View Full Version : Competition Registration and Rules
The Planted Tank Competition:
Hello folks, we are really proud to announce that the first competition for The Planted Tank is about to get underway!
The idea is that you must create a low tech planted Nano. The best looking aqua-scape will win the competition. Here are the rules for the competition.
1. The size of the tank may not be more than 40 liters. Less than 40 liters will be accepted.
2. You may not use any form of Co2 injection into the tank. That means no pressurized systems or DIY Co2 in any form. You absolutely may use products like Flourish Excell, and the like.
3. You can use whatever substrate you like.
4. You can use any wood or rocks to compliment your aqua-scape.
5. You may only use a maximum of 6 species of plants. Using less than six species will be fine. Choose your plants carefully. Try and use species that will compliment each other, and remember to use species that wont need Co2 injection.
6. The use of fertilizers for your plants is also fine, we don't want your plants to melt and die during the competition period. You may use any brand you want.
7. You must document the entire process and keep a “journal” of your tank. The journal must include all the information on your tank. Photographs, Dimensions, Lighting, Photoperiod, Substrate, Fertilizer dosing regime, Water Change Data, Plant Lists, Fish Lists and Equipment used. All this information will help us when judging your tank.
8. You will be required to add your name to this thread, if you intend to enter the competition. All names must be in this thread by no later than Friday 7 October 2011.
9. All entries will need to be sent to me by no later than 12:00 on Wednesday 26 November 2011.
10. You must keep your entry Secret. The judging will be done by me, and possibly one other judge. All entries must be submitted to me Via Email. I will make sure that all the contestants know where the entries must be submitted, well in advance.
11. Unfortunately, if you are a sponsor of this forum, you may not enter the competition.
Good Luck to everyone who Participates in this competition.
Now for the good stuff... The Prizes.
There will be 3 Prizes up for grabs.
1st Place gets an Advanced Co2 System, 1x 9L Bag of Aquasoil New Amazonia and an ADA T-Shirt. Valued at over R2600.00!!!!
2nd Place Gets a 9L Bag of Aquasoil, 1 x 500ml bottle of ADA Green Brighty step 1 and an ADA T-Shirt.
3rd Place gets a 3L bag of Aquasoil Amazonia and an ADA T-shirt.
Grant Harris Registered
When does the comp end?
Sorry I kinda over looked that one, in my excited response...
We need more entries! I would love 10 people at the very least!
Also, just to add... Sponsors may send entries, they just can't win a prize...
TankMaster
03-10-2011, 16:19
Jerome David Kemraj . . I'm ALL in*
Hmmm very tempting... I have two nano's I need to take them appart for the move happening on the 15th... Sean J could you please stipulate the comp dates so I could maybe work arround that??
boebie shihr Rudi Firefly @arnold @double d TroyFish
Lekker man... My planned 38L nano planted will do just fine then :) If sponsors can't enter though I doubt admins can...
O yeah wanted to ask. Must it be a new setup?
HEHE! I'm in toooo. Can't wait, going to start a tank tomorrow!!!!
Count Michael in too ( that's me)
O yeah wanted to ask. Must it be a new setup?
Yes... It has to be a brand spanking new setup. Starting your journal with an empty tank is a must!!
Rory - Hmmm... Mods and admins can enter. Just not other sponsors. They have more resources at their disposal which makes it unfair to the regular members.
Hmmm very tempting... I have two nano's I need to take them appart for the move happening on the 15th... @Sean J (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=122) could you please stipulate the comp dates so I could maybe work arround that??
hein24
Please read the rules on page 1. Rule number 9.
Please don't delete this post, thought of a question.
Can we have more than 1 entry?
No. That wouldn't be fair to the people who can only do 1 entry. Sorry.
No. That wouldn't be fair to the people who can only do 1 entry. Sorry.
Makes all the sense in the world. Thanks for answering.
windfire
03-10-2011, 22:28
I'm in, Bronwyn reporting for duty ;-) i bought the comp tank months ago. really like the low tech setup idea. will we still be doing the WODAC exhibition next year? i think its great exposure for the hobby. oh btw there goes my whole plant plan list, i got about 8sp now, will have to rethink
do we have a limit on the amount of lights we may use? as this plays i big role?
do we have a limit on the amount of lights we may use? as this plays i big role?
I think the fact that you are limited to no pressurized CO2 you would have to keep your lights minimal... remember, increase in light means you have to increase fertz (possible) and also increase CO2 (not possible). You could however go with Excel, but this also is not as good as the CO2 gives
You can use whatever you want except CO2.
As Zoom said, you can use anything you want except Co2.
Also, let me clarify one thing. You may use 6 different plants. ONLY 6. Two types of Rotala, is 2 plants used. 3 types of moss = 3 plants used. You must be careful not to use more than 6 types of plant.
Double-D
04-10-2011, 10:17
Private Double-D reporting for duty... SIR!!!!!!
Fits my moving to a new shack perfectly... Can get working on it ASAP
As you guys know, low tech is what I do. Unfortunately due to travelling I wont be able to enter, which is a damn shame as I have an awesome idea mulling in my head.
Maybe next time.
Double-D
04-10-2011, 10:56
OK quick question... We are limited to 6 genus but what quantities?
Sorry for sounding stupid :wacko:
Would a tank with dimensions 450x350x350 fall within this range. :p
I have one standing at home and if so it could now come in very handy :bigsmile:
Hehe.. I also cant enter as a contestant.. I sponsor on another site where theplantedtank also sponsors.. So i can enter but not win a prize.. I'll give it a try anyways:)
Newby that is 55L
So my calculations was right :evil:
Whaaaaaaa :bawling::bawling:
Newby cut off the end man
What if I only fill it half way up :p
Or use a VERY big center piece to displace some water :noworry:
OK quick question... We are limited to 6 genus but what quantities?
