2 months after planting. This project started after finding this old beat up 38l tank in the basement. Searched online some ideas and stumbled on Amano's works and was hooked. I have about a month to go or so before fully carpeted, but happy with my rookie results so far.
Keeping with the low budget theme, I created the stand from scrap wood and lights from two 10 watt LED floods (which is more than enough - had to back them off a bit). Went with a HOB filter for lower cost, but also just because I like them better than canister filters (I must be weird).
My original setup was DIY citric acid CO2 method....but ended up investing in a pressurized CO2 system from GLA, which I love.
Lots of things I'd do differently next time, but tons of fun nursing this thing into existence.
About 20 shrimp, 2 Ottos, and some spawning Zebra Danios.
1/3 EI dosing
CO2 on an hour before lights on and hour before lights out
Lighting period is 6.5 hours
Will post some progression pics from the beginning in a future post, but wanted to start with this one from yesterday afternoon.