"And she's going to need a tank..." My journey to a 48 gal new build

Well, your tank still looks beautiful.. very nice work It has been awhile for sure! Hope all is well in your world. You should start posting again

Thank you so much for the kind words. I will start posting again more regularly - I've found a renewed passion for the process. I'll be sharing some stories about some in's and out's with the tank.

Hope all is well in your world too!

I kept checking for updates months after they stopped-- glad you're back and the tank looks great!

Thank you! It's nice to hear that people we're still interested in what was going on. Sorry to have left you in the lurch!

More to come!

 

Another update: I've decided that to renew (and maintain) my interest in keeping this tank in it's current state - because I do not have the time (not extra funds) to so a rescape - I have to play with the layout more, pull old sections of plants, remove elements of hardscape that have been buried, and add new plants (with refreshed aquasoil).

Before:


I was getting increasingly frustrated with front left corner of the tank: dark, full of detritus, and difficult to clean without uprooting the bacopa or rotala. It was a short term solution for the abundance of stem plants that I had, as well as the HC becoming increasingly uprooted. With the HC in particular, I finally realized that it was a CO2 level issue and now that I have an in-tank diffuser again, I am forced to maintain it regularly.

AFTER:


My idea was to clean up the foreground and really simplify my maintenance on the tank by removing a large chunk of the stem plants in the left foreground. I pulled them up (as well as a large rock formation that was hidden by the stems) cleaned up the top 1/2" of the existing substrate, poured in about five cups of Tropica aquasoil and planted two pots of s.repens. It's a plant I've had a bit of love/hate with but I'm going to take a stab at it.

I also removed a large mass of plants in the middle background, added more AS and planted two pots of crypt petchii pink. I heavily trimmed back the upper levels of moss to ensure good light exposure.

I'm a bit mixed on the overall feel of the tank right now. It feels transitory to me, and not nearly as clean as it could be.

My mission this week is to clean the filter really well - the couple sessions of uprooting and replanting will require filter pad cleaning and replacing of the floss - as well as trimming ALL of the stem plants. I want to clean up the bacopa into more of a angled mound towards the centre, trim/top the rotala on the left, and clean up the AR mini. I have trimmed and replanted some of the tops but I will trim all of the older growth and get rid of some of the tops to allow for more light.

Ah! And give the glassware a good clean.

So I've basically signed myself up for a four hour session on Sunday. LOL I'll talk any other suggestions to heart

Safe keeping!

 

I'll talk any other suggestions to heart

You could give me the tank, but you’d need to continue to care for the plants. Cause I’d kill ‘em all.

In all seriousness, your tank is gorgeous!

 

God every time I look at your tank or this thread I get SO jealous. So so so beautiful.

 

You could give me the tank, but you’d need to continue to care for the plants. Cause I’d kill ‘em all.

In all seriousness, your tank is gorgeous!

Thank you! Sometimes I wouldn’t mind doing it for a living - if possible. Although my skills are nowhere near those whom I envy.

Weekends come and go too quickly lol.

God every time I look at your tank or this thread I get SO jealous. So so so beautiful.

Much appreciated

 

Although my skills are nowhere near those whom I envy.

Please don’t show me their tanks. Yours does a fine job of making me feel inferior.

 

Alright, alright, alright.

Another couple weeks since the last update. Much has happened.

After getting frustrated again with the layout. I decided to clean up the front right corner. Pulled up all of the AR Mini, as well as some of the Bacopa C. Sucked up a large amount of old AS and refreshed some, but mostly put in sand. I got tired of not being able to properly clean that spot, and with the HC pulling up slowly but surely, I wanted something fresh.

I also pulled up the remaining Eleocharis Mini in between the two sections of AR Mini and replanted the latter in it's stead.

My other idea was to slowly refresh the foreground planting and chose Marsilea Hisuta as a result. Something that doesn't require a lot of attention and can hopefully succeed with ease. The end result is the S.Repens being moved up, ideally as a midground transition and hopefully some denser formation earlier.

Other than that, I am going to do a big clean/trim session tomorrow morning. My main ambition is to pull out 75% of the Bacopa C. trim down at least 50% and replant the tops to get it clean and clean up the right side. Hope to really get it tip top for the next couple weeks since I'll be list inclined/able to maintain.

OH, and if anyone is looking for an excellent in-tank CO2 diffuser, look no further than the CO2Art IO Acrylic Diffuser. It's so easy to swap out the ceramic membrane, and the fact that it's acrylic means much, much less breakage. Plus the diffusion is amazing.

