My Tank setup

deanc8159

Aspiring Aquascaper
Hey guys, this is my first post so excuse me if it's in the wrong place etc,

Just wanted some advice really and feedback.

Currently running an interpet fishpod 48litre tank (dimensions are: w39cm x d33cm x h43cm)

Filter I am running is an interpet pf1 (380litres/hour) - my water is crystal clear and never had any issues with it!

Heater is interpet delta therm (not sure what wattage but it came with the tank)

Lighting also came with the tank (15w bright day white) - not sure how this rates for planting so anyone that knows it's be handy to find out!

Currently I have been running the tank for about 3 years, with about 1-2inches of sand substrate, nice piece of bogwood and some pebbles/stones I found at the beach on holiday (and boiled and soaked for a few weeks to sterilise), recently I have bought a few more plants as mine all died off, and restocked the fish (I think I'm overstocked at the moment) but so far have 5 rosy barbs, 1 sucking loach and 7 Malaysian trumpet snails,
Recently planted about 10-15 java fern plants and have had 5-6 marimo moss balls,
I bought some fertiliser 'Florido g7+' as he dry mix ferts I've seen looks pretty complex,

I currently do weekly water changes of about 25% and plan on fertilising following bottle instructions once a week (the day ip out fresh water in)

Below are some images of my tank so far:
gyhysupy.jpg


ryqubuqe.jpg


7ydudu5e.jpg


7azyba7y.jpg



I look forward to any suggestions you have
 
Hey thanks :)

Yeh they're quite nice to watch too, always come to the front to say hello.. Unlike previous timid fish I've had in the past..

As for my goal I'm not too sure yet, sorta why I've posted here to get some ideas, I like the look of well planted tanks but don't want anything to high maintenance, also need it quite cheep to run..

I'm thinking at the moment some sort of tall grass in the back left reaching to the surface, growing some java fern or smaller plant onto the boxwood, then getting rid of the moss balls.. Or attempting to flatten and make them into carpets if possible?

Thanks
 
Hi deanc ,I have just found out from other members:cool: Moss ball are not good to have in your tank :( As can spread around your tank and then it becomes a problem to get rid of :( So am taking it out of mine ;) Will be sorry to see it go but better than having a problem later :whistle:
Sorry i forgot Welcome to ASW:D
 
Hey thanks for letting me know.. How do they spread?
I'll look into getting rid of them as soon as possible
Thanks
 
Hi deanc, Little bits float of and settle somewhere where you don,t want it to be:eek: Then it spreads hard to get out of ground cover plants without ripping it all up :(
 
Hi deanc8159

Your tank looks healthy and clean and I think that you're pretty close to your goal of having a low-maintenance, nicely planted tank.

Your current light would definitely be considered "low light". Thankfully it's about right for a low maintenance setup. You already have some great low-light plants (Java Fern, moss) so you only need to extend on this by choosing plants with similar needs. You can click here for an extensive (and easy to follow) list of low light plant options. Not all suitable plants are there, but it might give you a general idea.

The ferts you are using sound pretty good, although they don't contain nitrate and phosphate which are macro nutrients along with potassium. Florido g7 does contain potassium, iron, manganese, sulphates, and other micro-elements which is great. In your case you may have enough nitrate and phosphate from fish-poo and fish food alone, so you'll probably be okay there. Combined with a weekly 25-50% water change, you should be able to remove any excess nutrients that build up. All coming around to say, you're on track with your ferts. Good job!

One suggestion though is to make sure that you plant pretty heavily so that any available nutrients are taken up by the plants. It is also better to have a mixture of slower growing and faster growing plants. The fast growing plants use the nutrients in the water pretty rapidly to fuel their growth, which helps keep an aquarium healthy. Many stem plants are fast growers and there are stems that do well in low light setups. When I was starting out I had great success with hygro polysperma - super quick grower that doesn't need much light. The only negative thing about stem plants and faster growing plants in general is that they need to be trimmed pretty frequently (maybe 1-2x per month in low light). This may work against you if you are after a low maintenance setup.

