Question of the Day So, how do you think you’re doing on your planted tank journey?

[Count Krunk]

I feel like I'm still getting started. Started with a 10g that quickly shifted into a reef tank. Did reefs for the next 10 years. Set up a 55g i picked up roadside for a few years. That was walstad style. That created my love for angelfish.

Moved twice since then and finally finally have a space to set up the 135g.

That will be my first foray into dosing and co2. Very excited for that.

 

[TRyan]

It's definitely up and down with me. Sometimes I think I'm going well, then a couple of plants (easy plants) here and there play up, and I lose any confidence I thought I had.

View attachment 6623View attachment 6622

Looking good!

 

[Joel Armstrong]

Looking good!

I didn't think so at all

Things are a bit better now.

 

[TRyan]

I'm down to one 90p size tank after selling my other two 60p size tanks. I had some terrible GDA that I couldn't get rid of, got burned out and decided to downsize.

Although I really enjoyed all the stem plants and the high energy tanks, I decided it wasn't for me due to the maintenance required. Now it full of easy plants and running smooth. I enjoy my tank and the hobby again. Not nearly as cool as some of the dutch tanks on here, but I'm happy with it.

I haven't been active on here, mainly because I didn't feel my tank was worthy of any photos or discussions, but I can now say it looks decent enough, so here it is. Thanks for looking.

 

[SkaleyAquatics]

I'm down to one 90p size tank after selling my other two 60p size tanks. I had some terrible GDA that I couldn't get rid of, got burned out and decided to downsize.

Although I really enjoyed all the stem plants and the high energy tanks, I decided it wasn't for me due to the maintenance required. Now it full of easy plants and running smooth. I enjoy my tank and the hobby again. Not nearly as cool as some of the dutch tanks on here, but I'm happy with it.

I haven't been active on here, mainly because I didn't feel my tank was worthy of any photos or discussions, but I can now say it looks decent enough, so here it is. Thanks for looking.

Tank is looking good. Is the erio sp. vietnam? But all of us go through the ups and downs, we are also our harshest critics. So never feel discouraged to post here, especially with all these great people here that are willing to help.

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

I haven't been active on here, mainly because I didn't feel my tank was worthy of any photos or discussions, but I can now say it looks decent enough, so here it is. Thanks for looking.

@SkaleyAquatics Ditto, well said.

 

[TRyan]

Tank is looking good. Is the erio sp. vietnam? But all of us go through the ups and downs, we are also our harshest critics. So never feel discouraged to post here, especially with all these great people here that are willing to help.

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, all of the grass is erio so. Vietnam (thank you burr740).

 

[anewbie]

My low tech aquarium failed:


I dread showing the Feb 2025 picture - it is miserable - i can't see anything in the tank.
--
update i went downstairs and took these:
front

and back:

and proof of life:

 

[Koan]

I dread showing the Feb 2025 picture - it is miserable

Don't get discouraged! We're having a windstorm where I am, but I'll post a pic of my hair-algae-farm/ diatom fest quarantine tank for you once the power's back on

I turned the lights way up too high to get some stems growing that had mostly melted in the mail.. It worked, stems are doing great. Also, the hair algae thought that was the coolest thing ever

Now a series of cleanings and water changes, plus some time and lowering the lights will help this phase go past.

Never be afraid to drain, do some manual cleaning, and ask for tips on the best next step. Somewhere in there you still have plants! Trim off all but the healthiest leaves, do a good clean, turn your lights down to a third of what they were, refill, refertilize, give it a couple days with the filter running and lets see what you have.

The great thing about plants is, you can always get more plants. Don't be afraid to start a journal here even if you don't like how it looks at the moment, if you'd like to get help and feedback. That's what we're all here for!

 

[anewbie]

Don't get discouraged! We're having a windstorm where I am, but I'll post a pic of my hair-algae-farm/ diatom fest quarantine tank for you once the power's back on

I turned the lights way up too high to get some stems growing that had mostly melted in the mail.. It worked, stems are doing great. Also, the hair algae thought that was the coolest thing ever

Now a series of cleanings and water changes, plus some time and lowering the lights will help this phase go past.

Never be afraid to drain, do some manual cleaning, and ask for tips on the best next step. Somewhere in there you still have plants! Trim off all but the healthiest leaves, do a good clean, turn your lights down to a third of what they were, refill, refertilize, give it a couple days with the filter running and lets see what you have.

The great thing about plants is, you can always get more plants. Don't be afraid to start a journal here even if you don't like how it looks at the moment, if you'd like to get help and feedback. That's what we're all here for!

I'm gonna be more drastic - in a week i will tear it down and move everything into a larger aquarium to give the plants a bit more room to grow.