First attempt at a planted tank

Hey everyone

So this is my first attempt at a planted tank. It's a standard 3ft tank.
I'm running a DIY CO2 system, and dose Seachem Flourish weekly.

Let me know what you guys think

 

Looks great and welcome to the game!
Have you got root tabs in that gravel?


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I'm using aqua soil at the back. Towards the front of the tank I added a layer of silica sand on top of the aqua soil. Didn't really see a need for root tabs

 

Great looking tank there!! I think this is one to keep an eye on.. Can't wait to see the space filled with plants. Well done!!!

 

Looks real good.

 

What lighting are u using

 

Yep. That’ll do it


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Very nice start.

 

I put together my own lighting with some LED's that I bought from China mall. My tank isn't very deep so I don't need a very powerful light

 

@AV91 Nice setup well done on the DIY Led setup(you saved a ton of money their, its the one piece of equipment I will never purchase from a lfs its not their faults but I feel the Led lighting sold in SA for aquariums is a rip off) Tell us more about your DIY Co2 setup. Did you make it yourself? Where did you get the bits from to DIY it?

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I'm with you 100% on the lighting comments. Diy all the way

 

I bought the parts from a guy that I found on gumtree. He's based in Durban so it was convenient for me to get the stuff, but I think he ships as well. I'm using a citric acid and bicarb solution. The bubble counter, diffuser and drop checker are all glass. When people come over, they're always so intrigued by the CO2 set up

 

In some of the faster growing plants like ludwigia repens, vallisneria and even the rorala I can notice the growth everyday. Can see very few new runners from the dwarf hair grass after about a week.
What's your opinion on the daily dosing as opposed to twice a week? Any significant difference in growth?

 

@AV91 Great Co2 DIY setup. Thanks for sharing.

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Some decent plant growth after 2 weeks

 

I dose daily, every morning about 2 hours before the lights come on. The timing isn't purposeful, just happens that way with my work schedule. I also enjoy just checking out how fish and plants are doing daily, gives me a good indication if anything is changing drastically. I haven't tried any kind of weekly dose, as i'm not sure fish would be happy about a big spike in something like Nitrates. However, as you're using Flourish, that wouldn't be a problem

I use Scape Complete and double dose every day, then a big (70%) water change once every 2 weeks, to kinda emulate the EI dosing method. My understanding is that it isn't excess nutrients that cause algae, rather an imbalance of nutrients (including lights and CO2)

 

How much did the DIY co2 set you back?