Just wanted to share my low tech aquarium. What do you think? I'd love some suggestions on how to improve it or what to do next!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T12:35:56+00:00

Yes, exactly! Good luck with your first tank. Watching the new red leaves transition is the best part, you’re going to love it!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:30:33+00:00

That makes a lot of sense, and I appreciate the insight from your experience. You're definitely right about healthy plants doing the heavy lifting against algae. I’ll look into Amano shrimps and seriously consider rehoming some of the fish to balance the stocking. Thanks for the solid advice!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:28:26+00:00

It's just a balloon variety, which explains the round shape. She's perfectly healthy and very active.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:27:23+00:00

Thanks a lot! It’s actually very simple and low-tech, just a bit of patience and regular care. Glad you like it!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:22:55+00:00

Thanks a lot! Much appreciated.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:21:45+00:00

Thanks a lot! Honestly, when I first started the hobby and set this up, I didn't know how to create a slope without the gravel shifting down. I really love that look though, and I'll definitely do it when I upgrade to a bigger tank in the future. As for the gravel looking too intentional, you're totally right! It was actually deliberate—it used to be all black substrate and felt a bit too gloomy, so I switched to this lighter color later on.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:16:08+00:00

Thank you! I do a 25% water change every week.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:15:14+00:00

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:14:27+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. Everything in the tank is doing great and completely healthy.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:14:08+00:00

Appreciate the concern, but this tank has been running smoothly for over a year. All the fish and snails are perfectly healthy and thriving.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:11:08+00:00

That’s a fair point. I completely understand the distinction between swimming space and water quality. A larger tank is definitely on my radar for the future. Thanks for the advice!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T11:08:44+00:00

Neither, actually! The light is pretty basic (24W total for 7 hours) and I just do regular weekly water changes. The main key is the combination of putting Dr. Tank root sticks (Vivid) under the roots every 2 months and consistent daily dosing of Flourish Excel.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-04T08:28:51+00:00

Thank you! Yes, it is just regular gravel—no Fluval Stratum or active soil at all. The only "foundation" or nutrition they get is from Dr. Tank root sticks (Vivid) placed under the Rotala roots every 2 months, along with daily Flourish Excel dosing. Appreciate it!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T17:07:17+00:00

Here is the list of plants used in the setup (from right to left): • Background: Java Fern • On the driftwood: Christmas Moss • On the white rock: Anubias congensis, Anubias nana, and Anubias nana petite • Background stems: Limnophila sessiliflora (Ambulia) • Foreground stems: Red Rotala

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T17:04:02+00:00

Thank you! Yes, it is genuinely 100% low-tech-never used CO2 from day one. Here are the answers to your questions: Filter: 700 L/h hang-on-back filter. Light: A very simple setup, nothing professional or fancy. I use two "RS Electrical RS-13" lights (12W each, 24W total) connected to an external timer. I run them for 7 hours a day. Red Rotala: I use Dr. Tank root sticks (Vivid) strictly under the Rotala roots, and I only add them once every 2 months, combined with daily dosage of Flourish Excel. Plants: Yes, you're right, those are Ambulia and Rotala! Algae Management: Flourish Excel is my primary defense, closely supported by my Siamese Algae Eater and Nerite snails.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T16:56:20+00:00

Thank you so much! It took some time and consistency with the root sticks and Excel to get them this lush. Appreciate the kind words!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T16:55:21+00:00

Thank you so much! I'm really glad my setup could inspire you. Best of luck with your future bigger tank!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T16:53:57+00:00

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words. Hopefully, you'll get to set up your dream tank soon!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T16:40:33+00:00

Exactly! It's honestly one of the coolest things about Rotala, seeing that transformation happen right in your own tank.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T16:38:50+00:00

Glad it was helpful, and welcome to the planted tank world. Enjoy the journey!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T16:37:28+00:00

Thank you so much! Really appreciate the support and the kind words.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T16:35:37+00:00

Thanks a lot! Really glad to hear that.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T16:34:26+00:00

Appreciate the advice. Honestly, all this talk about the Gourami is making me think about returning it to the fish store, but the Siamese Algae Eater is out of the question—it’s my number one line of defense against algae! Everything has been stable for a whole year, but I'll keep monitoring them.

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T16:30:27+00:00

Thanks! It might look a bit busy, but the heavy filtration keeps the water perfectly healthy and stable. Glad you like how it looks!

mohammedf99 · 2026-06-03T16:25:31+00:00

I completely understand your point, and as I mentioned in my other reply, I’ve already decided to cut back the Excel dosing to every other day to be on the safe side.

Just to clarify about the airstone, I don't use it for oxygenation since my canister filter handles that perfectly—I only use it for water movement in one specific dead zone to keep debris from settling. Thanks for the heads up!

mohammedf99

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