New to the forum

@JGBeeslaar what’s super useful is if you could post some inspiration pics (use the Upload a file button below) plus give an idea of 1) level of maintenance you’re prepared to do, and 2) budget- not necessarily exactly in rand terms but are you looking for budget options or are you prepared to throw money at it at this stage.

Works very well to give members an idea of what you’re aiming for, and can help guide.

Very exciting and you’re doing it right ito getting input in the planning stage- can save a lot of frustration and money

 

What a lovely, peaceful jungle style tank! And lightly stocked so that helps keeping it healthy and low maintenance

With R1,6k budget you won’t be going for fancy substrates, lights, expensive spiderwood etc BUT you could certainly recreate this beautiful tank.

- a standard 2 foot tank doesn’t cost much more than a 30L
- HOB filter: if it doesn’t come with a sponge cover for the intake then DIY one out of black sponge (can buy it at lfs) to keep shrimplets and fry out of the filter
- 100W heater
- ito light: perhaps someone else can suggest a good DIY option or perhaps look at something like a Nubios light- won’t break the bank
- gravel substrate or pool filter sand
- you can collect decorative rocks from nature but wash them properly and soak in unscented jik, then rinse. Also test it before hand by pouring an acid eg vinegar or pool acid on it - if it bubbles it’s probably not great for aquarium use as it will leach minerals into the water column
- plants: you will get bang for your buck from 1 or 2 amazon swords as they grow quite large
- Also from stem plants eg pearl weed, ludwigia repens, limnofilla sessiliflora as stem plants can be propagated easily! Cut a stem in half and plant both parts. As they grow out, trim it and plant the trimmings. Soon you’ll have a jungle!
- don’t be shy to ask for plant freebies, many forum members are happy to share

 

Yes its the same handle on both sites. Only got the 2.2m still for sale. Which didn't fit for @JGBeeslaar so that's why we were thinking of doing 800x800x600 with stand and sump