Remodelled 10gal tank

[sylros]

Hi all,

Decided to try out the ecoComplete substrate to see if there was a difference. All I had was a 10gal so decided to rip it out and start a new.

Unfortunately, I don't like how it turned out. The piece of wood is odd in the tank, it also looks empty. I guess I like the lush type of tanks. lol

Lighting: was using a T5 florescent bulb but had to use compact florescent tubes while on vacation as the T5 fixture doesn't work with a timer. Am looking for a proper fixture...

Flora:
crypts
anubia
java fern
xmas moss on the wood
malaysian wood piece
twisted sagitaria

Fauna:
male guppies (6-7)
3 danios
1 panda cory
1 serpae cory
1 julia cory
3 otto
1 rock shrimp
5-6 dwarf platies

[sylros]

1 month later...added the java fern. Notice the blyxia has gone, it didn't survive.
Haven't dosed this tank at all yet, should I with the ecoComplete substrate? Also, I thought that by choosing these crypts they were supposed to stay small, same for the anubia...I don't think it's a "nana" one. But I have one from the other tank.

I still don't like the look, now it looks messy. Any suggestions?

[pm]

I cannot comment on the ecoComplete... have not used it.  But with all the crypts you could probably be successful with just using root tabs (bought or home made).

As for the tank, the only thing that doesn't work for me is the anubias.  It just seems too big for a 10 gal.  It is definitely not the "petite" variety.  As for the rest, it just needs to grow in a bit. 

My 2 cents

[exv152]

...Haven't dosed this tank at all yet, should I with the ecoComplete substrate? Also, I thought that by choosing these crypts they were supposed to stay small, same for the anubia...I don't think it's a "nana" one. But I have one from the other tank.

I still don't like the look, now it looks messy. Any suggestions?

I'd suggest dosing a complete fertilizer like seachem flourish comprehensive once a week, or every two weeks. I would rethink your anubias barteri on the right, the size of leaves seems a bit too large for the scale you've got.

[sylros]

Thanks for your feedback, I totally agree with you there...but I happen to have a petite anubia in my other tanks...it sprouted babies, so will be doing a swap. The leaves are indeed sticking out of the tank...yeah, too big for sure! lol

[charlie]

I agree with the suggestion on the Anubias.
My choice would be to use the crypts as your back ground plants since it`s only a 10 Gallon, some rocks ( Dragon Stone now available @ La Niche & Big Al`s) around the wood with moss & Anubias Petite on the D/wood, probably some Marsilea quadrifolia as your foreground plant
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/myPlants.php?do=view&p=86&n=Four_Leaf_Clover_Water_Shamrock_Marsilea_quadrifolia.
Just a thought
Errol