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  L# LITTLE_FISH 40G Breeder Log
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SubscribeLITTLE_FISH 40G Breeder Log
LITTLE_FISH
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The HC that I have in the open is still there, but it is not doing to well. Besides the fact that a few pieces have been floating up, the rest looks like it barely can hang on. I doubt that it will make it in this tank, bummer.

Attached Image:

HC



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Post InfoPosted 04-Dec-2006 01:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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The Bolbitis, on the other hand, is doing just great. I am glad that I decided to trim the ugly and algae befallen leaves of it quite a while back instead of removing it completely. It now is a solid arrangement, with tall leaves of a Wendtii peaking through in the back.

Attached Image:

Bolbitis



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Post InfoPosted 04-Dec-2006 01:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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All fish in the tank are doing fine as well, including the new female. She is not confined to the worst spot either, but if she comes to close to another female then she is being chased away. Her time will come later

Attached Image:

Bad Shot of Younger Female



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Post InfoPosted 04-Dec-2006 02:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Here is a shot of one of the older females. The other one is squeezing into some gap of the right hill most of the time, usually a sign that she has eggs or fry. But then again, she is coming out too often.

Attached Image:

Older Female



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Post InfoPosted 04-Dec-2006 02:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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The male also seems to get his act together, I think he is looking a little better now. Or maybe I just go used to his looks. He is still smaller than the first male was, so maybe he will perk up as he gets older.

Attached Image:

Male



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LITTLE_FISH
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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
VIEW MORE OF THIS TANK UPDATE ON PREVIOUS PAGE

Here is the male again, this time flaring off a female that is not in the picture. He seems to try to protect that gap in the right hill where the second female is. But he also is not consequent enough in this routine.


Attached Image:

Male Flaring



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Post InfoPosted 04-Dec-2006 02:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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The shrimpsters are doing fine as well, although I am never able to count more than 5 instead of the 7 that should be there.

Here is one sitting right on top of a small bushel of BBA on one of the woods. I thought he may go and eat it, but he kept on marching over it and ate something else instead.

Attached Image:

Shrimpster



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Post InfoPosted 04-Dec-2006 02:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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And here is another shrimp, eating on top of a bolbitis leaf. Note the bubbles on the bottom of the leave as this plant is pearling every night (shot taken tonight, one day after water change).

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Amano on Bolbitis



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Wingsdlc
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LF,

I think your younger female is starting to fill out a bit, same with your male. If you give them the food they need I think they will be just fine.

Were you planing on adding any other fish to the tank? School of something?



55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 04-Dec-2006 15:03Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Were you planing on adding any other fish to the tank? School of something?
Actually, not really. Although I sometimes think about it, I find the tank interesting enough as it is right now.

I already have 17 critters in there - 6 Otos, 4 Apistos, 7 Amanos.

In addition, what if I ever have Apisto babies? They need their space as well.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 04-Dec-2006 18:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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Yeah simple is often much better. I am always tempted to add some other fish to my tank but I kind of like how it is. Plus who knows where I will end up after next semester.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 04-Dec-2006 18:53Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Oh,

Every day I think about an entry that I want to make here, and every day I either forget or get way too busy at work:

One female has manned the right hill, defending it against any intruder, male or female, fish or shrimp. The breeding has started.

At the same time, the male is supporting the defense of the hill.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 07-Dec-2006 16:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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EditedEdited by TankWatcher

Keep us posted

EDIT: Forgot to say, nice pics too.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 07-Dec-2006 23:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
jase101
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yay!! great news! i, on the other hand, have just lost my beautiful cac male, (i think he shagged himself to death) but i have about 20 fry still between the alpha and beta female...gamma female missed out! also just took delivery of some bolbitus fern, which i'm very keen to get growing - my sturisomas love lying on the wood under it already. wait till you see your first brood, ingo, you'll fall in love with them - but it means less cleaning and less fiddling in the tank too - can you control yourself? justin
Post InfoPosted 09-Dec-2006 09:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Sorry to read that your male died, but if your reasoning for his death is proper then it is a nice way to go

I will still have to do water changes, but replanting is limited anyway these days because most plants are pretty stable right now. The male is perking up as well and his body color is way more yellow than the old male ever was.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 09-Dec-2006 14:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Gang,

As mentioned in length in my 125G log, I didn't find a lot of time to stay on top of things concerning the logs and tanks.

I have been very busy getting all ready for an NJAGC meeting at my place (see siggie).

So quickly,

Weekly Tank Updated - Week 26 and 27

Not much has happened to this tank anyway, so here is last weeks shot:

Attached Image:

Week 26



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Post InfoPosted 17-Dec-2006 15:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Growth is good, and I am very tempted to do the first trimmings of the bolbitis (but not in the mood).

The one thing the club suggested was to remove the tall Crypt from the tank, I am thinking about it for a while before I make up my mind.

Here is the tank after water change this week:

Attached Image:

This Weekend



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Post InfoPosted 17-Dec-2006 15:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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As a side result from our meeting I got a little more HC and planted it this weekend. Some of the older HC seems to have settled and I think I see some tiny new growth on it. But it may be wishful thinking.

Here is the HC field now:

Attached Image:

HC



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Post InfoPosted 17-Dec-2006 15:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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I have been quite concerned with both of my older Apisto females in the tank, I barely get to see them. Actually - one of them I haven't seen all week (wasn't home too often either) and I thought she died. But finally she came out from the right hill last night.

The males seems to chase both of them as soon as he sees them. I don't know why . Justin - any info on this being normal?

Here is the "lost" female:

Attached Image:

Apisto Female



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Post InfoPosted 17-Dec-2006 16:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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The male is all over the tank, and currently seems to seriously court the younger female. She seems receptive, but I don't know if she is ready to breed yet.

Here is a not-so-good shot of the male:

Attached Image:

Male Apisto



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Post InfoPosted 17-Dec-2006 16:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Oh - forgot to mention, he is much more yellowish that the previous male ever was. Not in the fins, but the body. The other male was either pale or dark (when threatened).

Here is the tank from the back:

That concludes it for today,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Back View



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Post InfoPosted 17-Dec-2006 16:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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one of them I haven't seen all week (wasn't home too often either) and I thought she died
Could she be guarding, either eggs or wrigglers. Not seeing them for a week will sometimes mean that she is busy providing care.

This happened with mine & also with krib mum too. In the case of the krib, even the dad remained hidden during that period.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 03:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
jase101
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i agree with robyn - whenever i don't see my females it's usually them guarding eggs or hiding their young. your male will court whoever is ready for him and will chase other females in an effort to show off his size/strength - treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen. well, that's how i interpret it. i've never had a male who had just one favourite - his favourite happens to be whichever female will have him!!

hope you see babies soon - i just bought a new triple-red boy - he's young but so hot!! he's gonna colour up beautifully, and my females are chasing him all over the tank.

note for robyn - have you been to B and C aquarium in matraville?? i'm in love - best range of dwarf cichlids i've seen in sydney.
Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 10:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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EditedEdited by TankWatcher
note for robyn - have you been to B and C aquarium in matraville?? i'm in love - best range of dwarf cichlids I've seen in Sydney.
Grrr, I have no room now. But maybe I will go and have a look anyway. Maybe I could squeeze a pair into my community, at least until my krib fry are big enough to do something with. Then I could transfer them to the breeding tank.

By the way, that's where my bita came from (see my aviator)

Thanks for the heads up Jason

BTW, who is Jason
I guess my error (sorry Justin). I jumped to some silly conclusion that jase101 was somehow derived from the name Jason.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 13:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thanks for the input

I think it could be guarding of something, but it is different than it was the last time around. It never took that long for the females to come out with the wigglers to another spot.

BTW, who is Jason ?

Thanks again, Justin and Robyn,

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 16:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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This tank has really filled in beautifully, it's my favorite of your tanks. I especially like your use of the bolbitus. I may borrow your usage of it when i set up my own big tank


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 17:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thanks NowherMan6,
I may borrow your usage of it when i set up my own big tank

This can be done, if you show up at one of the meetings

I appreciate the comments on the tank, albeit there is still work that needs to be done to it. The NJAGC gang suggested to use Nana Petites instead of the Nanas, but that would be $$$

Ingo


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Wingsdlc
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I appreciate the comments on the tank, albeit there is still work that needs to be done to it. The NJAGC gang suggested to use Nana Petites instead of the Nanas, but that would be $$$
Didn't I say the same thing a while back? The Nana does however look much better than the normal Anubias Barteri.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 19:32Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 18-Dec-2006 20:37
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The NJAGC gang suggested to use Nana Petites instead of the Nanas, but that would be $$$

So you have a whole team working on your tank First Jeff Senske and now Jay Luto.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 20:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Jay took the pictures during our second meeting, the one at my house. One can see these when clicking the link in my siggie (as I assume tetratech did) and then simply click on "Second meeting was held" (as long as it is still available there).

I would have asked tetratech to join as well, but he is living maybe a little too far away, he doesn't like the Jersey water, and he would have to give out his real name

NowherMan6 is a member, or should I not have mentioned that

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 20:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Actually I hadn't seen that. I just saw Jay's name listed as a member. So Nowher is a member. What's the first name. My guess is Cosmo.

Nice pics, I didn't see my name (Wisteria Wizard) mentioned as the Wisteria expert/influence.

BTW the 40g looks much better without all the ground cover. Take out the Blyxa and put it somewhere else.

Looks like a nice bunch of guys. I might be willing to reveal my identity. Would the group make a road trip to L.I. to see "Two sides of Paradise"?

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 21:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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LF,

I just checked out the NJAGC site with your tanks. I really like the picture of your 125G from the left that also shows your 29G. It sounds like you guys had a good time!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 21:16Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Yes, I am proudly also a member of NJAGC I just haven't made it to any meetings yet. I'll have to check when the next one is, hopefully I can make that one. Partially I'm embarrassed to show my face, since I've no clippings to give anyone

I'm waiting for the official FP meeting in LFs basement. if we all chip in can we fly bensaf in from overseas?


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 21:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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if we all chip in can we fly bensaf in from overseas?
I guess I am on my own coming from MI?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 21:34Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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I really like the picture of your 125G from the left that also shows your 29G.

I am glad it is a little dark, that picture, as I am the dude sitting between the tanks.
I might be willing to reveal my identity. Would the group make a road trip to L.I. to see "Two sides of Paradise"?

Not certain, we have members in NYC and Brooklyn, but not any further out in the depth of the Island. You most likely would have to come to Jersey about once a month if you want to be in the meetings (and that is what this is all about, more so then the forum part of it). I thought of you, but then considered the feasibility and didn't come up with a conclusion.
Partially I'm embarrassed to show my face, since I've no clippings to give anyone ... I'm waiting for the official FP meeting in LFs basement.

Any time my friends, any time.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 18-Dec-2006 21:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Well, as mentioned in the 125G, work is keeping me away from the forum for two weeks now already.

Anyway, quick update on the tank:

Weekly Tank Update - Weeks 28 and 29

Not much has happened, tank is doing ok, fish are fine, although the Apistos are all over the place, as sign of non-successful breeding (but that's cool too).

Here is the tank last week:

Attached Image:

Week 28



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Post InfoPosted 01-Jan-2007 23:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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And here is the tank today, week 29. As you can see, pretty much looks the same. I did some minor changes, but they are mostly visible on the back side.

Here is the full-on front:

Attached Image:

Week 29



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LITTLE_FISH
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Here is an angled look, showing the remains of the HC a little better in the center of the tank.

