click

So thanks to this forum here and the wonderful suggestion that I have recieved I am happy to report that today I setted up my very first freshwater planted aquarium. Here are the first 2 pics
http://img10.imageshack.us/i/004di.jpg/
http://img197.imageshack.us/i/008yq.jpg/

It's a bit clowdy despite my efforts in washing the substrate (although it took very ,very long). No fish yet, I just added some flakes to get the cycle started. I will keep an eye for algae :P

Equipment:
Filter : Fluval 105 canister (initially I wanted a Whisper 40 but the guy in the LFS convinced me to get the canister....I have to say is SO SILENT...I love it!)
Heater: Top Fin 150W Submersible
Light one 24" - 20W T8 ...I know, I need more, working on that
Substrate: 40lb Fluorite
Plants: 2 Amazon Swords, 2 Ludvigi Arcruata, 4 Green Crypt & 2 Java fern
Some rocks and driftwood.

Shawnie

its coming along great! awesome job in a fishless cycle

aquarist48

Hello Click. Awesome job. I think it's going to be beautiful once it clears. Congrats on doing a fishless cycle! By all means keep us updated.
Ken

peacemaker92

Congrats and well done! I like the color of the substrate.

Nate McFin

Congrats Click. Is that baby tears near the front of the tank?

click

I am not sure what the popular name for the plant is, but the name on the tag is Ludvigia Arcuata. I was told it's a bush-type plant. I had 2 pots and divided each in 4. We'll see how they come along.

Nate McFin

Ludwigia is a great looking plant. It will get quite tall it may be better suited to the back of the aquarium once it gets bigger. As it grows out trim the tops off. You can replant what you trim and it will grow. This will also encourage the plant to grow out sideways rather than just vertically.

click

The water is clear now (clearer than you can see in the pic). My ammonium is around 3 - 3.5 and temperature is 76F.

Attached Images

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xero2099

thats looks awsome

koast519

so how long did it take for your water to clear up.. tank looking nice

peacemaker92

Lookin' good! Great progress! A little while more, and you'll be on your way to the LFS for fish Good luck!

click

I think it took about 12 hrs to be completely clear.

I've passed the first step in my nitrogen cycle, my ammonia keeps dropping to zero every time I add some. Now I'm eagerly waiting for the second bacteria to grow...seems like it takes forever...

Beth1965

Looks very very nice.

Tony G.

nice!

click

Thank you all.

...I will keep updating with pic as I get the fish...as soon as the bacteria grows...wonder if all new fish owners are as impacient as I am to get the little ones

bolivianbaby

YES, even fishkeepers who have been doing this for awhile get impatient for the finned babies to go into the tank

click

I have some pics with my new guppies. I cannot believe how hard it is to take a few shots, these guys won't sit still for a second I didn't get them all, since they are always on the move, exploring the tank & getting to know each other (they are from different stores). So here they are below, I still need to find them names.

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bolivianbaby

Gorgeous guppies, Click! I really love the tail coloring in the first pic.