20 gallon Planted

**mfinch** · 03-15-2013, 10:21 PM

About a week ago i setup the substrate for my aquarium. A layer of subsoil 1 inch, potting soil 75% and peat moss 25% 1 inch and aquarium gravel 1 inch.

I have setup 2 591ml DIY CO2 systems. A couple days apart.
1/4 cup sugar and a half of tsp yeast. Filled the rest of the bottle with water.

I started to grow green water for my diphina culture. I want to eventually introduce this culture into my tank and have them sustain. I may drip green water into the tank to feed them.

Microscopic inhabitants

Infusoria and Paramecium Cultures are in the mail and i will start growing them for food for the diphina as well and will eventually introduce them into the tank as well.

Plants: java moss, 3 Green Jungle (Vallisneria sp.), 5 Corkscrew Vallisneria (Vallisneria torta), Grasses Micro Sword (Lilaeopsis sp. brasiliensis) and 2 (came in bunches there are about 12 stalks) Cabomba Green (Cabomba carolina).

Stock:

14 ghost shrimp - 9 stocked
6 yellow shrimp - Planned
4 Melanoides tuberculata, Malaysian Trumpet Snail -stocked
2 guppies - Planned

I will post some water test results later today and maybe some pictures.

**mfinch** · 03-15-2013, 11:31 PM

0 nitrate, 0 nitrite, 0 phosphate. 6.5ph and calcium is at 60mg to 80mg. I am worried my tank has not cycled yet. I am using fish food to try and cycle it. I have purchased a couple rocks to try and boost the ph level a little bit. I will post pictures in a couple hours.

**Cliff** · 03-16-2013, 01:41 AM

I would not worry to much about your pH until your tank has finished cycling. Once you have ammonia in there, it will rise a little anyways

I would suggest going to Safeway and getting some pure ammonia to cycle your tank. It's much easier to control the amount as compaired to using fish food

**mfinch** · 03-16-2013, 02:00 AM

I am trying to go all natural. I am getting some filter medium from a friend that should help. Thanks for the advice. DO you think the rocks will boost it to much i also want them for hidding places for the shrimp

**Cliff** · 03-16-2013, 02:14 AM

It's hard to say how much of a effect the rocks will have. You will have to keep a close eye on it to see.

If you truly want to cycle in a more natureal way, pure ammonia bought in the store is very close (practically identical) to the ammonia found in nature. Fish food contains additives and some of the lower quality stuff contains fillers as well. You could also use a pc of raw shrimp which would meet your goals of a more natural way to add ammonia to your tank.

**mfinch** · 03-16-2013, 02:17 AM

Yeah i have been adding in frozen shrimp. I will be doing daily water tests until every thing is settled down.

**Cliff** · 03-16-2013, 02:26 AM

Sorry, but I think I have made a mistake here, do you have live shrimp in the tank right now ?

I might have miss read your orginal post

**mfinch** · 03-16-2013, 06:42 PM

Yes i have some shrimp in the tank currently my cousin shut down his aquarium and it was take them now or never.

**mfinch** · 03-17-2013, 05:25 AM

I have been doing some more research and been talking to the local aquarium club. I think i am going to stalk more fish in the tank then originally planed.

3 or 4 Peacock Gobbies and 2 Endlers livebearers. I am also looking into growing black worms as a food source right in the aquarium. From what i have been told they are a true water worm so they will be able to survive.

I am also getting 2 sponge filters.

**mfinch** · 03-17-2013, 08:34 AM

https://www.smedia.ca/clients/smedia...30317-0112.jpg

https://www.smedia.ca/clients/smedia...30317-0113.jpg

Here are some pictures. My DIY C02 system fizzled out after 3 days i am now trying a jello method which should last 2 weeks from what i have been told. Plants are growing really well some have doubled in size and i cant wait for my new plants coming in this week.