Some stuff seems to have started to grow a little, but it is really tiny, almost as if it is missing something. I would say it is the lack of light. We will see.

Attached Image:

Angled



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Post InfoPosted 01-Jan-2007 23:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Here is a look at the tank from the back, one cannot see all that much as it looks pretty dark. The change I made is that I removed the last group of Pearl Grass, not because I didn't like it but because less (species) is more. Instead, I planted some Blyxa in its place that has been grown in other sections of the tank.

Attached Image:

Back



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Post InfoPosted 01-Jan-2007 23:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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This is a really bad shot, but while I actually tried to get a closer look at the new Blyxa group I noticed during the review that there are 3 Otos being followed (or looked at) by a female Apisto,

Here it is:

Attached Image:

Otos - Apisto



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Post InfoPosted 01-Jan-2007 23:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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And here is a better look at the new Blyxa group.

Well, that's it for now anyway, hope you like it and hope to have more time soon,

On to the 29 Log,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Blyxa



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Post InfoPosted 01-Jan-2007 23:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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I like this tank better than your big tank. I think it's the fuller look I like plus the archway you have in the middle of this tank.

Just sharing my personal preference.
Post InfoPosted 01-Jan-2007 23:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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Tank is looking really nice, even though you continue to be so busy. BTW, I hope you had a nice Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you.

Cheers
TW
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NowherMan6
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Really love how the bolbitus has grown in. Looks great LF.

Good luck with work (I read the other log), hope you get a break soon!


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Hi folks,

As mentioned in my 125G log, I have been really busy so far this year. Just like that tank - this one has seen some neglect as well. Nevertheless, things have been pretty good with the tank.

Here it is this weekend, week 33 I think.

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Tank in Week 33



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Post InfoPosted 29-Jan-2007 00:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Well,

I guess it doesn't matter that I am busy, nobody has anything to say about the tank anyway

So, here are some more pictures, from this week and some shots from some events over the previous weeks.

First, I got about 10 Cherry Shrimp at our NJAGC meeting and added them to the tank:

Attached Image:

Cherry Shrimp



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One evening in the week after the addition, I came to the tank to feed the fish, but unlike all other days, the male Apisto was a no-show.

Eventually, I found him:

Attached Image:

Darn!!!



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The Apisto survived, but for sure not the shrimp. It took me 30 min to catch the fish, and by then the shrimp was 2 halves, LOL.

Once in a while I kept on seeing one or the other shrimp, but not lately.

Last week, I saw eggs at the edge of my tank, but two days later all were gone. Here they are:

Attached Image:

Apisto Eggs



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The Apistos in the tank are doing fine, and so are all other fish and the Amanos.

Here is the boss of the tank, the eater of fry and shrimp:

Attached Image:

Male Apisto



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Here is the tank from the back as of this weekend, sorry about the glare but the plants are so tall by now that they seem very bright in the shots. Last week I removed the crypt that used to be in the right hill (in this view), it got too tall:

Attached Image:

Back View



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And here is the main view, as you can see - there is not much left of the valley between the hills, the Bolbitis and the NL Java Fern have grown pretty big.

I think I will need to mess with the tank in not too far of a future:

Attached Image:

Main View



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Last shot

Here is a closer look at one of the 3 NL Java Ferns that I attached to the driftwood. It has grown very well and if I judge the situation right then it is about to take off and get out of control.

I just cannot get my act together these days (aka no time) to trim it.

Anyway, have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

NL Java Fern



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Post InfoPosted 04-Feb-2007 14:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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Nice pics LF. Good to see you back in action. Other than being a little extra hairy, the tank looks really good. If it weren't the dead of winter I'd ask you to send some of your clippings my way.

Too bad about the cherry shrimp. I wouldn't trust apistos with them or amanos really. Like any other cichlid, they'll eat whatever they can.

Neat egg shots. I'm sure they'll get it right eventually. They seem to be learning anyways.



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Post InfoPosted 04-Feb-2007 16:09Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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Thanks Matty for the input.

I am sure I will still (or again, probably) have some clippings left that I can send your when once it gets warmer again.

The Amanos seem to be too big for the Apisto, I guess buying only the ones that were already grown up was a good call.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 04-Feb-2007 17:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
coop
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i love this tank and the male apisto. do you think an angelfish would eat an amano or cherry shrimp?
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Seeing the shot of the Male Apisto with a Cherry Red hanging out of it's mouth brought back memories of my Kribs scarfing down my Cherries. Their colors went nuts after eatting them though....

The tank has really filled out for you. It is almost out of control but it still looks good.

Did you happen to get a batch of both male and female shrip? If so you might be able to keep them going in there just by breeding.

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Thanks coop for the compliments

Hm, I would not know and answer to your question for sure, but I would say "why not?"

A grown-up angel can eat fish the size of neons, so a cherry shrimp should not be a problem. And as such, younger Amanos fit right in (pun intended, LOL). An adult Amano may be around 2 inches though.

Ingo


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Wings - didn't see your reply until now, so here are some comments to what you wrote:

The tank has really filled out for you. It is almost out of control but it still looks good.


Yeah - my feeling as well, almost out of control. I hope I find some time soon to think about how I can whip it back in shape without destroying the scape.

Did you happen to get a batch of both male and female shrip?


I don't know what I got, I didn't inspect them before I added them to the tank (got them at an auction). And by now I cannot find any anymore anyway (lots of any here, LOL).

Thanks for the comments,

Ingo


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Week 35

Not much has happened during this week, with the exception that I saw a female cherry shrimp with spasms as she was bouncing on the substrate, filled with eggs. Do the mothers die when they release the babies?

Here is a shot of one of Matty's Apisto females:

Attached Image:

Female Cac



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And here is the tank straight on. As you can see, the jungle is becoming larger and larger. Maybe next weekend I will find some time for some more serious trimming.

Attached Image:

Tank Now



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And here is the tank in a slight angle. As you can see, the valley between the hills is barely noticable anymore. But there is some HC left in there, but it doesn't grow quite well. I assume the light is not strong enough, not to mention the deeper parts of the valley are for sure too shaded.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Now Angled



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Wingsdlc
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Do the mothers die when they release the babies?
Nope. It should take about 28 days for the eggs to become babies. Soon you may have many CRS. How cool would that be?

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Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2007 03:48Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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Here is a shot of one of Matty's Apisto females


I'm super glad these are doing so well for you. They look terrific.

I almost want to disagree about the needing of a trimming. Has anyone been in an old growth forest, that's got a little walking trail? It gets really dark, the plants are creeping in on the trail and you feel like sumpin's gunna JUMP out. Yep, it looks alot like that. I like it a lot.



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Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2007 04:53Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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Soon you may have many CRS. How cool would that be?


That would be quite all-right, although I think that the Apistos would see them as a nice variety in their menu.

Has anyone been in an old growth forest, that's got a little walking trail?


In the words of "The Cure" : "Lost in the forest, all alone"

- If it wouldn't be for the shading that is generated by the tree-covers I would not mind it, but the lower plants, like Blyxa, HC, and even the Anubias, will soon be shaded way too much for their own good.

Ingo


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NowherMan6
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Stunning LF. By far this is my favorite of your tanks. I know I've mentioned this before, but I love that the layout allows the apistos to be themselves, giving them tons of broken sightlines and hiding spots.

You've turned me on to bolbitus big time as well!


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You've turned me on to bolbitus big time as well!


Well, if you manage to make it to next weekend's meeting then I promise you that I will bring in some Bolbitis just for you

There is actually one downside to Bolbitis:

Removing part of a rhizome is rather hard when the fine roots off it are attached to wood/rock/other plants. This plant sticks like glue and one has to be careful not to rip the whole hardware apart (as in destroying arrangements).

Ingo


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It's looking really beautiful and natural

><>
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Thanks superlion,

I appreciate the comment, not only because it is positive () but also because it is not happening too often that someone justs pops into my logs and makes an entry.

Feel free to criticize as well,

Ingo


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NowherMan6
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Well, if you manage to make it to next weekend's meeting then I promise you that I will bring in some Bolbitis just for you


Where in the world would I put it?!? I only have a little 4G running at the moment. Plus, at the risk of getting kicked out of the club, I'm going to Cooperstown NY this weekend - if it doesn't get destroyed in this week's blizzard, that is Thanks for the offer though

Removing part of a rhizome is rather hard when the fine roots off it are attached to wood/rock/other plants. This plant sticks like glue and one has to be careful not to rip the whole hardware apart (as in destroying arrangements).


Same thing with Java fern. Tried to thin it out in the 4 last week and I almost tore the DW out of the tank. Those rhizomes can really hang on.


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I'm going to Cooperstown NY this weekend


Sure, the baseball Hall Of Fame is much more important than seeing a rimless high gadget ADA tank being set up

But you are right, the Bolbitis would be way too big in a 4G, at least once it settles in.

Ingo


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Sure, the baseball Hall Of Fame is much more important than seeing a rimless high gadget ADA tank being set up

Hall of Fame baseball Players or Hall of Fame N.J. Aquascapers, well that's a toss up. I guess it depends on how big the rimless tank is. If 120cm or larger I would go to the meeting

Who would have thung it? So much money for rimless tanks. I'm holding out for "Force Field Tanks" Don't tell the boys at ADG.

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If 120cm or larger I would go to the meeting


Yup, 48x18x18 - I think, or even deeper and higher

I'm holding out for "Force Field Tanks"




Ingo


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NowherMan6
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Who would have thung it? So much money for rimless tanks. I'm holding out for "Force Field Tanks" Don't tell the boys at ADG.


I ran into this problem last fall. I wanted a larger tank but I wanted rimless and clear seals. ADA was the only option, but their version of a 65 gallon is over 300 dollars, and I just can't justify spending that on a tank, no matter how beautiful - especially when you add in the cost of filter, lights, substrate, stand, DW and let's not forget - enough plants to fill the thing from the start, which could easily be another 300!

And it's not so much about the HoF, it's more about visiting the GF's family up there, so i don't realyl have a choice...


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tetratech
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I ran into this problem last fall. I wanted a larger tank but I wanted rimless and clear seals. ADA was the only option, but their version of a 65 gallon is over 300 dollars, and I just can't justify spending that on a tank, no matter how beautiful - especially when you add in the cost of filter, lights, substrate, stand, DW and let's not forget - enough plants to fill the thing from the start, which could easily be another 300!

I hear ye! ..And I don't think the $300 includes shipping which almost doubles the price. You did buy a 60g from Glass Cages didn't you?

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Yeah, it's acrylic, but it's the shape and dimensions I want. It was pretty cheap too, even including shipping. And it doesn't scratch as easily as I thought it would, I've put it through some rigors already. They can make rimless glass tanks custom but 1.) for pick up only, somewhere upstate NY I think and 2.) maybe for a small tank, but if I'm going to put 700 lbs of water in something without top bracing I damn well want the best quality I can get, and ADA tanks are proven. Not sure about glass cages.

Have you been looking at upgrading, or changing styles?


p.s. apologies to LF for thread hijacking...


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EditedEdited by tetratech
I was just about to say something about thread hijacking, but you beat me to it. I think we all have been through enough here and have respect for each other that gives us some leverage to hijack alittle here and there. Please let me know if I'm out of line LF.

Have you been looking at upgrading, or changing styles?

