Threadfin Rainbow Biotope

I have purchased Herman's 60cm tank and stand (amazing stand!!!), and will be doing a threadfin rainbow biotope.

So the plan is to do it as cheaply as possible, with less than R5000 budget.

Unfortunately I blew almost R600 on La Plata Sand already..

Still need to buy:
- stones (granite)
- wood
- fish (threadfin rainbows - http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/iriatherina-werneri/)
- shrimp (Crystal reds)

I brought the lights with me from the UK, will use a AquaRay AquaBeam 1000 HD Ultra Lighting Tile (TMC), with leg stands.

Filter I am not sure yet, may have to buy a hang on filter, as the filters I brought are all 1200lph, too much for the small tank, so will see what I can get at the shops here.

Moss and plants I have, will use only mini ferns, crypts and moss.

Pictures to follow.

 

R600 for a bag of La Plata sand? What?

Well, the advantage is: It will go a long way. We used 5 bags of Colorado sand in the Dorry Pets 2m Tank!

I'm looking forward to the progress on this thread!

 

Me to keep us in form

 

The plata sand was R585, for 8kg.. one bag is enough..

I need to find now that fuzzy paper to stick at the back of the tank.. Will do a full picture shoot of the setup, will start to work on it this weekend.

 

What about a nice canister, maybe Herman can make you a good deal on a 2nd hand one ?

 

I still have the Dophin c700 if you are interested

 

I actually have a few spare classic eheims lying around... I'll have to check if any of them work. I inherited them from a friend who's father passed away.

 

Definitely keeping my eye on this thread!

 

Thanks.. my eye is really in a hang on filter, and will check the prices new, filters and heaters I rarely buy second hand. Lights I am ok with second hand, but filters not so much. Had a few fail on me, and when they fail it normally means lots of water in the floor.

The eheim classics are superb filters, often overlooked..

 

Ok, after a quick clean up, and spraying the back with frosted paint, here is the first piece of hardscape in..
Eastern Sunrise by Luis Embalo, on Flickr

 

Looks nice. I think Herman is going to miss his tank soon.

 

Actual spray paint.. do it on the outside of the tank, and use layers, so it looks uneven and natural..

 

Top with rocks.. Rocks are Cape Aqua Rock..

Top with rock placement by Luis Embalo, on Flickr

 

Will add the La Plata Sand tomorrow.

Front picture by Luis Embalo, on Flickr

 

Looking good Luis.

 

Keeping a eye on this one.

 

More wood added, and for the back I got the following substrate..
http://www.flamingo.be/CatalogusLis...0774ID44334XML209355Prod1292384&Page=1&MnPg=1

 

That substrate says it has lime residue on it... That certainly will alter pH... Just be careful of it!

Watching this thread with interest.