[atmmachine816]

Here's my 5.5 gallon nano tank, is a low-tech tank.

Some stats

Current Stock:
1 CT betta
4 oto's

Filteration:
Elite stingray 5 internal filter (ugh hate internal, might change it later, good filter though)

Heating:
Elite HOB 25w heater

Ferts:
Weekly tetra florapride for now, might upgrade to better ferts later

CO2:
None now, might DIY later or nutrafin kit

Substrate:
Small gravel (not sure on size but couldn't find any small bag of eco-complete

Lighting:
one 10w cp bulb (wal-mart type, lfs was out of all-glass aquarium type, will buy one of those when they get them)

Plants:
1 crypt
Cambomba
Moneywort
Unsure on others, possible sword, hygro

Current picture, plants were just stuck in there for the time being, changing them today.

any comments, suggestions, critizism are welcomed.

atm

 

[John N.]

Not a bad start! It looks good. I would look into some anubias nanas petites, or maybe a low foreground type plant like HC (if it will root). These two plants will make it a little easier to maintain, with little to no trimming for a long while. With your current plant selection, I imagine trimming is quite frequent in a short tank like a 5 gallon.

Maybe adjusting the rocks in a "V" shape, so they open up the tank a bit more in terms of depth, and eye movement. Other than that it looks pretty good. Pack it with plants!

-John N.

 

[atmmachine816]

Ya I'm on the lookout for some anubias, though HM? The trimming isn't too bad yet though it's only been up for a few days. Ya I changed it a little, will post some pictures soon.

thanks for the comments and suggestions, I changed the rocks a little and it does open up the tank, had to put my favorite rock in.

 

[bristles]

I like this tank, nice detail for a nano. I might get a digital thermometer (4.99 at Big Al's on line) as it won't dominate the front of your tank as the current one does.

 

[atmmachine816]

Ya i'v noticed that too, it's annoying, I think I might move it into the back where it'l be hidden or put in my floating thermometer, will look into a digital one though. I might get a HOB filter too, not sure what type yet, think one with a adjustable flow, will post pics of the updated setup as soon as possible.

thanks for the comments, their greatly appreciated.

 

[hoppycalif]

Azoo Palm Filter is a pretty nice hang on back filter, with adjustible flow. I use it on my 20 gallon, with the flow turned down quite a bit, so it might be ok for a 5.5 gallon tank too. Very nice price too.

 

[atmmachine816]

Wow seems a little small, 16gph. Not sure what I'm going to get yet, something gentle maybe, millenium filter or aquaclear maybe, I think they have adjustable flow, that filter seems too small, not sure?

 

[whitetiger61]

that filter is perfect for a 5.5..i have one and it works great..Aqua clear is going to have to much flow..your plants will look like they are going through a hurricane.

 

[atmmachine816]

Ok well I'll look into it then, would it be able to handle three oto's and a betta though? atmmachine816/nano tank - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting Here's pics of the tank's new layout, I still need to add a background a rearange the equipment.

O which do you guys like better, blue or black background? atmmachine816 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

thanks

 

[atmmachine816]

Have co2 equipment, waiting to get it setup. pictures here

 

[atmmachine816]

one week update

 

[atmmachine816]

atmmachine816/co2 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting CO2 is up and running.

 

[fish_lover0591]

wow nice nano

 

[whitetiger61]

what is that in the CO2 container..looks like substrate..

 

[fish_lover0591]

I think he labeled that picture as "tubing at top right going into filter for diffusion" so the gravel you see is probably in the tank

 

[atmmachine816]

Thanks for the comments, ya that's gravel in the tank, the tube is in the top right if you can see it.

 

[atmmachine816]

update 1-15-07 atmmachine816/nano tank - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 

[John N.]

Good plant growth. Now I think you need to replant more stems of each plant to get a denser cluster of plants in the tank. Right now it looks a bit sparse, but the plants look pretty healthy and you should be able to get some clippings to replant from them in no time!

-John N.

 

[atmmachine816]

Thanks

Ya it's hard to see because this is a crappy camera but I regrouped the cambomba in the back left corner just waiting for them to grow. The rotala is growing well and made three other plants whatever you call them and I'm going to cut them soon and replant them, the moneywort is slowgrowing and same with one of the types of cambomba I have. I might get some more plants soon. I'm hoping to get a new hood too this weekend to give more light and more even plant growth.

 

[atmmachine816]

Here's an update as of last weekend 1-26-07, will get one of this weekend soon.

All comments and suggestions welcomed