6 Gallon Planted Fluval Edge Shrimp Tank - Build Thread

[Complexity]

Here you go, this should keep you busy for awhile. Of course, you'll have to scale the amounts down to your size of tank. You can probably cut the 20lb-40lb in half. Like I said, they'll last forever, especially with such a small tank. I recommend that you put the ferts some place where they can be kept dry.

You don't have to use GH booster so don't worry too much about that. You might want to read up on using RO water because if I remember right, it strips some of the needed minerals so you might have to add some back. I never used RO water so I'm not real sure about that; it's more of what I remember reading offhand when I was more active in the planted tank forums. Just check into it just in case.

[Complexity]

Let me see if I can find the tables for ferts. If not, you can always get help on the planted tank forums.

[Complexity]

Yeah, most of the time purchased plants are small, but sometimes that's the only way to get what you want when you want it. Lots of people buy from other hobbyists on the planted tank forums, and you can get large helpings of plants that way. I know when I sold plants, I gave huge amounts. I always preferred to give too much than too little. Too bad my tanks aren't in tip top shape or I'd have some nice plants to share.

I love your design! Looks really good. Love the rocks! Not sure I'm crazy about the fake log, though, but it might improve with algae and plants helping to blend it in. If you want, you can paint the intake tube black so it blends in better.

Really looking forward to seeing it grow up. Be sure to take pics along the way!

[gotfrogs]

I also wanted to let you know that the nano drop checker does not require the KH Standard that I ordered. It comes with a dropper/solution that you add directly to the checker without any additional solution. I added it to the tank yesterday along with the plants but unfortunately it came off of the mounting suction cup. Hopefully this will be an isolated incident and it will stay in position.

What should I do with the Fertilizer that I ordered. It did not come with any instructions and I don't even know where to start. How much of each part should I add and how should I add it to the tank?

[gotfrogs]

Thanks Crude - I was planning on sheathing the power and CO2 hose. Hopefully I will get that completed today.

Complexity - Hopefully the bar that the tank is setting on is strong enough to hold the weight. I previously had a 12 gallon nano tank in the same spot so I should be ok with a 6 gallon one.


My plants and Green Leaf order came in yesterday. The plants are very small but are very healthy and were packaged very well.


I added all of the plants to the tank and then added RO/DI water slowly with and airline hose.

[Complexity]

Very slick! I have never seen anyone do that before, but it's a great way to go about it.

It looks like the tank is on a kitchen bar. Make sure it's well braced. I put a 5g tank on a bar one time, and after about 6 months, it popped the bracing next to the wall. Fortunately, I was sitting in the room when it happened. I heard a loud pop, but didn't know what it was. Then I heard another, even louder pop. That got me up, looking all around. Then I discovered that the bar had broken from the wall. I quickly moved the tank. It seems the bracing wasn't bolted into the studs. It's a very easy fix, but one I never expected, especially with such a small tank.

I'm really enjoying your setup. Can't wait to see your pics after you get it planted!

[Crude]

Awesome! You should be able to wrap those two together in some black sheathing when you're all done, too.

Ps. Looks likes you have a crazy mushroom in your tank

[gotfrogs]

So I was busy working on the tank last night. After I got home I worked on routing the CO2 line from the tank, through an electrical outlet faceplate, through the wall and under the kitchen sink where the CO2 tank will be stored. Here are some pictures:

[Complexity]

You're almost there! Which plants did you get?

Brain freeze -- I just remembered! You posted them earlier!

[gotfrogs]

I picked up 20 feet of CO2 tubing, a mini mag float, and an API GH & KH test kit at City Pets today. My plants should be here tomorrow!

[gotfrogs]

Good news is that City Pets is buying all of my dart frogs so that should finance the project as long as I don't pick up a bunch of corals while I am there. I picked up a 10 watt CFL aquarium light from Walmart yesterday but need to track down a low profile socket for it. I PMed dkbmxr18 on plantedtank.net to find out what he used but have not received a reply yet. I had no luck a Low's but hopefully I can track something down. This is what I am going for:

[kwc1974]

Interested in the long term use of this tank. Can't wait to see how this turns out.

[eklikewhoa]

Trying to do a nice ada you should never pay attention to cost nor have a budget.

I did a Mini-L once and it ended up costing more than a well equipped 125g for trophs.

[Complexity]

LOL!! Well, I did drum up other, less expensive, options! :angel:

Just be glad I didn't talk about the really cool glass ADA filter pipes. Now those will set you way back!

[gotfrogs]

Dang you Vicki, I just spent more at Green Leaf that I did on the actual aquarium!

Item Quantity Description Amount
---- -------- ----------- ------
123298 1 CAL AQUA "Nano" Drop Checker 37.99
132397 1 Green Fertilizer Package: 19.99
400121 1 GLA Pincette - 12" - Grip Tip - Curve 37.00
106925 1 KH Standard / 4 dKH - 250 mL 12.99

Subtotal 107.97
Tax Rate 0.00%
Tax 0.00
Shipping/Handling 17.65
Total $125.62