Rane

Hey everyone, this is my first attempt at a planted tank and only the second tank I've ever owned. I'm upgrading from a 20 gallon fish-only tank that I've had running for around four or five months now. So, yeah, I'm totally new in the hobby.

I've been doing a lot of research, and feel confident that I'm heading in the right direction, but we'll see.

This video is not totally current (I'm further along now). I'll post more updates in a couple of days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DKHxGa7yGs

I'm using an overflow/sump design rather than the more common canister filter. I liked the benefits of being able to move some equipment out of the display, and of having a consistent waterline in the display (plus, it's more fun to build).

As mentioned in the video, I'm using a "Bean Animal" style overflow, which I discovered while reading around on one of the salt forums.

Details here: http://www.beananimal.com/projects/s...ow-system.aspx

More updates to come! Feel free to post any suggestions, observations, or questions!

Rane

The tank so far:



Video Update:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb8sGKqMDQ0

To do:

• Sand/polish aquarium
• Sand/paint aquarium stand
• Install aquarium Overflow
• Install sump baffles/filtration
• Run aquarium plumbing
• Mineralize soil (started)
• Install metal halide lighting (400w)

I haven't decided on how to do Co2 yet. Pressurized sounds cool, but ends up costing a bit. This thread has me thinking that DIY yeast might be a viable option. The only concern I see is consistency. I know HC can be finicky, and I'm not quite sure how much Co2 inconsistency can affect plant health.

Planned Plant Stock:

• HC (or possibly dwarf four leaf clover)
• Christmas Moss
• Ludwigia
• Java Fern
• Creeping Jenny
• Cabomba

mudboots

Build looks like it's coming along nicely. I've always been afraid of acrylic tanks, mostly because I have small children who like to "draw" on things with whatever scratch-inducing object happens to be hanging around. Can't wait to see the scaping shots.

Rane

So Far...



Photobucket Build Album (more photos)

Video Update:

YouTube Video

To do:

• Install sump baffles/filtration
• Run aquarium plumbing
• Mineralize soil (started)
• Install lighting

Yeah, scratches are definitely an issue. This tank had quite a few scratches when I purchased it. For deep scratches it can take quite a few grits of sand paper to get them out (and if you're not careful you can leave and indent when the scratch is removed). I use Novus Plastic Polish #3 and #2 for the final polishing.

AWMBonke

That looks like a pretty deep tank. Getting the light set up may take a bit of fine tuning, good luck with that I'm following this with great interest.

Rane

Yeah, it is deep (about 23"), and yes, I've spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out how I might properly light it. My original plan was to us a single 400w metal halide, but was told that it would be way to much light and not enough spread. Currently, I'm planning on using three 15w par38 LEDs as was suggested to me by some people over on the plantedtank.net forum.

mudboots

I used T5-HO on a 24" deep tank (23" with the lights sitting about an inch up anyway) and had a good experience with it.

Rane

Update:

YouTube Video

I haven't gotten around to taking any pictures yet. I kinda' forgot about it when I was taking the videos.

Yeah, I considered that. The difficulty is getting an even distribution of light. I went with par38 LEDs. Hopefully they'll do the job.