You can use as many of each as you want.
Sorry for sounding stupid :wacko:
Would a tank with dimensions 450x350x350 fall within this range. :p
I have one standing at home and if so it could now come in very handy :bigsmile:
Unfortunately, no. You cannot use this tank. Sorry. Swop it for a smaller one with someone else! :p
Double-D
04-10-2011, 12:39
This will officially be my first nano scape... already messed up half a notepad planning
Very good!! Come on Guys! More people must enter! Hehehe... I'm very glad so many people are going to participate in this!! Good stuff!
Double-D
04-10-2011, 13:11
No specifics on hooded or open top?
Nope. Up to you entirely.
Unfortunately, no. You cannot use this tank. Sorry.
Thanks Sean J....now the hunt begins :bigsmile:
I'll give this a go!
Tracy
And add me as well, my arm was twisted by Slagter - I will use a 30L nano that I have running currently. Won't break it down completely but do a whole new rescape? If that is fine?
LOL! I am Slagter on the other forums!! :amazed:
That's cool, but you need to post progress. So If you empty the tank and redo all the things from scratch and then refill the tank with the old tank water, that will work just fine!!
Ag hemel weet jy! Mansmense en hulle alter egos :P
Ok I will do it, I will tempt the wrath of my boy and put him in the QT tank this weekend so I can scape :P I will take pics of the empty tank and then the progress. :D
LOL! Alter Egos!! It's not an alter ego, it's my name. I've been meaning to ask to get my name changed there too... LOL!
Awesome!! Glad you are going to go for it!!
windfire
04-10-2011, 21:53
ok i am completely and utterly confuzzled, is this the same comp petstop was going to run or is this another one entirely?
windfire As far as I know this one is separate - to promote The Planted Tank? :)
Sean J - it is an alter ego !!!!
windfire
04-10-2011, 22:08
aaa ok then unfortunately gents i'm going to have to bow outa this one, my nano is going to be dismantled in a few weeks for petstops comp and that tanks not a nano. pity coulda tried my 70L but would never want to dimantle it, and theres alot more than 6 plant sp in the tank. oooo design is still viable lol for petstops comp i mean, i'll be using the ada soil for that tank. no more space for the nano and i did promise to dismantle it if i got the new tank lol, aaa the bargaing with the non fish obsessed folk in my life lol.
windfire As far as I know this one is separate - to promote The Planted Tank? :)
Sean J - it is an alter ego !!!!
Lol!!! Maybe split personality. I prefer the sound of that! Hahaha!!
Sorry to hear that windfire. Pity, the more entries the bigger and better the competition.
It is definitely not part of the petstop competition.
dude.. one month is very short time:(
got my tank sort out:)
It is definitely not part of the petstop competition.
ok i am completely and utterly confuzzled
Rory Maybe we need a competition / event calendar for the sponsors.
Good Idea there... It's not one month guys... Comp runs until 26 November. That's 7 weeks. Almost 2 months. That's plenty of time for a tank to "grow in"...
Ok I have one last question, okay actually its more than one lol!
Anyway, are we allowed to know the judging criteria? Meaning, are you looking for the best looking Low tech tank? What will be more important, plants or scape? As I really want to enter, and I have a super Low tech idea!
The judging will be based on all the criteria. The journal, the tank, the scape, hardscape, plants, etc... But tha main thing is that the best looking tank will win the main prize.
Started scaping today :) so you guys better move it or loose it :p
Shoosh Vis - I can only start on Sat :P
Plants will only go in on saturday so I won't win that far :) :p
bwahahahahaha still faster than me :P Altho I have all my plants growing in another tank. My main issue is to find driftwood.
Ok me and my big mouth. First plan is not gonna work. Back to plan B and the drawing board.
Hahaha you jinxed yourself!
Hahaha!! The competition is heating up already!!
Hope you guys ready this is gonna be awesome just chatting to spock rider tonight I think he is gonna enter as well, plants plants plants...
Bwahahaha I think we all have a very competitive streak :P Im putting mine together on Sat. Already have the basic design ready its now just to find the perfect piece of driftwood - and I have been looking for 2 months already :S
just to find the perfect piece of driftwood - and I have been looking for 2 months already :S
O you mean the one I have outside on the stoop :)
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr :P
Double-D
06-10-2011, 15:55
I ain't tellin yooz all nuffin....
But I have to say that a nano is tough if you are used to 1.2m plus scapes
That is what makes this competition interesting!! There are a lot of intricacies to a Nano aquarium, and this is the perfect way to flex your skills!!
What skills! Im a total noob :P Im just doing it for fun, Im just hoping I get the journal right :P I didnt do so well with keeping dairies :P
Hard scape finished today. Now some time consuming planting.
That's the best part, isn't it?
Best part is seeing the stuff you planted growing :)
Silver Dollar
07-10-2011, 13:44
Hi Sean, You can add me as well, thanks Martin
I'm actually pretty excited abt this proj:) lowest budget tank I've ever setup! Also 1st time I'll be using excel:)
Hehe I can't wait for the weekend so that I can start with it! shihr I love my excel - its perfect for my tanks.
@Rory (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=1) Maybe we need a competition / event calendar for the sponsors.
Kinda done... Link at the top.
