 My "Freshwater X" Inspired Tank
Here is a photo and some info about of my first tank:
- 16G Tall tank
- 3 X 15W 6500K Fluorescent Tubes
- Rena XP1 Filter
- Pinpoint PH Monitor
- Hagen's CO2 Natural Plant System
- Oscar Enterprises Surface Skimmer
- Lifeguard Little Time or Temperature Probe
- Tronic 100W Heater with protective guard
- 20lbs Eco-Complete substrate + 10lbs Black Tahitian Moon sand
- 1" Homemade plenum (eggshell diffuser + plastic door screening)
PH: 7
KH: 5
GH: 1
Temp: 75
Originally, this was an Eclipse 1 system. I was unsatisfied with the significant surface disturbance, so I got rid of the filter/hood. The Rena XP1 filter came with a spray bar, which I was able to use vertically to ensure good water movement without messing up the surface too much. The surface skimmer removes any film or debris floating up; it works perfectly and adjust itself to the current water level.
I am also very happy with the PH monitor, which finally gives me a precise read; the test strips are cool, but I just couldn't deal with matching pad colors. Way too subjective. The plants are doing great and most have already dug their roots in the substrate. After a week, they are already sprouting new growth. I am hoping they will fill up the front left part of the tank.
I have been cycling it with a Siamese fighting fish (those are quite hardy) and some Cycle. After 2 weeks, the Amonia and Nitrite have already dropped to 0, which I can only attribute to the fact that Eco-Complete comes with its own bacterial load. But I still want to wait before adding more fish, just to be sure.
Oh, I have been using filtered water. Tap water in my area is super hard and PH bounces back up to 8.4 no matter how much acid buffer you add.
If you have any suggestions or advice, feel free. Thanks for all the info I received from you guys. I will keep you posted. | 
