This is the start of my planted, self-sufficient, experimental, 10-gallon, guppy tank! I have big plans for this little tank, including some things I couldn’t find info for on online. That’s the reason I started this blog! I thought I would document my experiences in case anyone else wanted to try the things I’m trying.
So my main experiment here will be to grow a dwarf water lily! Specifically, nymphaea helvola. I couldn’t find any accounts of growing one in an aquarium, mostly just in dedicated containers. There are plenty of other species under nymphaea that are grown in fish aquariums, but not this specific type that flowers on the surface. So I’m giving it a try!
Now let’s start with the equipment! I got a pretty standard heater, air pump and stone, and filter. I’m pretty fond of the light I got, though. It has a few different modes and a built-in timer.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X9T9PV6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
For my aquarium lid I measured the dimensions of the indented area the lid would sit on. Then I accounted for a half inch gap in the back for the tubing and wires. I took those dimensions to my local hardware store and got a custom cut of 1/4” thick glass for $9. Then I sanded the rough edges and added some cute command hooks and we were done! A cheap, effective aquarium lid that will contain any evaporation.
For substrate I started with Flourite Dark, varying from an inch to an inch and a half deep. Then in half of the tank I added another half inch of white aquarium gravel.
From there I filled the tank with dechlorinated water using Seachem Prime. As well as 2 1/2 cups of water from the Home tank. It was pretty cloudy but the filter went to work!
On the second day I drained half the water, added my decorations, and replaced the drained water entirely with water from the home aquarium. Now it’s back to being a cloudy mess.
My lucky bamboo came in the mail from amazon early today! So I’ll be adding that tonight after the water clears up a bit. And that’s it for the first two days with the Stray Guppies aquarium!
Oh, the meaning of the name! I love Stray Kids, the kpop group, so I’m getting 9 guppies named after the original members. Don’t judge me I’m just here to create a little ecosystem.
Sofishtication 