Got my Hardscapes and a couple more plants, now I just need to get the sub, and then start... whoohooo
windfire
08-10-2011, 10:54
by the way guys i was wondering round a new petstore and they had wood for reptile cages that is really nice, i found my perfect 'tree' the place that supplied it to the petstore was called reptile haven if anyones looking. it looks to me to be willow tree roots, mine looks like a knarled old windswept tree with a hole in the base. i was so happy to find it, its alrady soaking with the other piece of wood i'm using.
Ok, so registration is over... Get them beautiful tanks started now!!
Hi Sean can you post the list of entered candidates?
I'm adding the forum names that they are on as well... So this is the entire list of people who are entered. I have left windfire on the list, incase she decides to compete in this competition.. :p
Skye01 – APSA
Wolf – APSA, Plant Smart and TASA
Herve – APSA
Ivan – APSA
Mabuff – APSA
Catfishblues – APSA
Lizid – APSA, Plant Smart and TASA
Wearsbunnyslippers*
Ghostword – APSA and Plant Smart
shihr*
Vis – TASA
Zoom – TASA
TankMaster – TASA
dougbb – TASA
Rory – TASA
Firefly – TASA
Windfire – TASA
Double-D – TASA
Vez – TASA and Plant Smart
Newby – TASA
tractp – TASA
Wyvren – TASA and Plant Smart
f-fish – TASA
Silver Dollar – TASA
So that's 24 hopefuls!! People with stars next to their names cannot win prizes... Sorry boys.
Sweet my the best tank win good luck guys I am looking forward to what comes out of this!!!
Great idea to get the awareness up on planted tanks. Albeit low tech, just got my sub and finished the hardscapes...
Seanj are we posting progress here or not yet?
Oh bugger - see I made it onto the list .. suppose that means MTS gets another nudge .. now I need to go find a 40l bucket and start thinking about a build.
Not yet. I'll pm everyone specific details about how the layout of the journal must be. Also, maybe a pic at the half way point from everyone would be nice. I can upload them anonymously...
I hope we don't need pics of the build?
You need to journal the process, so build pics would be beneficial.
Damn it...
Haha, sorry.
Been taking pics like a beast.
Shooooooosh Ill be starting my setup later today, just waiting on my stump to finish its last boil :P
Its one of those where you get so involved during the process you don't think about cameras.
Come now people!! Take loads of pics!!
On a technical point - is the display area of the nano limited to 40l or the total volume .. i.e HOB's + Tank < 40l or Tank + sump < 40l?
Sorry I am still trying to find a container ...
i think its tank volume..
Tank volume is limited to 40l. You can have as much filtration as you want after that. But the tank can not be more than 40 liters.
for some great photograph techniques go to http://en.iaplc.com/howto/index.html specifically for taking of tanks!:)
Dude, that is a great link! Thanks!
And Im almost done setting up. Have to say it was fun to play in the mud for the afternoon :P
TankMaster
09-10-2011, 19:25
Hi Sean . . . seeing as I've been away for the weekend and come back to a VERY full thread... (which I am really lazy to page through)
Can I suggest this be used as the competition 'discussion' thread and a new thread be opened for more important matters like registration and rules. (since this thread has been filled up so nicely)
Zoom Sean J Rory
Regards
It's ok. I don't mind this thread being so full. All the discussions can now take place in this thread, now that everyone has registered...
HI TM
I think we'd rather keep all the competition stuff on one thread. Thus is creates less clutter and confusion... One competition with one thread. Obviously when we start showing etc Sean can open up the relevant threads within his sub-forum.
Also, maybe a pic at the half way point from everyone would be nice. I can upload them anonymously...
I think at the halfway mark you should post pics of the very beginning of each tank. Someone might just have a look at some elses tank and decide his not gonna bother any further and then withdraw what might have been the winning tank.
I am already starting to regret entering... I dunno if I can do this.... eish think I bit of more than I can chew...
eish think I bit of more than I can chew...
Chew man chew, nanos can be very daunting in the beginning and low tech takes time to look like anything.
Lizid - I feel the same way trust me, but Im gonna hang in there. At the worst we learn a few new tips and tricks on styles and plant keeping.
Dont get me wrong guys I am not dropping out, just doubting myself...
I think we all have the same problem. Plan big with elaborate scapes and then only two plants fit in the tank and you haven't even added a rock :).
Stick in there it sometimes turn out better then you think, you just need to get it around the bend.
Some inspiration I like to use :)
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=27017&stc=1&d=1296196144
http://www.tricitytropicals.com/wp-content/uploads/Spongebob Aquarium.jpg
http://marineland.ugc.bazaarvoice.com/stories/0597-en_us/391001/photo.jpg
Thanks bud it just does not help that we cant readaly get the cool plants...
HAHAHAHADIHA... lol which is yours...
Not telling yet.
Ok well good luck let me know if you need a sponge for bakini bottum...
Vis thanks for that! That just reminded me of this one betta forum I saw once. The tanks scared me!
Lizid Don't stress it man... Nano's can be very daunting at first... I actually think Nano's can be more scary than a normal tank.
Can I just make one small comment to everyone who may be feeling a little "overwhelmed".... Low tech nano... think easy to grow plants. These plants are usually the easiest to find in LPS. Low tech.... think "beginner"... with the complexities of a Nano.
Strange you should mention those "easy" plants Zoom - I went to 3 non sponsor LFS's today and absolutely none of them had any aquatic plants in their Plants section... It makes me frikken angry!!
Just think Java Fern, Mosses, Crypts, Hemianthus micranthemoides, etc... A lot can be done with these plants folks. Even in smaller tanks.
To everyone who is feeling uninspired and depressed look here: http://www.aquascapingworld.com/forum/aquascaping-showcase/709-rain-forest-7g-nano.html - That is 2 plants! Anubius and Hemianthus Micranthemoides. Stunning little tank! Browse the site for other inspiring pics! Also, don't be scared to copy other peoples scapes. This is how we learn folks!