Enjoy and safe keeping y'all.

 

Evening all,

Been a while since an update; everything is growing in nicely and I'm really enjoying the Marsilea Hisuta. It's beginning to fill out and I appreciate the nice variation in size and shape. Plus having less Cuba to maintain is ideal for me. The S. Repens is coming along as well. I haven't been a fan the two times I've tried to use it and I think that has more to do with not giving it the right amount of space, nor waiting to get past that really sad state when it's first planted.

Other than that, I'm going through a phase of GDA. I know that has more to do with removing and introducing large patches of new Aquasoil. Not the ADA brand, but the Tropica version. There was/is still an excess of ammonia being generated. I should have gotten on top of changing the water twice/three times a week for the first few, but I didn't make the time.

I am fairly certain because I'm using 2hr Aquarist Complete, which is fairly low NO3 and low PO4. It should be 4ml daily but I may scale back to 3ml daily and see what happens. Light levels haven't changed much, 1:30pm-6:50pm at ~85% light, amping up to ~93% from 3:15-5:25pm. CO2 goes on around 10:30am and stays on until 4:45pm

I can tell that my CO2 wasn't optimal for a while with the dirty internal filter because my growth appears fuller now.

Anyways, we'll see how it goes. I was going to clean out the tubing and glassware this morning but ran out of time. Ahhh, one day this week perhaps. Or over the weekend. Plus this coming weekend I'll clean up the Rotala decently.

Safe keeping y'all

 

It's been a minute - evening all!

So after a bit of frustration with the GDA, I decided to ease back on the dosing; temporary transitioning back to Thrive S (along with the supplimental K and Trace). Not that I really think the 2hr Complete was actually doing much, but I figured maybe changing too many things at once didn't help.

I rolled back the length of light and started doing a basic clean 40-50% WC twice a week for the past three weeks. Been feeling like it's pretty good - there hasn't been too much GDA popping up on new growth. And having a proper SS brush and firm vinyl brush have made cleaning the rocks and wood easy. LOL

All of the new in-vitro plants are filling in nicely and I'm actually liking the S. Repens. I've never actually given it a chance to fill out and didn't really plant it in the ideal spots.

Anyways, good growth. I'll probably do a big trim of the Rotala next week with a filter line clean out.

Oh and I'm casually toying around with shutting down the tank in spring 2022 until late summer/ early fall. I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing this and this is a hobby that I want to keep doing throughout my life but I feel like I need a break for having to dedicate at least two-three hours a week. I've become more efficient at this but all these STEMS really kick me in the face when I don't keep up. By that point, it will have been up and running almost two years.

Plus I'm a bit tired of the layout and would prefer to go with more rock, less wood (if any) and go with two/three basic plants. Still CO2 injection but nothing that is going to require me to trim weekly. AND NO MOSS.

I'd move the fish and some of the plants to my 10 gal (which has been up and running for almost a year two. No load, probably only change the water once every two months (which I would change for about three months in the lead up - weekly changes) and just have something which I look after once a week, or every other.

Thoughts anyone?

And here's a pic from today:

 

This is my first time viewing this thread. In a word...WOW! Impressive to say the least.

I’m in the beginning phases of planning a high tech tank for this time next year (don’t tell my wife) and was getting ready to start a “high tech planted tank with unlimited budget” thread. I just want to see what the best of the best is and start getting ideas, although I will most likely have a budget, I figure a thread like that would at least give me an idea of what I’m getting myself into. I have a thirst that needs to be quenched.

Your tank is very inspirational, especially this early in your “career”. I plan on going through this thread with a fine tooth comb, but was wondering some pitfalls you may have encountered or things you would have done differently now that you have hindsight. Great job and keep it up!

 

Gosh dont tear it down! The money I would pay to have something like this in my home LOL so beautiful !!!

 

So selfishly I second the above sentiments regarding not wanting to see you stop--it is a beautiful tank and a testament to your skill and hard work! But since you raised the topic:

If the goal is to have a more manageable tank next time, is it possible that the CO2 might be part of the problem? Obviously the CO2 helps in many ways, but I would think that one of the downsides is the fast growth? If you haven't, check out MD Fish Tanks on Youtube. He achieves quite nice looking scapes without CO2, and I wonder if going low-tech might help in reducing trimming time? Just an idea from someone who has never used CO2 (and also doesn't really understand anything about CO2 systems--ha!)...