Well I'm definitely looking into doing an ADA style open top tank. It will not replace the 72, but be added. That's one of the reasons I took down my 12g. Also the saltwater tank and equipment is in the garage and will hopefully one day be placed in the den (sorry Matty), but the open top can definitely go in the bedroom. I'm deciding whether it's worth it to go all out and do 100% ADA (tank, ferts, substrate) or should I just get the open-tank style and go ECO & EI within.


My Scapes
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DeletedPosted 16-Feb-2007 14:55
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EditedEdited by TankWatcher
Really great looking tank - really liking the "walk in the forest look".

The apistos must love being in charge of such a home. Shame about the male snacking on fry & shrimp, but that sure was an interesting picture of the last moments of that poor cherry red

Sorry LF for joining the hijack. I guess rimmless means no black edges anywhere to be seen? If so, my 2 new tanks I'm planning will be rimmless - but I will have a middle brace in them.

Cheers
TW
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Gang,

Don't worry about the hijacking thing, it's all good. Hey - who says that it doesn't have anything to do with this log anyway? How knows if I one day may decide on ending this log to start a new one because I replace the tank with a rimless one? I don't.

Robyn, haven't read anything from you in a while . Usually, when we talk rimless it means a tank that has an all open top and the upper limits of the tank are the side panels of the glass (or acrylic), no braces either. Have you seen the ADA tanks - that's it.

The male Apsito is giving me trouble these days, he has started to "eat" the CO2 bubbles from the diffuser. I know it sounds funny, but it is serious as he seems to eat less and to be more static (as in not moving around and hanging in one spot) that before. I think he likes the buzz that he gets from the CO2.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 16-Feb-2007 15:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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The male Apsito is giving me trouble these days, he has started to "eat" the CO2 bubbles from the diffuser. I know it sounds funny, but it is serious as he seems to eat less and to be more static (as in not moving around and hanging in one spot) that before. I think he likes the buzz that he gets from the CO2.


An apisto that gets high? Far out man

Only in LF's tank...


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Post InfoPosted 16-Feb-2007 17:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Oh,

Just now did I see that this post would make it 1000 entries, so here it is.

Congratulations to myself and all participants to help in the creation of this tank and associated log.

Thanks all,

Ingo

EDIT: AND WHILE I TYPED, NOWHERMAN6 STOLE NO 1000


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hello ingo,

long time, no post - i think the tank looks great!! i am sure the apistos just love living in it.

i've recently set up a new tank (600mm x 400mm footprint, 100 litres) for a pair of rams, 20 cardinals and 2 sturisoma panamense, all doing well.

and i've also diversified, with a trio of the most magnificent fish i think i've owned - triple red agasizii. even the females are so pretty, but the boy really is special. first batch of eggs hatched but were eaten. hopefully better luck next time.

hope all is well in your life and in tank-land.

justin
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Justin

Hey - 100 liters - that's like 26 US gallons, right? That is quite some fish load that you have in there

But if you say all is well then so be it

I think tetratech has the triple red agasizii (or double?). They sure are nice, but from what I have heard a little more aggressive than the cacs and for sure more than the viejitas.

All is well, basically, in my life and tanks, thanks for asking,

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2007 14:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 36

Not much to report on the tank this week, all is pretty much the same than it was last week.

The only thing that happened was that I was really low on CO2 and got a refill on Saturday. Upon hooking up the bottle I could not get any bubbles to flow. I was concerned that I broke the needle valve but when I opened the bubble counter the bubbles started to flow again. Long story short, the diffuser was so dirty that it stopped the bubbles from coming out. I have never cleaned it in all 36 weeks. I took it out, put some Excel on top of the ceramic plate, and let it sit like this for about 20 min. Then I placed it back into the tank and all is good.

Here is a full tank shot:

Attached Image:

Tank Now



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Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2007 14:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Here is a closer look at the right group in the tank, mostly composed of Narrow Leaf Java Fern.

I am thinking about removing this group entirely and instead just have a small group with rocks and Anubias Nana.

Attached Image:

Right Group



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Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2007 14:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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And here is a closer look at the Bolbitis group on the left hill. During the water changes I usually clip one to three leaves of this plant as they are either too long and grow out of the water or they are old and get a layer of brown on top of them (I think it is algae, but nothing bad).

That's it for this week,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Left Group



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Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2007 14:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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Looks good LF, congrats on the >1K posts in this thread.

What's flaotin in the top right?



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Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2007 14:39Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thanks Matty,

The floating plant on the top right is a group of duck weed. The current filling of the tank and its resulting current pushes all these plants to the area just above the spraybar.

I used to have the duckweed also in the 125 (and still have some left), but the Water Lettuce there is more efficient in eating nutrients and doesn't leave much for the duckweed.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2007 14:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 37

Not much to report except to show a full tank shot from this weekend. I tried to make it a little lighter than last weeks shot, maybe one can see the plants below the tree tops a little better.

I am still contemplating when and what I should do to trim these tops a little more than the occasional removal of a leaf or two.

Here is the tank,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 37



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tetratech
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It's hard to make out the tank. Have you tried throwing more light over the tank just to take a pic.

From what I can see it looks like the two main plants compete to much with other. One one the left, one on the right. IMO let one be dominate, probably the fern and reduce the othe one and make sure it's not lined up side by side with the fern. Again it's hard to see.

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Post InfoPosted 25-Feb-2007 18:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Have you tried throwing more light over the tank just to take a pic


Actually, I am considering more light over the tank in general. I am wondering if I should get the double unit and have the 2 lights on for maybe 2 hours to start with.

IMO let one be dominate, probably the fern


Hm, I am thinking about removing the entire right group, keeping there only the rocks with Blyxa focussed in and around them. Then, I hope the HC would get more light and become a better ground cover. The problem I could see with such an arrangement would be that I don't have enough plant mass left for a healthy tank.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 25-Feb-2007 19:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Hm, I am thinking about removing the entire right group, keeping there only the rocks with Blyxa focussed in and around them. Then, I hope the HC would get more light and become a better ground cover. The problem I could see with such an arrangement would be that I don't have enough plant mass left for a healthy tank.


I see what you're thinking about here, but I think the same problem would still apply. It still may give the impression of one tank on the left, one on the right. What tetra suggested - growing out the bolbitus on the right as well as the left - may give it a more cohesive appearance overall. Unfortunately it may also mean that this tank may not be right for HC. They're your tanks of course, and I don't want to sound too pushy or anything, but maybe try the HC carpet in the 29? I'm having great success with HC in average light but high CO2. As long as there's CO2 and direct light, it will do well.

and sorry for taking post 1,000 by the way I think I ruined someone else's log that way too, by saying some stupid thing or another in the 1,000 or 2,000 post...


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 28-Feb-2007 20:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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No problem NowherMan6

Hey, the 29G is low tech, no CO2 is added

That eliminates the option to put the HC in there. Also - I think the Platies would take it as food.

If I had bolbitis on both hills then the tank may be too boring for words, but I see what you mean with 2 tanks. I guess I will have to think about it a while longer then.

Thanks for the input NowherMan6,

Ingo


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tetratech
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If I had bolbitis on both hills then the tank may be too boring for words, but I see what you mean with 2 tanks. I guess I will have to think about it a while longer then


Just for the record, I wasn't suggesting having the fern on both hills, just leaving the one fern as your main plant and supporting it with other plants and hardscape.

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Post InfoPosted 02-Mar-2007 22:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Just for the record, I wasn't suggesting having the fern on both hills, just leaving the one fern as your main plant and supporting it with other plants and hardscape


Sounds good to me, so I should remove one hill?


Anyway:

Weekly Tank Update - Week 38

Again, not much change since last week, except for additional growth in the forest. I really have to take action soon as the shading for the lower level plants is getting too much.

That's it,

Have Fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 38



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Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2007 13:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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It does look like a very nice healthy forest in there - with heaps of hiding places for apisto & shrimp (I think you have shrimp in this tank???).

How do your apistos go now. No breeding action - or is it just that someone keeps eating the eggs?

Cheers
TW
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Robyn,

The tank has breeding action, I even show pictures of eggs on page 39. But I am certain all is eaten.

Yes, the tank has shrimp, 7 Amanos (counted 6 the other day). I also added Cherry Shrimp a while back, but they have become Apisto food

The male Apisto is strange these days, he is still eating CO2 bubbles.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2007 15:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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Yep, I think it's definitely time to trim now. The pic is too dark to make out a lot of the other plants. I'm not sure that I would like the tank with only one hill, but I'd have to see to find out.

If you do take out a bunch of NL fern, keep me in mind



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Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2007 16:44Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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I think I would have to take a whole day off from work in order to properly redo the tank, in particular if I should decide on removing one of the hills.

Matty - I will keep you in mind for the NL Fern, I had no idea that it is so hard to get up there where you live. I will try to add a shot sometime soon that shows the fern a little closer as I am not quite certain that it is NL Fern in the first place. I added some from my 125G and placed it in the middle of the hill. It is much narrower than the ones growing on the sticks but it could be because their roots are closer to the light.

Ingo


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It's hard to get any plants up here that haven't been established in the hobby for quite some time. Blyxa, nana petite, NL fern....just anything that's new. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person in the western new york that's seen nana petite in person. Our supplier is great for everything that's been around a while, though. My boss just doesn't want to order through anyone else, I would guess because he's lazy or doesn't want to fix what isn't broken or somesuch. So anything interesting and new I have to get online. I can't afford the real internet stores on my poor college student budget, so I have to bug other hobbyists like you, sorry LF. Oh, and that doesn't mean I'm not willing to pay.....I do have some fish money set aside.



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Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2007 17:31Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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It's hard to get any plants up here that haven't been established in the hobby for quite some time. Blyxa, nana petite, NL fern....just anything that's new. .... I'm pretty sure I'm the only person in the western new york that's seen nana petite in person
I didn't realise some of you guys in US suffer from lack of availability as well. These plants are rarely seen here. I've never found NL Java fern in LFS, on-line or on ebay. Found blyxa in LFS once (at $30 a plant & broke the budget & bought 2). I've seen blyxa listed on-line, but if you try to buy it, it's always out of stock. Riccia - I've only ever found that on ebay and it's pricey. Example, here's a batch recently sold http://cgi.ebay.com.au/RICCIA-8x12cm-on-glass_W0QQitemZ290084674964QQihZ019QQcategoryZ66794QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemIt's a 4" x 3" patch @ $9.95 + postage $8.50). Now that's why I'm so excited that my blyxa & riccia have multiplied - no need to buy more (unless I kill it during my tank move). I've never seen nana petite in person either.

Until I read your post Matty, I thought how lucky you guys in the US are, with everything fishy at your finger tips & cheap (compared to Aus anyway).

LF, I wish I lived somewhere you could sell / post me some NL Java fern, even if it was just to see the plant in real life - but our customs wouldn't like that idea much

Cheers
TW
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Matty,

Once when you have a tank in which not everything dies then I will send you some NL Java Fern

Robyn,

The patch of Riccia does not seem that expensive to me. It should be enough to cover a few smaller rocks and then you grow out the rest yourself. The Blyxa, on the other hand, seems outrageously expensive to me, at $30 one plant. Now here is your opportunity to convince the hubby completely that your hobby is profitable. You are doing really well with your blyxa so go ahead and auction some off. You should make enough money to buy some lights or a canister filter, or a present for the husband's reef tank

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 05-Mar-2007 15:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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So riccia costs about the same for you in the US too? Seemed dear to me (although without the postage costs, it wouldn't be so bad).