I think the first thing you need for a good nano is the right tank ... in my case I am looking for something I have never tried before, yet once the comp is over it must be a tank that I would like to keep in the collection. Still looking for the right bucket. Truth is - if I read most short term competitions then it is more about the selection on the day than how well things have grown into the tank space. I might be wrong but this competition reminded me about what makes a good flower arrangement .. it is not how you grew the flowers but how you put them all together once you cut them.
Sean J
If you went to AK in Hillfox looking for plants... Sorry... I cleaned them out last week.... They possibly expecting new stock this week
Oh... and please don't talk about HM for a low tech set up... I can't even get the stuff to grow in my High Tech!!!!!!!!1
Sean J: THAT TANK IS INSANE!!! AND IT LOOKs LEGEND!!!
and please don't talk about HM for a low tech set up
Are you not thinking HC? I grew HM fine with a 14W bulb and no CO2
I joked before but serious in my opinion keep it simple and elegant and like Freddy said: layout.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3835332008_08b95e570b.jpg
http://www.ervinelin.com/Fishtank/StudioTank_Jul2009-1.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UfqKijZHF90/S_WIDyX4fFI/AAAAAAAAAFM/PAws7oteH_I/IMG_1254.JPG
No Vis... I know the diff with HM and HC... Strangely my HC is growing perfectly fine in my nano... (medium tech) but the HM in the Main High tech is doing nothing
I think the first thing you need for a good nano is the right tank ... in my case I am looking for something I have never tried before, yet once the comp is over it must be a tank that I would like to keep in the collection. Still looking for the right bucket. Truth is - if I read most short term competitions then it is more about the selection on the day than how well things have grown into the tank space. I might be wrong but this competition reminded me about what makes a good flower arrangement .. it is not how you grew the flowers but how you put them all together once you cut them.
f-fish
This is the general idea of this competition dude. The idea is to get people to try out a planted setup. Obviously the prize is a big motivator, but the idea is to make sure that the standards of the competition is pretty high. I think 2 months for a low tech tank to "grow in" is just about the right amount of time. It's definitely not a "flower arranging" competition. It's going to take a lot of effort to create the nano. Lots of people will put in the effort, and hopefully they will keep the tanks running after the competition ends. The whole point of me doing the ADA thing was because I was gatvol of not being able to get what I wanted... Now everyone will have access to the stuff and it will make keeping planted tanks easier in the future.
@Sean J (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=122)
If you went to AK in Hillfox looking for plants... Sorry... I cleaned them out last week.... They possibly expecting new stock this week
Nope, I refuse to buy from them.
Oh... and please don't talk about HM for a low tech set up... I can't even get the stuff to grow in my High Tech!!!!!!!!1
I could grow HM in a bucket sitting in my tank room with no light. It, in my experience, is very easy to grow... Strange that you have had this issue...
but the HM in the Main High tech is doing nothing
Everybody's got that one thing he can't get right :) I cant seem to keep glosso :)
Stop complaining people :amazed:.What you should say is..."thank goodness Rudi did not enter the comp.":bigsmile:
I would have owned you all..... Just kidding.
Good luck too all and enjoy it.
Sean J
I vote Rudi be put onto that list... Wait.. I'm a Mod, I can go put his name on it.....
I challenge Rudi to a 2 month low tech nano set up.....
LOL! If you all want to go up against Rudi that badly, then I'll add his name... But it's YOUR choice, and YOUR funeral... The man has skillz!!
Yup.... I'd like to see Rudi do a low tech. He's amazing with the High tech stuff, would like to go up against him on the LT.
However to be fair, other members need to agree.... we can't break the closing date rule just because I put the challenge out there.
Stop the bus guys.I can't enter this time,I have no space to put another tank.
I do have loads of ideas but that will have to wait for another opportunity.Thanks but .....
Rudi - Whatever dude... There is ALWAYS space for a small tank! :worried:
LOL!
Sean J,you really want to give me that First Prize,don't you?
lol,no...I'll "let" someone else have this one.I'll definitely be in for the next comp,so be warned........:deal:
Hehehehehe... No comment.
Cool, next round you are officially in!!
"thank goodness Rudi did not enter the comp."
I would have owned you all..... Just kidding.
That's why I tagged you in the first place. Thought if I want to compete is might as well be against the best the forum has. Still got WBS to content with :)
Jislaaik now you lot have managed to make me nervous of my setup! Shooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooosh :P
Don't be scared to change things until you are happy!
TankMaster
10-10-2011, 21:44
LoL if WBS enters this comp, I'm opting out :D . . .
Just kidding..*
I've been snooping around that international planted aquarium forum again.. trying to get some ideas.*
I'm gonna try and get my tank tomorrow and play around with the hard scape.*
Gonna be fun to finally unpack all my planted tank goodies I bought earlier in the year.*
My only concern is that I'm not familiar with blacklisted plants and I don't want to plant something, only to remove it. Just worried about how I'll be able to identify BL stuff at my LPS.
I'm also considering stocking options but I'm not entirely sure what to get.
Anyway, to those who started, all the best with the scaping and endless re-scaping :D . . .*
http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?3915-Freshwater-Plant-Blacklist
Go check that thread! It will allow you to see the names of plants that are black listed... Do a bit of research and you wont have to remove anything! Like I said earlier, this is not a simple competition... It's going to take some thought.
PS: Wearsbunnyslippers has entered the comp, but because he is helping me judge it, and the fact that he sponsors one of the other forums, he may not win a prize...
