Dylan's 5g Planted Dirt Tank

**DylanisHawttt** · 07-20-2011, 02:27 PM

I've done that since I uploaded these pictures. Some of the roots are growing extremely fast so I guess that's a plus

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

**DylanisHawttt** · 08-04-2011, 08:29 PM

It's been a little longer than a week and I decided to move the Anacharis from 10g over to my sisters 5g. I also threw in a couple Java Fern plantlets. The swords are still starting to show some growth. None of their leaves are melting and once they fill out this tank will become a jungle with a happy female betta. I'll upload some pictures once I get a decent shot. She needs to clean the glass, I see some algae starting to build and I'll tell her to cut back on the lights.

**DylanisHawttt** · 08-10-2011, 10:28 PM

So... I totally forgot to upload pictures

I'll take a decent picture tonight as I need to upload pictures of my Convicts for my Convict project as well. The Crypt. Undulata started to establish itself, thank god it stopped melting, it was going to drive my crazy!

**DylanisHawttt** · 08-13-2011, 09:26 PM

My sister has done a water change and the water is no longer brown, thank god

I'm trying to teach her how to be a good hobbyist.

Here's the tank before a water change. I'll try to get a decent picture with my dad's camera and take a good picture of the crypt. It's finally starting to establish itself!

**stephanie nichol** · 09-21-2011, 12:40 AM

that's awesome i never would have thought i'm going to love this community.

**DylanisHawttt** · 09-28-2011, 12:34 AM

Been super busy with college, I'll update with some pictures that my sister has sent me.

Crypt. Undulata starting to take off:

The melting is over!!

Cryp. Undulata as of 9/25:

FTS 9/25:

I can't wait for this tank to mature and finally get going, she'll stop complaining about her tank looking "empty"... women these days...

**enzof9** · 09-28-2011, 08:10 PM

Is it a must to have CO2 in a dirted tank? Dustin from DustinsFishTanks said that there isn't any need for it when it is dirted, but every other source I have inquired to said that it would be needed. Even my biology techer says I would need it.

Since I KNOW you guys know what you are talking about I figured this would be the best place to ask.

Any answers are greatly appreciated!

**DylanisHawttt** · 09-28-2011, 08:20 PM

There is sufficient Co2 in the dirt so there's no need to introduce Co2 to the tank otherwise. That's what I've been doing at least.

**enzof9** · 09-28-2011, 08:23 PM

Thanks, but I was wondering if it would be ok to run a CO2less 80 gal. I really want to educate myself before I seriously look into making good offers on setups that are in my area. I don't want to be dissappointed in a years time and then have to rip up the dirt and replace it or do anything similar to a setup overhaul.

**DylanisHawttt** · 09-28-2011, 08:28 PM

If you use the dirt properly, there's no need to rip it out. Most organic dirt can last you almost a decade. Now if you overdose and have co2 put into the tank as well as the co2 from the dirt, you could have pH swings and your fish would be gasping for oxygen at the surface. I don't bother with it but if you want to try it you're more than welcome.