I have thought about the whole selling on ebay thing, but that means having to time the trimming to when someone wins the auction - then finding the time to go to the post office the very next day. Life is just way too busy for that hassle.

Like you, my work keeps me up all hours (it's 12.21am & I'm still working). The only good thing is that I can sign on remotely from home into my work's computer system - so at least I am at home & my planted tank is sitting next to me). The replies to threads email advice goes to my work email address - so while I was working here at home - I received the email advising of your post - so I'm taking a quick break to read what you say & reply.

If ever I find more time in my life, I might do it though, as in theory, it is an excellent idea

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If ever I find more time in my life, I might do it though, as in theory, it is an excellent idea


I hear you, and I am in the same boat, way too busy (or lazy, LOL) to pull something like this off. But there is a problem with waiting. You are probably not the only one with success in Blyxa culturing. I would assume that rather sooner than later the marked will go down as more and more Blyxa is homegrown Down Under. And then I would wish I had taken the chance when it was there to make at least some money.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 05-Mar-2007 15:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 39

Before I talk about the tank I will spend a little time on the male Apisto. I think he is not gonna be around that much longer. He still eats CO2 bubbles once in a while, but mostly hangs in one or the other spot, motionless, for longer durations. He prefers dark places. Today, I found him like this:

(sorry, bad focus)

Attached Image:

Apisto Tail In Center



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I didn't even think he can get out of this narrow ap between rock, plants, and wood by himself, but after turning off the light briefly he came out.

Here he is afterwards, and bad focus again.

Attached Image:

Apisto



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On to the tank:

Just to have a good comparison, and because I don't remember if the shot from last week is right above or on a previous page, here is the tank last week:

Attached Image:

Last Week



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And,

With the explanation coming in the next entry, here is the tank from this weekend.

Attached Image:

This Weekend



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So,

For one thing, I trimmed off some Bolbitis and some Fern that was approaching the middle of the tank, this made the gap a little more visible again.

As another measure, and as a result of me not using the PC on the 20G anymore (see that thread for details), I added a second glass over the top, placed the 96w PC closer to the one side of the tank (the front in this view) and added the 65w PC from the 20G more towards the other side of the tank.

I don't know how well this will work out, but it is worth a try.

That's it,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Do You See The Light?



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Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 01:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Sorry to hear about your male. I hope all turns out well.

The tank looks much better with the trim.

I don't think you will have any problems with the extra light. After running 5.26wpg on my tank I don't have much fear of high light any more. My next step is going to be MH lights. Some day down the road.

55G Planted tank thread
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[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 02:05Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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EditedEdited by TankWatcher
So sorry to hear the male apisto isn't doing so well. I hope he comes good for you. These seem to be such sensitive fish (I've had several deaths, tetratech lost his & your beautiful male orange flash is in fish heaven now too. I may have shared this quote I found on another forum before, but it seems to me so true of these fish.
I may be more cynical than most but certain generalities seem to apply to Apistogramma. One partner of a pair always dies if you have spawned them and not salvaged any fry. One partner of a pair often kills the other, because no replacements are available. Something they eat disagrees with them and some die. If you really like a certain species and lavish it with the best of everything, it will die. These fish are perverse; sometimes those you ignore the most live the longest.

I like the tank so much better after it's trim & especially like the tunnel that has formed in the middle.

Good luck with your light experiment.


Cheers
TW
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Thanks Wings and Robyn for the comments on the tank

Yeah, I am not certain what I will do when the male gives up. I am somewhat reluctant to search for another male and keep this cycle going. On the other hand, I feel sorry for the 3 girls. I doubt that I could put them with the viejitas.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 19:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by TankWatcher
You won't know if putting the girls with the viejitas would work or not, without trying. I looked them up here http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=416 The Temperament is described as

Temperament toward other tankmates that are of a different species: Peaceful
Conspecific Temperament: (describes overall demeanor toward other tank-mates of the same species - mildly aggressive

I think it would depend if the female cac's look sufficiently different to the female viejita, so that they recognise each other as a different species.

But still, lets hope it does not come to that and your male pulls through. Is he still eating?

BTW, forgot to mention that besides liking that tunnel through the middle of the tanks, I also like how your rocks are much more visible now, since the trim.

Cheers
TW
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Thanks Robyn,

I did not see him eat last night, instead he was all the way inside one of the hills for the entire time of feeding and staring at the tank (like 10 to 15 min), almost motionless. I had to shine a flashlight in there to even make sure that he is still alive. I can tell you one thing - if he dies in there it is going to be really hard to get him out

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2007 13:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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I have to say it does not sound good for the poor little guy. This not eating & being motionless usually brings nothing good with it.

Cheers
TW
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Looks good with the increased light LF. Sorry to hear about the male, but we all know what eventually happens to substance abusers.



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Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2007 18:04Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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but we all know what eventually happens to substance abusers


So true Matty



Maybe the girls were too much for him, and their constant bickering drove him to succumb to the CO2 hell.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2007 19:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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I know I couldn't handle 2.....1 is tough enough (hides post from gf).



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Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2007 21:36Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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Same here


Aaaaaanyway - last night after feeding the male came out from the darkest cave and his first trip was straight to the diffuser. He took in a few bubbles and then went to look for any food that was left (although the 3 females ate most already).

He is a nutcase

Ingo


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This is a very attractive tank and I think it could be really amazing if your up for a makeover (I know you like them).

I like the right mound because I could see more rocks, but on the other hand I like the wood and the bobitus, so I think you need to cut back the fern more to expose more wood. For the bigger part of the makeover I would add more rock to both mounds enough to hold back the eco. I would then remove everything from the foregound. Everything, the eco, the plants, everything. I would then fill with sand. A few random placed rocks mabye some with moss and possibility. This would give really good contrast to the green. Right now I think the Blyxa and the other foregrounds distract from the beauty of the mounds.
Just the way I see it from New York

My Scapes
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He is a nutcase
That seems so. One minute, he has no energy to do anything, but stay near the bottom almost motionless. That is until his next fix of C02

Anyway, you guys have so much energy - always talking of makeover's & what not. Yet, your tanks are all so nice as they are

Cheers
TW
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Yet, your tanks are all so nice as they are


And so is yours. The difference is:

The owner of the tank sees it in 3D, with all the ugly sides exposed. And he/she sees the tank 24/7 and as such the tank looses its interest much faster.

Thanks tetratech for the suggestion on what to do - basically you ask me to do a major makeover, something I haven't done on the larger tanks in quite a while. Once concern of removing the surrounding plants is the removal of plants per se, meaning the reduction of plant mass to the point where the tank becomes less stable. And right now it is pretty stable.

The current light construct cannot be a permanent installation either. It does not look great, it is a pain in the neck to get water out of the tank to mix ferts (just a small gap on one side left, the rest is covered with glass), and overall the light is not even. I may go with a Teck light afterall, just hanging it a little higher should reduce the intensity. Will see ...

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 15-Mar-2007 14:31Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by imrandy85
Hey LF, I try to keep an eye on all of your logs but this is my first time posting I think. Looking at your tanks a couple of months back is what has made me want to try keeping plants. I really hope your male apisto gets better. Apistogramma seem like really great fish and the pair in your other tank has made me want to get some but they're VERY hard to find around here. But all around many to you.
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Looking at your tanks a couple of months back is what has made me want to try keeping plants.


Oh thank you so much, imrandy85

I am always happy when I can help in any shape or fashion with getting someone into this side of the hobby. It is not easy, but it for sure extends the activities someone performs with his/her tank(s) and as such is an enrichment in experience.

Have fun,

Thanks for the input with regards to the tank as well,

Ingo


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Weekly Tank Update - Week 40

Nothing special happened with this tank during this week. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but since weeks I am down to 2 fertilizer rounds per week, from the initial 3. So far so good, but I can imagine that with the additional light I may need to go back up to 3.

Here is the tank this week:

Attached Image:

Week 40



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Oh - did you spot the male Apisto in the top left corner of the tank in the last shot? I have not seen him perusing the tank in at least two weeks, so this was a surprise to me.

Here is the last shot of this tank for today, showing the change in coloration of the Blyxa in just one week of direct light. The new leaves are a nice orange/brownish color.

That's it,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Blyxa Changes Color



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Post InfoPosted 18-Mar-2007 21:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Beautiful as always LF.
The new leaves are a nice orange/brownish color.
So is that how blyxa is meant to be with sufficient light. Mine are all bright green?

Cheers
TW
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Here is the last shot of this tank for today, showing the change in coloration of the Blyxa in just one week of direct light. The new leaves are a nice orange/brownish color


Nice LF, I forget are you just dosing TMG for FE, or are you adding something else. I don't understand my Blyxa. It's got 3.6wpg on a 72g it's in open space and I could barely get the stuff to grow. I'm not dosing alot of FE, I'm wondering if my water is to acidic or soft.

My Scapes
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tetratech,

my water is very soft, with 0 Dh for KH and GH naturally. I add some baking soda and equilibirum to get these values up a little, to maybe 3 or so (don't know exactly as I don't measure ).

I only add TMG, or its new replacement (plant nutrition or something) by Tropica, and only twice a week about 15ml each.

The difference in color came when I moved the light pretty much directly over the blyxa, so about 16 or less inches away from it, vs. the maybe 20" it was before.

Ingo


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Thanks LF. Well the Flourish only gives me about .10ppm FE at 10ml, but I do that 3 times a week, so I should be alright. Maybe the 65watt bulb is too weak to reach the 22" or so to where the Blyxa is. I swear this stuff grow better with the two 96watt bulbs at 2.7 then at 3.6wpg.

My aromatica is also not well and does coincide with me changin the light. I might try putting back the 192watt 3ft strip and see if anything changes. Very strange. Also I have two very deep thick groups of rotala and they are looking good all the way down, no melting or blackness on the steams even though the groups are very thick, which doesn't make sense if the light wasn't penetrating.

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Hi LF

Sorry, this is a question for tetratech - hope you don't mind.
too weak to reach the 22" or so to where the Blyxa is
How deep is your tank?

Cheers
TW
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How deep is your tank?


Hi Robyn, the 72g is 22" deep.

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Weekly Tank Update - Week 41

No major action this week with this tank either, except for some "above normal" trimming of the Bolbitis during maintenance this weekend. I took quite a few leaves out that were beginning to show some brown algae coating, that happens to them in my tank once they are around for a while.

Here is the full tank:

Attached Image:

This Week



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And here is a look at the tank from the other side, the one that has only the 65W lighting over it. You may notice the much greener color of the Blyxa.

Also, the male Apisto is on the left in one of his favorite "non-hiding" spots.

Attached Image:

Back View



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He like to be in that area as it is only a short swim to get his fix, aka CO2 bubbles.

Granted, this shot is not the best, but the light in that area is not favorable for taking photos.

Attached Image:

Drug Addict



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Here is a shot of one of Matty's hostages, eh female Apistos

I don't think that any more breeding is going on in the tank as the females have taken over the role of aggressors against each other. This used to be the case when there was no male in the tank (when the first male died and the second was in QT).

And - there is an Oto as well

Attached Image:

Apisto and Oto



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Last shot for now, another close-up of the Blyxa that is getting the most light in this tank, the one on the right entry of the gap between the hills.

I am most sure that light is the key ingredient to Blyxa coloration, as simply the fact of moving the light and maintaining all other tank parameters made the difference.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Blyxa "Light"



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LF,
Your tank looks, good. Almost makes me want to try a fern-type tank. I could see the discussion now with my wife.