Sean J - I will be happy when my driftwood stops drifting! Otherwise I will have to figure something out.
tie it to a rock and plant it in the subs..
TankMaster
10-10-2011, 22:14
Knowing a plant name might not help much when choosing plants in a shop by 'eyeballing'. I will have to place a special order with my LPS. That way I know I'm not getting anything BL
shihr I am leaving that as a last resort - Im soaking it for a while and will see what happens.
Try boiling it for an hour or 2.
boil it and put it in cold water then boil it again and put it into cold water.. repeat and it seems to soak up water faster..
Firstly why am I still awake? Secondly its been boiling on and off since Sat, decided to leave it for a couple of days in a bucket of water and holding thumbs. If push comes to shove I will find a way to attach a rock to it to keep it down, I need this in the tank :P
..... sh...lant-Blacklist
LOL - I love that BL - should really see about adding more pictures to it .. google search for images does help. Between the BL and non-aquatic plants being sold at the LFS you have a very small chance of getting some really cool plants for this competition unless you are willing to either swop or use from current stock.
It makes me frikken angry - I hear you -- probably this needs fixing at some stage if more people will be joining the planted tank hobby.
Great, Rudi, @WBS, Vis, shihr and Zoom I am feeling very incompitent at the moment!!!
Give me strength!!!!
Haha.. Dude just get some inspiration online, plan properly and be consistent:) and also rem that u can only get better:)
Hehehe, Lizid *hugs* I know the feeling. Especially when I double checked my plants against the BL and found one I forgot about so now to find something else :P
LOL! You guys worry too much! Stop when you think it looks great!
Ons mag stess! :P
Im 99% happy - just my hardscape to finish once the driftwood finally plays along- otherwise Im not fussing much at all. Im already in the caring phase :P
Wyvren, I have change and rechanged my ideas again and again...lol
had to change my scape as swell bl is getting to me hate the bl. now to find a replacement for it.
LOL Lizid - dont worry so did I untill I found something I love. Once you find that it get easier I promise :P
jip just what i love is on the bl
Oh damit.. Hair grass is also bl too huh?
Hahahaha wolf - I just found one of mine is on BL but its not a trainsmash. :D There are some lovely plants to play with that is not on the list. Hmmmmmmmmm I should go visit my one plant supplier this weekend I think.
Hmmm, I wonder if the SO will allow me to get a tank again. I see that Jungle has the Fluval Edge on special for 1800
It is always easier to ask forgiveness that to ask permission...
It is always easier to ask forgiveness that to ask permission...
Say that to your wife's face, I dare you! :blink1:
Tried that route with an Ipad. Nett result, it got returned the following day :redface:
BWAHAHAHAHAHA! But you don't NEED an iPad... You definitely NEED a fish tank!! :ridinghorse:
Already planted the seed so to speak. Now to see how good/bad those tanks are in real life
Those little Fluval Edges are really nice... I love the look of them. But look at the Juwel Lido as well. It's got better lighting.
TankMaster
11-10-2011, 17:23
:D Got my tank today!! I've never been so happy to get a 10 gallon ...lol
Just got started with my journal. After a tedious 10 month wait, my tank is finally at stage 1. (For those of you who don't know, I've been yapping about starting a planted tank since last year.)
Tank is clearing up nicely, even though I washed that Flourite Black like crazy, it's really taking it's time. Currently running my mini canister with Seachem Matrix but I'm thinking about adding another filter for internal flow but I'm not sure yet.
Stage one of my hardscape is complete. I will have to drain the tank for stage 2 of the hardscape (Setting up some rocks and stuff) and for planting.
Not even doing it (mainly) for the prizes anymore but my tank will look good with some ADA flair :D. Now I see what I've been missing out on since I said goodbye to ALL my tanks and fish.
Hope you guys and girls are having just as much fun.
TM
TankMaster I dont think we are post the progress online yet...
TankMaster - Not to be a buzzkill, but just remember that this is a competition that other members are competing in... Showing off your setup could result in people stealing your ideas... And that could lead to a defeat!!! :bike:
LOL! Very glad you are making some good progress though!
I'd just like to check on something if I may? The journal? You've said it's ok to put it together in Word, but I think you said you wanted to add more about the format?
TankMaster
11-10-2011, 17:35
To me it's more about the fun of it. No use being stiff about the competition (in general) when everyone here loves being a part of this hobby :D
LoL, I'm sure everyone is going to fill their tank with substrate and add a filter :) . . . see where I'm going?
It was more of a blurb than a showcase :)
Hahaha Tankmaster I agree with you - dropping hints but not saying to much I think is more than fair :P
I have to agree with Lizid.... I'm regretting being the first to answer, but I will go through with it all. Remember that this is my first planted tank so I'm gonna do the best I can considering... I can't afford all the special subs, so I have to go with something I either know or am prepared to try out.
OOPS! I have a little problem... My Panda's laid eggs on a plastic plant and a rock that I have had to remove from the tank and put into the little tank I'm planning on using for my set-up. If they hatch in a couple of days then I will have to use another tank.
Can anyone help in working out the litreage on a hex tank? I remember adding 40.5lt but that didn't include any decorations or wood. Please advise if I can use this Sean J?
Thanks
Kim the nervous. :afraid:
TankMaster
11-10-2011, 18:32
Try it out. . . The tank volume limit was 40L.
This will make TASA history BTW. Most low tech planted tanks created by TASA members.
:D
Skye01 http://www.theaquatools.com/volume-calculator this should help ..
I'm so mad at myself for not entering... I only now got the MOST BRILLIANT IDEA for a nano... Snap... Maybe next time...
