Planted Tanks: New Fish Tank

It's been a long time in the making. I've just had this blank space over top my fireplace in my living room. It was designed for a TV, but since TV's aren't really shaped to fit there anymore, I decided a fish tank would be a much better fit. But not just any fish tank, a live plant tank.

Look at that wasted space!
So after searching Craigslist for over a month, I finally land on the perfect tank. A 36" 45 gallon breeder tank, complete with filter, heater, and lid. Fits perfect!


So I ordered a new high output lighting fixture for it. Plants need a TON of light to grow.








Ooo pretty moonlights!
After ordering 100lbs of plant gravel, and doing a test run in the garage, I was ready to go.








My shelf didn't break!
After letting it sit overnight (with no leaks!). I decided it would be a good time to get some plants. They arrived earlier today.


You know it's a good day when you get something that looks like this in the mail



All ready to plant





Nope, those bubbles aren't air bubbles. This is a Co2 diffuser. I run a pressurized Co2 system because it provides live aquatic plants with the crucial things they need (carbon) to live and grow. Think of it as oxygen for us.


It's an open top tank, with the light suspended over it





Pretty cool looking if you ask me!


All lit up with the moonlights at night!


The fireplace keeps the plants warm at night




This system should live, grow and develop over time, so I'll be posting updates periodically. Now I just have to get some fish!