Journal Redo my 70 gallon

[Achi]

I’m about to break down my 70 gallon tank, it’s been running with pool sand for a year, co2 at 1.4 ph drop, daily modified macros and micros
Week aqua p1200
Dkh 0-1
Dgh 6
I have been working a lot and haven’t kept up with my 2 x water changes 60% and went down to 1 water change a week. I started to get BBA and now I want to redo this tank.
I have been growing plants in there such as BV, Quin, Erio Bolivia, lots of Bucephalandra but now it’s time for black blasting Medea, it’s not about saving money on buying aquasoils for me it’s about growing these plants in inert substrate. Wish me luck!

 

[Art]

I’m about to break down my 70 gallon tank, it’s been running with pool sand for a year, co2 at 1.4 ph drop, daily modified macros and micros
Week aqua p1200
Dkh 0-1
Dgh 6
I have been working a lot and haven’t kept up with my 2 x water changes 60% and went down to 1 water change a week. I started to get BBA and now I want to redo this tank.
I have been growing plants in there such as BV, Quin, Erio Bolivia, lots of Bucephalandra but now it’s time for black blasting Medea, it’s not about saving money on buying aquasoils for me it’s about growing these plants in inert substrate. Wish me luck!
View attachment 599

Hey Earl -

I've never had look growing plants in sand. To me, the sand gets too compact and doesn't allow for the water column substrate interface to work well leading to root issues. It may be just me but I don't think our aquariums favor a pure sand substrate as the upwelling of water that occurs in normal rivers and lakes is present. Anyway, maybe just me.

Another thing that I don't do well at is multiple water changes a week. IMHO, if a setup requires more than once a week water change (after the initial phase), then it's not what I want. To be honest, I don't think it should be necessary and think that something is off with the overall environment. Certainly, we don't want to be telling newcomers that twice a week is necessary or you''ll get algae. So, my question to you is, why were twice a week water changes necessary for you here?

Also, why the focus on inert substrate?

P.S. I see you don't have a build thread link in your profile. Be a cool kid and add one like @GreggZ and I do.

 

[Achi]

Hey Earl -

I've never had look growing plants in sand. To me, the sand gets too compact and doesn't allow for the water column substrate interface to work well leading to root issues. It may be just me but I don't think our aquariums favor a pure sand substrate as the upwelling of water that occurs in normal rivers and lakes is present. Anyway, maybe just me.

Another thing that I don't do well at is multiple water changes a week. IMHO, if a setup requires more than once a week water change (after the initial phase), then it's not what I want. To be honest, I don't think it should be necessary and think that something is off with the overall environment. Certainly, we don't want to be telling newcomers that twice a week is necessary or you''ll get algae. So, my question to you is, why were twice a week water changes necessary for you here?

Also, why the focus on inert substrate?

P.S. I see you don't have a build thread link in your profile. Be a cool kid and add one like @GreggZ and I do.

The 2x water changes were to combat excess fish poop as I am overstocked, I like sand for the challenge of keeping these plants heathy. It has taught me so much about column fertilizing, and keeping some plants. My roots are very happy even in Eriocaulons that usually does better in acidic soil, but with Co2 at 1.4 drop I find that is the sweet spot for inert soil. True that my plants in my other tank with Amazonia grow faster and arguably more healthy, but they do grow well in sand

 

[Art]

The 2x water changes were to combat excess fish poop as I am overstocked, I like sand for the challenge of keeping these plants heathy. It has taught me so much about column fertilizing, and keeping some plants. My roots are very happy even in Eriocaulons that usually does better in acidic soil, but with Co2 at 1.4 drop I find that is the sweet spot for inert soil. True that my plants in my other tank with Amazonia grow faster and arguably more healthy, but they do grow well in sand

One of the best cryptocoryne growers ever was a guy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He grew them in his backyard in sand, full Florida sun and fresh water from his pond.

Plants are amazing in how they grow when you give them what they want.

 

[Achi]

One of the best cryptocoryne growers ever was a guy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He grew them in his backyard in sand, full Florida sun and fresh water from his pond.

Plants are amazing in how they grow when you give them what they want.

It’s very true and using inert substrate helps me learn how any specific micros or macros help or hurt the change is faster than if I had active substrate. Example when I add more K in my sand tank I see results in a week, when I add K in my active substrate tanks it takes a couple weeks to see if it helped

 

[GreggZ]

Another thing that I don't do well at is multiple water changes a week. IMHO, if a setup requires more than once a week water change (after the initial phase), then it's not what I want. To be honest, I don't think it should be necessary and think that something is off with the overall environment. Certainly, we don't want to be telling newcomers that twice a week is necessary or you''ll get algae. So, my question to you is, why were twice a week water changes necessary for you here?

Multiple water changes are certainly not a requirement........but they can be a useful tool.

If a tank has problems and you want to whip it back into shape do twice a week water changes for awhile. It resets the water column back to where you want it and lowers organics and TDS. It's a well known trick for people getting ready for a contest or photo shoot. While not required plants love it.

 

[Achi]

I’m about to break down my 70 gallon tank, it’s been running with pool sand for a year, co2 at 1.4 ph drop, daily modified macros and micros
Week aqua p1200
Dkh 0-1
Dgh 6
I have been working a lot and haven’t kept up with my 2 x water changes 60% and went down to 1 water change a week. I started to get BBA and now I want to redo this tank.
I have been growing plants in there such as BV, Quin, Erio Bolivia, lots of Bucephalandra but now it’s time for black blasting Medea, it’s not about saving money on buying aquasoils for me it’s about growing these plants in inert substrate. Wish me luck!
View attachment 599

It’s very true and using inert substrate helps me learn how any specific micros or macros help or hurt the change is faster than if I had active substrate. Example when I add more K in my sand tank I see results in a week, when I add K in my active substrate tanks it takes a couple weeks to see if it helped

Wel I did it! I broke it down and did BDBS, removed the wood and all the moss. Replanted and now it’s wait for it to grow out!

 

[GreggZ]

Nice! I've done this before and it no small undertaking.

Keep an eye on ammonia for a bit. It's not unusual to see a spike as the beneficial bacteria recolonizes.

And I think you will like the look. The black helps make the color of the plants pop.

Well done sir!

 

[Achi]

Nice! I've done this before and it no small undertaking.

Keep an eye on ammonia for a bit. It's not unusual to see a spike as the beneficial bacteria recolonizes.

And I think you will like the look. The black helps make the color of the plants pop.

Well done sir!

Thank you!! Yes it was a log process, I set up a folding table and towels a large vine for plants and a large bin for fauna. I am watching all the parameters especially ammonia! So far I like the results

 

[Achi]

Wel I did it! I broke it down and did BDBS, removed the wood and all the moss. Replanted and now it’s wait for it to grow out!
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