planted start up

[Cichlids]

Well it has been 2 months getting to this point. Just doing everything in my spare time and so I started my journey of getting the bio system going for the first 3 months before I add discus and tetras/corys.

98421

10 mins into the start up my inline diffuser started to leak a minute later the whole thing broke apart and this is the result.

98422

I just sent it back to get a new one but that sucks I will bypass that section for now to get the filtration running.

[rickztahone]

Forget an inline diffuser, make yourself a Rex Griggs DIY reactor and never have to worry about this isssue.

[Cichlids]

Just looking how he plumbs it. I think I could build one of those setups.

[Cichlids]

Had no idea that CO2 could make such a difference. I see this tank everyday and do maintenance but I can see a difference in growth. 1 week without CO2 and the last 2 weeks with CO2. I am running a reactor setup on it as opposed to a diffuser.

99005

[rickztahone]

I love using reactors as opposed to diffusers. I find diffusers to be so intrusive in to the tank.

[Cichlids]

I ran the reactor on the outside of the aquarium and it had a leak because of the bushing that came in the kit. I doubled up the clamps and if it leaks later I will install it inside the tank behind the fibreglass corner where you can't see it.

[rickztahone]

I ran the reactor on the outside of the aquarium and it had a leak because of the bushing that came in the kit. I doubled up the clamps and if it leaks later I will install it inside the tank behind the fibreglass corner where you can't see it.

Do you have a pic? Why didn't you make a reactor yourself? It would have cost you like $10-$15 in parts depending on which check valve you went with.

[Cichlids]

I got this max mix CO2 reactor for 17 bucks so i figured what the heck. I plan to make one on another setup but I just wanted to get this tank going

99009

[Cichlids]

Moved over the first fish today and going to let the bioload equalize. The discus went into shell shock when I took some of the tank mates out but they seem to come around after the water change and blackworms.

99368

left the rummynose tetras and corys with the discus and move all the other guys out.

99369

[Filip]

Nice looking display tank Mike .
What kind of fish are the two groups swimming in the center of the tank?

[Cichlids]

Congo Tetras and Dwarf Rainbows. The only other fish in there are Clown Loaches and Redline Sharks and Otto Catfish.

Not sure after I put the Discus and Rummy Nose Tetras in if I want cherry barbs or Dwarf gouramis or just leave it as is.