Guys, if the total volume of the tank is more than 40 liters, you can't use the tank. I'm sorry. If I bend the rules for one person, then everyone can use a bigger tank. Can't you put the cory eggs into the hex tank? Then you can use the other one as you intended?
I see this competition is heating up!! And we're only really into the first week!! I am really glad the response has been so good!! Makes it all worth while!
My wife (who does not like my tanks) walks into the garage/fish room, this evening and say "I actually like this tank can we put it in the house?"
Victory lol... Maybe I will be lucky and I can put my big 4ft in the house!!!
My wife (who does not like my tanks) walks into the garage/fish room, this evening and say "I actually like this tank can we put it in the house?"
Victory lol... Maybe I will be lucky and I can put my big 4ft in the house!!!
haha dude, thats wish full thinking :P i made sure my wife married me with my tanks in the living room, study etc so she was used to it :P hehe.. i have compromised and reduced it from 10 tanks to 7 :P its all abt compromising :P
Thanks f-fish I will go and check it out, hopefully it will tell me that my Hex tank is under 40Lt.
Sean J I would love to but I have fish in there that would love to devour the eggs in a second, and it looks like they might be fertile (fingers crossed) coz there is a little comma (,) type of shape inside the eggs now in a slightly darker colour. I'll know in a day or two what's going on. In the mean time Ive been keeping some of my plants in a plastic breeding tank under my spray bar to keep up a good flow of water over them.
I'll keep you all posted as to the progress though, whatever it may be.
Got some of my tank stock today 10x Microrasboras kobutai :)
So I painted some of the bits of the tank I'm going to use yesterday :p I've collected some equipment. So hopefully filling the tank this weekend.
Vis where did you source those?
Did you get mine and Zooms pm?
Hi, got them from Looliloks Koi Farm. Did get the pm and replied.
Awesome... I did not get the PM did you send to me and Zoom...
Those are very cool little guys, were there any left?
I am having a lot of networkproblems the last few days so maybe it did not go through. Tes there are still quite a few and also some lampeyes and green fire tetras.
TankMaster
12-10-2011, 10:23
:D Hardscape complete! Fluorite black is extremely difficult to clean! I think I used about 200 Liters of water just to clean 7kg of that stuff!
Going later to order some plants from my LFS :D
Doing a fish-less tank cycle at the moment but I plan to get a guppy or two today to hopefully help me out and hopefully get my tank stock in there by next week Friday.
Now to go and see what fish and plants my LFS can get me *. . .
Fantastic progress being made by everyone!!
Microrasbora kubotai?? Awesome find! I need to make a plan to head out and visit this new shop, but that side of town is frikken far away!!
TankMaster - I would not add a fish to help the cycle. Why not just use Seachem Stability or Microbelift products to help the cycle along? Or a small piece of fish? You don't need to put a fish through all that nowdays.
TankMaster
12-10-2011, 10:45
We don't get seachem stuff here in Durban. I added some fish food in there. It might be enough for a 1 week cycle.
Sean J - When do we get an idea of the journals? And how to set the up? (Ive never kept one before so no idea what needs to be in there :P)
Why do you want to speed up the cycle??? This isn't a rush job to get fish in. There's no hurry. Important aspect is the plants and scape.
I set up last week Thursday... using a Tetra product for the cycling, add a tiny pinch of food every alternate day. Been testing the water every day since set up, and already been through the ammonia and nitrite spike. So tank has settled down already. (6 days). Still no rush to get fish in. I'd rather spend time on getting the plants settled in and growing (fiddling, more fiddling and more fiddling) before I put any fish in.
Vis, What do they look like, coz I might go and get some as well, but not to use in my competition tank. Did you see the Norman's Lampeyes they are soooo cute with their flashes of blue and they stay really small (4cm). How far away do you live from Boksburg that you are here so often?
Kim
We don't get seachem stuff here in Durban. I added some fish food in there. It might be enough for a 1 week cycle.
If you speak to Jungle Aquatics, they will send you stuff.
@Sean J (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=122) - When do we get an idea of the journals? And how to set the up? (Ive never kept one before so no idea what needs to be in there :P)
Just look at any members Tank Threads. They will usually have setup pics, describing the whole setup procedure in detail, and progress pics, and then completed tank pics! Just be sure to go into lots of detail.
Why do you want to speed up the cycle??? This isn't a rush job to get fish in. There's no hurry. Important aspect is the plants and scape.
I set up last week Thursday... using a Tetra product for the cycling, add a tiny pinch of food every alternate day. Been testing the water every day since set up, and already been through the ammonia and nitrite spike. So tank has settled down already. (6 days). Still no rush to get fish in. I'd rather spend time on getting the plants settled in and growing (fiddling, more fiddling and more fiddling) before I put any fish in.
I agree... Don't rush this guys. It's a slow process, that you must enjoy. Take your time. If you don't like something, change it, but think about it first!
Guys, I am so chuffed that you are all taking this so seriously! It's awesome!
Not to far skye, about 200 or so Km's. They are labbeled as green neons and not microrasboras.
Hehehe, I think I managed to skip a couple of steps due to using an existing tank ;P I just changed the scape completely as well as basics such as substrate and awaiting lights. But managed to keep my filter medium going during all of that so that I just had a mini cycle. But I have to admit its been fun so far (this was the excuse I needed to get a few things for the tank that I have been putting off).
Mine was also an existing tank redone.
Aah, that's why I didn't know what you bought. Yes the little green neons are lovely, I think that in the right setting their colours will really show.
It's not too bad, but it still is a hang of a way to travel. Let me know in advance the next time you go and see Juan & I can meet you there, I'm like part of the furniture there not only for the tropical but for the Koi as well.
