Hello guys. I am very new in this so appreciate advice, tips, comments from all the pros and sifus here.

I just started this hobby, bought this small aquarium for RM180 from petsmore.com. Then ask around the neighbourhood shop on how to start and was sold 3 packs of black soil at RM15 per pack (I think 1KG each) still not sure what soil is that, CO2 tablets and some plants.

I am still experimenting whether the lighting is sufficient in the aquarium therefore not really doing any scaping yet.

This is the result after about 2 weeks. The plants not dying yet but slighly yellow and brown at the edges.

Questions:
1) Is the lighting sufficient? The bulb is the energy saving type at 5W supposed to output 40W.

2) I put 1 CO2 tablet each day although another shop told me every 5 days 1 tablet is enough.

3) The grass (left side) I bought at RM6 per small pot can cover only an area about a credit card. Do you guys have to buy many2 pots if need to cover big aquariums?

4) There are algae already forming at the glass. Whats the best way to clean them? Remove the fish and scrub with a brush?

5) For such a small aquarium is it worthwhile to go for Co2 tanks?

Hope you guys can advise. Thanks guys.

Its 10" tall, 14" length and 9" depth.

Hi Chuppy - are you responding to me? If yes, can you please explain my mistakes? Thanks!

ok thanks bro!

Guys - appreciate all the responses and feedbacks!

@fongzai - thanks for showing how the hairgrass supposed to be tanam-ed. I guess this is really farming, planting them and wait for results after some time. What I did was trying to create the carpet instantly, of coz thats why I tot I need many2 pots. So I guess to tanam about an inch between the grass should be OK?

Also, michanz mentioned about your 8W t5ho lighting. can you elaborate more? I think my lighting only concentrates at the centre so thats why those at the sides are not doing well.

New questions:
1. Driftwood - can I only use driftwood (whats driftwood anyway) or can I just go around and look for nice looking branches. My tank is small so I need to look for smaller branches. Those sold in pet shops are normally bigger ones.

2. How to tanam plants/moss on the driftwood? Where to get them and I think need to ikat to the branch right?

3. I think I will go through the forum again on how to start on getting a CO2 tank that fits my small aquarium...

4. This Saturday got a workshop in SLS right, can I attend? Need to be a member or anything?

Thanks guys!

6. crewmy

Congrats Michanz, too bad couldn't stay to see your award winning scape. It was great to meet you and the others too, thanks for all who gave me valuable tips! Appreciate them!

Hey Mic - if this is your scape, then I am impressed! Good job!

Later when we see the better pictures, you still have to tell us what plants you "thought" of putting in it as you told the judges!

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Added on April 19, 2010, 1:47 pm

You know the big bags of ADA Amazonian you showed me in SLS, what size are those? 9L? I saw the price tags all above 100 bucks. When you said RM88, what type of ADA is that and what size. Thanks.

And did you win 3 bags of 9L?

Hey Mustang - thanks!

Yesterday I already make my rounds to 88Petsmart and Pet Family in Tmn Megah. I have also visited SLS on Saturday for the workshop. And of coz I have been to East Aqua in Ikano & MVM. Are there any more stores like these I could visit? I am OK to move around KL/PJ.

I find that the prices are expensive at these places, of coz yet to ask for discounts etc. Also customer service tarak in these places too, I takut they sembelih me if they know I am newbie.

Besides soil, am looking for CO2 tank (0.5L - kena poison by Mic), but hope to get it at 145RM hahaha. Then a manual regulator, diffuser, counter & valve. Ahem-ahem filter too - the small one but yesterday in 88 and Pet Family they dun sell....

@Paku - oh yeah those are the powder type. No wonder > 100!!

whats NA & NPA stands for? Have to google map to look for SS19 liao...hahah

Guys - please advise how much or price range for an auto regulator/solenoid. Dun wanna get conned...

Hey mustang, where where?

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Added on April 19, 2010, 7:40 pmhey michanz, i tot HOBs are not recommended??

This post has been edited by crewmy: Apr 19 2010, 07:40 PM

err...why top filter cannot ah? whats the reason?

*malu*..my tank is top filter one.

hello...HOB's waterfall also not good for planted aquarium, right? or wrong?

you guys ah..."melts"..."molts" ...all these are new terms to me...have to google to find out what they meant!

aha! Endlers! that's what they are called! I have 2 in my tank. RM2.50 each...

I got them for the kids...colourful mah!

What are ryu rocks? Got pictures? Google cannot find la....thanks

hey just check out the SLS website, got your pic with the winning tank!

ranchu, how did u buy the mini pelia in 88? I saw they have some already tied to rocks. I think the price is like 15RM for each rock. how big is your patch and how much u paid for it?

Anyone can guide me where is NA is SS19? Wanna check out this place...Need some landmark. Is it near the famous fish head curry restaurant? Thanks