small fresh water setup

[jon1985]

Hello,

I have been in salt water for 10 years or so and have a decent handle on it.  I am planning to setup a small (8-15g) tank in my sons room.  I would like to keep it to a more natural tank, real plants, natural coloured gravel, branches and rock.  Are there any decent tank kits; tank, filter, lights, out there that will meet my needs?   

I would love to see some small tanks that meet the above idea for inspiration. 

Thanks

[fischkopp]

Most tank kits out there will be adequate. The lights tend to be on the lower side, so pick plants that aren't very demanding, like crypts, fern, hygro etc. And always get the biggest tank you can afford and fit. A 15gal is the bare minimum for a community tank in IMO.

[OttawaFolkFestivum]

A couple points,

Look up low-maintenance tanks. or "Low-tech planted tanks".

Strongly consider soil substrate for low-tech. (or ADA Aquasoil for more money less mess).

You-tube Dennis Wong for other ideas.

Keep the fish-load low.

Include some shrimp - your son will love them.

I have a photo but having trouble posting image.

You can buy an additive called Flourish to help bridge the gap between pure low tech and high tech. It's like liquid CO2.

[jon1985]

Money isn't a huge concern at this point, Im used to buying saltwater fish after all.  The bigger constraint is space.  It will be at the end of a crib so there is really only 24" of space.

I will do some ready on the mentioned subjects.

[wolfiewill]

You can buy an additive called Flourish to help bridge the gap between pure low tech and high tech. It's like liquid CO2.

I agree with all stated in this post except this line. Flourish Exel is the liquid carbon. There are other additives in the 'Flourish' line as well that do not contain liquid carbon. Flourish Comprehensive is the micronutrient of this line, which is considered by many to be the best micronutrient available. There is also Flourish Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, etc.

[OttawaFolkFestivum]

Friendly reminder for GFI with the kiddies around.

24" fits an ADA 60-P perfectly

[OttawaFolkFestivum]

Here's a tank shot - not mine, that may provide inspiration.

[jon1985]

Yup, ALWAYS GFI plugs near my tanks.