New Freshwater Planted Aquarium

Byron

Depending upon the composition of the substrate, it can take a couple days to several days for a new tank to clear. Run the filter, try to avoid disturbing the substrate (planting plants obviously riles it up, even in established tanks). Keep an eye on the filter, as the sediment/particles get caught the filter pads/floss may clog, so rinsing them regularly will help until the water clears.

Byron.

StacyK

I need to add some additional sand tonight (over top of the substrate), I didn't add enough yesterday. the plants are not buried securely. So i'll be removing most of the water to do this, figure it'll make things easier for me that way.

Here's a list of the plants I have going in:

In a removable planter: Water lilly, green onion, and something else i don't remember the name of. These are all bulbs, i put them in the planter in case they don't grow for easy removal.

In the rest of the tank: Peacock Fern?, Anubias, Umbrella plant, Kyoto Grass, Aqua fern, Something i can't remember the name of, Tropical Fern, White ribbon, and Amazon Sword. I figure with trimming and arrangement that should be a good amount, assuming they all take and don't die on me.

kitten_penang

don't forget to remove the lead sinkers.

Byron

Just so you know when it happens down the road, a few of those plants--namely the "ferns," the ribbon plant and the Kyoto grass--and not true aquatics. They should (may) last for a time, depending, underwater, but they will eventually start to disintegrate; remove them as soon as they do. The Kyoto may not, it tends to adapt to submerged growth fairly well, though you never know.

Inga

Holly smokes, your plants should be packed tight in there, just the way I like to see a tank. :) Can't wait to see photos.

StacyK

I wish I could find some ground cover plants here. Has anyone ordered any? Where do you like to order from? I think I want some Glossostigma Glatinoides.

Inga

Many folks here have ordered from SweetAquatics.com and been very happy.

StacyK

I've posted some photos of how my tank looks now! I added some additional sand to help hold the plants in place, which seems to be working pretty good. Now I just hope that the plants survive so I can start thinking of the fish to add. :O) I'm really really happy with the out come of the look!

Byron

Nicely aquascaped; you've a talent for this. Well done. The water will clear, give it time.

Byron.

StacyK

Thanks Byron, That's a huge compliment given that this is my first aquascape!!!! :O)