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.
