3FT Low maintenance, low light, co2 tank

[torque6]

Just finished setting up the tank earlier this week.


I intend to keep Cardinal Tetra in this tank so I scape the tank with only drift woods, making sure there were lots of cover for the timid fishes.


As this is a low maintenance tank, I chose java ferns, narrow java and trident ferns. So no stem plants, no foreground plants that require frequent trimming.


Tank specs: ADA 90-P, 90cm x 45cm x 45cm, 185L approx; 49Gallon
Substrate : GEX Best Bio Soil 6 litres
Filtration : Eheim 2215/ 350
Plants : Java, Narrow, Trident ferns and Anubias Nana Petite
Lighting : Finnex Stingray 20w (40) 7000k + ( Actinic Blue LEDs + ( 660nm Red LEDs
co2 system: Aluminium 2L Ista cylinder with ANS co2 regulator with solenoid
Photo period : 6 hours


Some pics to share.

Day1



The lights from Finnex is very nice. The transformer runs very hot but the LED is warm to touch, still much cooler than your PL light. The purplish cast on the nana petite looks good.





The initial plan was to use ADA Aquasoil, but seeing that it leeches ammonia frequently, I decided to go for an inert sand. GEX Best Bio Sand is a type of volcanic ash. Best of all, you don't need to wash it and it's grandular. The black color soil was very nice too. Many thanks to Paul from Rein biotech for recommending Frosty Haven (online shop) so I can get free shipping and delivery. Thumbs up.



Bought the Do!Aqua Inflow (VV-2 13mm) from Kenny, Sun Pets & Aquariums. Got a good price for it. Thanks. The large oval shaped inlet should help with better flow.

[jermseah]

looks good! java fern spam! it will grow super fast in no time!

[torque6]

looks good! java fern spam! it will grow super fast in no time!

Thanks, but I don't think it will grow fast in low light. More important for me is for it to convert to submersed form, so i can do a rescape in 1-2 years time.

[ZIr]

Simple yet beautiful! May I know where you get the Finnex Stringray from?

[aza]

When I'm older, more experienced and have had hated this whole high tech EI planted tank learning experience, my 3 feet tank will become as yours.

Any lifestock in there yet?

[torque6]

Simple yet beautiful! May I know where you get the Finnex Stringray from?

Finnex Stingray is from the US. It comes with 110-240v power adapter, so can be use in Singapore without step up or down transformer.

[torque6]

When I'm older, more experienced and have had hated this whole high tech EI planted tank learning experience, my 3 feet tank will become as yours.


Any lifestock in there yet?

My tank is a hybrid, low light, low maintenance. The reason why I have co2 is because a constant supply of co2 will keep algae to low level. A low tech tank with no co2, the plant will have to adapt to low co2 environment and during water changes (spike in co2), algae will be able to take advantage of this and outgrow the plants.


My tank is different from high tech + high light. My planned water change will be twice per month/ maybe one per month. Dosing of ferts is once per month.


No fish yet, it is only the 3rd day of cycling...

[Goalkeeper]

Very nice tank....like the curve in front!

[torque6]

Very nice tank....like the curve in front!

The curve in front is actually a bridge / cavern for fish to hide and swim through. There is a mini chasm (both sides ferns) behind leading to the other side of the tank. Will share next time with pics.

[Cmlee]

Can I know where you bought so much narrow ferns? How much does it cost?

[torque6]

Ordering plants in bulk, you can either buy from other hobbyist, bioplast aquarium (submersed form- java ferns), Y618 or Capricorn Aquarium.

[Goalkeeper]

How's the finnex performance? Are these available in Singapore?

[torque6]

How's the finnex performance? Are these available in Singapore?

Transformer runs very hot. I have a corsair 140mm fan cooling it when it's on. Other than that, pretty low light, but PAR value is good. Almost 30+. I read that anubias leave grows 1 leave every 2-3 month, but mine 6 bunches already had 2 small leaves sprouting. Further more, my anubias were in the shade.

Light is not available in Singapore.

[Goalkeeper]

Wow didn't know it'll be that hot! Thanks.

[torque6]

The weakest link is the transformer. Just have the fan to cool it and it will be fine.

[torque6]

Haven't update the thread for a long time. These were the non XL versions of Wild caught Cardinal Tetras that I bought from Y618 previously. They came in a bag of 20-25. Never expected them to live so long though. Coming to 3 years now. A large 3FT tank does indeed provides some form of stability for them. I never had any luck with keeping them for more than 6 months in my very first 1FT tank.

Does your cardinal tetras have the same coloration as mine?

[jackychun]

Nice photos and nice tank bro! Do you mind to share the whole tank set up as of now?

[torque6]

Nice photos and nice tank bro! Do you mind to share the whole tank set up as of now?

Thank you for the compliment.

I used to use things like Java ferns and moss, but have stopped. It's kinda mid tech now. It is also alot more work than compared to 1.5 years ago coupled with extreme hot weather. Tank currently sitting at 31°C, 24/7. No fans, no chiller.

[torque6]

Still not that red. Need more light I think.

[BFG]

Nice photos and nice tank bro! Do you mind to share the whole tank set up as of now?

I agree , an update is required especially a full tank shot .