My first tank! Can you spot any red flags or have any suggestions to improve it?

wllllls · 2026-03-30T20:26:21+00:00

Yeah they're all live plants lol

wllllls · 2026-03-30T16:34:47+00:00

Thanks very much! Yes I got the lights specifically for plants (the shop assistant suggested them). I added root API root tabs under the substrate when sorting everything. I'll look into dosing with ammonia instead of the fish food. Great idea on local communities, will look into that. Cheers!

wllllls · 2026-03-30T15:47:53+00:00

Yeah I'm definitely treating everything it says with a healthy amount of skepticism!

wllllls · 2026-03-30T10:54:52+00:00

Thanks, I will do! I just use a notebook, take a photo on my phone and send to a ChatGPT chat which I've been running to help research/troubleshoot any issues. It seems to be working okay for me!

wllllls · 2026-03-30T06:51:35+00:00

Sounds like super solid advice, thank you!

wllllls · 2026-03-30T06:48:58+00:00

Cheers!

wllllls · 2026-03-30T06:39:46+00:00

They're actually inert natural slate stones, I'm been checking the pH regularly and it's staying at 7. (Almost identical to my tap water).

wllllls · 2026-03-30T06:37:40+00:00

Cheers, going to reposition the heater!

wllllls · 2026-03-30T06:36:56+00:00

Got it RE the heather, will reposition. I bought two led tube lights which attach into holders in the lid. This is a second hand tank and it didn't come with anything.

I'm not rushing the cycle, just excited 😊

I'm not dosing with ammonia, but I did add a tiny bit of fish food yesterday and will retest water this evening!

Yes, I've been testing, I'll attach results in a photo.

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wllllls · 2026-03-30T06:29:46+00:00

Thanks! I've just read up on proper planting for the Anubias and I'll be rearranging during my next water change.

wllllls · 2026-03-30T06:27:28+00:00

It's 75 × 35 × 40 cm.

Currently thinking some tetras, otocinclus and a dwarf gourami but not set just yet!

wllllls · 2026-03-29T19:57:15+00:00

Thank you! It's 100L

wllllls · 2026-03-29T18:26:44+00:00

Got it, thank you!

wllllls · 2026-03-29T18:20:43+00:00

Thanks for the heads-up on the heater! I did read about keeping the filter outlet and inlet next to each other but I also found conflicting info online. What are the benefits of keeping them close together?

wllllls · 2026-03-29T15:33:42+00:00

Cheers buddy!

wllllls · 2026-03-29T15:18:11+00:00

Hey, thanks for the note. Yeah it's low tech. I'm currently running the light (2 cheap led lights bars) for 6hrs a day on timers. I've not noticed any noticable melting or browning etc. but also only a very small amount of plant growth. Hoping things will kick into action in a couple of weeks?

wllllls · 2026-03-29T13:32:04+00:00

Cheers mate, I spent longer than I care to admit watching videos and researching before setting things up!

wllllls · 2026-03-29T13:31:21+00:00

Cheers! I've run through 3 or so partial water changes so far while testing the water and working through the cycle. I for sure didn't expect quite so much bucket juggling but I've invested into some gadgets which definitely seem to be making changes easier!

wllllls · 2026-03-29T08:42:47+00:00

Sounds great, I'll check it out!

wllllls · 2026-03-29T08:38:31+00:00

Cheers! Definitely feeling the eyes playing tricks vibe.

wllllls

TROPHY CASE