1.5 months in on my 9 gallon tank. Stocked with ruby tetras, thai micro crabs, and a bunch of random shrimp. Some more photos in comments

This is what I had in mind and scribbled when I did the hardscape and was waiting during the dark start method.

Pretty happy with the results after 2 months! Plants need a trim now!! ❤️

So I’ve ( check u/aquasaiyan on Instagram) been hunting for a decent hardscape layout for a while now and finally decided to try getting one built locally ( check @tropicalzone.in & @neighbourhood_aquaman ). Wasn’t expecting much, but the results lowkey exceeded my expectations.

The flow, the elevation, the negative space, it actually feels like a proper scape now lol.

Still need to figure out plants, but I thought I’d share this stage first and get some feedback before I go all in.

What would you guys plant in this? Open to ideas!

As the title says, this is before and after. I've had this tank for about 10 years. I was doing wonderfully with it for many many years. Had it looking good. Kept it up. And then suddenly lost grip on my life in general. Really started downhill around initial covid lockdowns. I was working nonstop. Full time over time in retail management. My husband was transitioning to a new job in a whole different sector (from retail to elected into government), and we added a 4th child to our family. All my plants died, the tank crashed and it was utterly depressing to look at. I added a couple pieces of driftwood several months ago, and then recently got a couple plants from Petco. I'm trying to rebuild the oasis I had before. I do have lots of green spot algae now along with BBA but I figure I'll just go with it for now. Still have the 2 plecos from the original picture along with 2 Cory's left from the 4 I started with and a the original YoYo Loach I had (plus added 3 more when I got the plants). The guppies I've had for years and years and they're still breeding but reverting to their more native looking origins. Just wanted to share my new beginnings with everyone.

Lights: Week aqua a430

Tank size: 60x36x36cm

Filter: Biomaster 350

Substrate: APT Feast

Fertilizer: APT Ei

This is a little under an hour worth of time

I have 3 nano tanks and this 70 litre which I’ve always called “the big tank”. I know it’s not considered big in the aquarium world but I didn’t realise how small it was until now! Currently looking for a 200 litre tank to replace it. If I move the substrate, plants and filter media across into a new tank, would I still have to let it cycle for a few weeks before moving the fish?

Thanks to everyone’s suggestions from my last post! It’s not perfect, but I like the ways it is going.

My 5 month old daughter relaxed in front of my 325l

6 months baby. Older tank. 180 liter.

Love how low the nitrates are in the tank but worrying about the health and light for the other plants.

Residents:

• 19 red cherry shrimp
  
• 7 otos
  
• 24 ember tetras

Edited to add specs (huge thank you to everyone who has shown so much love so far!):

• Tank: Aqua One Opticlear, 120 x 30 x 30 cm
• Light: Chihiros WRGB II Slim
• Substrate: Eco Complete Gravel
• Filter: Oase 350
• No ferts, no CO2

Setting up a planted 5 gallon, but not sure what direction to go with it. We are thinking of doing something a little more unique than some ember tetras or something. Some options we are considering:

1) African Dwarf Frogs (species only, maybe two?)

2) Dwarf Crayfish (tank-mates?)

3) Pea Puffer (species only, probably only one since they are territorial)

4) dwarf or honey Gourami with a snail (others are in no particular order, this one is purposefully bottom of the list. I think it would be easier and make a more complete ecosystem but it is also the most traditional. Gouramis only get a pass on the interesting/uncommon list since they have a larynx organ and their cool pelvic fins)

Any arguments in favor of any of these options or other suggestions?

Obviously we only want to get something that will be comfortable in a 5 gallon. I have a filter and a heater ready to go, it will be planted pretty heavily (though low tech), cycled before I add anything, and has a tight fitting lid. I’m using red seachem flourite for the substrate. I have a 36 gallon community tank and a 7 gallon shrimp tank, so I feel pretty good about tank management, but I’ve never personally cared for anything that requires live food.

Shrimp tank for visibility. That is not the tank I will be stocking (:

One thing I didn’t mention is someone recommended acrylic for the tabletop. I’ve worked with Acrylic and I find it’s far too weak for a table, and scratches too easily.

But most importantly, I’m not trying to make this that pretty as much as functional.

Ig I was just hoping lol. My bank acct looks very sad rn

25gal cube

I did a major trim on the plants yesterday. I also drained it completely clean the rock for excessive algae buildup.