Yes my tank will also be a new scape but in an existing tank (I hope), I have to put in the gravel and such coz it's bare except for the corner filter, a rock and a plastic plant which have my Panda eggs on.
f-fish thanks for the direction to the calculation site, it has told me that my hex tank filled to the level I want is 40L... Whoo-Hoo!!!!:dancing2:Let's see which tank I have to use tho, I'm still hoping to use the little one but...
Was also very tempted to take those last 3 halfbeaks but do not have the space.
Vis were they also there by Juan? I don't remember seeing them when I was there on Sat.
it has told me that my hex tank filled to the level I want is 40L... Glad the calculator worked, but I hope you are not saying hey let me enter my +-4 foot tank but only fill it with 7cm of water ;-).
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Ja... Skye01 - Unfortunately the total volume of the container/tank/bucket/whatever, must be no more than 40 liters. I am sorry... If you are in SERIOUS need of a tank, I have a little 1 foot tank that you can use for the competition. I know it's small, but it's all I have that's less than 40 liters.
So a 12l display tank with a 400l sump wouldnt pass?
Tank volume is limited to 40l. You can have as much filtration as you want after that. But the tank can not be more than 40 liters. Zoom that is not a problem ..
So a 12l display tank with a 400l sump wouldnt pass?
Overkill is underrated!!! LOL! You would be fine, because your display is limited to 40 liters. You can only do so much with a 40L display tank.
windfire
12-10-2011, 21:59
sean your evil seriously i'm extremely tempted now with my one foot. i'm thinking it might be better to setup the other competion tank after dec holidays as it'll be one less tank for whoever looks after the house to look after while we gone, and one less for me to worry about aswell lol. which means the 1foot could be running till next year. is it ok if i only have natural lighting? i'll do a complete breakdown like others have done and a rebuild. hmmmmm a pleasant distraction from exams too
Of coarse it's ok if you use natural light!! I just want as many people to enter this comp as possible!!
windfire
12-10-2011, 22:16
alrighty then i know what i'll be doing on monday when i get back to pta lol. sooo i'm back in lol. yay this should be fun.
My tanks not much bigger than 12L mines not "much" bigger...
I have just had a brain fart and looks like a redesign heheeheee damn it lol..,
Hmmm thats a sign of me being tired!!
evil seriously i'm extremely tempted now with my one foot I know the feeling - I am not willing to pay R1200 for the plexiglass tube (+-25x80) I wanted to use for my nano build. I to am considering cleaning out an old 1 ft and using that ... just to enter something.
Evil? Me? NEVER!! :amazed:
hahahahaha yes I think I agree with windfire - EVIL! :P
Like Doctor Evil from Austin Powers?
Bwhahaha yea you could say that :P
8. You will be required to add your name to this thread, if you intend to enter the competition. All names must be in this thread by no later than Friday 7 October 2011.
Can I enter : ( I am feeling left out : (
Hi Verndog sorry bud the entries have closed, ask Sean if you can submit and see how your tank fares...
Hi Sean J,
No, sorry I worded that very wrong...:redface: The total volume of the tank is 40lt and it can only be filled to a certain mark or else the water would overflow out the back. These are the measurements that I put into the calculator : 19.5 x 40.5cm, I can take pics if you want, just not too sure how to upload them tho... :confused:
Thanks for the offer of the 1ft tank, that's the size of my other tank that has the eggs in it. BTW the eggs now have little eyes that I can make out... :cool: They should hatch in the next day to two...
Kim
shihr I have a wide range, I love them they are just the cutest. The one's that laid the eggs are Panda's, but I also have Albino, Bronze, Pepper, Sterbai, Black Sail, Three-Lined(Trilineatus)/Leopard(Jullii) & I think a Spotted or Dotted(punctatus).
I will try to get some decent pics ups as soon as I can, can't get them to "pose" for the camera tho. :blink1:
very cool!:) Pls let me know if ur going to sell or give away some:) I'll gladly take some off ur hands:) anyways, back to the comp.. Low tech is so outa my comfort zone.. Loving the experience though:)
No problem, I will let you know how it goes with the itsy bitsy micro, micro dots. :bigsmile:
Well this will be my first attempt at a planted tank, but like they say, "sink or swim" and boy am I swimming for dear life right now...:blink: I'm waiting to hear if Sean J will allow me to use my hex tank in place of my 1ft, or if I'm gonna have to take him up on his offer of borrowing his 1ft. :wondering:
@ Verndog - Ok, but you are TOTALLY the last person allowed to enter. You are already at a disadvantage, as we are a week into the competition already, so get cracking!!
If the other contestants have an issue with your entry, I will have to take you off the list though, so it's up to them. Vis Rory Zoom Skye01 shihr Lizid Wyvren f-fish TankMaster Silver Dollar windfire Firefly - Sorry to do a mention bomb, but if you guys are cool with me letting one more person in on the comp, then it's cool...
Skye01 - That is cool... As long as it is 40L and below, I'm happy.
No issues here with late entry... over and our chief.
@Sean J (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=122), thank you sooooo much coz it looks like my 1ft is gonna be taken up with a few little micro-dots (that's what I called my first pair as they were so tiny it was almost impossible to see them amongst the gravel in my tank).
I'll post a pic anyway just to prove that I'm not cheating.
I don't have a problem @Verndog (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=1283) being added. :bigsmile:
QUESTIONS???
Is there anyone on the ER that might be able to assist me in where to get some T5 globes for my tank?
Can anyone tell me a bit about water lilly planting mix with bone meal? My mom wants to re-pot her lillies but she is not sure if this is safe for her pond fish.
