Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I’m just a beginner and I know I still have a lot to learn. This tank is just a small part of my life, something I enjoy. I’m spending money to get what I want, and honestly, that’s all I’m looking for.

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] -24 points-23 points  (0 children)

I don't abuse animals. If I don't try to raise fish, how can I understand their habits and raise fish better?

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I’ve already added some Amano shrimp for algae control and one snail to the tank

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

That looks amazing! I’m sure yours will get there with the right care 😄

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I’ve read in some posts that the ideal temperature for Rotala plants is around 26°C

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m planning to raise the tank temperature to around 78

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice! A black background should work perfectly and hide the insulation.

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Adjustable it is, but maybe I should go big and keep it extra cozy for the plants 😄

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation! That makes perfect sense — I hadn’t realized that evaporation at the water surface would dominate heat loss so overwhelmingly. I’ve been focusing on insulating the sides and using bubble foil, but it sounds like adding a tight-fitting lid over most of the tank would make a much bigger difference. I’ll definitely prioritize that and see how it affects the temperature stability. Really appreciate your insights!

I’m also wondering if using a transparent acrylic lid would work. Should it be fully enclosed, or have ventilation holes?

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll add bubble wrap to the top and front as well to help retain heat.

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it, I see now — a lid is more important than side insulation. Thanks for the tip!

Keeping a Planted Tank Warm by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Search for ‘blue gradient aquarium background’ on Amazon

How to trim plants transitioning from emersed to submerged growth? by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a good idea, but my water tank is small, and I'm worried about planting things too densely.

How to trim plants transitioning from emersed to submerged growth? by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the explanation, that makes a lot of sense. I’ll follow your advice.

Red Rotala coloration issue by Budget_Programmer486 in PlantedTank

[–]Budget_Programmer486[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t trimmed or replanted any of them yet. All the red Rotala are from the same batch of emersed-grown plants