[$$$$UPDATED! #3 9/15/11$$$$] JJL's 55 gallon planted tank [UPDATED!#2]

Discussion in 'Freshwater Aquariums' started by JJL, Jun 22, 2011.

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  1. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2011
    Messages:
    1,818
    The build begins!
    I am converting my 55 gallon community tank into a 55 gallon planted tank. I plan to have many plant species to add a lush look.

    These are the plants I am going to start with:

    Dwarf Hairgrass
    Amazon Sword
    Micro Sword
    Cryptocoryne Wendtii
    Water Sprite
    Crypto. Pontederifolia
    Green Myrio
    Red Myrio
    Dwarf Four Leaf Clover
    Java Fern Mat
    Dwarf Lily
    Crypto. Parva
    Octopus Plant
    Cyperus Helferi
    Prosperpinaca Palustris
    Vesicularia Montagnei

    I just ordered the lights a few days ago and they ar coming tomorrow.
    I ordered these:
    AquaticLife Dual Lamp T5 HO Marine Light Fixtures | T5 Lighting | Lighting Systems | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com

    I am also going to order 5 or 6 bags of eco-complete that a found for a great price+FREE shipping :)

    I will update once the lights come!

    Many people helped me with this soon-to-be planted tank, but I would like to especially thank Tharsis, and 2in10. They both answered question after question to help me start this build.
    So THANKS 8)
    JJL
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2011
    JJL, Jun 22, 2011
    JJL, Jun 22, 2011
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. Ryland

    Ryland Stylophora

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Southeast Iowa
    When I was still doing freshwater my most favorite fish ever was the Ghost Knife. Very personable and extremely intelligent. I kept one for nearly 7 years before he passed. I had him so tame I could actually pet him while I was feeding him. To this day I am still tempted to set up a fresh water just so I can have a Ghost Knife.
     
    Ryland, Jun 22, 2011
    Ryland, Jun 22, 2011
    #2
  3. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2011
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    1,818
    Sounds cool!
    Maybe one day I will add one to my 40 gallon system.
     
    JJL, Jun 24, 2011
    JJL, Jun 24, 2011
    #3
  4. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2011
    Messages:
    3,471
    Cool. I know nothing about freshwater. Some of those tanks are amazing though. Sounds like a great project :)


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    m2434, Jun 24, 2011
    m2434, Jun 24, 2011
    #4
    1 person likes this.
  5. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

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    Jan 5, 2011
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    1,818
    I am so excited to get this one started :)
    Thanks m2!
     
    JJL, Jun 24, 2011
    JJL, Jun 24, 2011
    #5
  6. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

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    I now have the lights on the tank, and about half of the substrate taken out!
    Tomorrow I will update when I put the eco-complete in.
     
    JJL, Jul 1, 2011
    JJL, Jul 1, 2011
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

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    Jan 5, 2011
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    I know I have not updated this thread in a while, but since my last post on it I have replaced the gravel with eco-complete, added manzanita driftwood for the scape and I added my first batch of plants in addition to some flourish root tabs.
    Here are some pictures 8)
    Let me know what you think!
    First Batch
    2 Red Flame
    3 Marble Queen
    3 Wendtii
    2 Mi Oyo

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    JJL
     
    JJL, Jul 20, 2011
    JJL, Jul 20, 2011
    #7
  8. Coastie Reefer

    Coastie Reefer Millepora

    Joined:
    May 9, 2011
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    Location:
    NE Louisiana
    how do you keep the wood pieces from from leaching and turning the water a tea color?
     
    Coastie Reefer, Jul 20, 2011
    Coastie Reefer, Jul 20, 2011
    #8
  9. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    Very good work, looks real nice
     
    2in10, Jul 20, 2011
    2in10, Jul 20, 2011
    #9
    1 person likes this.
  10. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

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    Thanks, 2in10! :cheesy:
     
    JJL, Jul 20, 2011
    JJL, Jul 20, 2011
    #10
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