Aquarium Starting Plan

I found some aquariums binned on the side of the road, and have thus decided to start attempting aquatic plants. This will be interesting, as I've not yet mastered my terrestrial plants. Oops.

First things first, I'm doing plenty of research before buying or setting up anything. My process is going to be quite a while before I get to the point of adding shrimp - or even flooding the tank. I'm aiming for a low tech tank, at least to start. 

UNS 60U nature aquascape by Buce Plant

Initial processes: 

• Mineralize local topsoil
• Processing clay from soil
• Mix mineralized topsoil and clay (5%-10% clay)
• Sprinkle minerals along tank base
• Laying base soil (.5" to 1" to help prevent anaerobic pockets)
• Covering soil with substrate
• Gather and test rocks for pH and calcium content
• Gather and process local wood/driftwood

Once all of this is processed and laid down, I'll start adding plants. Some plants can benefit heavily from a dry start, so I'll do such with mosses and certain other plants. I'll use the dry start to establish mosses on the woods and stones as desired. Ideally I'll remember to post about separating and placing these plants. Two important things I've discovered about the dry start, to reduce mold and increase plant survival rate: hygrometer to ensure humidity stays between 85%-90%; 10% lid opening to ensure airflow while keeping humidity fairly stable. It'll take a bare minimum of 2-4weeks for the plant roots to establish - but could take 9-10 weeks! It looks like it can be a big balancing act between allowing the plants to root and keeping mold at bay. 

9 weeks into dry start by user chhr05 on PlantedTank

Once the existing plants are ready, I'll slowly flood the tank being careful not to damage the plants or disturb the substrate and soil. After flooding the tank is ready for ferns and other tall and/or stemmed plants! It's important to watch ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate at this point. Ammonia and nitrite should not be >0ppm, and nitrate not >40ppm when animals are added. It can take some time to stabilize; I'm considering giving the tank several days with stable levels before ordering my shrimp. I may also add some small non-aggressive fish like guppies down the line, but am as of yet undecided. 

Blue Dream Shrimp