Planted 46l with CO2

Hey Guys,

I've finally got my 46l up and running. It's quite heavily planted and has the Fluval CO2 (88g) kit to promote growth.

The substrate used is the Fluval Stratum (aquasoil) and is spread on a gradient, 3cm at the front to 5.5cm at the back of the tank. The hardscape is two pieces of Sumatra wood with java moss attached to the 'branches'. Planted at the back are some medium-tall Vallisneria. The mid-ground is a mix of Red Ammania and cryptocoryne wendtii 'green'. All of the plantlets from the bunches have been planted individually, with their roots trimmed. The foreground is planted some micro-sword grass, and in the front-left corner, some Hemianthus Cuba which I'm hoping will spread pretty well with the CO2. I'm also dosing weekly with plant fertilisers.

So far the stocking consists of 2 German Rams (blue), 10 Rummy-nose Tetras and one pitbull plec.

I've replaced the carbon in the filter with an ADI aqua-detod pack to ensure that the nitrates, nitrites and ammonia are well controlled.

I'm really happy with the new edge, and the LED lighting is a major improvement, with a really good spread.

As the tank develops, I'll post more pics!

MA

P.S. The stone is holding down a piece of the Sumatra wood as it wasn't pre-soaked. As soon as the wood is waterlogged, the rock will be removed!

Blue Ram


Blue Ram - Night Light


Rummy-nose Tetras


Pitbull Plec

I like the Rams in that set up and think a pair are perfect in there!

Dont know much about pitbull plecos but hopefully they do not get very big!

Wow this setup already looks sweet. i can't wait to see the progression as it matures.

So, the Vallisneria, Red Ammani and HC haven't fared too well under the edge lighting and the CO2 valve malfunctioned and released about half a bottle into the tank overnight. Needless to say, I lost a number of fish - the pleco, the rams, 5 out of 6 neon tetras that had been added and all but one of the rummy nosed tetras. Needless to say I was very, very mad!

The Vallisneria has been taken out and I have one piece of hardy Ammani still in. The wenditti is producing new leaves and I've added some medium Java Ferns which had two plantlets that have been added to the front. Java fern, along with Anubias are two plants that have never let me down, thrive under even the lowest light and the Java Fern will take nutrients (nitrates for a start) straight out of the water column.

One thing that's a bit annoying is the Stratum aquasoil - planting the new plants was a nightmare as it kicks up soooooo much sediment! The pre-filter sponge was brown!

I've restocked with 10 endler guppies, four females, a peppered cory, a clown loach (who'll be moving to a bigger tank as he grows) and a red betta.

Hopefully, all will go well and I'll add some more tetras in about two weeks!

New pics are posted below!

Magister

FTS

UPDATE:

The Problem: The Fluval Stratum Aquasoil is driving me insane. Whenever there is the slightest movement of the substrate, ie the cory, the assassin snails, the clown loach or when the fish are feeding there's a cloud of particles released and the tank clouds! the pre-filter and filter sponge keep getting clogged and reducing efficiency. The Java moss and plants are also getting covered and I don't want them dying!

The Plan: Take all livestock out on Friday. Remove hardscape and ALL of the substrate. clean inside thoroughly. Rinse all plants, moss and wood. Use pre-rinsed sand as a replacement substrate. Re-scape and re-plant. Return livestock.

Be happy!

I'll post pics on Friday as I progress!

Magister

I used EcoComplete and it is working out well - plants are thriving and NO sediment. I also use the Fluval 88g co2 system so am curious what happened to yours - did the regulator just break causing all the co2 to flood into the tank?

Gary

Hi,
Your tank looks really good! I also have the 46 litre. I have a query with the Co2 system, I have the Mini Fluval co2 system 20 gram and I think it is useless. I would like to upgrade to the Co2 88 Kit that you have but I was wondering where you positioned the bubble counter as I think it has to be located on the outside of the tank which is impossible considering you want to keep all the Co2 airlines inside the hood and back cover. Therefore, I was wondering how you positioned your co2 setup. Also are you thinking of upgrading your light system at all? Look forward to your response!
Thanks,

Alex Addis

Hi,

I had both the CO2 and the drop counter outside of the tank, with the drop-counter on the outer glass. With regards to the lighting, I'm going to do the same CFL upgrade that I did with my original, 23l edge.

https://fluvaledge.forumotion.com/t5-fluval-edge-fluorescent-lighting

I'll update once the upgrade is complete, hopefully within 2 weeks!

Magister

This is the tank after 8 months - had some ups and some downs but it's great at the moment. I've removed the carbon from the filter and now have two sponges and a pack of biomax running.

DSC00275 by Mr_Gator, on Flickr