TIA
Also no issue - the more the merrier :P
@ Verndog - Ok, but you are TOTALLY the last person allowed to enter. You are already at a disadvantage, as we are a week into the competition already, so get cracking!!
If the other contestants have an issue with your entry, I will have to take you off the list though, so it's up to them. @Vis (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=530) @Rory (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=1) @Zoom (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=227) @Skye01 (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=2229) @shihr (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=1054) @Lizid (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=820) @Wyvren (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=1535) @f-fish (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=339) @TankMaster (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=1047) @Silver Dollar (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=128) @windfire (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=499) @Firefly (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=1004) - Sorry to do a mention bomb, but if you guys are cool with me letting one more person in on the comp, then it's cool...
@Skye01 (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/member.php?u=2229) - That is cool... As long as it is 40L and below, I'm happy.
Yesssss(jabs the air with his elbow), mine is going to extremly low tech.....I have a old Marina betta tank I am going to use : ) daily water changes and a bed side lamp : ) So Ill more than likely not win : () The only thing I am going to buy is a plant and that will more than likely be terrestrial coz my plant ID's are terrible.
Thanks to the guys so far allowing me in, the guy that denies me is going to look like a real turd now; 0
No problem on my side.. Sean J
Silver Dollar
13-10-2011, 15:35
No problem
All fine with me, I will just demand my handfull of aqua soil if he win.
Awesome the More the merrier...welcome Verndog...:blink1:
squeak! squeak!
...just a tad worried, Sean J? Is my name registered? Just worried, cos you left me out on the name-bomb? Tho I can't even begin to imagine that I have even a fighting chance, I am trying away out here in the platteland?
wow guys have some confidence here.. Everyone has a fair chance:)
lol TracyP - you on the list - just not as vocal about stuff as the rest of the nuts
Skye01 – APSA
Wolf – APSA, Plant Smart and TASA
Herve – APSA
Ivan – APSA
Mabuff – APSA
Catfishblues – APSA
Lizid – APSA, Plant Smart and TASA
Wearsbunnyslippers*
Ghostword – APSA and Plant Smart
shihr*
Vis – TASA
Zoom – TASA
TankMaster – TASA
dougbb – TASA
Rory – TASA
Firefly – TASA
Windfire – TASA
Double-D – TASA
Vez – TASA and Plant Smart
Newby – TASA
tractp – TASA
Wyvren – TASA and Plant Smart
f-fish – TASA
Silver Dollar – TASA
but you might need to add a t to your name ;-) and drop the y
All good the more the better ..
Thanks, Ferdie,
Though I never entered as anything but: tracyp: typo's, aren't mine.... in this case!
I to am considering cleaning out an old 1 ft and using that - double bugger - the tank is no more .. now for plan C
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got some of these that had been standing outside for a while .. cleaning it out now. Hope to have substrate in by night end. Not post a journal as things evolve is so un-TASA. What about a compromise - could we post a journal - each in his own thread, keep it as elusive as possible not divulge real detail or pics till the final comp date? We could tag it with the_planted_tank_2011_comp or something like that to keep track of them?
Scape idea was easy, planting easy but the hardest part of this comp is not sharing :)
TankMaster
13-10-2011, 20:40
I planted my tank today. A very difficult task. Just going to wait for everything to grow in now.*
and I'm cool with the late entry :)
I will not post I will not post...
Hahahaha Lizid - that is why I decided to update my other thread, I NEEDED to post something :P Now this weekend will be spent trying to get my driftwood to sink. What is the best and easiest method of getting a rock to stick to the bottom of the wood?
What is the best and easiest method of getting a rock to stick to the bottom of the wood? silicone ....
Will it stick wood and rock? I didnt know that! Im assuming Marine Silicone. . .
Please don't make any posts with journals on the public forum!! I'll add all of these once the entries are in! Guys please. I want to keep this as anonymous as possible for now. I'm very glad you all are so enthusiastic about this competition, but please can we just keep it secret for...
Sean J So far none of us has cracked :P Relaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaax
YET!!!! :amazed:
LOL! Nah, it's cool. I'm chilled about this. I just want every person to have fun with this.
tracyp - Sorry, that was a typo, you were registered for the competition!! Sorry about that!
Now that the plants are in what fish she'll I get. What fish can life in 30l and be happy 6 cardinals? Now if I can just get p. Helfire
windfire
14-10-2011, 10:46
wow lol this is really heating up. is there any specific format we should follow in the journal? this has actually come at a perfect time, after the crappy test i had today i need a distraction. tell me does the tiger lotus do ok with excel added? or does it melt? i'm assuming that pictures must be taken without hardware? must we put in a background? i think the pics will come out better. hmmm thinking laminated black cardboard.
I am leaving the hardware in, since I really cant remove my filter :P And I have found a nice way of hiding the heater. I'm still deciding what to add fish wise in the tank, need to find something that will do well with a male fighter.
windfire
14-10-2011, 11:06
@wyvern whiteclouds maybe? or something bottom feeding, khulis could be nice
Who has a decent supply of plants these days? Looking at shrimps.co.za, who else?
I suspect Khuli's will be to big, but am seriously considering the white clouds.
windfire
14-10-2011, 11:49
i love them i have a small school in one of my tanks at home and they so funny to watch. the way they intimidate each other the best way to describe it is they flick their fins at each other its so cute lol. what colour is your fighter?
Hi ran out to get some food :P My boy is a red with some blue showing. That is why I didnt want to go for neons, but will the white clouds be ok with a tank at 25 deg?
White clouds are the least fussy fish ever. They can be kept in 15 degree water, up to about 29 degree water, so 25 will be fine for them!
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