C02 Planted Tank - Trial Run

[Proteus]

I was going to wait until I relocated to start this project, however due to my impatience, and the fact that a move may be more than a few months away I am going to do a test run... (on a smaller tank for the moment).

Tank = 48 x 18 x 18 (67g - 250L)

All steps will be documented in detail

[Proteus]

Step 1: Empty tank (lol)

[Proteus]

Step 2: Nutrient based substrate

I am going to use JBL AquaBasis plus for this project.

I have 12.5kg's of the substrate which is sufficient for a 250L tank

JBL AquaBasis plus
Nutrient Substrate for Aquarium Plants

Product description

* Contains all essential nutrients such as iron, minerals and trace elements.
* The clay particles act as a nutrient store, binding excess nutrients and releasing as required.
* Does not require mixing with gravel.
* Does not contain nitrates and phosphates which promote the growth of algae.

JBL Aquabasis plus plus contains the full range of vital nutrients as well as iron and trace elements which aquarium plants need for healthy and strong growth. These nutrients are provided in depot form and are fully accessible and available to the root of the plants. JBL AquaBasis plus promotes rapid rooting and results in healthy and strong root development.

[Proteus]

Step 2: (cont)

1st layer of substrate added.

I will use a paint scraper or similar to angle the substrate so it is deeper towards the back, as I intend to use Quartz based sand as the top layer (which is a much lighter colour than the plant substrate)

[Proteus]

Step 3: Top layer substrate

Quartz based sand (pool filter sand)

[Proteus]

Step 3: (cont)

Substrate is now added

[Proteus]

Step 4: Basic Aquascaping and Equipment placement

I am only going to use a minimalistic approach to aquascaping at this stage, 1 x piece of driftwood, and 2 x rocks.

I want the emphasis to be on the plants once established.

Prior to the water being added I will position the 300w Steel Heater (with remote controller), the C02 diffusor and the filter spray bar.

[mcloughlin2]

Looking good so far.... :wink:

[Proteus]

Step 4: (cont) Basic Aquascaping and Equipment placement

update

[Proteus]

Step 4: (cont) Basic Aquascaping and Equipment placement

(added background paper)

[Proteus]

Step 5: Fill 'er up

over 200L of water will be added over 2 hours (so as not to unsettle the substrate)

[DR.V]

When you put some plants, wont the Nutrient Substrate get mixed with the sand ?

I mean the Nutrient Substrate gonna end up on top of the sand? Is that okay ?

[Proteus]

When you put some plants, wont the Nutrient Substrate get mixed with the sand ?

I mean the Nutrient Substrate gonna end up on top of the sand? Is that okay ?

If done carefully, no.

Plants will be placed in the substrate using plant tongs (minimal disturbance)

[mcloughlin2]

YHow will u vacuum the gravel...??

Or r u going to have plants covering the whole bottom of the tank so they will just break it down to nothing?? :)

[Proteus]

I am considering covering the substrate with Glossi.

This tank will primarily be a planted tank, so fish waste should not be an issue. Also one of the great things about sand is most waste stays above the surface.

[AussieStar]

yea i had aqua basics plus, really didnt like it becasue i was always moving stuff around like every 2 months and it isnt the best for that. But i have be trying without it on a small on 18inch cube just adding in some extra iron with my ferts and it is really good, so i am trying to do the same with my 6ft.

[duck]

Don't know how you lasted this long :)

[Proteus]

Update: Tank is filled.

Have a couple of temporary filters in place (1 x Internal, 1 x AC300) until I connect the canister on the weekend.

C02 will be hooked up on Sunday or if time permits, Saturday evening.

A couple of plants have been added.

2 x Rotala wallichii (VERY VERY nice looking plant)

2 x Echinodorus bleheri (True Amazon sword)

(also, 14 x bleheri are floating in the tank awaiting to be planted in my 600L planted Discus tank)

[Proteus]

Still have a few things to add, and some tidying up to do, yet most of the components are in place.

[pitchblack]

how much was the co2 ccontroller/computer. Where did you get or order it from????

[Proteus]

It was a complete unit, pH Controller/Computer, C02 bottle, Precision Reactor, Pressure Reducer, Electrode, etc

$990.00 from SLS

More info can be found HERE (http://www.aquaauctions.com/auctiondetails.php?id=102478)

[kalebjarrod]

LOOKING GOOD

[Proteus]

An updated image.

Everything is turned on and running nicely.

At the moment I just have 4 x Swords, 4 x Crypts & a couple of Rotala plants.

I am thinking of getting some Glossi for the left front corner.

[DR.V]

Simple but Great !! Where are you gonna get the Glossi from ?

Its quite hard to find plants for carpet ...

[vishy]

lol guys its called glosso :lol: Jump onto a planted forum you will find someone with it nice plant :D HC is quite nice as well if you have it over there
Matt

[anti-generic]

Proteus,
Where are you planning to get your glosso from?

