u/Impressive_Assist219

There was a 30 gallon in this spot and at times I wish I just refurbed that tank instead of going full replacement. This one is a 45 gallon extra tall. I'm waiting for a lot of things in the mail but I needed to get the filter flowing again and all the plants I took out of the old tank are probably getting tired of bucket life.

I had a fair amount of construction to support this tank on the cabinet I built 20 years ago. 10 days later the wood still would float. I needed to move on.

I guess what I'm asking is.... Am I on the right track? I plan on having some vine plants growing out of the top. There is track lighting on the ceiling for grow lights and I could hang the 24" planted + higher on the cables that are still there.

I have a couple more pieces of round wood in a bucket but after it's heavily planted I'm not sure how much would be visable anyway.

Now I'm rambling.... Any thoughts appreciated.

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Here's the 6 year old tank. Never moved anything. That stub of wood on the left used to reach the surface.

I set this tank up about 6 years ago. 30 gallons, finnex planted plus crv 24", CO2. Weekly 50% changes and thrive. The plants were thriving at one time.

The brownish red plant front left can't be killed. Plant back and to right puts out nice white flowers but the barbs would eat them. Also won't die.

The gas ran about about a year ago, had a life event and I just let it go. Kept up with maintenance though. The last tiger barb left us recently. The old man tiny pleco lives and is in another tank for the moment.

The questions:

I'm in the construction phase for the new tall 45 gallon seapora. 36x12x24

If I'm going medium low plants, will that light be able to do anything good through 20 inches of water. I'd like to grow out the top of tank and I can't envision how I might light it. The new tank will fill out this space with 2 inches on either side. Can I light through glass on the sides?

Id like to go back to CO2. Are those reactors I see on Amazon legit or do I go back to tank gas?

It's an odd shape tank and initial thoughts are a back wall of green somehow.

I have a tall piece of driftwood that will stick out the top. Thinking I can run water down it from the top.