Nano Christmas Build !

Discussion in 'Planted Tanks' started by LukeJHB, Nov 15, 2023.

  1. LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    Hi all!

    After a some major set backs with my nano marine tank last year due to load shedding, I had to shut it down and sell off what was left. I've been out of the fish keeping hobby for quite a while :(

    Been saving every spare cent ( I'm a student so we don't have many cents laying around lol ), since shutting down the marine tank, and now I'm finally in a position to start up a tank again !

    After some browsing and help from @T.Guppy, I settled on a little nano. Friendly on the budget and low maintenance for when varsity starts up again next year.

    Welcome along on my journey!
     
    Kendrick, tlchidau and T. Guppy like this.
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  3. OP
    LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    20220813_161504.jpg

    This was the marine tank in its prime. A lot cheaper and easier than most expect. This was a simple all in one tank with some T5 tubes and some filter media in the back. Really enjoyed it
     
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  4. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    Beautiful. Marine is always stunning.
     
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  5. OP
    LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    The tank is 30cm by 23cm by 23cm.
    Got the background up and started with the substrate and rocks 20231115_110407.jpg 20231115_111159.jpg 20231115_113447.jpg 20231115_114415.jpg
     
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  6. T. Guppy

    T. Guppy

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    Glad you found one! What's your plans for it? Just planted? with some shrimp or fish?
     
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  7. CJ43

    CJ43

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    A pair of apistos would be legend in there
     
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  8. OP
    LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    I'm still playing around with ideas for stocking. I've kept most of the little nano fish before. So I'd be interested in finding something unique/new.

    Definitely loading it up with plants, not in a rush to stock fish or inverts
     
  9. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    Really nice looking mini setup.

    I have been sooooooo tempted by the "dark side"........
     
  10. OP
    LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    Thanks Reedfish.

    If there's a good saltwater community around you, you can get simple corals that are easy to keep for a good price.

    Take the jump one of these days, there's so much to enjoy and learn !
     
  11. OP
    LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    Played around with some wood last night and I'm quite happy with the out come. The tank is starting to come together :) 1000074655.jpg
     
  12. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    There are some fantastic marine fish shops near me.

    Have briefly looked into it.
    I have a 5 ft (550L) fresh water tank. No sump but a big external canister.
    Not sure if I could convert this, or would need to start from scratch.
    If I can convert, that is possibly doable. Not an option if I have to start from scratch :(
     
  13. CJ43

    CJ43

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    I feel your pain
    Came down to PE for work and staying with my mom while i am away from PTA and they have two beautiful marine setups going and i now i feel the need to get rid of my peacocks and start a reef tank ...
     
  14. Shabir

    Shabir

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    I like the hardscape placement. Are you going with or without co2 in here ?
     
  15. T. Guppy

    T. Guppy

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    It really is looking great!

    What substrate are you using?

    ITo fish, I think the tank may be too small for apistos, though I'm not familiar with them so may be wrong.

    I have the same size tank and I recently got some pygmy cories from mcmerwe and I'm absolutely in love with them. They're quite busy little guys which makes it entertaining to watch. I have them and a butt load of shrimp. If you decide to go with shrimp you're welcome to have some of mine. I was also considering getting a betta along with the pygmies, so that's also an idea for you
     
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  16. OP
    LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    Thanks!
    No CO2 planned for right now, maybe into the future when the budget allows for it :)
     
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  17. OP
    LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    Thanks T.Guppy! Very happy with the progress so far.

    Substrates are cheap inert sand/ gravel that I picked up from pet masters. I'll pop in some root tabs where I'm planning on planting and see how it goes.

    As for fish, I'm definitely going with a school of pygmy Cories! They are very entertaining in a small tank as you said.

    Was looking into CPDs to add some movement too. Can't beat those colours and details in a small fish :)
     
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  18. OP
    LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    Got myself a nice little light and a hang on the back filter, it'll save some space in the tank and help get some water movement.

    Need to add some detail stones around the base of the rocks and then we should be set for water! Woo-hoo ! 20231115_121538.jpg
     
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  19. Whoknows

    Whoknows Moderator

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    Looking good now.
     
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  20. OP
    LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    Stay tuned! 20231120_121803.jpg
     
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  21. OP
    LukeJHB

    LukeJHB

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    Nanos are fantastic until it comes to planting lol. Those tight spaces are never fun to work in.

    Very happy with the results.
    Moved the filter to give my background stems a chance to root well. Sorry its ruining the picture.

    Got some rotala on the left, bacopa ( slouched over and not yet upright ) in the middle and then rotala rotundifolia "orange juice" right of center. Then a crypt affinis "red" on the right.

    Midground I've got some anubias nana bonsai, buce alamanda.

    Foreground is mircanthemum umbrosa and lilaeopsis brasiliensis.
     
    Willem01 likes this.

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