Criticism and opinions on my first tank?

[Morgan Freeman]

image

It's not finished yet, just started with a few simple plants too see how well they do. The exo lighthood is also temporary until my new bulb arrives. It's only a 2ft T5, the tank is 2.5ft. Does this sound ok for a low light, no c02 set up? I wanted to start simple.

How does it look so far? Any advice? Criticism? Any opinion will be greatly welcomed.

 

[PDSimon]

I'd put some more plants in there, you can put as many plants as you want in a low tech tank.

Whys there so much sand in there?

 

[Morgan Freeman]

I'd put some more plants in there, you can put as many plants as you want in a low tech tank.

Whys there so much sand in there?

It wasn't intentional, I added the plant substrate, noticed I had a bout 1/4 of the bag left so thought, I'll just add this as well. Once I'd finished with the sand I realised how deep it was.

 

[PDSimon]

Whats the new lighting you've ordered? Might be that you don't need new lighting for low tech?

 

[wearsbunnyslippers]

with that much fine sand your substrate will probably compact and go anaerobic. you should sort this out sooner rather than later...

 

[Morgan Freeman]

with that much fine sand your substrate will probably compact and go anaerobic. you should sort this out sooner rather than later...

There's not even a cm of sand above the plant substrate, is this still a problem?

 

[Morgan Freeman]

Whats the new lighting you've ordered? Might be that you don't need new lighting for low tech?

I have a T5 starter lying around which I thought would fit nicely in the hood. The hood came with no light and matches the cabinet, so would like to use it.

 

[GreenNeedle]

with that much fine sand your substrate will probably compact and go anaerobic. you should sort this out sooner rather than later...

There is no problem with anaerobic conditions in a planted tank assuming there are a reasonable amount of plants in there.

That is one of those non planted problems that people transfer into the planted world. Different systems though. Not a problem at all.

I have had more sand than that in without a plant substrate underneath. You will be fine

(As long as you plant it up more)

AC

 

[Brenmuk]

Out of interest what is the plant substrate?

 

[Morgan Freeman]

with that much fine sand your substrate will probably compact and go anaerobic. you should sort this out sooner rather than later...

There is no problem with anaerobic conditions in a planted tank assuming there are a reasonable amount of plants in there.

That is one of those non planted problems that people transfer into the planted world. Different systems though. Not a problem at all.

I have had more sand than that in without a plant substrate underneath. You will be fine

(As long as you plant it up more)

AC

Ah good stuff.

I'm just being cautious, once I see those plants doing ok I'll add much more.

 

[Morgan Freeman]

Out of interest what is the plant substrate?

"Aquaclay ground substrate"

 

[Spang]

I think you could put loads more plants in the tank

 

[Morgan Freeman]

Any reccomendations?

I'm finding this so much more tricky than planted terrariums, I'm outside my comfort zone!

 

[Spang]

Is there any hardscape on the left of the tank? I can't really see from the image.

If not, maybe add some Java fern onto your wood, that would look quite nice, some stem plants to go in the back?

 

[Morgan Freeman]

There isn't, no. Just the nut pod.

I wanted a sort of, flowing down from the right side look. With the wood creeping out from the plants and the sand sloping down into the corner.

Image in my head =/= Actual design.

 

[PDSimon]

I'm probably not the best person to help (lol) as my idea of aquascaping currently is the stick it in and see what it looks scape but if I were you I would get some tanks that you like, or plants and then its easier to help.

I found the tropica website useful when picking plants... there are plently of scapes about to help you pick what plants you want