I'm thinking at the moment some sort of tall grass in the back left reaching to the surface, growing some java fern or smaller plant onto the boxwood

Vallisneria is tall grass like plant and a great choice for a low-light tank. It grows well in low light and isn't too fussy with water parameters. There are a few different variations available, but the most popular choice is Vallisneria Nana. It's best to use root-tabs under Vallisneria, as they are heavy root feeders. Here is an example of root-tabs available commercially. There are many different brands/recipes available.

Anubias Nana may be a good choice as a plant to attach to drift wood. It's super easy to grow and very undemanding. It is a slow grower so you do need to be a bit patient. I love the combination of Java Fern and Anubias on driftwood. To attach it, simply tie it on with fishing line. Eventually it will attach itself to the wood and you can remove the fishing line if you wish.

Is it overstocked? It's hard to say without asking a few more questions:
1. Does your filter get dirty very quickly?
2. Have you had any fish deaths recently?
3. Is there an unpleasant odour coming from your tank?
4. Have you tested nitrate, nitrite or ammonia levels recently?

The main concern with overstocking is the build up of nitrates and ammonia. It may be worth investing in test kits to keep an eye on this if you are concerned. If you haven't experienced the other symptoms above, you are probably okay. If you increase the number of plants and include some fast growers, it will be unlikely that your tank will suffer at the current stocking level.
 
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Deanc

First welcome to ASW

Re those moss balls if you have not removed them I suggest you move them immediately the longer they are in your tank the more concerns you will have.

Inhabitants I strongly suggest you use this independent site, fill it in and then post the results please.
http://www.aqadvisor.com/

Java Fern it is advisable to grow it attached to old driftwood not bury the roots in the sand.

Most fine rooted plants do not like growing in sand as it can inhabit their growth and often kill the plant.

Yes its a low light tank, this will restrict your plant choice and growth.

Water change I would recommend a 30% prepared water change.

Filter cleaning how is it cleaned and how often?

I notice you are from England we do have several UK members if you add your area some one might be able to direct you where to get good plants.

Aquascaping my only suggestion is do a lot of research here on ASW then give us an idea of what you would like to do.

Keith:):)
 
Hey thanks, I try my best to keep it as clean as possible and the filter does the rest :p

That list looks great! Thanks, I'll have a look into that when I get some time later :D also as mentioned earlier after being told problems with moss balls I'm intending on taking them out soon

Yeh the ferts was a first for me, I bought the florido g7 and some interpet flora boost (to make up the £10 for free postage on Amazon) but I wasn't too sure if mixing them would cause problems? I'm sure the flora boost with probably have nitrates which I'll have a look at later, I'll be doing a water change today and adding the ferts so I'll keep you up to date how that goes :)

Yeh that's why I was thinking some form of grass, as they look to grow quite densely and give the fish some nice hiding spots too. I used to find with faster growing plants that fish tended to eat them more? Hence getting more java fern.. As my brother bought me a crab about a year ago (worst mistake I made was letting him put it in the tank) he ate every plant and about 4 of my fish.. Then died during shedding)
Also I don't mind trimming plants as I can do them during water changes if needed, but I'm not sure if I have the time for C02 and things like that..

I've been looking into vallisneria! But the spiralis kind, I've also been looking into eleocharis vivipara, but never got round to the research.
Also with root tabs I have another question, somewhere among my substrate I have a group if malasian trumpet snails, would they eat or be affected by root tabs?

Thanks I'll add that to my research list too! :D
Currently I have one piece of java fern lodge into a hole in the bogwood, hoping that starts rooting a bit more with the help if the ferts

As for overstocking:

1. My filter seems pretty clean most of the time, I usually only need to rinse the super fine wool to keep the water crystal clear

2. I had one fish death about a week ago, but that was just after buying the rosy barbs, so I'm partly thinking stress related ?

