Low-Tech 20L Tank

Having always used plastic plants in all my tank set-ups, I was introduced to planted tanks when searching for a nice shrimp set-up for my CRS. Not knowing much about CO2 injection (or the will to spend lots of $$ on equipment), I set out to create an ideal low-tech planted tank. I've done lots of experimenting with all sorts of plants collected/purchased from many of my local plant enthusiasts here in the DFW area. With some good advice on hand, lots of patience, and a little bit of luck; I’ve been able to maintain my low-tech planted tank for about 4-5 months now.

I've manage to have some luck with these plants:

Anubias Nana (Anubias)
Bacopa caroliniana (Lemon bacopa)
Bacopa monnieri (Moneywart)
Bolbitis heudelotii (African fern)
Cabomba caroliniana
Cabomba furcata
Ceratophyllum demersum (Hornwort)
Cryptocoryne wendtii (Crypts)
Eleocharis acicularis (Dwarf hairgrass)
Egeria densa (Anacharis)
Fissidens fontanus (Phoenix moss)
Hemianthus micranthemoides (Baby Tears)
Hygrophila corymbosa ‘compact’
Hygrophila Polysperma ‘Rosanervig’ (Sunset Hygro)
Lilaeopsis Mauritiana (Micro swords)
Ludwigia ovalis (Oval ludwigia)
Ludwigia repens (Water Primrose)
Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ (Creeping Jenny)
Microsorum pteropus (Java Fern)
Microsorium pteropus v. Windelov (Lacy Java Fern)
Riccia fluitans (Crystalwart)
Rotala Indica (Rotala)
Subwassertang (Freshwater seaweed)
Vallisneria americana (Jungle Val)
Vesicularia dubyana (Java Moss)
Vesicularia montagnei (Christmas Moss)


Of course some of these plants won't show their true potential unless there is CO2. I actually set up (3) 20L's at the same time and placed the same plants in each... they all had different substrate, lighting, filtration and only one tank seemed to have taken off. HM was the hardest plant for me to grow, they melted numerous times until they established themselves in a small area of my tank.


20L with 30" Coralife fixture (6700k-18W + Colormax-18W) @6 hours of light/day, Dual head O2 Plus sponge biofilter connected to the intake of an AC50 + Single sponge filter connected to a whisper air pump, 3M black crushed quartz. This tank houses CRS, Cherry Shrimp, and 50+ juvy ABN’s.

This set-up seemed to work for me. Of course it was more trial/error than anything, since I knew nothing about planted tanks. Just thought I’d share my set-up. Enjoy!

Looks good lots of places for shrimp to hide.

Looking great! Really good to hear all the work paid off. I know when I first setup my planted tank I did the same thing. I went the CO2 injection route but that was only after tons of mind numbing research.

If you ever want to go CO2 inject let me know!

Looks nice. I haven't done much with live plants but I would like to do something like this for a shrimp tank.

Very Nice, makes me want to try it some day.

Makes me want to try a planted tank as well.Sweet.

Thanks guys! I have a new project in mind for a planted tank... I'll post those when I have it up and running.

Update:

20L

Plus: I created another planted 29 Gallon. Went with the orient/bonsai tree aquascaping.

looks real good, I've had problem ith my plants so i dare won't post them till i can get them under control. my low ight plants are doing fine well my high light plants are taking a hit...

Tanks look great. Thanks for updating!

Wow!Those tanks look amazing!I really would love to do a low tech planted tank one day,but I'm affraid to since all my plants really didn't do good when I had some.The only tank that I had that my plants took off and did great was a little 6g Eclipse tank and I never had any problems with plants dying in there!Thanks for sharing and keep us updated!Great job!

Thanks guys! I'm going to post close-ups soon. I just bought 10 Taiwan Fire Red Shrimp for the 20L.

These tanks give me hope... I don't want to user co2.... Your tanks are beautiful.... What is your light ratio 4 watts per gallon, any extra additives? Could use the advice...

Really a very nice aquarium. Your doing a great job.

nice job thats how i started with a 40g planted

nice tank.

tHAT IS SO NICE i MIGHT WANNA TRY TO DO A 15G eclipse tank like that