Thinking about a rice paddy

[RiversGirl]

It is nice that you're getting settled in.

[WhistlingBadger]

OK, I finally pulled the trigger on this thing. I'm going to custom-build a tank to fit on the back of the desk in my music studio, and I just ordered the glass. It should be ready to construct in about a week. It's exciting to finally commit.

So, here's the plan.
Tank: 36"x10" x10". The water will be about 6" deep, with 2" for substrate and 2" for emergent plants. The lid will have four 2x3" holes for rice plants to grow through. This will be a walstad-style setup, with no filtration except the plants and substrate microbes. A very small powerhead will push the water around. I'm going to put a fluval aquasky light on top with a 5 on, 2 off, 5 on light cycle.

Plants:
Dwarf rice (Oryza sativa)
Paddy herb (Limnophila aromatica)
Assorted crypts (planning to try balansae, wendtii, and parva and see what does well)
Christmas moss (Vesicularia montagnei) on back wall
Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) or dwarf arum (Zantedeschia aethiopica) to simulate taro, which is commonly grown in Malaysia paddies
I'm still researching what plants live in rice paddies, but this will do for the moment.

Critters:
2 Betta imbellus. Hoping for a breeding pair.
15 or 20 blue rasboras (Sundadanio axelrodi or Sundadanio goblinus, depending on whom you ask)
15 or 20 dwarf rasboras (Boraras maculatus)
6 shadow catfish (Hyalobagrus flavus) or 5 kuhli loaches. Still up in the air which.
Malaysian trumpet snails
Ramshorn snails

Lots of inverts: Scuds, water fleas, assorted worms, seed shrimp. I am going to build an invert refugium for an ongoing supply, but I am hoping to achieve something like a predator/prey balance in this tank.

Timeline
Early January: Get the tank built.
February: Add substrate, water, plants, silent cycle, build invert community. I am hoping a lot of inverts will come in on the plants. I will intentionally add others.
April or May: Add fish.

Well, that's enough for now. Stay tuned.
Thomas

[Boundava]

Wow, neat build and nice plan of action. Can't wait to see the steps as you bring your plan to life.

[KaderTheAnt]

Subbed, I’d love to see this!

[WhistlingBadger]

Thanks for sharing my excitement. Haven't done a new build for several years! Thinking about one of these. Anybody used one? I like that the 24 cycle is fully programmable.
https://us.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...7H1KV96E&psc=1

[Boundava]

Never used Fluval lights...sorry.

[WhistlingBadger]

Well, it gets good reviews so I might give it a shot. It's pricey but not terrible for what it does.

My feelings are a little hurt that Slap hasn't chimed in to try to sell me a Current Satellite yet.

[Boundava]

Lol, I know-he's been quiet. Hope it just him enjoying the Holidays with his family.

I have used Nicrew lights on a couple tanks and they have worked well.

[Slaphppy7]

Just saw this, sorry Thomas

Get a Current Satellite for your LED!

And did I read correctly, you want MTS and ramshorns in this tank ON PURPOSE?!?!

[Slaphppy7]

Never used Fluval lights...sorry.

That's hard to believe, with all the equipment experience you have!

Thomas, I use one of these on one of my 5.5G QT tanks, I like it alot, and inexpensive, but no 24 hour programming (that I know of)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0?ie=UTF8&th=1