Well, I started out with an original post here, last year:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127879&highlight=romaric

I had to wait to move to get my tank going, it was a long time, but I was FINALLY ready. With much research, asking LOTS of questions, (on aquariacentral.com) and patience, I’m happy to report that my first ever qauarium…and it’ planted with REAL plants….is doing just fine! It’s so awesome. I spent a few good hours setting it up, scaping the layout and moving plants around for best position/color combination.  I think it’s pretty good, but I bet it’ll change within a week. Might look into some small bits of stone for the right side.

Here’s the final set-up. I wann abreak it down in caseanyone else is interested in knowing what it took to get to where I am.

20 gallon long – $40

2 pieces of driftwood – $10 and $5

2 bags of eco-complete – $44

Aqualight 65 watt single linear strip light – $68

Aqualight adjustable mounting legs – $13

Rapids mini canister Filter $20  |  Carbon Filter media 2 pack $3

Floating thermometer with cup – $2

Theo UL heater, 100 watt $19

hagen C02 plant system $27

Extra pack of nutrifin activators & stabalizers for C02 $7

 

Plants (at New World Aquarium, NYC)

01. Back right of tank – Compact Sword (Echinodorus Parviflorus “Tropica”) $8, with a runner

http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_viewer.php?id=100 

 

02. Far right of tank, back – Red Foxtail (Myriophyllum Heterophyllum) 2 for $12

http://naturalaquariums.com/plants/myriophyllumh.html 

 

03. Back left of tank – Cabomba Furcata, 2 for $9

http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_viewer.php?id=43 

 

04. Front of tank – Baby Tears (Micranthemum Umbrosum) 2 for $14

http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_viewer.php?id=160 

 

05. Front left of tank – Red Nesea, I believe? that’s what the store said, need to research more.

http://www.floridaaquatic.com/aquarium_plant_nesea_red.html 

 

That’s it! Enjoi the pics and I’ll be posting updates as things get going. Wanna get some HC to carpet the front and find some living creatures soon. Algae are the next step, I think