Need help finding an affordable 45-50cm tank

[tonysg68]

As this is my first tank, I would like to start with a small, manageable and low cost tank.

I researched a lot of options and decided to settle with this tank, ANS Opticube 45M (45x27x30cm), 36 liters (https://eastoceansg.com/ans-opticlea...-w-glass-cover). The small footprint allow it to fit in my room and the cost ($45) is acceptable to me.

However after making the order online, the LFS (East Ocean) told me that they are out of stock. I checked with another store, Fresh N Marine, but they are out as well.

My question are:

1. Is it wise to get an ANS tank? Should I look for any other brands - though I looked and so far none interested me? I don't need ADA quality, just something to let me test and fail and could last me a 2-3 years and within the $50 price range. The LFS offered their store's tank for the same money, but I'm inclined to stick with something with a brand on it, just to buy me some assurance.

2. Where else should I look? I also tried Sun Pets but no stock.

3. Who else should I ask? I tried Carousell but not many are being sold that met my needs.

Right now I'm so stressed out as I was stupid enough to order some plants which may arrive before I found a tank to put them in!

Thanks, I hope to post more updates once I start building this.

[RoyKoh]

Try clementi c328 that stretch of shops

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[Jetxx]

Or you can try Seaview. They have a lot more tanks.

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[tonysg68]

Thanks, should I look for branded tanks or do you think not much of a different for my price (sub $50).

[RoyKoh]

ANS Opti clear not bad imho

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[Jetxx]

ANS Opti clear not bad imho

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It fits your budget so why not?

Right now I'm so stressed out as I was stupid enough to order some plants which may arrive before I found a tank to put them in!

What plants did you get and from where? Are they tissue cultures? You can prep and dechlorinate your water first. Then open them and float them in containers when they arrive.

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[tonysg68]

Quick update: After further hunting I found the mentioned ANS tank from Green Chapter and have it delivered to my place already for an extra $12 shipping. Quite happy with it. I guess the ADA one would be stunning considering this one is already an ease to look at.

Screenshot 2020-05-22 at 6.36.04 PM.jpg


I'm not sure if I'm crazy for a starter but I intended to do a low tech/el natural/Walstad tank. Though I'm tempted to add CO2 and filter to ensure plant growth, I decided to take it slow.

What plants did you get and from where? Are they tissue cultures? You can prep and dechlorinate your water first. Then open them and float them in containers when they arrive.

I bought the potted ones to save some mula. Figured some (hopefully some and not all) would not survive. I ordered them from https://www.freshnmarine.com/ - they should arrive on Mon/Tue.

The plant list:
Echinodorus amazonicus (Echinodorus grisebachii)
Myriophyllum Tuberculatum
Alternanthera Lilacina
Cabomba Caroliniana
Rotala Macrandra
Eleocharis Vivipara
Egeria Densa
Limnobium laevigatum
Rotala Rotundifolia Green
Ceratophyllum Demersum
Trapa natans

Thanks for the advice. I planned to prepare some water the day before the plants arrive and soak them for a while. In the first week or two I will do water change regularly before adding any livestock so hope it helps too.

Some plants I purchased are recommended by Walstad or her followers. Some are just out of my curiosity as I want to test which works in this kind of setup.

If things go well I think I will add a few amano and/or cherry shrimps and later stage maybe a guppy.

After further reading I might buy some Seachem Excel given the universal positive feedback here.

[Jetxx]

What substrate are you gonna use? If your substrate leech a lot of ammonia, best to put more hardy plants first. More sensitive plants will melt if theres too much ammonia.

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[tonysg68]

What substrate are you gonna use? If your substrate leech a lot of ammonia, best to put more hardy plants first. More sensitive plants will melt if theres too much ammonia.

Thanks for your reply. I'm planning to go with 3cm of potting soil, and top it with 4-5cm of ADA Aqua Gravel. Hopefully that would be enough to seal the soil tight. Any advice?

[tonysg68]

Day 1 update - could only fill half the tank as that was all that my plastic bowls could hold from the day before to dechlorinate.




Side views:
Amazon swords looked strong.


Side view #2



My mistakes:
- I kept the plants out of water too long when I was planting, then after planting. The float immediately changed color (it survived though). The others, not so lucky, which added to their deterioration in the next few days.
- I don't have enough soil, though I managed to improvise.

[tonysg68]

Pic from day 2
8 hrs photo with 2 hrs mid day rest, timed not really exact by me.

By day 2, some plants shown stress, some started to melt very little...

Water change 20%.

[tonysg68]

If you wondered why there were huge spaces between the glass and the plants, it was because I ran out of soil

This was how the soil and gravel were laid out, landscaping was done with an IKEA family card.


Initially I thought I have enough soil and put soil in first:


What could change in future builds:
- adding sand to create some nice spots?
- more soil to be prepared
- find ways to create elevation with the natural method
- find some wood to create better scapes - this was impossible as I was buying online 100% and was reluctant to go out and visit the shops during circuit breaker period