ceiling lights in the room, no excel, no ferts and they still grow.

Activated carbon will absorb some of the ammonia, ferts and excel... but those carbon cartridges that come with hang-on filters don't really contain much carbon so their effects would be minimal, the carbon will usually exhaust its absorption abilities within 1-2 weeks anyways.

Replacing the cartridges with bio-media would be better though, gives the beneficial bacteria more surface area to colonize.

Btw, without any ammonia source in the tank (and with only inert sand substrate), there isn't much for the bacteria to consume and grow, so if you are going for a fishless cycle, maybe drop 1-2 small wafers of fish food into the tank and let them decompose to create some additional ammonia for the bacteria to feed on and multiply.

[roxnork]

Agree that there is no need for fert/CO2 based on your setup. I think your current filter is fine though, especially if you don't intend to have too many inhabitants in the future. The best way to get the bacteria growing in a controlled manner is to simply introduce inhabitants slowly, perhaps one or two at a time over a period of weeks. Good luck with your setup!

[atolylica]

Thanks guys for the comments and recommendations! I replaced the media with small lava rocks, added some plants, and add some Rummys from my other tank.

Here's an update:

Attachment 41917

[rakurime]

hey your setup is interesting, i'm setting up something like this too.

mine is 26cm x 16cm x 19cm front curved though... using Gex slim SS filter, also intending to use sand, rocks and hardy plants,

may i know if you are using aquazonic clip on led?

agreed with UA bro, replace the stock filter cartridges with bio-media to provide better & optimal colonization of the beneficial bacterial

[atolylica]

hi, yes I'm using the aquazonic clip on led. Yes I replaced the stock filter cartridges with small lava rocks.

Good luck on your new setup!

[atolylica]

3 months old now. Stable, relatively free from algae and low maintenance.

Attachment 43643

[MrPeach]

Your marimo moss ball are so small! Like mini green moth balls!

[pgm iv]

very nice n simple set up