Winning Tank ;)

I was the lucky winner of this raffle :elefant:

And this is me winning it (Or gratefully accepting my prize from Richard and Sean)




This is the scape I am planning for this tank...

I went through all the photos of my Kruger trip last year and out of about 1000 photos narrowed it down to 47, then to 24, then to 2 and then, finally, 1.

Here's my inspiration:


Here's my plan:


I want the scape to slope up towards the back and up from the right to the left, so it's higher on the left. I know the picture doesn't have a path, but I'm going to pretend it does because I like the path leading your eye into the scape effect.

Where it says 'stems' in the plan I want some red tips peeking out between a darkish green - suggestions please. Then I'd like the red to be carried through to what looks like mud pies (or elephant droppings) in the plan drawing - some mid-ground plant - any ideas?

I am very open to ideas. I am a complete noob when in comes to planted tanks and my plant knowledge is very limited, so if there's a better way or a better plant, please feel free to make suggestions.

Tank dimensions are 60l x 30w x 36h
Substrate is ADA Aquasoil
Lights - I don't yet have for this tank - I like the Odyssea light units. On a 60l tank, would 4x24w be overkill (1.5 w/l)? Will 2x24w be too little (0.7w/l)?
CO2 - I am waiting patiently for Tropica Plant Growth System 60 The day I get it in my grubby paws I will start my tank.
Filtration - Still to buy.

Plants:
Found a nice piece of wood today so I have started 'growing' my 'Umbrella thorn' - using Java moss because that's what I have
Otherwise, still researching what's available and suitable. Any suggestions?

Livestock:
Pygmy corys - Waiting patiently for someone to have them in stock
Neolebias ansorgii - I have only 3 (long story). I need more - I am using all my powers of manifestation to will them into existence.
Do you think CPDs (Celestial pearl danios) would be out of place? We do have some very colourful birds in Africa. They are so pretty, but they might be too much for this tank.


Comments and suggestions welcome

 

Awesome... I look forward to the photo journal!

 

haah jenn, well done , i remember you said that you had your eye on the prize already at the show

 

Hi Jenn I think that this will be an amazing scape. I particularly like the diagonal PFS run from front corner to back. Think it's an unusual approach and can give an amazing depth when grown, due to the negative space there. Definitely going to follow this post.
Regards
Barry

 

Congratulations @Jenn

When I saw your inspiration pic, I immediately thought you are going to have an elephant nose in there as well...

 

Yes even a baby elephant will not be able to fit...and it might crack the glass...just might?

 

Hi Jenn

Well Done on the raffle, Awesome stuff.

Aint Kruger just the best too.

 

@Jenn, hey my friend I can see that you have really been doing your research for this tank and I can't wait to see the whole thing put into reality. It's gonna look great!

 

It's planted. Doesn't look much like the African savannah - but ... I don't really mind.

This was planted and filled last week Thursday. I am religiously doing the water changes EVERY day. Well... ok, I skipped one

So far, no algae. Already seeing new growth on the plants and every day there are fewer plants escaping from the substrate

Here come pics...

Setting up next to the printer (as you do...)






Before water:


Water added and Tropica CO2 in place...


The background is still to come.

 

Looking good Jenn. And i would also like to say, congrats on becoming a mod.

im curious.. what is that white thing above the ada sign in the bottom right corner of your pic?

 

@Jenn - The tank is looking good. No elephants or fish? :bigsmile:

 

@cheekychops - It's a stone trying to stop the UG floating :weird: It's temporary. Thanks for the grats

@MarcHawke - LOL - too soon for fish, elephants are on order

 

Very nice tank Jenn

 

Very beautiful indeed
Well done Jenn

 

Thanks for the comments I can't wait to add the occupants. I hope they appreciate all the trouble I'm going to.

 

WOW!!!

awesome

 

niiiice, congrats!!

 

I got some fish :bigsmile: I have added a school of 10 Neolebias philippei and 6 Otos. They have all settled in well. The Otos are super-active. I am thrilled with the Neolebias. They are quite bold and also very active. I have a very busy tank now.

 

This really looks awesome! Congrats!!
Definitely following this thread!!!!

 

@Jenn howsit man! congrats on winning the ADA tank and it is looking good so far, love the wood "tree" piece you got, perfect to create a moss tree !!! what external filter are you using on that 60L?

Cheers