I am a newbie attempting a 5 gallon planted tank for my high school science classroom! I thought it would be fun to keep track of the progress...because I know there will be ups and downs. And, if this works out, I've got big dreams for a planted 20 gallon long with a corydora fleet...so, we shall see! 🤗
The set-up includes:
5 gallon Marina LED Aquarium kit (came with the S10 filter, a lid with an LED light, some cycle bacteria, water conditioner, tropical flake food, and a cute lil' blue fish net)
Unknown driftwood pieces
Fluval Stratum (the 4.4 lb bag was perfect!)
Plants from the Co-Op (Golden Anubias, Nana Petite Anubias, Wendelov Java fern, Coffeefolia Anubias, and Red Melon Sword)
25-watt Marina Submersible Heater
Velimax Static Cling Total Blackout Window film (for the back glass)
I'm also using:
Seachem Prime Water Conditioner
Easy Green Fertilizer from the Co-Op
API Master Test kit
24 hour mechanical outlet timer
Digital thermometer
Aquaclear Foam and Biomax inserts - slowly transitioning my filter over to become a HOT ROD y'all! 🚙
I am currently working on cycling the tank...and I've attached my data and doings so far!
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The water at school has a pH of 6.8 out of the tap, and for some reason my tank keeps creeping acidic...maybe it's the driftwood?
Anyway...SUPER pumped that the ammonia is on the way down and my nana petite's little baby leaves are unfurling and looking great! I do have some dusty black stuff on the golden anubias and the java fern...I think it's substrate dust? Or, maybe black algae?
I originally super-glued my java fern...but it's breaking free! So, I'll probably pull that out and see if I can tie it to the driftwood with some thread tomorrow.
Any suggestions/thoughts/ideas are welcomed!!
Hope this was slightly interesting! 😅