 

This is my first time viewing this thread. In a word...WOW! Impressive to say the least.

I’m in the beginning phases of planning a high tech tank for this time next year (don’t tell my wife) and was getting ready to start a “high tech planted tank with unlimited budget” thread. I just want to see what the best of the best is and start getting ideas, although I will most likely have a budget, I figure a thread like that would at least give me an idea of what I’m getting myself into. I have a thirst that needs to be quenched.

Your tank is very inspirational, especially this early in your “career”. I plan on going through this thread with a fine tooth comb, but was wondering some pitfalls you may have encountered or things you would have done differently now that you have hindsight. Great job and keep it up!

Thanks Bradley! Appreciate the comments/questions.

I didn’t go out from the start with an endless budget but some of my earlier ideas as it related to the size of tank, quality of tank and stand did change quite a bit when I actually went to the store. It was really hard NOT to buy the rimless star fire tank when you compared it to the other options! I ended up going with a 48 instead of a 60 tall (all numbers gallons), and opted for a better stand at the same time.

Most of the other items I had chosen (filter, light etc) and stuck with, also opting to buy two sets of glassware and a backup dual-stage reg because I had heard mixed reviews regarding the CO2 Arts one - which isn’t the case, it’s been very good to me.

The plants added up quickly, but I decided to do heavy planting from the get go.

SO in hindsight, here are a few things I would have done differently:
- Less stem plants/ number of plants. I had a hard time deciding and opted for two types of carpeting plants, three types of stems and then moss. ALL THINGS THAT REQUIRE CONSTANT TRIMMING. LOL
- Would have probably gone with another light. Either the Chihiros or a Twinstar. The Fluval is great, but the colour rendition is so-so. Having said that, I would consider adding a second Fluval if I kept this set up because I don’t feel that the plants at the front really get level they should.
- I would have bought a 64 gallon starfire (48x24x24). The 48 is a really nice size, but at the end of the day, I feel its a bit ‘small’ for what I am doing. If I tear this one down and rescape, it’ll be just fine.
- I would have kept it just as a shrimp tank. Fish are great but all my shrimp are gone now. I had a thriving colony before I introduced their friends, and within six months, they were completely gone.
- Would have bought shorter pincettes earlier. The DOOA Aqua ones are delightul to use for smaller stems (AR Mini, S. Repen) and planting in tight areas.
- Most importantly, would have used MUCH LESS egg crate underlay to build up and support. Would have only done it in the back half and under the largest rocks. It really ended up getting in the way towards the front.
- I also would have had the front section lower towards the edge. I don’t feel that the aqua scape really transitions enough to the back.
- Going back to plants, I would have used more crypts. They’re lovely. And so easy.
- Oh and with a Eheim Pro 4+, make sure you regularly clean the adapter where the flow value and hoses connect. Like take it apart, clean it and spray the underside of the ball-valves. I had one break on me with about 20% flow and freaked out because I couldn’t remove it, due to it being in the open position. Ordered a couple replacement parts and when those were going to take 4-5 days, bought a second filter. ‘Just in case’
- And buy some replacement parts, impeller shaft, second diffuser (especially if you have glass ones, I’ve broken a couple and now I’m moving to the acrylic ones), second set of glass ware. Basically anything that you can break and will mean you can’t properly have everything working.
- Most importantly, if you have shrimp or snails, and you plan on adding fish, get a QT tank. There are some treatments out there that are plant safe, but not shrimp or snail safe, and some that aren’t plant safe. I lost a batch of Harlequin Rasboras (save one) because I didn’t have one set up, nor did I have the meds. I ended up getting Absolute Wormer +, by Cloverleaf. Plant safe.
- Considered an RO System to enhance the longevity of the AS but hated the idea of wasting so much water. Plus root tabs work wonders.

Regardless, take whatever budget and then add some. And then add some more for operating costs. If I actually think about what I budgeted for, and then what I ACTUALLY spent, it would pale in comparison. I can give you a rough estimate via DM if your curious. I don’t like to post about that openly.

But most of all, have fun. Start out easy, do your research, read a bunch and buy yourself a water test kit.

Gosh dont tear it down! The money I would pay to have something like this in my home LOL so beautiful !!!

Thank you Maryellen; I‘ll keep that in mind. Maybe it’s just a passing phase.

