Setting up a new aquarium

For about 3 years now I've had a 4-foot aquarium in my house. It is a simple overflow filter type which is good for keeping medium to large fishes. Currently I have a few cichlids, some barps species, a couple of climbing perch and a couple of clown loaches. Small fishes are unsuitable for this type of aquarium as they will be sucked down into the filter.

Now I'm starting another aquarium, this time with life plants. For a start, this one is a 2-footer with open top. This one is quite an expensive setup; the tank costs just below RM 2oo but the soil costs more than that. There are 3 types of soil in this tank, basically large, medium and small granules. There are also soil conditioners and fertilizers for the plants.

For lights, I am using 2 unit of 55-watt bright fluorescent bulbs. These are bright enough to substitute for sunlight. Carbon dioxide for the plants are supplied by a simple chemical CO2 generator.


I've planted some underwater plants and grass inside the aquarium. Now I have to wait for them to grow and stabilize before adding fishes into the tank.

The plan now is to add some swordtails, mollies and tetras.Expect the updates in about 2 weeks time.

And now it is time to watch the grass grows. Literally.