Nubster's 75g log

Nubster

Just a little update...not much going on...I have recently ordered a CO2 reg., I have a 10# tank, I have some T5HO lights (2x54w) on the way, and I just finished building a CO2 reactor. I added a Betta last week and he is doing well...nice splash of color and a little personality to the tank. I am hoping to get a large plant package from a member on another site...it's a RAOK so I'll find out tomorrow. I will really go along ways in helping fill in my tank. Anyways...here's a few update shots...



Some of my new Betta...

Nubster

And for anyone interested in the reactor...here is a little about it...

The parts



Primed, ready for glue



Glued and assembled



Took literally 15 minutes to build. I had the pipe already and spend about $20 for the rest of the stuff. I used 2" pvc and the pipe is about 18". Barbs are 1/2" and instead of drilling a hole and inserting the CO2 line, I went ahead and used a threaded T piece and got an actual screw-in barb to install the CO2 line on. Feel free to ask any questions about the build. I'll post up how it works once I get all my CO2 equipment. The frustrating part is that my tank needs hydro tested and the only place near me that does it is backed up 3-4 weeks. I might stop in there on Wednesday and see if they have a small 5# loaner tank I can use while waiting for my 10# to be tested and filled. I'd love to get CO2 in my tank this week. Lights should be here this week as well.

Nubster

This arrived this morning...too bad I don't have my tank back from hydro-testing yet...

Nubster

Little tank update...got the reactor hooked up temporarily just to see how it works. Need to figure out how I am going to dose the tank now that I have better (debatable) lights and CO2. Right now I am just using the PPS method. I also planted a bunch of stuff the other day. Doesn't look like much more than before but in person there is a difference. Here is a quick iPhone shot of the tank from minutes ago...



The clump of crypts to the left between the rocks...within a minute or two of turning on the CO2 is started releasing several streams of tiny bubbles non-stop from the leaves. What's that all about?

Boredomb

That setup looks good. Will look even better once everything has grown in. Usually when people have high tech setups and dose c02 they are after good fast growth. "Pearling" is something they look for. Now I don't know if that is exactly the case going on there or not. You have to look it up and ask more experience people. That's just the name of it.

Jayy

Very nice setup. Hopefully you wont have another stream of deaths. What kind of plant is that in the front right corner?

Nubster

It's a Kleiner Baer sword.

Nubster

Quick shot from tonight...things have grown more than I thought. Have some algae issues and loads of snails but I am trying to iron all that out...

Boredomb

Looking good Nubster, honesty think the Kleiner Bear sword would look better in the back left corner though.

Nubster

YEah...no room for it there though without doing a big move of the hardscape and a bunch of plants. Really, the only spot for now is where it's at. I may do some rearranging of stuff over Christmas break though.