3. No odours at all really, it smells of... Water haha

4. And I haven't tested recently but I've got a test kit so ill test later and let you know of my results

Personally I don't think it's too overstocked, but most people say for a smallish tank your max amount it like 6 neon tetras or something, I figure as long as they are healthy and water stays stable adding a few more should be okay.. Also things like snails break down any dying off plants or poo, and plants use up excess nutrients?


Thanks for your advice and help. It was exactly what I was looking for!
I'll get back to you with more info later but you've certainly answered most of my questions!

Thanks, very glad I signed up on this site :D
 
I bought the florido g7 and some interpet flora boost (to make up the £10 for free postage on Amazon) but I wasn't too sure if mixing them would cause problems? I'm sure the flora boost with probably have nitrates which I'll have a look at later

Flora boost is a micro fertilizer, which essentially means that it only contains trace elements. For plants to do well they need macro fertilizer and micro fertilizer. Macro fertilizer contains Nitrate (N), Phosphate (P) and Potassium (K) - otherwise known as "N P K". Micro fertilizer often contains Iron, Manganese, Boron etc. These are nutrients that plants need in smaller amounts, hence the name micro elements. So this means that florido g7 is better as it contains one macro fertilizer - Potassium, and micro fertilizers. The flora boost only contains micro fertilizers. Flora boost does not contain nitrate, only micro ferts. Stick with the floridoG7 :)

I used to find with faster growing plants that fish tended to eat them more?

I haven't had this problem in my tanks. Some fish eat plants, but this is not because they are fast growing.. Java Fern has a nasty taste that fish don't tend to like. I've never kept Rosy Barbs though.. are they eating your plants?

I've been looking into vallisneria! But the spiralis kind, I've also been looking into eleocharis vivipara, but never got round to the research.

Vallisneria Spiralis and Eleocharis Vivipara are both good choices. Here's the ASW fact sheet for Eleocharis Vivipara.

Also with root tabs I have another question, somewhere among my substrate I have a group if malasian trumpet snails, would they eat or be affected by root tabs?

I really doubt it. They will probably just move around it, so I wouldn't be too worried. Anyone with more experience with MTS care to comment?
 
With the fertilisers, would it be possible to use both? As you say flora boost has micro and G7 has macro, both would would alongside each other?

Well it was mainly that damn crab ate everything butt java fern, hence planting more of it! And so far my rosy barbs have been fine, they sift through the sand but I think that's normal?

As for the grasses I'll do some more research Into them and see which I prefer and is better cost wise.

And that's reassuring then, I did look into root tabs but thought it might affect the snails, any recommended brands?

Finally if I wanted to up my lighting is there any sort of bulb that has a higher output but still fits into my current bulb socket? .. The current bulbs look like those screw in energy saving bulbs


Thanks again for your help
 
With the fertilisers, would it be possible to use both? As you say flora boost has micro and G7 has macro, both would would alongside each other?

Both fertilizers contain micros. G7 has micros + potassium, therefore G7 is better. You don't need to use Flora Base, just G7 :)

And that's reassuring then, I did look into root tabs but thought it might affect the snails, any recommended brands?

I've used Seachem Root Tabs in the past with good results. I now use root tabs that are made locally here in Australia which are much cheaper and work just as well. Somebody else may need to offer some advice here.

Finally if I wanted to up my lighting is there any sort of bulb that has a higher output but still fits into my current bulb socket? .. The current bulbs look like those screw in energy saving bulbs

Adding extra light can be a recipe for algae disaster unless you've done your research. Many people make the mistake of adding too much light to low tech tanks. Increasing light is like putting your foot on the gas - plants will grow quicker and use nutrients quicker, but they will be limited by the lack of CO2 available to them. This equals algae. I suggest sticking with the lighting you have, which should be adequate for the plants you want to keep.
 
deanc

Personally I don't think it's too overstocked, but most people say for a smallish tank your max amount it like 6 neon tetras or something, I figure as long as they are healthy and water stays stable adding a few more should be okay.. Also things like snails break down any dying off plants or poo, and plants use up excess nutrients?