Can i make a suggestion? give Boronia Aquarium a go in getting your glossostigma. I got mine from them and the quality was great. Not stringly little sprouts like ones at my LFS but a fully packed stone wood pot with glosso growing out and around it. They are great health and started spreading in a week.

They can really do a great deal for you too. I got 50 pots from them at $4 a pot. And express delivery cost me $20

Regards,
Eric

[DR.V]

Hi Eric , where is Boronia Aquarium located ??

Thanks

[anti-generic]

Dr. V
i ordered mine through the net. www.boroniaaquarium.com.au

i suggest you bargain with them a bit b4 you purchase.

Cheers,
ERic

[vishy]

:shock: :shock: :shock:
You bought that much glosso :shock: Try talking to the guys on one of the planted forums they give rare plants away for free most of the time. They know a fair bit too,
Matt

[OscarManAlpha]

Pro,

What is your KH and PH readings atm ?

Are your using any liquid ferts and if so which brand and what is your FE reading ?

What temp is the water ?

Am I asking to many questions ? /:

[Proteus]

KH = 4
pH = 7.20 (no stock in the tank at the moment, once added I am hoping to keep the tank on 6.90-7.00)

FE = ? (havent measured this yet.

I am using Sera Florena at the moment on top of the nutrient enriched substrate and fert tabs.

Temp = 26.3c

[Proteus]

* Update *

Have added a couple more plants and some livestock.

Plants - 2 x Blyxa aubertii

Fish - 2 x Otocinclus affinis, 2 x Crossocheilus siamensis

Images on there way...

[Proteus]

Images - bear in mind a lot of plants are still to be added.

The growth on the current plants in just the past week has been unbelievable.

[OscarManAlpha]

The Rotala has doubled in size.

What lighting are you using on the this trial set up ?

Sorry if you already have mentioned it I may have missed it.

[Proteus]

The Rotala has doubled in size.

What lighting are you using on the this trial set up ?

Sorry if you already have mentioned it I may have missed it.

The Rotala has certainly grown, I just wish I got a pic an hour before hand, as it was more opened up, showing the red colouration.

As for the lighting (which I didnt specify before) it is simply running on 2 x 4ft tubes. One is an 36w Arcadia Original Tropical Lamp tube , the other an NEC Tri-Phosphor 6700k 37w tube. (nothing flash, but with only 16-17 inches from gravel surface to light, I dont feel any more is needed, YET)

[OscarManAlpha]

The Rotala has certainly grown, I just wish I got a pic an hour before hand, as it was more opened up, showing the red colouration.

Need a time lapse camera to truly appreciate it lol. :lol:

Know any camera companies who are willing too sponsor !! :lol:

[Proteus]

Have just added a couple of Didiplis diandra plants and 3 x Eleocharis acicularis (dwarf hairgrass) to the tank.

Will take some pics over the weekend.

[cozmo1]

that's a very nice tank. simple and clean as well :D
thanks for sharing

[AussieStar]

got them pics coming, cant wait

[Proteus]

oops... will have to get that done tomorrow night... sorry

[Proteus]

updated images.

need to do some trimming and adjusting, but still have a long way to go

[Proteus]

The growth is quite impressive as well...

Sunday 11th of September 2005
http://www.discusforums.com/forum/files/dscn0002__small__178.jpg

Saturday 17th of September 2005
http://www.discusforums.com/forum/files/dscn0003__small__168.jpg

Wednesday 12th of October 2005
http://www.discusforums.com/forum/files/dscn0001__small__168.jpg

[Merrilyn]

Looking good Proteus.

The growth rate is fantastic :thumb

[DR.V]

Lovely tank Pro.
If I remember correctly, u also use sand as substrate for your other tank.
How do you clean them ? Vac ? Wouldnt the sand get sucked by the vac because they're too light ??

Im thinking of getting some sand too.

Thanks

[Proteus]

It is pool filter sand

a light hover over the top is enough to remove any waste, however down the track I want the substrate to be covered with plants, so vacuuming wont be an option.

[Ben]

Excellent composition!

cheers,
Ben

[marg]

Wow Proteus, I haven't looked at this post lately, so got qiute a surprise this morning when I did.

Your tank is looking lovely - I really envy you. Can't wait to see it when it is stocked up.

[OscarManAlpha]

Looking good mate :D

[Proteus]

...confession time

I have gone plant crazy :lol:

[AussieStar]

nice plants theres, love the lotus

[Proteus]

Lotus's... lol

[duck]

looking good,Haa the wonder's of CO2

[rtraher]

Geez it went from a field to a forest....

yep, yep, yep,yeeeep, yep, yep..........you’re addicted to plants alright - it looks like there is still some room for a couple more, and then a couple more..... They will grow and multiply, but if course it would be plain wasteful to throw the cuttings in the bin. So you'll need another tank to grow out all the cuttings...... I think we'll need an AA group....

Looking great.