Me: Can I do another tank?
Wife: &#$%
Me: But it's going to be a fern tank
Wife: I'm calling the doctor
Me: You'll never understand will you
wife: I'm calling my attorney


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Thanks tetratech for the compliment on the tank. I find the right group too strong, btw, and I am considering making it much smaller.

Your conversation with your wife should be more like this:

tetratech: I found a great way to make money
She: let me hear
tetratech: we could sell load of easy to ship aquarium plants on the internet
She: really?
tetratech: yeah, and the best thing is, all we need is a grow-out tank



Ingo


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Ah,

Albeit of not-so-good quality, I finally caught him in the act. Here he is, the crazy guy, eating his bubbles

Attached Image:

Bubble Mania



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EditedEdited by FRANK


I already tried that one...
Susan instantly asked, with some hesitation in
her voice.. "How big a tank?"

Oh, not big.. maybe 240 gallons.

And Susan looking at my 30 gallon tank and instantly
doing the math, and knowing how manipulative the three
boys had been.. Instantly responded with "NO!"

Maybe I was thinking too big?

Frank


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And here he is again, chasing the youngest female away as she got way too close to his source of free dope.

All girls in the tank are clearly showing interest in him, but he has nothing else in mind than bubbles, mad man!!!

Attached Image:

Go Away



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Frank,

Just saw your entry.

Yeah, you may have pushed it a little too far, with the 240G

You should have said 50G, and then worked your way up reasoning that a 125G is more profitable, and then showed up with the 240 claiming the 125 was no longer in stock

Ingo


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Frank


Beautiful tanks, and it sounds like the
cories are going to settle in quite nicely..


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The drug addict seems quite recovered from his sickness?

Cheers
TW
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The drug addict seems quite recovered from his sickness?


I don't know, it really depends on the moment. Some time I think he is doing all right as he peruses the tank, other times he has me worried again as he is hiding or eating bubbles. I am most certain though that he doesn't make a good "male" anymore, I see zero courtship behavior from him although all females show willingness when he gets near them (or they get near him, which is more often the case).

Ingo


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Hi,
I was just wondering... What would happen if a competitor
suddenly appeared on the scene? Or, perhaps it is time
to put him "out to pasture" (a different tank) and bring
a younger bull into the field?

Perhaps a shift to a different tank for a month or two
and then returning him at a later date?

Frank


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Perhaps a shift to a different tank for a month or two and then returning him at a later date?


I was thinking about that, like sending him to Rehab

But the problem is that all other tanks would not allow me to re-catch him when trying to put him back, and the QT is housing new fish, plus Platy fry.

I saw a fully grown male of his species in the LFS this week and I have to say that he most certainly would "eliminate" the current male, so that is not an option either.

In addition, I don't know how many more times I would like to go through the cycle of buying "replacements" for failures or fish that died off

Ingo


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EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks tetratech for the compliment on the tank. I find the right group too strong, btw, and I am considering making it much smaller.


Duh! I believe that's what I was telling you.

Your conversation with your wife should be more like this:

tetratech: I found a great way to make money
She: let me hear
tetratech: we could sell load of easy to ship aquarium plants on the internet
She: really?
tetratech: yeah, and the best thing is, all we need is a grow-out tank



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I finally convinced my girlfriend to let me buy a 20 gallon tank for our apartment so we went out to the local fish stores looking at 20's and stands and all the equipment. We got to one store and acted unsure about the 20 and then he told us the 29 was only $15 more and then he gave me a really good deal on a 38 so we ended up bringing the 38 home.

LF, could you take a look at my post in the cichlid forum about sexing apistos. I know you had some trouble with yours a while back so I thought maybe you could offer some insight. Hope your male keeps getting better.
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Nice story on how to double the original size of a tank there, imrandy85

We all know that the best tanks are the largest one can afford (in size and cost).

I also added an entry to your thread, but I am not sure if it helps.

Ingo


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Looking at the front and back pics, i have to say i'm not sure which side is better looking. Which is a good thing. I would just send the apisto to quarintine after the new fish have left, so that he can experience a CO2 Free zone.

-Vincent
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Vincent,

Thanks for the comments and compliments on the tank and fish. I personally prefer the front view as I like the valley opening between the hills and the fact that all equipment is on the other side. Overall, I am rather pleased with the fact that not even one side of the tank is really ugly.

Thanks,

Ingo


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LF,

The tank really looks nice. This is by far my favorit tank of yours. The Flash looks like he is doing better but still looks a little funny. Kind of thin looking I guess.

Hope all is well.=!

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Thanks Wings for the compliment on the tank.

Yeah, he is rather thin (not skinny yet) and rather small for the time that I have him already. Actually, the female I bought with him (the pair) is also smaller than Matty's females, by quite a bit.

Ingo


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Maybe you should start feeding frozen food or even live black worms. That will thicken them up!

55G Planted tank thread
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[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 42

Nothing at all to report about the tank, all is the same bla bla, meaning fish eats bubbles, growth is good, considering redo, ergo nothing new.

Here is the one and only shot for this week:

Attached Image:

Week 42



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Post InfoPosted 01-Apr-2007 23:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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ergo nothing new.


Looks good though , eh? I'm a big fan of this tank I've decided.



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I'm a big fan of this tank I've decided

Oh no, , just in time when I decided that it needs change

During the water change I only had the 96w unit on in the middle of the tank. It seems sooooo dark now as the tops are really tall and wide.

Ingo


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It's ok, It will live on in the pictures.

I think it's neat because it's really contrasty. Super bright green, almost black in the dark areas. Just neat. It would probably bug me though if I had to take care of it. Just knowing that the darkness keeps encroaching on everything else.



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Like the tank too, but still want to see the right side reduced

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I seem to remember a couple/three years ago commenting
about what one does when a tank reaches this point.

You and Tetra seem to have postponed the dilemma by
simply putting your energy into creating more and
more beautiful tanks rather than having just one.

If the scuttlebutt holds true that some of these plant
friendly substrates wear out over a year or two, then
you guys are all set. About the time the tank reaches
maturity and you grow "bored" with it, it would be time
to tear it apart and start anew.

Actually, you are probably right. As the tank unfolded
over these months, I personally lost track of the fact
that it is supposed to be a "Breeder Tank" and not just
another beautiful show tank. If you were to breed some
fish in this tank that eventually required you move the
parents to another tank, rear the fry, and then you had
to catch the fry to sell them, or move them, you would
have the devils own time trying to net any fish in that
beautiful, planted tank.

Frank


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Like the tank too, but still want to see the right side reduced


That's what I would be going for, but it is a major undertaking. The ferns on the 3 main branches, plus the NL Fern that I just tossed into the middle between them, plus the various Anubias Nanas in there have all formed one major major major net of rhizomes and roots. If you pull on one end the whole hill comes alive with movement, all interconnected.


Frank, Breeder is just the name of the tank shape, like Long for another shape. I am not too much hung up on the idea of using it specifically for this purpose, although it would be nice if the Apisto would show some productivity. I selected this tank shape because it has the greates depth compared to the lenght and height of an standard tanks that do not cost a fortune. Depth is very important for scaping, just think about front- middle- and background. The fact that this tank is a walkaround makes the depth even more important as each side (at least the long ones) is a front. This would have been impossible to do in a 55 with its lousy 12" of depth.

If I had a choice, I would have a tank of 36" long, 24" deep, and 18" heigh. That would be awesome

Ingo


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I would have a tank of 36" long, 24" deep, and 18" high
I know it's on the dark side, a place where we usually venture not - but that is almost the size of hubby's marine.

It is 36" long, 24" deep, and 24" high - perfect for building nice coral reefs - although we are not as talented as Matty & the others, it still looks quite nice.

Cheers
TW
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I should try and take a picture of our reef tanks from work sometime. LxWxH : 48x36x18 I would love to have them take one down so I could set it up as a planted tank! Odds of that happening any time soon?

55G Planted tank thread
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You guys are too much, trying to get me to get a bigger tank, aren't you?

Anyway:

Robyn - your husband's tank is too high for me, 24 inches don't lean themselves to pruning maintenance etc. Plus - you need quite some light over that baby.
Wings - that is a whopping 135G, . 36" deep is awesome though, but overall way too large.

Ingo


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Yes, but his corals don't need pruning & the height & depth mean that a nice reef reef could be built on a gentle slope, ensuring good light to all the corals.

Still, I may go 22" in my 3ft planted (not yet ordered - still undecided). Yes, yes, I know - not your favourite height. But that's the height of tetratech's 72G & his tank always looks pretty darn good to me.

Decisions, decisions - I hate them.

Cheers
TW
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If I had a choice, I would have a tank of 36" long, 24" deep, and 18" high. That would be awesome


LF, check it out:

http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=2

It's called the 65 wide, 36 X 24 X 17, available in glass or acrylic. It's pictured with euro bracing, but I'm sure you could get it with standard bracing. About $300 will get the acrylic shipped right to your door, the glass would have to be picked up somewhere.

Now I'll be on my merry way...


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Oh NowherMan6,

Now you get me fantasizing about a new tank again

I have seen that site before and looked at several of their tanks, but never could convince myself that going to some pickup place is the right thing to do.

Plus, the tank in the picture is really ugly, with that glass bracing being in the way like mad, .

That is Eurot**** bracing,

I am very concerned about an Acrylic tank though, it is like owning a new car and getting the first scratch in it, just horrible. And I will get scratches, with kids and stuff (the cats died).

Also, I didn't find a stand for this tank on their site, I guess I would have to call Matty down from the mountains to help me with the handy work and built one myself (BTW, an object that is wider than 20" in its narrowest dimension would have to be assembled in the basement, the walkway - and door - would not permit larger stuff).

I noticed that some of their dimensions seem to be off when referring to their supposed volume. Like the one they call 40 Long with 36 x 18 x 13. That doesn't seem right at all as my 40 Breeder is 36 x 18 x 16. And what exactly would make theirs a 40 Long? I find it rather short

Ingo


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Their volumes are off, for the most part they're approximations (my 65 is technically 63.6) - they mention at the top of the page to go by the dimensions, not the listed volume.

And yes, that eurobracing is god awful But I don't think it's standard, thankfully.

As for the acrylic, it's not as bad as some make it out to be. It's VERY clear for one thing, and whatever kind they use to make their tanks, it's better than the stuff those little 2.5 G bowfronts are made off. I've been tinkering around in my tank with driftwood for a few months now, without a scratch.

Anyway, it's just an idea - the tank of your dreams is out there.


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Anyway, it's just an idea

It is a great idea, NowherMan6

I didn't want to give you the impression that it did not strike me as an option, just have to get my act together first.

Ingo


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EditedEdited by FRANK


Hi.
Must be the old age... Ever since you started this thread
I've taken the title literally and as the tank progressed
you kept speaking of the fish and their fry. Ah well, at
least that explains (to me) why your "breeder" tank is so
lushly planted.

Isn't that a neat site Glass cages? Such a variety.

I wonder... how does one get that 400G tank off the truck?


You'd have to have a block party, several "6 packs" and
a boat load of pizzas to move that critter, not to mention
a special, extra wide, door.

Frank


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Frank,

I can clearly see where the confusion is coming from, as you are right, I always talk about the Apisto fry that does not happen

I think I actually would prefer a lush breeding tank as I like what happened in my 125G when my Espei population jumped from 12 to about 100, all in a natural setting. Granted, the number of survivors is probably less, but it appeals more to me.