It looks like the fertilising is under control I have a very heavily planted low Tech tank I use Seachem liquid ferts and Seachem Fert Tabs, there are plenty of options its just a matter of using the correct balance of Ferts for your tank.

Over stocking you admit you are " Overstocked" and you are thinking of adding more stock.

Please reconsider and run that program and post the results thank you.

Keith:):)
 
Hey sorry for the late reply, just a couple of updates..

Firstly I've regimes the moss balls to avoid future disaster (hopefully)

Also fish are still looking healthy although I've upped my water changes a bit.. Now doing them roughly every 4-5days or so,

Plants are doing a lot better even with the micro ferts, I'm gonna look into either tabs or some macro ferts soon, aswell as more research on grasses

Any ideas how I can arrange everything to keep good water flow but look attractive and still give the fish a few hiding spots?
- I'm thinking so far tall grass in back left, extending across to about halfway (so covers heater a bit - will heater damage plants being that close?)

Then raise the angle of bogwood a bit and attach the smaller java fern onto it, the larger clumps put around the middle of the tank

Not sure about what to do with the stones though, I like them but not sure if they really fit in
 
Great to hear that everything is going well.

I've upped my water changes a bit.. Now doing them roughly every 4-5days or so

How big are your water changes at the moment? Most find it easier to do one WC every week, but this is down to personal preference and dependent on what you are keeping. I do one 50% WC each week and find that this is enough to keep my tank running well.

Plants are doing a lot better even with the micro ferts, I'm gonna look into either tabs or some macro ferts soon, aswell as more research on grasses

If you are dosing G7 you are adding potassium (K) and micros. This means that you are adding one macro fert (K) already. I don't think you'll need to add the other macros (N + P) just yet, as fish poo provides the N and the fish food provides the P. For a low tech setup this may be enough. The plants probably look pretty good because they are getting everything they need at the moment.

Good luck with the root tabs - they're a great investment if you're planning to grow vallisneria.

In your photo it seems that you have buried the java fern rhizome under the substrate. This will eventually rot the rhizome. You will need to make sure that the rhizome sits on top of the substrate. You can bury the roots though :)

Any ideas how I can arrange everything to keep good water flow but look attractive and still give the fish a few hiding spots?
- I'm thinking so far tall grass in back left, extending across to about halfway (so covers heater a bit - will heater damage plants being that close?)
Then raise the angle of bogwood a bit and attach the smaller java fern onto it, the larger clumps put around the middle of the tank

Generally it is best to have smaller plants up front and bigger plants at the back. This helps to create a sense of depth to your aquascape and gives fish an open area to swim freely. If the fish want cover they will just head towards the bigger plants at the back.

Position your filter outlet so that the current moves across the tank. You can also run it diagonally from the back left to the front right, as an example. You want your plants to sway gently in the current, not be blowing around wildly. Every tank is different and it can take a little playing around to get the flow moving well across your scape.
The heater will damage the plants if they are touching it. That being said, it's okay to hide it behind a big plant like vallisneria so long as you keep the plant trimmed to avoid the leaves touching the heater. The occasional leaf may still be burned by the heater, and so long as it doesn't happen too often, the plant and the heater should be fine.
 
Thanks for your advice,
I've changed back to weekly water changes doing about 25% filter seems pretty clean and everything is running well. I'm amazed how clean the sand has been since I got the snails I currently haven't noticed a bad thing about those!

So fertiliser wise I'm currently only using the G7 and plants are doing great, little bit of algae is growing but the sucking loach is taking care of that :)

As for root tabs and vallisneria I haven't gone ahead with them just yet, still wanting to do more research etc but it is looking likely

Yeh thanks for pointing that out I did a bit of research to find out what exactly the risome is. And have pulled them all up just a bit so the risome is above the sand (disaster averted :D)

I'm also not worried about plant sized yet. I'll rearrange them all when I get some grass etc

And as for the filter it currently flows back right to front left.

Also about the heater if I do get some vallis I could just bring it forward a few centimetres away from the heater

Thanks again. Sorry for the brief reply
 
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