So selfishly I second the above sentiments regarding not wanting to see you stop--it is a beautiful tank and a testament to your skill and hard work! But since you raised the topic:

If the goal is to have a more manageable tank next time, is it possible that the CO2 might be part of the problem? Obviously the CO2 helps in many ways, but I would think that one of the downsides is the fast growth? If you haven't, check out MD Fish Tanks on Youtube. He achieves quite nice looking scapes without CO2, and I wonder if going low-tech might help in reducing trimming time? Just an idea from someone who has never used CO2 (and also doesn't really understand anything about CO2 systems--ha!)...

Yes, I had considered that. I do actually have a second low-tech tank in my partners classroom. It’s doing quite well now.

I don’t find it as exciting because without CO2, I feel that there aren’t certain plants on the table. Plus, I think if I can be more mindful of my stem use - if any at all - then I can enjoy the quick growth w/o the pain.

But your point is well taken. I love MD‘s vids and his tanks are something I admire greatly.

 

Thanks Bradley! Appreciate the comments/questions.

I didn’t go out from the start with an endless budget but some of my earlier ideas as it related to the size of tank, quality of tank and stand did change quite a bit when I actually went to the store. It was really hard NOT to buy the rimless star fire tank when you compared it to the other options! I ended up going with a 48 instead of a 60 tall (all numbers gallons), and opted for a better stand at the same time.

Most of the other items I had chosen (filter, light etc) and stuck with, also opting to buy two sets of glassware and a backup dual-stage reg because I had heard mixed reviews regarding the CO2 Arts one - which isn’t the case, it’s been very good to me.

The plants added up quickly, but I decided to do heavy planting from the get go.

SO in hindsight, here are a few things I would have done differently:
- Less stem plants/ number of plants. I had a hard time deciding and opted for two types of carpeting plants, three types of stems and then moss. ALL THINGS THAT REQUIRE CONSTANT TRIMMING. LOL
- Would have probably gone with another light. Either the Chihiros or a Twinstar. The Fluval is great, but the colour rendition is so-so. Having said that, I would consider adding a second Fluval if I kept this set up because I don’t feel that the plants at the front really get level they should.
- I would have bought a 64 gallon starfire (48x24x24). The 48 is a really nice size, but at the end of the day, I feel its a bit ‘small’ for what I am doing. If I tear this one down and rescape, it’ll be just fine.
- I would have kept it just as a shrimp tank. Fish are great but all my shrimp are gone now. I had a thriving colony before I introduced their friends, and within six months, they were completely gone.
- Would have bought shorter pincettes earlier. The DOOA Aqua ones are delightul to use for smaller stems (AR Mini, S. Repen) and planting in tight areas.
- Most importantly, would have used MUCH LESS egg crate underlay to build up and support. Would have only done it in the back half and under the largest rocks. It really ended up getting in the way towards the front.
- I also would have had the front section lower towards the edge. I don’t feel that the aqua scape really transitions enough to the back.
- Going back to plants, I would have used more crypts. They’re lovely. And so easy.
- Oh and with a Eheim Pro 4+, make sure you regularly clean the adapter where the flow value and hoses connect. Like take it apart, clean it and spray the underside of the ball-valves. I had one break on me with about 20% flow and freaked out because I couldn’t remove it, due to it being in the open position. Ordered a couple replacement parts and when those were going to take 4-5 days, bought a second filter. ‘Just in case’
- And buy some replacement parts, impeller shaft, second diffuser (especially if you have glass ones, I’ve broken a couple and now I’m moving to the acrylic ones), second set of glass ware. Basically anything that you can break and will mean you can’t properly have everything working.
- Most importantly, if you have shrimp or snails, and you plan on adding fish, get a QT tank. There are some treatments out there that are plant safe, but not shrimp or snail safe, and some that aren’t plant safe. I lost a batch of Harlequin Rasboras (save one) because I didn’t have one set up, nor did I have the meds. I ended up getting Absolute Wormer +, by Cloverleaf. Plant safe.
- Considered an RO System to enhance the longevity of the AS but hated the idea of wasting so much water. Plus root tabs work wonders.

Regardless, take whatever budget and then add some. And then add some more for operating costs. If I actually think about what I budgeted for, and then what I ACTUALLY spent, it would pale in comparison. I can give you a rough estimate via DM if your curious. I don’t like to post about that openly.

But most of all, have fun. Start out easy, do your research, read a bunch and buy yourself a water test kit.

Thank you Maryellen; I‘ll keep that in mind. Maybe it’s just a passing phase.

