First Attempt On Aquascaping For Tetras and Apisto!

[KevenBrendanLee]

My first attempt to aquascape for my coming Apistogramma Pair and Mix Tetras

45x33x45 cm ( 17.2 Gallon US )
- Note that I did not put real plants as the maintenance is not what I am capable of or have the money to ( I am like 19 this year ) buy. That may change in the future.
- Note that I also am currently cycling the tank that's why it is still murky.

Front View:
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Side View:
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Miscellaneous Stuff:
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Give me an honest feedback
Sorry if I am bad at this

[Urban Aquaria]

Without real plants, there'll be nothing to soak up the excess nutrients produced by the fish waste and nitrogen cycle, so you'll need to do more water changes to keep the water conditions optimal (and avoid algae bloom).

Perhaps consider adding fast growing floating plants instead... like frogbits, salvinia, dwarf water lettuce etc, they will utilize the lights and soak up nutrients to help keep the water cleaner (no need Co2 injection to boost growth since they will already use Co2 directly from the air). The fishes will also appreciate the shade too.

The only thing to do is to remove bunches of them when they start covering the water surface (its definitely much easier than maintaining and trimming real submerged plants).

[KevenBrendanLee]

Without real plants, there'll be nothing to soak up the excess nutrients produced by the fish waste and nitrogen cycle, so you'll need to do more water changes to keep the water conditions optimal (and avoid algae bloom).

Perhaps consider adding fast growing floating plants instead... like frogbits, salvinia, dwarf water lettuce etc, they will utilize the lights and soak up nutrients to help keep the water cleaner (no need Co2 injection to boost growth since they will already use Co2 directly from the air). The fishes will also appreciate the shade too.

The only thing to do is to remove bunches of them when they start covering the water surface (its definitely much easier than maintaining and trimming real submerged plants).

Thanks, will look for floating plants tomorrow

[limz_777]

quite a waste if that is aquasoil , i would use coconut shells as hiding space rather then pvc pipe , maybe readjust the driftwood behind for easy viewing of the fish

[seudzar]

Some plants are very affordable.

[fireblade]

maybe move the wood behind to make it looks like a backdrop...
as for plants, can always start small.. or look for some freebies in the forum to start with.
what soil are you using? if it is aquasoil, then you can forget about dosing fertilizer initially and that will save you quite a bit.
keep moss or ferns or nana for low and easy maintenance.

[KevenBrendanLee]

quite a waste if that is aquasoil , i would use coconut shells as hiding space rather then pvc pipe , maybe readjust the driftwood behind for easy viewing of the fish

I use the ADA Amazonia Soil specifically for my Apistogramma not plants I used to have water plant sponsored by my school and when it died the whole room smell of ammonia.

[rakurime]

Alternatively, if i were to stay with the idea of having fake plants as "planted", then i would probably just get a pack of frog-bits or duckweeds which is only $0.50-0.80 and its a type of floating plant, which will absorb harmful pollutions or waste in the tank, also provides shade for your livestocks

[hmlc74]

not too bad and are those egg on the pvc pipe

[limz_777]

I use the ADA Amazonia Soil specifically for my Apistogramma not plants I used to have water plant sponsored by my school and when it died the whole room smell of ammonia.

i see , what type of plants your school sponsor you ? any pictures ? ph wise there are also other alternative like peat , almond leaves ,driftwood itself bring ph down

[KevenBrendanLee]

i see , what type of plants your school sponsor you ? any pictures ? ph wise there are also other alternative like peat , almond leaves ,driftwood itself bring ph down

I graduated so no picture, planning to put floating plants after a week of cycling and I will put it up here

[KevenBrendanLee]

not too bad and are those egg on the pvc pipe

Nope, because I don't have any fishes in yet

[limz_777]

I graduated so no picture, planning to put floating plants after a week of cycling and I will put it up here

ok , should be fun keeping apistogramma ,one genus which i never kept before , i see that they breed easily , which ones have you decided on ?