Feeling the need for a change I decided it’s time for a new project. I have sold off my beloved Chaitika and the 150 US gallon tank that housed them to make way for a new project – a planted tank “Nature Aquarium” style.
I have previously had a planted tank that impressed friends and family but it was nothing compared to what I hope to do this time round. This time I hope to portray a piece of nature enclosed within the four walls of the aquarium. Last time, approximately 12 years ago, I had a 48×18x14 55 gallon tank with about 20 different plants, 6 discus and 100 cardinal tetras. The tank was powered by an Eheim 2213 canister filter, DIY CO2 and a double fluro light. It did alright all things considered but came to an end when an unfortunate problem with the heater lead to the electrocution of all the fish and the end of the tank.
This time I am spending quite a bit more money but spending in a “value for money” way. I am not just buying the best of the best as I don’t have a $20k budget but rather seeing how far I can push my hard earned dollars. So far I have purchased/aquired the following:
| Tank | 1200mm(L) x 600mm(D) x 500mm(H) 90 US Gallons |
| Rimless and braceless 12mm glass with beveled edges | |
| Cabinet | DIY ADA style made from 18mm MDF |
| DIY stainless steel stands to hang enclosure from | |
| Light | Enclosure with 2 x 150 MH globes and 4 x 55w T5HO tubes |
| 8000k WGNLite MH globes | |
| 6700k T5HO tubes | |
| CO2 | Milwaukee dual gauge regulator + 2.6kg cylinder |
| Glass diffuser with 2 inch ceramic diffusing plate | |
| Cal Aqua “Double Check” drop checker | |
| Inline glass bubble counter + check valve | |
| Filtration | 2 x Eheim 2217 Canister Filters |
| 36w UV Steriliser / Clarifier | |
| Cal Aqua glass inflow and outflow pipes for the 2217’s | |
| Heater | Hydor inline 300 watt |
| Substrate | ADA Aqua Soil & ADA Amazonia Powder |
| Hardscape | Various rocks and driftwood |
| Other | CO2 resistant tubing, brass check valve, digital timers for lights, surgical steel scissors and tweezers |
Still to come:
| Flora | Haven’t decided on complete list yet |
| Fauna | Blue turquoise or blue diamond discus |
| Cardinal Tetras | |
| Siamese algae eaters | |
| otoclincus | |
| Various shrimp |
Stay tuned for more info and updates….