Yes, I had considered that. I do actually have a second low-tech tank in my partners classroom. It’s doing quite well now.

I don’t find it as exciting because without CO2, I feel that there aren’t certain plants on the table. Plus, I think if I can be more mindful of my stem use - if any at all - then I can enjoy the quick growth w/o the pain.

But your point is well taken. I love MD‘s vids and his tanks are something I admire greatly.

Lovely reply. Thanks for all the information and your time is very much appreciated. If you feel comfortable sending me a DM with some estimates, that would be great too.

 

Lovely reply. Thanks for all the information and your time is very much appreciated. If you feel comfortable sending me a DM with some estimates, that would be great too.

My pleasure. Sent

 

Well it's been a minute (or two lol) since I last posted here.

The tank has changed quite a bit since the last update. I've managed to keep the enthusiasm up and have worked to keep it feeling fresh.

This was an image from mid-June:



As you can see, most of the moss has been removed. Frankly I got tired of trimming it and it was a pain to keep clean. I also removed the last of the HC from the foreground that was struggling. Besides, I have a nice amount of it that decided to grow over the moss in the upper area. Replaced the acrylic CO2Art diffuser with an Aquario Neo diffuser. Moulding the curve was a bit tricky, but overall I'm very happy with it. Plus, due to it's size, I pull it out, mist it with H2O2 several times when doing maintenance, and it's stayed very clean.

I had some really healthy AR mini growth for a bit, but my husbandry skills we're practiced as much as I should, so it tends to suffer after long periods.

September will make it two years that the tank has been up and running. I still have 10 CPD's that I need to integrate into the planted tank, along with another 6 Cardinal Tetras. They've been living in the QT for about four-five months now and I've just been lazy about moving them over.

Just recently I went through a four hour session, with the aim to really lighten my load, and encourage healthier plant growth. Here's a before and after:

BEFORE:



AFTER:


AFTER (level):



I replaced the original sand with some ADA Colorado Sand - which I am very impressed with from a colour and texture standpoint. I also removed a bit of the substrate in the center area, and replaced it with some new Tropica powder. The S.Repens in the left was trimmed (which I'll probably clean up a bit more this coming weekend) and planted across the new foreground.

I'll clean up the rest of the stem plants this weekend and then I should be good for the next little bit.

I was sad to see a lot of the AR mini go, but I can always push it out a little as it grows and maybe shift the S.Repens a bit further into the sand. Being a bit lighter plant-wise will make me happier in the long run though.

Anyways, there's the update. I will probably consider something new next summer.

 

Thanks for the update--looks great. And excited to see the CPDs in there!

 

I actually really prefer your tank now to the ‘ideal’ growth at the start. Yes it was beautiful and pristine but the upkeep is demanding. I appreciate the clear defined plant zones more now. It’s been an interesting journal so far. Keep up the fantastic work

 

Thanks for the update--looks great. And excited to see the CPDs in there!

Thank you for the comment! I am excited as well.

It may have to wait another week however, most of my family has covid and they're all holed up in the basement (where my tank is). I've been able to pop down to take care topping off the water and feeding but I'll probably avoid spending a couple hours down there.

I'll update once they're in

I actually really prefer your tank now to the ‘ideal’ growth at the start. Yes it was beautiful and pristine but the upkeep is demanding. I appreciate the clear defined plant zones more now. It’s been an interesting journal so far. Keep up the fantastic work

Thank you for the feedback!

I completely agree. It was so unsustainable. I really tip my hat to those that maintain Dutch-style tanks. I could never keep that up - maybe on a much smaller scale. But I am finally freeing myself up to less plant mass to allow for cleaner practices.
It's been a few days since the revamp, so everything has settled down. I took a couple more shots and some close-ups.

I also adjusted the CO2 a little bit so I think the plants are happy. Plus with the increased area near the diffuser, I believe that it's being circulated much better now.

With a bit of tidying early next week, I think it'll be where I want it.

 

It’s beautiful, the cpd’s will be stunning in there.

I hope your family makes a swift recovery !

 

It’s beautiful, the cpd’s will be stunning in there.

I hope your family makes a swift recovery !

Ditto for the swift recovery; sorry you all have to go through this!

 

Thanks all! Family (and I - testing positive a week later LOL) all recovered well.

The CPD’s made it into the tank and they’re delightful!

I’ve been very busy as of late but will put together another post in the next week or so.