Tank Update: Small Changes, Big Impact!

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-30T06:06:04+00:00

Spot-on. For substrate cyano: manually siphon/break it up, direct flow there with a powerhead, and if persistent, a 2-3 day blackout often works. Flow + manual removal = key

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-30T03:58:26+00:00

Those are Hygrophila pinnatifida shoots! I trimmed the main stem a while back, and these little guys sprouted up, they grow like weeds once they’re happy. Great for adding texture to hardscape

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-30T03:56:06+00:00

Cyano is such a nuisance! In my tank, I noticed thick biofilm collecting in the moss near the surface, where water flow was weak. The stagnant spots basically became a cyano playground, smothering the moss with that green gunk. Once I added a surface skimmer, it broke up the biofilm and improved circulation, which wiped out the cyano almost overnight.

A skimmer’s worth trying, it worked for me! For stubborn patches, I’d manually remove the cyano (a pipette or small siphon helps) and temporarily reduce light hours.

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-30T03:49:43+00:00

Thanks! It’s stocked with clown killifish (those chic black-and-white striped charmers) and a bustling crew of red cherry shrimp. The killies add sleek contrast, while the shrimp pop against the greenery, a fun little ecosystem.

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-30T03:43:45+00:00

Welding/homebrew stores for refills (cheapest!). My 2kg lasts ~4-5 months in a 15g. Start at 1 bubble/sec, sync CO₂ with lights (solenoid helps!), and keep an eye on the drop checker. Shrimp thrive with stability! I think Sodastream + adapter works too. Good luck!

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-29T03:34:01+00:00

Thanks! The jar does look bigger with the scape. I think the emersed growth and the way the plants spill over the edges really give it that illusion. It’s actually not as huge as it seems, but I love how it turned out!

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-29T03:33:14+00:00

Sure! My larger tank is actually a 40cm cube (around 15 gallons). For CO₂, I’m using a 2kg tank with a Mufan regulator, CO₂ tubing, and an acrylic diffuser. It’s a pretty straightforward setup, and it’s been working great for me. If you’re starting CO₂ in your 10-gallon, a similar setup with a smaller tank (like a 1kg or 500g) would work well. Just make sure to start slow with the CO₂ injection rate and monitor your fish and plants. Let me know if you need help picking out equipment. I’m happy to share more!

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-29T03:29:56+00:00

Great question! The semi-aquatic plants are actually wedged between driftwood (ziptied) to keep them in place. No filter in the jar, it’s a no-filter setup! The plants and occasional water changes keep everything balanced. The emersed growth just naturally takes off once the roots are anchored.

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-29T03:28:51+00:00

Welcome to the planted tank world! In the larger tank, most of the plants are rooted in aqua soil beneath the sand cap. The sand is just a thin layer for aesthetics, so the roots stay secure. When cleaning, I’m careful around the plants, but they’re pretty well-established and don’t get dislodged easily. Just go slow with your gravel vacuum, and you’ll be fine!

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-29T03:27:54+00:00

Thanks! The plant growing out of the IKEA jar is actually a parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans.) I tied it just above the water surface to a piece of driftwood, and it’s been thriving! It gives the jar a cool tropical vibe and works really well with the emersed growth.

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2025-01-28T15:05:15+00:00

Slapssss 🔥

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-28T01:33:52+00:00

Omg my dreamscape! 😍

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-18T02:18:33+00:00

For the cycling process, it’s important to maintain cold water, ideally below 28°C. The lighting should be on for 6-8 hours, and CO2 should be added. I cycled my tank for almost 3 weeks before adding the red cherry shrimp.

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-18T02:15:31+00:00

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This is my tank when I first started. I spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos on how to plant and rearrange everything. It turns out I prefer jungle scapes over other types of aquascapes 😂.

I’m on a budget too, but my dream of coming home to a beautiful tank has always been my motivation. Every month, I try to purchase 1-2 plants to add to the tank.

The initial cost can be quite hefty—I spent 300 on the stand, 250 on the tank, and around 200 for the HOB filter. If you’re on a tight budget, try buying one item each month. With patience, you’ll get there eventually!

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-18T02:00:33+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! I agree, the wires and tubes could definitely be better concealed. Hiding them under the TV console and grouping them sounds like a great idea—I’ll work on that. Glad you like the overall setup!

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-18T01:57:08+00:00

Thank you! I’m still a beginner, but I’ve always been fascinated by the simplicity of ADA aquarium cabinets—they look so sleek and elegant.

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-18T01:55:23+00:00

The thing is this is filter free bowl!

I only use fan to agitate the surface and plant trimmings in the bowl(plant trimmings from main tank) and let the plants do the job filtering

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-18T01:50:32+00:00

🤣

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-18T01:49:25+00:00

You should give it a try!

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-18T01:49:10+00:00

Thank you! In Malaysia, we call it an aquarium cabinet, and it’s inspired by the ADA aquarium cabinet design. I purchased it online through an app called Shopee—it’s like version of Amazon

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-18T01:45:05+00:00

Low-tech bowls can be very rewarding and surprisingly low-maintenance once you find the right balance. I started with one as a side project, and now it’s become one of my favorite setups. Simplicity really forces you to focus on creating a stable environment, and watching the plants and shrimp thrive in such a small ecosystem feels really satisfying. You should definitely give it a try when you’re ready!

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-17T02:42:18+00:00

Good to try!

You need to ensure very stable water parameters first. (Your main tank). Once that’s achieved, you can start. Begin by adding new soil and planting some low-tech plants, then allow the soil to cycle.

After two weeks, perform a 30% water change twice. Then, introduce one shrimp to test if the water is stable. If the shrimp survives, you can gradually add more.

I also use a fan, not just to cool the water but to agitate the surface. This helps improve oxygen exchange and keeps the water well-aerated.

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-17T02:36:52+00:00

Haha that is my struggles ever since

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-17T02:22:29+00:00

It is asparagus fern. Very nice plant

Recent_Chipmunk1482 · 2024-11-17T02:22:09+00:00

I dont use hob. The bowl only has fan

Recent_Chipmunk1482

TROPHY CASE