I'm so excited to finally have a fish tank! I've always wanted one for several years, and seeing one on sale made me go for it.

This is my 57l (15g) freshwater tank. The water is currently cycling so no fish yet.

I've set up hardscape with lots of places to hide. The wood is 3 pieces resting together with lots of arches and holes to swim through. To the right, I also have a rock arch that I've put to one corner. Given some time, hopefully that'll get covered by the java moss I have next to it.

The whole process has been a great learning experience! I've definitely made many mistakes, but those mistakes have shaped the tank into what it is now.

Two notable mistakes being first getting way too much substrate. I got the big bag which the store clerk recommended, but I really could have used a smaller bag. Also when buying plants, I thought each bundle was a single plant, not several. So, I now have a lot of plants growing.

Since taking this picture, a lot of the plants have begun shooting out roots and pointing upwards towards the light.

I also noticed I have a few hitchhikers from the plants. I have found 3 snails so far. They seem to enjoy chilling on the wood when they're not hiding away. I'm honestly surprised they're fine with the water this early on, but I wouldn't be surprised if they run for the water edge if I have a spike while the water cycles. I plan to leave them be. Free cleaning crew.

There's still things I want to do with it. I plan to add a few more little rocks and stones (deep rock galactic intensifies) around the substrate, especially in what I'm calling the "Kelp Forest" area to the left of the tank (yes, that's a Subnautica reference)

Fish wise, I'm still thinking about what to get. I absolutely want Cherry Shrimp and Pygmy Corydoras. I was also thinking Dwarf Crayfish for some activity on the substrate.

I'd love to hear what advice or feedback you guys have!

My very first tank