[windfish]

With move-in day just a week from now, I thought I would go ahead and start the journal for my new planted tank. Here are the details:

Tank: ADA Mini S
Lighting: Solar Mini M (27w)
Filtration: Eheim Ecco 2232
CO2: ADA CO2 Advanced System

I decided to get a new Mini S rather than bring my old Mini M in order to maximize space on my desk. However, I'm still going to be using the Solar Mini with the M size base because I'd rather use most of what I've already got at home. I may remove the old base and DIY my own that fits the S a little better.

Here's everything ready to go, in the old tank. The new one should be here tomorrow.

 

[windfish]

looks cool and i like the wood. what are you plans for plants and animals?

Thanks. For plants, I think I'm going to do moss, riccia, nana petite, and needle leaf java fern. For inhabitants, probably just amanos.

I picture something like this:
http://www.adana-th.com/limagegal/image/nano8.jpg

 

[windfish]

That tank in the gallery is awesome. I can't wait to see what yours will look like.

Thanks. Its really just an inspiration though. I like the variety of textures and the way the wood breaches the surface.

 

[windfish]

Update:

The tank is all set up on my desk. I'm waiting for a new 27w bulb, a bag of Amazonia, and some bright sand. Everything should come together this weekend, except plants, which I will be ordering next week. I have decided on the following for this layout:

Rotala sp Green
Anubias "petite"
Moss (not sure what sp yet. can anyone tell me what moss is used here? I like the light green color)
Riccia sp Japan or Dwarf

I'm planning on a "corner" style layout with a sand foreground. The sand and soil will be bordered by stones tied with Riccia and Anubias and moss will grow attached on the wood. The Rotala will be planted in the soil "corner"

Here's a crappy phone picture of the wood placement, without sand and Aquasoil:

 

[windfish]

As a matter of experience (as a fellow college kid) I'd suggest you don't set it up there. If you can, try to set it up somewhere in front of a whilte wall without wodden bars running behind it. You can probably find a better place that lets you easily change the background situation, but also if you put it in a place in front of plain white wall, your overall day-to-day enjoyment will increase. For me, having the enjoyable overall mood of the aquarium is important in terms of how positive I am about it.

edit: also, I find the desk as a difficult place for photo-shoots.

I will look into moving it. Unfortunately, this is basically the only place for this aquarium. I actually don't think its too bad; it sits on the upper shelf of my desk, not where I work, and I plan on placing a simple white background behind it. Also, the power outlets are located conveniently behind the desk, so I don't have to worry about hiding extension cords from my RA :mmph:.

 

[windfish]

I like the mini S, you can put it anywhere. Make sure thats where you want it, I have had the table that my tank is on get hit, and about an inch of water came out of the tank all over the power strip. Here is a pic of my mini s for inspiration. The only problem with the mini S is that you have to clean the glass a lot.

Great tank, styderman! I can't wait to 'scape mine... my soil and sand will be here tomorrow, and I've ordered most of the plants I'll be using. I will keep your advice in mind.

 

[windfish]

9/5

Hardscape complete. I decided to move the tank over to my metal shelving unit to prevent any problems with water damage to my University-provided desk and my laptop (thanks for the suggestion, Steven.)

The slate will be covered with Riccia sp Dwarf or Christmas moss, and I plan on tying Christmas moss to the driftwood as well.

 

[windfish]

what do you have in mind to keep the riccia attached to that slate?

Probably fishing line.

 

[windfish]

I decided to take a slightly different approach than I had originally intended. I siphoned out the Aquasoil portion of the layout, and replaced it with the rest of my Bright Sand to prevent dealing with the mixing of substrates.

Here is the tank, post "planting" of Christmas Moss and Anubias var "petite".

And the full set-up, minus equipment.

I have some Riccia sp "Japan" on the way, which I will be tying to slate with mesh and placing along the back of the tank behind the wood.

 

[windfish]

Latest photos:

I'm really glad I chose the white clouds for this tank. They're a really beautiful, lively fish. The riccia seems to be filling in nicely. I ended up using a laundry bag for the netting...I'd say that's college aquarium resourcefulness at its best!

 

[windfish]

Final Photographs. I have to tear this down in a week or so for Winter break.

Two white clouds have jumped since I added them, both within the last few weeks. I do not run a heater on this tank.

Enjoy.