RainstormZA's 23L Planted Tank

Discussion in 'Planted Tanks' started by Rainstorm, Jul 20, 2019.

  1. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    Yeah sunlight is always an issue, when it starts to grow algae.

    Also I can't just go and get a SAE, the tank is way too small for one. My other option is to get ghost shrimps and I don't even know where to get them from. I'll have to find out on UKAPS, providing someone answers me there.
     
  2. Guest




  3. Cale24

    Cale24

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2018
    Messages:
    683
    Likes Received:
    669
    Location:
    Cape Town
    Yeah, shrimps are a good bet if you can't remove it - might be a nice addition anyway? Mine is tangled into java & xmas moss, making a mission of things. I just read to hold off on delicate plants such as that for the first 3 months as algae of some sort typically appears between 1-3 months of a cycled tank. Oh well!
     
    Rainstorm likes this.
  4. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    Indeed, that's why I haven't gotten any moss in there... I know it's just an huge mission cleaning it if algae ever grows in there.
     
  5. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    So my light has arrived from Amazon. Here are some pretty pictures (@f-fish that was a good call getting that 13w LED) and very happy with the purchase. Now I can go hide the tank in a dark room and say goodbye to algae!!!

    IMG_0744.JPG

    IMG_0745.JPG

    IMG_0746.JPG

    IMG_0747.JPG

    IMG_0748.JPG
     
    A new day, T. Guppy and Cale24 like this.
  6. Cale24

    Cale24

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2018
    Messages:
    683
    Likes Received:
    669
    Location:
    Cape Town
    Nice :) Amazing what just good light and substrate can do - spent a lot of time watching the MD Fish Tanks channel on Youtube. Such cool nano setups.
    You'll also be able to play around with the LED height as needed for that balance, which is nice.
     
  7. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    That's why I got the adjustable lamp holder - the lumen spread is quite wide so this is actually great for a small tank.

    I'm actually surprised for once in my life, I made the right decision to get it. After going through so many stuff-ups, I think I have actually learnt a lot in the hobby on lighting, substrate and plants over the past 5 years.
     
    Cale24 likes this.
  8. Arrow Boy

    Arrow Boy

    Joined:
    May 17, 2011
    Messages:
    1,208
    Likes Received:
    203
    Location:
    Gauteng
    Lighting looks awesomely good :thumbup:
     
    Rainstorm likes this.
  9. f-fish

    f-fish #unspecified

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2009
    Messages:
    9,642
    Likes Received:
    2,259
    Location:
    JHB - Randburg
    Very cool ... thanks for the pictures
     
  10. A new day

    A new day Moderator

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2019
    Messages:
    6,987
    Likes Received:
    5,953
    Location:
    Cape Town
    Looking great!! :thumbup:
     
    Rainstorm likes this.
  11. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    More updates

    IMG_0765.JPG

    IMG_0766.JPG

    IMG_0767.JPG
     
    T. Guppy, A new day and Cale24 like this.
  12. Cale24

    Cale24

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2018
    Messages:
    683
    Likes Received:
    669
    Location:
    Cape Town
    Looks awesome
     
    Rainstorm likes this.
  13. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    Now I am tempted to go emersed with this tank - knowing in a month's time, my contract ends and I may have to move. I think I should convert this tank into a Wabi-kusa.

    IMG_0796[1].JPG

    IMG_0797[1].JPG
     
    Cale24 likes this.
  14. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    After much hesitation, I thought screw it. I converted this tank into a wabi-kusa. Not only it will save me on electricity after taking the filter offline, I also can leave my curtains open without the fear of algae taking over too. I added clingwrap to help the plants stay moist and convert to emersed. Already, I'm seeing new growth on the bucephalandra and anubias. The ferns seem to be doing well out of the water and no complaints apart from a few leaves melting but that's like 5% of the whole tank melting, everything else is super happy. I'm also misting with a spray bottle and airing it out for a few minutes in the evenings to get the "bog" smell out.

    I am actually not sure if the tripartita will make it but lets see how it goes. If it fails, I'll probably get some hydrocotyle leucocephala into its place as I really want a jungle like tropical rain forest in the tank. Overall, I'm really happy with it - much more low maintenance and no electricity to use.

    IMG_0804.JPG

    IMG_0804.jpg

    IMG_0809.jpg

    IMG_0805.jpg

    IMG_0806.jpg

    IMG_0807.jpg

    IMG_0808.jpg

    @Pierré Schoonraad
     
    T. Guppy likes this.
  15. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    Update:

    IMG_0817.jpg

    IMG_0819.jpg

    IMG_0820.jpg

    IMG_0821.jpg

    Very happy with how it's converting so quickly, already planning on new emersed plants for this tank. I am really glad I took the plunge and went ahead.
     
    T. Guppy, Cale24, rsa and 1 other person like this.
  16. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    I have been doing some research on wabi-kusa methods and different plants that I can use in such setup.

    Came across this video and I have to say wow!

     
  17. Cale24

    Cale24

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2018
    Messages:
    683
    Likes Received:
    669
    Location:
    Cape Town
    Great stuff on that channel - wish they still uploaded content :/ Love that low tank!
     
    Rainstorm likes this.
  18. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    Yeah it's sad how a lot of the good stuff has had to cease their activity due to lack of interest.
     
  19. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    ok an update on the wabi-kusa. I had an unplanned extra hours on my shift and being on that day, it was actually quite hot, being exposed to too much sunlight and heat. Sadly only two of my bucephalandra made it. I'm so chuffed that my anubias has dropped it's water leaves and have emersed now with some new leaves, yippeeee!

    Everything else seems to be growing well, grass is sending out shooters with new grass plantlets.

    1IMG_0911.jpg

    1IMG_0912.jpg

    1IMG_0913.jpg

    1IMG_0914.jpg

    1IMG_0915.jpg

    1IMG_0916.jpg

    1IMG_0917.jpg
     
    A new day, T. Guppy and Cale24 like this.
  20. OP
    Rainstorm

    Rainstorm

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2016
    Messages:
    1,789
    Likes Received:
    823
    Location:
    UK
    Wow it’s been ages since I posted here.

    I missed having a full water aquarium so I had to sort my tank out today. 4 months of neglect forced me to do this.

    039B5643-3204-43FE-9E27-45ADFCF3FDE9.jpeg
     
  21. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2015
    Messages:
    8,740
    Likes Received:
    3,580
    Location:
    Klipriver, Midvaal
    Nice to see you around again!!

    Looks good, all best with the new project
     
    Rainstorm likes this.

Recent Posts

Loading...
Similar Threads - RainstormZA's Planted Tank Forum Date
Planted lighting Beginner Discussions Nov 24, 2023
Planted tank advice Planted Tanks Nov 1, 2023
NEW Natural Planted Aquarium Substrate, Gravels, Sand Jungle Aquatics Oct 7, 2023
Our planted adventure Members Systems Sep 16, 2023
Freebie: Planted tank Wanted/Swop/Freebies Sep 6, 2023
Second Try at 2ft Planted Tank Planted Tanks May 8, 2023
Wanted: Planted tank Wanted/Swop/Freebies Jan 30, 2023

Share This Page