RT

[AussieStar]

yer that is what i meant.,

just wondering if you would be able to get ya hands on some more lotus's and some Blyxa japonica at all?

[Merrilyn]

Ahhhh proteus. Welcome to your latest addiction.

[merman]

Any chance of getting a list of the plants and where they are in the tank?

Looks like the Amazon!!!

[Proteus]

Any chance of getting a list of the plants and where they are in the tank?

Looks like the Amazon!!!

I will try and compile a list later today

[pitchblack]

where did you order the red lotus from. Ive been hunting for some and unable to get any???

[Proteus]

where did you order the red lotus from. Ive been hunting for some and unable to get any???

From one of the members here

[Roy]

Looking good Pro, any chance of another update ??
What about some fish ??

Roy

[Proteus]

I will take another pic in the next few days.

As for fish, they may be added in a month or so due to some travel commitments I have in the upcoming weeks.

[Proteus]

updated image...

(not as good quality image, testing a new camera and havent played around with the settings yet, however you can see that the Red Lotus have multiplied quite drastically)

[OscarManAlpha]

Looks fantastic, and all the Green and Red gives it that festive look.

Just in time for Christmas :lol:

Perhaps an Ocean Green Discus and a Red Melon would give it that extra festive look with some Neons or Cardinals for the decorative lights.

I think some Swordtails would also look good if you weren't to go with discus.

BTW have a good trip.

Cheers,

Mark

[kalebjarrod]

that really is looking great proteus

[DR.V]

WOW what a great tank Pro. Love those lotus !

Any fish in the tank ?

[fishes zd]

Just beautiful! Thanks for posting all the great info.
Worth all the work indeed!

Plant crazy is good crazy!
Kerry
<_><|

[DR.V]

Any updates with the tank ???

[revkev]

Where can I buy JBL Aquabasis plus in Melb or on the net?
Revkev

[Jeroen]

Hi Proetues, sorry as I missed it, but what is temperature on this setup ?

Jeroen

[Proteus]

Hi Proteus, sorry as I missed it, but what is temperature on this setup ?

Jeroen

(goes and looks)

26c

This tank will be getting stripped down soon and all the plants placed in a bigger tank, it is like a zoo in there with the Lotus going totally nuts.

[Nathan]

could you post any pics of the tank, as it has been a while since you set it up?

nathan

[antwan]

that tank looks really awesome! Well done to you Proteus. Sounds like you aussies really love your glosso...i guess im lucky, i can go up to the local stream and get wild stuff :D

some more pics would be cool proteus.

[AussieStar]

any new pics mate? what lighting are you using for it?

[Proteus]

Only using 2 x 36w T8 tubes.

No update pics as the tank is loaded with plants that are on hold for other people (waves - Hi L'red).

This tank will probably be stripped down over Easter and all plants given a new home in a 350-400L display tank. I will do the same step by step thing with that tank as well.

[antwan]

cool, setting up new tanks are always fun :D, look forward to seeing the pics

[Merrilyn]

*Waves back* Hiya Ro :wave

Glad to hear you are looking after my little plants :wink:

Thanks hun. 8-)

[Proteus]

Your plants are doing fine, just those pesky snails and algae spores are having a grand old time as well... (only kidding)

OK, the next Planted tank is no trial run, this is going to be a display tank with pride of place in the living room.

It is a 350L curved glass corner tank, and will be fully decked out with all the bells and whistles. more details will be posted once items are ready to be set up.

[Merrilyn]

Ohhhhh gorgeous.

Full step by step instructions on that one please :book

I've got a little competition to win :wink:

[Proteus]

Discussion on the new tank can be found here:

http://www.discusforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6790

:wink:

[kswong34]

lol guys its called glosso :lol: Jump onto a planted forum you will find someone with it nice plant :D HC is quite nice as well if you have it over there
Matt

Can I have the web site for the plant forum please. Will be setting up a tank soon.

Many Thanks :wink:

[Proteus]

A few people have sent PM's asking for details on setting up a basic plnted tank, so I thought this should be stickied again (until the new tank gets set up).

[Robdog]

As the tank went along Pro, did you find that you were continually adding new plants or were the old ones just multiplying and filling in space??

[Proteus]

As the tank went along Pro, did you find that you were continually adding new plants or were the old ones just multiplying and filling in space??

The plants were self sufficient and provided for 3-4 of my other tanks.

I started off with 1/2 a dozen or so Red Tiger Lotus, I now have over 50 of them, plus I have Crypts all over the place.

As of this afternoon that tank is a murky mess after removing all the plants to be placed in a new tank tomorrow (a much bigger tank as well)

[Robdog]

Could you put it's success down to any one thing in particular eg. CO2, JBL substrate?

[vishy100]

Never a quick fix but co2 has massive effects on the growth and health of plants(pressurised is easiest), followed by lights, then gravel and ferts i guess,
Thanks
Matt

[Proteus]

ok, now the trial run is over and tank striped down, time for the next project...

http://www.discusforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8559