Ingo


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EditedEdited by TankWatcher
My baby kribs were born in a fairly heavily planted tank - although their home now has been thinned & changed quite a bit from that look. Frank - it is the tank with the offensive silver heater - which I must do something about.

Cheers
TW
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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Weekly Tank Update - Week 43

Well, I feel like a little review of this tank over the last 30 weeks is in place, only to show the growth that happened over that time period.

Here you can see the tank in week 13, still containing the Micro Sword ground cover. Have a closer look at the Bolbitis leaves that you can see coming out on the left. Also, note the tiny 3 bunches of Narrow Leaf Java Fern (which may or may not be the Phillipine type). 2 are clearly visible, the 3rd is more or less hidden all the way on the right behind a branch. All 3 have been tied a little upwards onto the driftwood.

Attached Image:

Week 13



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10 weeks later, in week 23, the ground cover had been mostly replaced with some other plants, mostly Blyxa. You can see the Java Fern has grown a bit, I also added some "true" Narrow Leaf Java Fern from the 125 into the middle of that hill. You can note its really slim appearance.

The Bolbitis is beginning to grow, it took a little for it to settle.

Attached Image:

Week 23



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By week 33, both ferns, the Java and the Bolbitis, had truly settled and began to grow on a faster pace. No longer can one make out the individual bushels of Narrow Leaf on the branches, it all has become a unit.

And the Bolbits just keeps on growing.

Attached Image:

Week 33



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And here is the tank now from this weekend, week 43.

As you can see, the Bolbits and Java Fern have grown even more in the last 10 weeks, now both reaching the surface. A trim may be needed, but I know it will require some major action to do so.

In general, the week was calm and not much happened to the tank.

Attached Image:

Week 43 - This Weekend



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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE SMALL TANK HISTORY REVIEW ON BOTTOM OF PREVIOUS PAGE

Ok,

On to some detail shots. The first one is also from a few weeks back, from 3/18 to be exact. It shows the Blyxa in the front of the tank after it received more light for one week. You may note the newest leaves turning yellow/red/brownish.

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Blyxa 3/18



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And here is the same plant now, 3 weeks later. As you can see, it is much more yellow/red/brownish than it was in the last shot.

I am actually not so sure if I like it this way, the individual leaves seem also to be more curled up than they were when being green, almost as if they were wilting.

Attached Image:

Blyxa Now



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And just to show Matty that I am taking good care of his girls, here is the less dominant one looking for food on the side of the tank. She is being chased by the more dominant one whenever that one gets the chance to do so.

Attached Image:

Female I



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And here is a shot of the dominant one, as you can see she is a little more yellow than the other one. Unfortunately it all is for nothing as the male shows no interest in mating, he chases her away all the time.

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Dominant Female



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I didn't get a shot this time around of the smallest, non-Matty, female. She is actually the yellowest of all, and hangs most often in the male's area (but not too close, or if so then sideways laying flat in a very devot position).

Here is the male, a little out from his usual hang-out spot close to the diffuser. That spot is the one he is defending, his source of drugs

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Male



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Here is a shot of the cleaner crew of the tank, or at least a few representatives of each. The Amanos actually hold their ground against the Otos, when one of the latter comes to close then it almost appears as if they attack them. The end result is that the Otos flee the battle field.

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Otos and Amano



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Last shot for today is a look at the most disturbing place of the tank, the area behind the gap from the front (viewed from the back). Here, some form of very slow spreading algae has spread all over the wood that closes the gap. It looks rather decorative when contained, I could imagine a whole ground cover of this stuff, if it wouldn't spread all over the plants that is.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Algae Carpet



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Looking good. Love the bobitus. When I look at this tank, it reminds me of two people meeting on the dance floor and one has to eventually lead, if you get my meaning.

Have you ever giving dropped a wafer in the tank and watched the fish chase the shrimp all over the place for it? It's really funny?

Alot of waste probably accumulates in the middle area, just suck stuff out more often.



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Yeah, that algae you can see is feeding directly on detritus it's collected. Otherwise I doubt it would persist. I have a little spot like that in my 50.

Glad to see the females are doing well. I would think that even if the males didn't look so fantastic, I'd still want to keep the females. What other fish is that yellow and so often overlooked?

Anyhow, I really like the progression of this tank. but I think it will most definitely need a trim, just to be able to continue growing. It's like that with the HM in my tank. Every two weeks I throw out about a pound or so.



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Have you ever giving dropped a wafer in the tank and watched the fish chase the shrimp all over the place for it?

You know, I never added any wafers into this tank. Who would they be for? The Otos? The Amanos?

it reminds me of two people meeting on the dance floor and one has to eventually lead, if you get my meaning.

- Absolutely

What other fish is that yellow and so often overlooked?

Well, when there was no male around, all the females did was squabble with each other and none was yellow at all.



Ingo


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Very interesting recap of the tank LF. It all looks so beautiful.
Well, when there was no male around, all the females did was squabble with each other and none was yellow at all.
Yep, in my experience an apisto girl without a male = a dirty brown looking girl. Add a male and that's when you'll see the yellow.

There seem to be a lot of reluctant dwarf cichlid romeos. I have one tank with agassizii male & 3 girls & another has nigerian red pair. In both tanks it seems the girls are keen but the males don't seem interested. What's up with these boys.

Cheers
TW
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Hmm...I had a maleless apisto female that was beautifully yellow for quite a while without...too bad I had to take her back to the store when I moved.



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EditedEdited by tankwatcher
Lucky Matty - my females have sometimes even gone brown if the male is there. Yellow showed me she was either in the "mood" or she was guarding. This was with my cac & my bita. You'd swear they were 2 different fish - depending on their mood. My agassizii girls, who I've only had a couple of weeks are always yellow - so it would be interesting to see what happened if the male left the scene (if they'd stay yellow or not).

The Amanos actually hold their ground against the Otos, when one of the latter comes to close then it almost appears as if they attack them. The end result is that the Otos flee the battle field.
That's surprising. My otos held their ground against all my guarding female apistos (cac, bita) and also held their ground against the krib mum too. With the krib mum, it cost them their tails (which have grown back) but they never seemed to care & usually the guarding mum was the one to get frustrated & give up, sick of of her "attack" being basically ignored.

Cheers
TW
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With the krib mum, it cost them their tails

I guess mine are a little smarter than

Mine are actually still rather young and not yet fully grown (2/3rd the size of the ones in the 125G).

They have been well groomed by me, flight is better than loosing your tail could be one of my "rules on live"

Ingo


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EditedEdited by tankwatcher
Agreed, yours are MUCH smarter. Mine are just plain stubborn and if they didn't want to move, they wouldn't - although you would think 2 otos, 1 mum krib & fry in 20G could find plenty of space without getting in each other's way.

Just plain stubborn.

Cheers
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 45

Well, there was no update last week as I went on vacation and did not have time to take a shot of the tank. I took one this weekend though, but I did not perform a water change (as I will do one during the week before our next club meeting - at my place).

The only thing to note is that I am not so certain I like the new Blyxa color and leaf shape, it seems to cause quite a few of them to grow rather smallish leaves and they come loose (the whole plant) much more often.

I cannot find one of the Apisto females (one of Matty's) either, even when looking at the tank with a flash light shining in the caves.

That's it for today, here is the tank,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 45



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Can't imagine how you could lose a fish in there :

I'm sure she'll show up.



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No, seriously Matty,

I think I spent about 30min just searching, and that was right after feeding. Doesn't look good I have to say.

Ingo


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Has she turned up? How long has it been? Could she be guarding? If that's not the reason for her absence at dinner time, I agree, doesn't sound good.

I commonly didn't see my female when guarding, particularly in a heavily planted tank. Hope she turns up.

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Thanks for asking Robyn,

I believe I have seen her two nights ago, but I cannot be certain. Both of Matty's females look alike and I never see two of them at the same time. So my challenge is to know exactly where one is while I search for the other, and in this heavily planted tank that is not easy as the visible female is always on the move.

What I found last night though, when searching in the underwoods with my flashlight, was a Cherry Shrimp. That was kind of a surprise to me.

Ingo


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With regards to my last entry and the Shrimp that I found:

It gets even better

Last night I found a baby shrimp, maybe 1/3 of an inch long and reddish. I could not take a picture of it as it was in the root system of an Anubias, a wise position as the shrimp would make an excellent snack for an Apisto.

Ingo


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If you have one, there's bound to be more. Cool, LF!



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Weekly Tank Update - Week 45

I had to do a water change earlier during the week as I hosted the NJAGC meeting yesterday. I used that chance to clean the glass really well, something I haven't done in quite a while and it showed. The result was that people believed my water to be very clear, maybe it always was but I couldn't see it that well through the dirty glass .

I finally had it with the Blyxa, the floating and stunted growth drove me nuts. I removed all remaining stems and now have an almost non-planted surrounding of the hills, something that tetratech suggested all along.

Here is the tank,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 45



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Hi Ingo,
I started with this thread, and worked my way "upward"
through the rest of yours... I suspect that it is a good
thing that you don't host the club meeting every month!
If so, you would be one tuckered puppy.
The tanks all look beautiful
and yes clean glass does help!

Frank

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I had to do a water change earlier during the week as I hosted the NJAGC meeting yesterday
and I didn't get an invite. Imagine introducing me to the NJAGC. "And all the way from Long Island. The Self Proclaimed King of Protist Destruction"

Anyway yeah I think it looks better without the distracting Blyxa. I of course would like to see the mounds firmed up with the rockwork and of course the trimming of the right group, but one could only dream.
Funny thing, I took my Blyxa out of my 72G yesterday. I was tired of it. I think you had a similiar issue as I did in that the Blyxa did not put out a big root system. It just wasn't adding anything to me tank. I'll probably try it again in a different setup at some point.

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and I didn't get an invite


You never asked to be invited

I think technically you would have to be a member (but for sure you could have been my personal guest) to attend a meeting.

Yeah, it looks "cleaner" with less plants around the hills, but maybe it will not look that good anymore when I trim the right group (someday).

Frank - You read all the logs? Very much appreciated
I am also glad that I don't host all our meetings, my wife would for sure not like this as I would spend way more time than usual on preparation and maintenance than usual.

Ingo


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I got some pictures to add, some nice and some rather sad I have to say.

Let's start of neutral. Yes the tank still has some HC, but it doesn't do much. It neither grows nor shrinks, it is just there. But the pieces that are there seem settled though.

Attached Image:

HC



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In addition, and actually what started this photo session tonight, was the discovery of this thing in the Bolbitis. BTW, I see some of you writing it Bolbitus, where does that come from? Tropica uses my version.

Anyway, this is what I saw:

Attached Image:

???



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In case you can't make out what it is, I got a better shot a little later on.

The RCS must have been born in the tank. It is about 2/3 of an inch long. They must be good hiders, I have to say.

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RCS



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Now it gets a little sadder, if that is a word.

Look at this constellation. Here you have the male Apisto coming in from the back, a female on the right posing, and in the middle the female that I could not find for the longest.

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Warfare I



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Now, the male came forward, and the middle female does try to get out of the way of the other female, probably not looking for the male from the other side.

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Warfare II



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And here we go, the male attacks. Just in the last second was the female able to dash out of the male's way.

BTW, all shots were taken at the dark area on the left short end of the tank, that is why they are rather shabby in quality.

