novafishy Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Ok, I've got some photos of my 18" desk tank at work. Its still in the beginning stages and I shall endeavour to keep posted with photos. Right now, its only got a 100w heater and an airstone. The filter is still getting established at home. Plants so far include: java ferns, anubias, crypts and riccia. Will be getting a CF light soon too. I don't quite like it at the moment...might change the landscaping later on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 I dont like the gravel, try black or something Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Nice pieces of wood you've got there! Sorry to say, I agree with Richard about the gravel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuong Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Perhaps some sand would look better. I know it's a small tank but it just feels like the gravel accentuates the size of the tank even more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamR Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 I think if you bought a small amount of that fancy wood you could make a little frame around the bottom. Just that wood thats used for making corners nicer. Otherwise im sure it'll look cool! Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Morelia Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 The gravel isn't the best, but if you were to put a black background and sides on it, it'd make all the difference I reckon. And I'd definitely get some dressed timber and make a little frame to go around the bottom, as Adam said. It'll look nice when finished though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest parallel Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Bravo.... must ask my Director if I can keep a small tank as well.... but with all my paper work on the desk I think you probably won't even find the tank.... Note to self....must clean up.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted February 10, 2006 Author Share Posted February 10, 2006 Yeh, i agree the gravel isn't very nice too. the rather large size of it does make the tank look smaller. But i really can't be bothered to change it over now. I was thinking of sand, but how will plants go in a sand substrate? i assume not very well. Has anyone else done planted tanks with a sand substrate? I will take more photos on monday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vwboy53 Posted February 11, 2006 Share Posted February 11, 2006 [quote. I was thinking of sand, but how will plants go in a sand substrate? i assume not very well. Has anyone else done planted tanks with a sand substrate? If you put some fertiliser substrate below sand, it would eventually work it's way up. It's just physics. But aside from that, it makes plants easier to move and re arrange, but if you have a too thick substrate or too fine sand, it will compact a bit and plants may find difficulty growing roots. A good compromise would be course sand, but personally I don't mind the gravel. It doesnt look bad, plus its easy to keep clean If it was me, I would just learn to live with it. The tank is the feature, and not the gravel. How often do you here people say ooooh nice gravel! ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardb0iled Posted February 12, 2006 Share Posted February 12, 2006 Use pool filter sand, I use it in all my tanks from my 30l to my 840l If you put a layer of laterite down first and then the sand, the plants will go crazy! Here is my kitchen bench tank - I havent made any attempt to aquascape it besides sticking a couple of bunches of val and a sword in it. But I had to trim the val last week, some of the strands were over a 1 metre long!! My Kitchen 30L tank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted February 13, 2006 Author Share Posted February 13, 2006 I bought some really fine gravel over the weekend. Will change over to the fine gravel tomrw. I still have to give it a good wash. Nice tank, hardb0iled. What fish have you got in there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardb0iled Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 It was originally a holding tank for an angel I had which was being harassed in another tank, I've since moved the angle back to one of my larger tanks and this little one now contains a Golden Chinese Algea eater(the anubias plant you see I threw in to see if he would clean it up a bit for me) and a single barb which somehow ended up in a bag of feeder goldfish I was using to cycle another tank, I saved him from being the Murray Cods lunch and threw him in this small tank. I've been meaning to do something with it but am busy setting up an 840L tank at the moment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlos Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 hey hardb0iled, do you use any other ferts in the tank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardb0iled Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 hey hardb0iled, do you use any other ferts in the tank? ← I havent been using any, just the laterite under the sand has been more than enough for the val to go crazy and the sword sent out a few runners which I have chopped and and replanted in another tank. I have just started adding some liquid ferts the last week, as I'm trying to get some the anubias to take off. I'm using some stuff called 'Dino Pee' which I got off eBay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted February 14, 2006 Author Share Posted February 14, 2006 Ok guys, I've taken on board advice on the gravel and have decided to change it. Laid down some laterite, then some "gravel" which the grain is slightly bigger than sand, and has a browner look. Also rearranged the landscape and i'm more happy with this one. It might change tho.. will be adding more rocks and plants later on. The water is slightly cloudy due to the "sand". What do you guys think? better or worse? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D6C1 Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Looks nice. I like the two of them to be honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardb0iled Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Yep looks better! The plants will love the laterite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vwboy53 Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Definitely better, nice layout. I can't wait to see it grow in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlos Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 What do you guys think? I think you need to get back to work! Lookn good wes! the sand/gravel is a definate improvement! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted February 14, 2006 Author Share Posted February 14, 2006 Thanks for the feedback guys! Will post more photos tomrw when i add a few rocks and couple more plants. The water should clear too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parrdog Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Yep, much nicer . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Polarrr- Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 deffiently lookin better man top effort looks alot more natural and softer on the eye Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Alot better Wes. Keep the updates coming ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wui39 Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Not a bad effort Wes, trying to challenge my tank now eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted February 14, 2006 Author Share Posted February 14, 2006 Bring it on Wui! haha! will most couple more photos later today, as i've added a few things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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