FW for the Kids! Build

Discussion in 'Freshwater Aquariums' started by AHP, Jun 27, 2013.

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  1. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2013
    Messages:
    72
    Sorry I didn't post this sooner but here is day two of the fish-less cycle.

    So far I have 50/50 mix of RO and waste water. I have add 125ml of Purigen in a bag within my canister that had previous used media already in it.
    So now we wait and test the water... Say every 3 days or should I wait a week? I was hoping by this weekend or next I could get some plants.

    Here are the pictures:
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    and... Here is a little something I wanted to test out, a little DIY tank cover.
    [​IMG]

    My lights should be coming in some time last this week or next, so I am still looking for plants!
    Tell me what you think!
     
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  3. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2013
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    72
    ***Update***
    Lights have been installed and they look great. I will post the pics later because I am not at home.

    Also I ended up doing a water test and I am thinking there is no way that I have cycled the tank in less than 4 days.

    pH = 7.5
    nitrite = 0ppm
    nitrites = 0ppm
    Temp = 84 (I am still trying to calibrate the Ehiem Jagar. I am trying to get it at 78-80 but I have to wait 24hr each time to make sure it is working correctly).

    I am going to test again in 2 days and if it is still the same. If it is still the same then I am going to put some plants in and test ever week along with putting fish food in every night.
    If I am doing it wrong please let me know.
     
  4. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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  5. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2013
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    Thank you! I am trying.

    Here is what it looks like with lights on and a new scape.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  6. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    That looks really nice.....lights and the scape. Are you sure you don't want to just exchange the wood for live rock? Get a little salt and........:)
     
  7. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

    Joined:
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    ;D All in due time, I have to walk my wife into a SW setup. But the answer to your question is yes! I am also kind of enjoying the plant growth and can’t wait to see the progress I will get.

    I will try and post some photos of how everything is going. So far both of my Swords have about 3 new leaves of growth and what I think is moneywort is staring to grow roots out of the stems. Good Times!

    This weekend I will test the water and see if I have had any changes as far as increase in nitrates and nitrites.
     
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  9. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2013
    Messages:
    72
    Here is a little update on what is in and how everything is going.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    Light are doing great so far all my Swords have about 2 new leaves of growth and what I think is moneywort is staring to grow roots out of the stems. Good Times!
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Moneywort and Ludwigia
    [​IMG]
    Anabus (I think Nana)
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    As of right now when it comes to fish I have:
    - 2 siamese algae eater
    - 1 red tailed shark (for my son)
    - 2 red cherry shrimp

    I just tested my water and it is reading.
    pH = 7.6
    Ammonia = .25ppm (it could lean towards 0ppm but I am being conservative)
    Nitrite = 0ppm
    Nitrate = 0ppm
    GH = 4 Drops
    KH = 2 Drops
    Temp = 80 (I am having a heck of a time getting this Eheim Jagar 150W to calibrate, it is holding at 80 so I am not going to touch it).
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2013
  10. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    It looks like there were supposed to be pics? None showed up for me. So glad you are enjoying all of your hard work! I love plants so it sounds like yours are doing well and will definitely add character to the tank!

    Of course, the boy wanted a shark :)
     
  11. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

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    I fixed it.
     
  12. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    Looking really, really nice AHP!! You should be very proud!