60 Litre Planted

[altaaffe]

I'm just about getting there for this little project.
The intention is to set up the tank as though for a lo-tech method and then upgrade it to a hi-tech, the plants I'll be using, I'll explain which ones can go low and which need Hi-tech. Plants are ordered and I'll be using some of the offshoots from my main plants.

Here is the tank scrubbed up and ready to go - 60 Litres (15g approx):


and some of the kit I'll be using once it goes from low to hi-tech:

CO2, Valve & solenoid, CO2 one way valve, CO2 tubing, bubble counter, CO2 diffuser, CO2 drop checker.

[JohnL]

Can't wait to see more.

[Paul]

Cool

[Tim]

Sounds really good Al, can't wait to see more.

[Gerry]

Wullie (son in law) just gave me a CO2 kit so I'll be following this closely

[Katt]

What`s the point of starting low then go high tec ?
What you planing for the sebsence`s ? Going for a high feeder bed or are you going to add that when the time come`s ?
Hm going to be interesting to fallow this.

[altaaffe]

What`s the point of starting low then go high tec ?

I'm probably trying to bite off more than I can chew here Katt by trying to cover both disciplines at once. The intention is to set up the tank lo-tech first as a demonstration and then convert across and keep it hi-tech for my use - I can see it going horribly wrong at some point .

Here I've added the soil base, the pellets you can see is just some left over ADA Aquasoil to help the substrate along later - for lo-tech it's not needed but I used Aquasoil on my last few hi-tech tanks. It is a standalone substrate which also provides nutrition, it's one drawback is that it releases ammonia when new. I've added about 1.5cm of soil rising to about 3 at the back where the stem plants will be.


and then gravel on top, I might yet move some of the gravel and add some finer substrate at the front.


I've got to wait now because my plants were delayed arriving from Singapore apparently. Wood is soaking well and has sunk - so a bonus there.

[Katt]

Ok will try this again, darn PC.

Cool understand.
But in truth I can`t see a big problem down the road, not in your hand`s.
Looking good so far Alt.
Have to ask what lighting you going for. ?

[altaaffe]

Have to ask what lighting you going for. ?

I'll be starting with 2 x 15W T8, because that's what I've got lying around but I intend to upgrade that to 2 x 15W T5 once I source the cheapest components. I'm also in the process of converting this tank to being a coffee table tank whilst I wait for my plants.

[altaaffe]

Well events have overtaken me so time wise, I'm just going to set this up straight away on the hi-tech side.

My plants arrived eventually but my Glossostima Elatinoides was far from healthy, so I'll grow that and the E.Tenellus emersed for a little while to help them along.

I've added enough water to wet the substrate and have positioned the wood where I want it so I can see where to plant these foreground plants. Cling film over the tank to help keep humidity in, this way the plants can keep there feet wet, draw up the nutrients from the substrate and have access to a limitless supply of CO2.


Table has started to be erected around the tank too. I'm at a stage where I can do the planting and finish off the surround for the table.

[Alan]

gonna look good when done mate

[Dyjital]

Very cool

[Gerry]

looks good

So if I take cuttings of plants and want them to get a good start I would be better to plant them like that with the roots wet and the leaves in air and then cover it like yours with film to keep moist.

What temp do they require, tank temp or just kept from getting cold?

[altaaffe]

Just normal room temp will do mate, they'll need light as well though. Seen a few people do it in the likes of an ice cream tub on the window sill.

[JohnL]

Very nice Al can't wait to see more.