Converted From Marine

[DXG]

Hi,

Been keeping marines for a few years now, recently decided to switch back to FW and have a go at a planted tank. (never really managed it before )

So after a good clean, I took stock on which marine kit to keep and use:

Lighting - 2 * 150w + 2 54w t5 (changed bulbs to BLV 5200K)
ehiem Compact 3000 Return Pump
Phosphate reactor (for carbon, in but not switched on)
Auto Top up. Not really important now, but saves me topping up everyday.

Only purchase was a JBL Co2 kit and 5 bags of Eco Complete. oh and lots of wood !

Although I'm used to high price of marine fish, I was surprised at how much trops have gone up. Oh well, in for a penny in for a pound !

Sump was filled with pond filter sponges and bioballs and all was good

I know I will pay a high price in Co2 for the wier/sump set up, upside though is no visible kit.

The "engine" room

The tank

Stocking details to follow, suffice to say though that I'm going down the discus route.....with open top tank for plants to grow out of the water.

Just hope it works

Dave

 

[Luke_emma_23]

that tank looks fab!!
what made you change from marine??

 

[youngfisher]

Nice looking tank, shame you left the salty side.

 

[Sean W.]

looks great dude!!!!


personally i dont like the elevated lights, i think that setup doesnt focus all the light on the tank, which is where you want it. but it looks great either way.

post more pictures.. post some close up pics

 

[DXG]

Thanks for the comments - changed from marine as I'm away from home a lot. No time to mix salt up for weekend water changes !

Tank had also been running well for nearly 4 years, I missed the fun and challenge of setting up a new tank. (Second tank not an option)

Stocking Details:

Tetras - 6 neon and 6 glowlight
6 Harlequin Rasbora
6 Skunk cories
3 Botia striata (snail patrol)
2 Bristlenose plecs.

Have also just dropped lucky of 5 Discus traded in at my LFS. Keeping an eye on parameters, but combination of heavily planted and huge sump biomass is more than coping.

 

[adasca]

nice well planted tank! I try to plant my plants on the wood, looks great and natural, what i do is tie up really fine black,brown cotton wool around say a piece of bog wood, then ever so carefuly feed the roots through and it eventually grows very well this way i find. Tank looks nice! Im currently having the challenge of running a tropical and marine at same time, makes it harder when i only a begginer on salty side!!

Adam

 

[DXG]

I'm with you Adam...

Have Anubis and java fern tied to the wood. Trying to get hold of some moss at the moment (seems harder to find than I remembered !)

Good luck with the marine tank

 

[saz326]

Like mentioned previously - Not too ken on these luminare lighty thingies - I think the glare from the bulb/tube detracts from the beauty of the tank. Is there a way you could mount the lights to minimise the ability for the tube to shine in your eyes?

 

[ZoddyZod]

it's very nice indeed. The bogwood and plants look like they have been lifted straight out of a tropical river.

Shame the tank isn't right in front of your sofa, I'd be glued to it all day!

 

[paul_219]

Nice tank not bad

 

[DXG]

Hi,

Added a couple more pics, plant growth is great - Love em or hate them, but halides are doing their job

Also got 4 of the 5 discus........so glad I switched. Really enjoying the challenge of planted tanks.

Dave

 

[ben1987]

nice looking tank!