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Warfare III



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Here is the male. He is not friendly to any of the females, the one he tolerates the most is the youngest (not pictured in this series), but even she is not safe.

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Male Apisto



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Here is the female that was first on the right of the Warfare series. She is in pretty good shape and sometimes offers herself to the male, but he is more into chasing her than taking the offer.

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Female I



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And here is the saddest of all, the female from the middle. When I saw her for the first time since she dissapeared on me I was in shock.

She is smaller now than the other female (both from Matty and about the same age), looks rather pale and spotty all over the body, and is just a very sad looking fishy.

I don't know what is wrong with her, maybe she guarded fry seriously and lost a lot of weight and strenght in the process. She is out more often now.

The picture shows her and her reflection in the side panel.

That's it for now,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Female II



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EditedEdited by mattyboombatty
Nice to see all the females still there. Too bad about all the aggression from the male. It doesn't seem to wear too bad on the females though, they have full bellies, and decent color. It's probably because they are able to disappear in the fern for a while.

I guess I don't have much help on why the male behaves how he does. I would just guess it's an individual thing.

Nice pics

EDIT: Just saw the last post....that one does look a bit skinny. Couldn't tell from the other pics. Maybe she's out and will eat a bit more now. I hope she pulls though alright.



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EditedEdited by wingsdlc
The RCS must have been born in the tank. It is about 2/3 of an inch long. They must be good hiders, I have to say.
As thick as your tank is with all the ferns, I am not that shocked that you are now finding RCS babies. I know from my tank that they are great hiders. Though, now that I have overpopulation going on with them I can always see some shrimp around. Do you have Amanos in this tank too?

As for the Apistos. It is good to know that they are all still alive. Though, it's too bad that they don't play nice. What types of food are you feeding these guys? It probably wouldn't hurt to try a live or frozen food to beef them up a bit. Your wife probably wouldn't like that though...


EDIT: So LF! Why haven't you been over to see my new pictures?

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Yeah, she does look skinny and somewhat out of shape colorwise as well

Frozen food means I have to buy a mini-fridge just for it, as you identified right, Wings

And I will be off looking at your new pictures right now, if I find them.

Ingo


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Nice HC and rcs Ingo, wish I could have the HC in my tank, but I have too low wattage . Pretty little stuff though.

Too bad about the "Apisto Wars". Maybe if you ask them nicely (and bribe them with live food) then they might stop .

Keep it up !


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Thanks Morgan for the input,

Yeah - I don't know what this HC needs, I have a 96W unit right on top of it and it still doesn't take off, although it is in there since maybe around 5 months (if I remember that right). I would assume it cannot be a lack of ferts, I use the dosing and have EC as a substrate.

I pretty much give up on the Apistos and just let them be. I have a female that seems all sad and a male that is CO2 addicted, just the 2 other females seem normal (but I begin to doubt that they are of the same kind, as Matty's females look different - size and detail coloration - than the smaller one that I got with the male).

Oh - Wings - yeah, there are Amanos in the tank as well.

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Weekly Tank Update - Week 47

Well, today I had enough of the totally overgrown tank - and albeit I didn't have the time to do a full Ingo-Redo, I at least completely dismanteled the right group, including the removal of all wood on the hill.

I took out all the needle fern that I stuck in there from the 125G (which I thought was narrow fern, but the gang told me otherwise). Then I removed all the narrow fern and placed a smaller batch in the center of the hill, rather than on the woods half way up as they were before.

Here is the tank:

Attached Image:

Week 47



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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
To me, it feels rather naked now, I guess I will have to give it some time to fill in a little more.

Here is a closer look at the new right side. Some of the Anubias have been removed as well and placed in the 125G.

Also, note the Apisto and Amano in front

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New Group



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Here is a look at the same group from the back, again with an Apisto in the picture.

In general (as you will see in more shots), the wildlife of the tank is more visible for now

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Back New Group



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And here is a shot of the whole tank from the back, again with an Apisto - this time the male.

I assume that sooner or later the right side will need a redo as well, but I will hold off for a while until the tank is more settled again.

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Full Back



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One animal that I thought was gone from this tank was the cherry shrimp group, but recently I found one or two. During the redo I saw at least 4, of different sizes.

Here is a bad shot of the adult one:

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Cherry Shrimp



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Here is a clearer shot of a young one, maybe 1/2 an inch in length.

Most that I have seen are about that size, maybe up to 2/3rd of an inch:

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More Shrimp



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And later on, when doing the full tank shot, I found this one in the Bolbitis.

He is also in the first picture of the full tank, but only visible as a red spot in the top right part of the Bolbitis:

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Shrimp In Plant



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And yes, Amanos are also still in the tank, although I haven't counted 7 (the initial load) in quite a while. Either some died or they hide too well.

Once in a while I can count 5.

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Amano



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On the other hand, I have a much easier time counting the Otos, and as of last Wednesday they have all been accounted for.

This was a surprise as I bought them way too young and as soon as they were in the LFS. I for sure assumed that I will loose one or the other.

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Oto



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And because she was not in the photo series from this week - she prefers to stay out of the way when fighting is going on - here is a look at the younger female Apisto.

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Female Apisto



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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH


LOOK AT THE PICTURES ON PREVIOUS PAGE FOR UPDATES ON TANK LAYOUT AND MORE PHOTOS



I don't think she is a double-orange, or an orange at all. She has a rather plain yellow black dress, unlike Matty's that have some orange in the fins.

Nevertheless, I like her.

That's it for today,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Female Again



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Nice pics Ingo, and nice storytelling as well

That right side did need some housekeeping, looks good


Back in the saddle!
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Pretty nice shrimp shots. The tank was in need of some trimming. I am sure it will be back to over grown in no time. Right now I kind of feel like this tank is missing something. It doesn't seem tied altogether any more.

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It doesn't seem tied altogether any more.

I agree, and I think it is the fact that the hills have no connection with each other. Maybe the HC will finally start to grow in some more and connect the 2 blocks.

There is also the need for a trim on the left hill though.

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EditedEdited by tetratech
I agree, and I think it is the fact that the hills have no connection with each other.

You've created to separate groupings and have two distinct focal groups. You need to push the entire right side more to the center so it's not left vs right and have some more blending with "BOB" dominating. Right now it's a battle.

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Who is BOB? I'm confused.

I think it looks like a tank that just got overhauled, so I don't think I can say what could to be done, except to let it grow out a bit. It sure looks a lot brighter in that tank though. I think that the bolbitis and java could easily mesh again to make a cohesive group, bu moving them closer together would help that.



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BOB - must be BO-l-B-itis

Yeah, I could start moving things around, but I am into waiting a little. In particular because the left side will need some trimming as well, given that all new Bolbitis leaves are floating on the surface.

And what is wrong with a battle anyway,

Ingo


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Seems I'm out voted, but I like the less is more look of your tank after the trim. I see more detail of each plant, plus as you point out, we can more easily spot your occupants. But then again, I'm not such an artist at planting as the rest of you.

The plants will grow so quickly, that any filling out that might be needed, will happen all too soon.

Enjoyed all the shrimp & fish shots too. These shrimps are not easy to find here, but I'm thinking of getting some cherry reds, if I can find them. I thought apistos would eat them - but yours seem to do okay together?

Cheers
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Robyn,

LOL, you are not outnumbered - you have 4 votes

Anyway:

I thought apistos would eat them - but yours seem to do okay together?

You may not have seen this photo a while back then, right?

Ingo

Attached Image:




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mmmmmmmnumnumnum.

This is why I'm hesitating to put even the adults in my 50. I think they would get munched on by the pearl gourami. Oh well I guess. I still like them in the 5.5.



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Matty,

The one in his mouth was an adult and not one of the juveniles. I chased down the Apisto and tried to remove it as I was worried he will choke to death (he was breathing hard). But, after I finally got the Apisto like 30min later, I only could recover the back half of the shrimp as it fell out of his mouth. The rest was on its way to his stomach

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Ok,

On to my horror story from this week. While planning to update my first frozen food feeding documentation in the 20G QT log, I had to change my mind as Thursday evening turned into a High Tech Nightmare. But from the beginning:

I decided to go to my fishroom, aka basement, around 7PM to feed the fishies. I haven't seen them all day as I was at work.

So once I come down there, the first thing I see is an Oto on its side on the substrate of the 40G. So naturally, I think he died, once in a while fish die. Upon closer inspection, I notice that he is still breathing, and soon after I see an Amano also on its side kicking its legs. Now this seems odd and I look to see if I find more of this kind. But instead, I cannot find any other fish at all.

After a few seconds, I noticed the diffuser going like mad. I check on the bubble counter below the tank and bubbles are rushing through like crazy, for some reason, the low pressure gauge went from 8psi to 14psi, aka all the way up. I had a new CO2 bottle hooked up on Monday and it was almost empty, Panick!!!

I removed the lights and glass cover, put one light back on and hunted for fish. Overall, I collected 5 of the 6 Otos, and the weakest (not because of this, just in genenral) of all Apisto Females. I could take them out by hand as neither had the strenght to swim away. I placed them in a small net and without adjustment phase placed the net in the 125G, but in a way that the fish cannot swim or fall out.

Once completed, I lowered the water level about 20% and had the spraybar above the water line to create as much oxygination spelling) as possible, furthermore I added a small air pump to the tank. And this is when I had the time to take the first picture:

Attached Image:

Tank In Danger



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In this picture you can see the rescues fishies in the net in the 125G, there was no danger of them jumping out as they barely moved. They stayed in there for maybe an hour.

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Rescued Fish



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Here you can see another shot of the spraybar pumping water into the tank. By that time I had found the other two female Apistos, which where hiding behind the heater at the surface and because I lowered the surface they came into view.

I also found the male, but I had to remove the entire right group to get him out from underneath the wood.

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Spray Bar



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About an hour after I stared the airation the situation seemed to have gotten better, the Amano that was on its side was uptright again, but didn't move otherwise yet.

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Amano



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And another hour later the Apistos were swimming again. Here is the female that is in best shape. Now the other ones were also back in the tank.

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Female Apisto One



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And here is a shot of the youngest female, she actually seemed to have made it through the event the best of the 3 females.

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Apisto Female Two



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Here is a look at the male, once he recovered he sure did not look happy. I don't know what upset him more, the fact that he almost died or the fact that the CO2 was turned off completely now.

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Apisto Male



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And here is the only Oto that I could find in the tank after I added them back in, he was just sitting on the ground. I think they in particular took it pretty hard.

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Oto



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And, for what it is worth, by chance I got the best shot ever of the male Apisto after the situation was back under control. Do you agree?

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Apisto Ingo



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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
And even better, my buddy Joe from the NJAGC took exactly the picture above and ran it through some photo software. The result shows me that I think I have to learn more about that aspect of photo taking.

Now I will take a short break, feed the fish, and then continue with some shots from the next day.

Attached Image:

Apisto Male Joe



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OK,

On with the story. BTW, feeding now concluded in me seeing all the 6 Otos, so all are still there.

Here is closer look at the strongest female the following day, as if nothing had happened.

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Apisto



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I actually ran the tank without CO2 from Thursday to Saturday afternoon, it seems like it did ok.

Morgan, we just talked about this in your log, the air bubble producing algae. Here is some hair algae on my HC that produced the only air bubble in the tank without CO2 injection:

Attached Image:

Air Bubble



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The Amanos seem to have recovered as well, although I never find them all anyway. I have supposedly 7 but at most I counted 5.

