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Permalink Reply by Michael on July 21, 2013 at 1:23pm

I could type you up about 4 pages, but instead im gonna link you to 3 of my youtube videos. Ist one is long but explains step by step how to set up a dirted tank. The second 2 are videos on how to make and wire up aquarium lights for pretty cheap. since your fixture only has on bulb slot, it would be nice to rig up a DIY fixture that has 2 24" bulbs. That would give you a little more punch. hope these videos help you out. good luck!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LBXlYp5skg  Tank set up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFpYRCBblOQ   lighting vids

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewM6Lcn9fgo

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Permalink Reply by Sean on August 3, 2013 at 10:32pm

Thanks for the videos.  I think I am going to give it a try with the one light, I was able to get a 20watt T12 made fore plants.  Since its my first go, I want to make sure I take it slow.  I just hope I don't kill all my plants.  Going to get a lot of low light plants.  Swords, Java fern, Sag, Water Sprite and a lot of them. Once I get the tank set up I am going to get some more lights.  I want to take is slow, do you think I will kill my plants not having that much light?

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Permalink Reply by Michael on August 3, 2013 at 10:50pm

You will not kill any plants by having too little or too much light. There growth will most likely be slow with the 1 20 watt bulb your using. This is ok for now, because you are just getting started. If I were you, i would kick back and see how things do over the next couple weeks and then make a decision on the lights. I dont know if you looked though my other videos on my channel but I have a few others that may help you in the start up. Subscribe if youd like to stay updated. I will also be starting up a Q&A video porting of my channel so feel free to submit questions in the comment section of any video. Thanks again.

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Permalink Reply by Sean on August 3, 2013 at 11:25pm

Thanks man, did watch some of your other videos and I just subscribed.  I still haven't set up the tank yet, still getting things ready.  Its my first tank so I have a lot of items to gather together without going broke. I hope to have everything ready to go in two weeks.   

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Permalink Reply by Michael on August 4, 2013 at 12:00am

nice, I remember my first tank, it was an awesome experience. Are you gonna use dirt???

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Permalink Reply by Sean on August 4, 2013 at 12:38am

I sure am.  Any other nutrients you suggest adding starting out in the substrate?   Besides clay?

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Permalink Reply by Michael on August 4, 2013 at 1:43pm

Nope, you will be good with the nuts. in the dirt for about 6 to 8 months. after that, you can add some root tabs. Ill be making a DIY vid on how to do thoes soon!

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Permalink Reply by Sean on August 11, 2013 at 11:01pm

Michael, I got my tank all set up this weekend.  Dirt with clay and maybe a bit more gravel then I needed.  I am running the filter for a week with the lights off to try to get it a little established.  I got some starter tank beneficial bacteria and will be doing some water tests to see how its all going.  In your video you said I needed a little ammonia for the bacteria to eat on, from the tests  I do have a little ammonia, from the dirt I assume. I am planning that if my ammonia drops, I will go get a couple fish to help out? Plants are coming Friday.  I have about 15 on order and will go to pet store and pick up a few more if needed to make sure I have enough.  All the plants are low light plants.  Anubius, Java fern, Dwarf Sag, some swords and some other low light plants.  After reading a lot on internet I am getting a little concerned again I might not have enough light.  I don't care if they grow slow, I just don't want to kill them and waste the money.  I am thinking about getting an LED strip (link below) just to give me a little buffer zone till I am decide what I am going to do to get some extra light.  What do you think?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12302633

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Permalink Reply by Michael on August 12, 2013 at 2:49am

hey! if your test kits are showing ammonia then you should be fine, its definitely from the substrate. I would still put a small pinch of fish food in the water column just to get your microbial community rollin. wait about 3 days and test ammonia again and note the difference. The key here is to get your bacterial community, specifically your nitrifyers to a high density. I would say your on track and after about 3-4 days you should be ready to add fish. Just go slow with the addition of fish and you should be fine. Ive added fish to a new tank the same day I set it up and been totally fine. You will only run into problems if you add 10 fish in the same day. Nice aquascape so far! cant wait to see those plants! 

Permalink Reply by Sean on August 12, 2013 at 8:34pm

Ammonia just about doubled today.  Day two and no nitrites.  I was planning putting in fish about a week after I put in the plants.  What do you think about the light situation and getting that LED strip I put a link to.  I really am thankful for your help! I don't have any friends who have an aquarium.  I am very thankful.  I sent you a friend request on the fishtanktv site.  

Permalink Reply by Michael on August 12, 2013 at 10:36pm

my opinion on the Led lights: save your money. Those leds wont give your plants anything they dont already have from your one light strip. I would just stick with what you got. As far as your NH3 spike, this is normal. It will take a few days to see Nitrite accumulate. and then a couple more to see nitrate. Dont be afraid to ask anything else!

Permalink Reply by Kenneth Philabaum on November 19, 2013 at 2:46am

What a bargain! I live in the UK and it's next to impossible to find bargains like that. Good luck with your new tank, when you get setup post us some pics.

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