Big Al's DYMAX Planted Pico (New Update!)

Discussion in 'Big Al's Online' started by Big Al's Online, May 19, 2010.

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  1. Big Al's Online

    Big Al's Online 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2010
    Messages:
    27
    Big Al's Planted
    DYMAX Pico

    Well I decided that I would start a tank thread on 3Reef and become a full fledged member instead of just a sponsor. This way I can dive right in with the community and see exactly what 3Reef is all about! :)


    As I mentioned in the Dymax IQ3 thread, I was interested in setting one up as a planted aquarium, and that is exactly what I am going to do!


    [​IMG]


    Tank Game Plan:
    Set up a low-maintenance pico planted aquarium with a few easy plants to show the potential of the Dymax aquarium.

    Equipment List:
    - Dymax IQ3 ( #23917 )
    - Dymax Robot LED x3 ( #23918 )
    - Marineland 10 watt Heater ( #22552 )
    - Carib Sea Eco-Complete plant substrate ( #17855 )
    - Two Little Fishes NanoMag cleaner ( #23482 )
    - Underwater Treasures Aquarium Wood Small ( #23635 )
    - Underwater Treasures Scissors Curved ( #23690 )
    - Underwater Treasures Scissors Straight ( #23689 )
    - Underwater Treasures Forceps Curved ( #23688 )
    - Underwater Treasures Forceps Straight ( #23687 )

    Livestock Plans:
    - Anubias Nana
    - Java Moss
    - Christmas Moss
    - Chain Sword
    - Endlers
    - Amano Shrimp



    I will keep the thread as up to date as possible, and include any changes in setup or equipment/products being used on the system. I will also try to take a decent number of photos to outline how I am setting up the system, as well as to document the progress of the tank.

    Hopefully you reefers don't mind a pico planted tank on your forum! ;)
    I will have pictures as soon as I get everything in place.
     

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    Last edited: Jun 15, 2010
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  3. OnefishTwofish

    OnefishTwofish Feather Star

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    Western NY
    I certainly dont mind, i have seen some absolutely amazing planted tanks - I am subscribing to this thread because this should definitely be a neat tank to watch :)

    elizabeth
     
  4. xmetalfan99

    xmetalfan99 Giant Squid

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    I hope this turns out nicely. If it does you will b sendingone and a few robot lights to my door.
     
  5. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    I have a planted tank and there are several others here do also. Looking forward to the thread.
     
  6. Big Al's Online

    Big Al's Online 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
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    Glad to see some folks on board with my little thread :)

    I am actually a reef geek at heart, but I wanted to try something a little different this time around and see if I got what it takes to rival Mr. Amano himself ;)
     
  7. Robman

    Robman Great White Shark

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    I will definately be watching...I am about to covert a 75g to a Planted Tank. I have a JBJ Picotope that I upraded the lighting on. I remember reading about your tank. I am curious to see how everything does with the stock LED.
     
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  9. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Cool!
    What are you going to use for substrate?
     
  10. Big Al's Online

    Big Al's Online 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
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    I am using CaribSea eco-complete plant substrate. ;)




    So I spent some time today at one of our store locations in Canada and got some livestock for the aquarium so I could get it all set up for you folks to see!

    Tank empty with a piece of driftwood I selected:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Tank with the plants and a couple of small rocks in place:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Tank with water and Endlers
    :

    [​IMG]

    Without flash so you can see how bright the lights are!
    [​IMG]

    Quick shot of the fish (sorry for the lack of focus)
    [​IMG]



    I will take some better photos next week to document how things are doing. I used water from an established planted aquarium to keep things stable off the get go. I am not sure how much I like the plants I selected but I will see how things go and probably aqua scape it a bunch of times like I normally do with marine tanks,

    Hope you enjoy!
     
  11. Robman

    Robman Great White Shark

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    Now, that tank only comes with one of those fixtures correct??? BTW, looks awesome!!
     
  12. Big Al's Online

    Big Al's Online 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
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    That is correct, but we sell them individually as well - and thanks! :)