Attached Image:

Amano



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Ha, did you notice the small patch of BBA next to it? One should not assume that my tank is spotless, LOL.

Here is another Amanon, showing why it is so hard to find them. He is in the middle of the Bolbitis Fern bush.

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Amano Again



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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO VIEW THE PREVIOUS PAGE FOR A REVUE OF THE CRISIS I HAD LAST WEEK, WITH LOADS OF PICTURES

Now, we talked of all the fish and critters that were suffering, but there was one that seemed to be thriving. As if it would be the best day of their lives, maybe because of the lack of pretadors, these guys were out and about during the entire event.


Attached Image:

Cherry



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I counted at least one adult and 5 juveniles, most were pretty red, aka girls.

That concludes the horror story, I seem to have made it through ok. Long term effects will show themselves later. On with one more Shrimp shot, and then follows the weekly update.

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Red Baron(ess)



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Weekly Tank Update - Week 48

What a week it was, if you read the previous posts then you know what I mean.

Well, this weekend all was back to normal, the CO2 was hooked up again (and yes, the first action of the male Apisto was to get a good hit).

Here is the tank after the water change and some trimming of the Bolbitis:

Attached Image:

Week 48



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I want to show you the 3 Apisto females in comparison, as you sure will notice some differences between them. And this is not CO2 crisis related.

First off, here is the young female that came with the male.

Attached Image:

Young



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And here in comparison is the strongest female that I got from Matty. As you can see, she has some red in her fin while the young one does not at all. Ergo - she (the young one) is not a double-orange. But she is nice anyway.

Attached Image:

Female Strong



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And now check out the weak one of the adult females. She is another one I got from Matty and not too long ago she looked just like the other one. But then she went into hiding and only recently came back out and is visible more often. This would not be the after-effects of fry care, or would it be that way?

Also, note the much stronger red in the gills.

Attached Image:

Weak Female



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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Last but not least, a shot of the HC under the influence of CO2 and a water change.

As you can see, there are many more bubbles on it and this time they don't come from any algae. I actually removed most of the hair algae that was surrounding it. In the background you may be able to notice an Amano.

Puh, that was a long log update (as I also updated the 20, 29, and 125 logs - go check them out), but now I am done,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

HC Bubbler



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That's a drama you could have done without Glad all have recovered, including the otos.

I had this same thing happen to me much earlier last year and I think it seems that as long as you catch it before they die and then start aerating the water, recovery is good. Mine all recovered by taking same action as you.

Lucky you did not pull an all nighter in the office on that particular day/night. Otherwise, by morning it may have all been too late.

Very nice shot of the male, as well as your other fishies too.

Cheers
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Sorry to hear about the Co2 mishap. If your in this hobby long enough especially with multiple tanks something will eventually go wrong as you can probably recall the Tetratech Brewery

I was as lucky, many of my fish succumbed to it.



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Yeah good thing they all recovered, that would have been horrible if all of your Apistos died (and of course your ottos and shrimp)

About the algea: so it must be true then, that algea can bubble (now if only my plants might follow suit )


~Morgan~
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wow, what a story. I've been pretty dang lucky so far, to have my CO2 act properly, especially when I was running DIY for quite a while, no check valves or any of that business. I'm glad to see the fish made it out ok for the most part. The tank looks good btw.



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Thanks folks for the input,

I am as glad as I can be that I made it through that event without any further damage, but - at least for the time being - I am paramoid about the regulator going crazy again. I was checking the gauges hourly yesterday,

Matty, any idea about the "weak" female thing (see pictures above)?

Ingo


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Ingo , Hi I've been reading this log and your 125g log . Wow , I'm amazed at your ability to scape tanks . They both look fantastic . My wife tells me I've become addicted .
I've just come back to the hobby after 30 years . I love planted tanks and have a 60g with which I have been relearning and trying to catch up with all the advancements . I came onto this site looking for advice as I'm setting up a 6 ft tank and reading your logs have taught me so much . Thank you for all your efforts in keeping the posts going for so long .
I have a lot of questions that I would like to ask you , however I don't want to hijack your thread so I will try to ask them in context . One that I need to resolve , as I'm in the purchase stage for my new tank , did you guys ever resolve the flow rate discussion you had re canister filters ???
Looking forward to further instalments .
Garry/:'
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Well I'd want to get her into a tank of her own, away from the male and other females, if you can. That will definitely help her eat if she's not now. I'd doubt it's parasites or something since you've had her so long now.

Sorry for the late reply....I'm out of town.



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Could you put her in the 20 or 29?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
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First off, thanks Garry for the nice compliments. Believe me, I sure learned a lot during the last 2 years as a member of FP (where is my second bar as today is 2 years?), but I am still far far away from being an excellent scaper.

Wings and Matty, I haven't been reading my thread in a few days either so I didn't see your suggestion until now. The female Apisto is very elusive and I rarely see her, maybe once every other day. I doub't that I can catch her, with all the hiding places and stuff, without ripping it all apart or waiting until she is too weak to "run away".

Anyway:

Weekly Tank Update - Week 49

Not much has happened during this week, all is the same. I added some plants, or maybe I should say I parked them as they will eventually go somewhere else.

Here is a full tank shot:

Attached Image:

Week 49



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The additions are on the back side of the tank, namely a group of Nana Petites.

Oh did you notice in the last shot the red dot on the front rightish hand of the tank? That would be a cherry shrimp. And maybe you saw the yellowish small plant dead center - that is a Eriocaulon cinereum, but so weak and tiny that it probably will not make it.

Here are 6 Petites:

Attached Image:

6 Petites



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And only one more shot for now, another 4 petites in the back right corner of the tank, all out of focus

In the shot is also the male Apisto and the youngest female.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Group Shot



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Oh goodie,

Nobody has anything to say about this tank. Well, just let me know if you had enough and I will end the entries.

In the meantime:

Weekly Tank Update - Week 50

Not much happened this week, with the exception that my Amanos were in one spot all over each other for an entire week. I assume it is breeding related.

On another note, I haven't seen the weak Apisto female in at least 5 days, I have to assume she is gone.

Tank is really overgrown in the Bolbitis area right now, but I am too busy () to do a major redo at this time. As a result, fern leaves are starting to grown out of the water.

Attached Image:

Bolbitis



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And here is the full tank, not much to see there. Oh, the Nana Petites from the shots from last week are no longer in the tank, they are now part of the 125G layout.

That's it,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 50



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Ingo , fishing for compliments . I don't feel up to making too many comments on your tanks , but I read your logs and updates avidly . Please please don't stop posting to this or your other logs. We would all be that much poorer . By the way I have read all your logs all the way thru and I do not believe the
but I am too busy () to do a major redo at this time
comment . I'm sure you are already thinking of what to do Look forward to some thoughts from you when I start my log in the next week or so .
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Well Garry,

I am actually at a loss when it comes to a redo of this tank at this point, my inspiration was just good enough for the big one.

I will not stop posting (just renewed my premie) when I know that people actually read what I write, this is not some ego-trip that I am on, just simply a matter of time wasted or not.

I am looking forward to your log, if you have read all my logs (this was a major job on your end, thumbs up to you for that ) then you pretty much will know what I have to say:

- loads of plants, right substrate and light, not toooo many fish, know your ferts ... and so forth

Thanks for letting me know that someone is looking,

Ingo


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EditedEdited by Platy_Punk
Out of all your tanks this one may be my favorite .
Mainly because you have some of the same plants I have so I can always look at yours to see what mine should look like. I have a small bolbitis fern also that I just attached to my large piece of driftwood. I was guessing it was a slow grower but after seeing yours I started contimplating that . Anyway my tanks floor is all micro sword, I noticed you had that as your ground cover but took it out, why? Aslo what ferts do you use? I use some from the Seachem line.
Well I really like you log so dont stop it!
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EditedEdited by mattyboombatty
That stinks about the female, sorry to hear.

This tank currently looks a bit lopsided, so I can't hardly comment on it in its current condition. I'm sure you'll get a plan for it after you've moved on past the 125.

Nice pics, and obviously don't stop updating You think it's bad in here.....try having a SW tank



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Platy_Punk - thanks for stopping by, here are some answers for you:

- Bolbitis in general takes a while to settle in, but once it does it usually grows rather fast. I have some of it (clippings, so to speak) in my 29G, that is a low tech tank with 65W and almost no ferts, and it hasn't grown much at all in about 2 months (I think, maybe you want to check that log to see the date when I added it).

- I took out the micro sword as it didn't work for me. Not that it didn't grow, but I found it too "unorganized", as in not so pretty, and too tall (3 to 4 inches).

- I use dry ferts for the macros and Tropicas Plant Nutrient for the micros.


Matty - Once my back is better again (12 hours of bending over plant buckets left their mark) and once I can convice the wife that I need to spend another entire day on a tank I will change this one as well. I think one main hill in the middle may be the better thing to do here. And the Bolbitis may actually be too large for the tank. But I am currently only thinking out loud.

Ingo


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TW
 
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haven't seen the weak Apisto female in at least 5 days, I have to assume she is gone.
sorry to hear that Your male is an orange flash, isn't he? I had forgotten - but can see differences between him & my new double red (or tripple - who knows) & I expect that's because your's is an orange flash? I think he has another 2 wives, or is he down to one now?

Don't stop posting. Even though I have been at this hobby just over a year, I don't think I'll ever feel knowledgable enough about the plants to contribute much in the way of comments, other than to admire what I like and try to learn from what I read. I also have no talent when it comes to scaping a tank - so wouldn't dare to suggest that you move this to right or that to the left.

Anyway, I think it's a nice record for yourself of the life of your tank. I hardly ever have responses in my logs - although I can always count on you LF for a visit and countryfish has also popped in lately (thanks guys). It's a good pictorial record of the tank. Although - a word of warning - a moderator in another forum has explained to me that if a thread has not received a reply for a period of time, then the premie pictures disappear. So, LF - another incentive to not stop posting if you want all your historical pictures to hang around on-line.

You don't have much of it, but I thought I noticed some black spot on the anubia leaves. I have the same & try scratching or rubbing, as someone suggested to me. Doesn't really seem to work. Do you have some trick to get rid of the black spots, by chance?

Cheers
TW
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Do you have some trick to get rid of the black spots, by chance?

Cut off the leaf

Actually, that is the only way that I know.

Thanks Robin for the encouraging words, as long as others look I will keep on posting, except if I don't have the tank anymore. Maybe Matty can shed some light on how long that period of no activity would have to be before Adam erases all the images. He does that to preserve server space though.

My Apisto is an Orange Flash, or Double Orange, which I think is the same (or maybe the flash would be a triple). He still has two females, but he hasn't been in a breeding mood in ages. He rather eats CO2 bubbles and Cherry Shrimp, his version of Champagne and Lobster, .

Ingo


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EditedEdited by mattyboombatty
Actually I was just informed of this when I recently replied erroneously to one of robyn's threads....see I do post in your threads robyn.

I was informed that it takes a few weeks or more to happen. I've found the most reliable way to keep images up on any site is to host them elsewhere and bring them in with the [img] tag. It would be rough going to redo all your previous pics (wouldn't recommend ), but it's a piece of cake to do it starting now.

Server space and whatnot is at a premium (pun intended?) because there aren't enough of us premies to cover costs. I need to get on tetratech about that.

Oh....just thought about the black spot. A tank full of cherry shrimp is a good tool IMO for slow growing plants. I removed my petite nana covered in green and black spot to the 5.5 and the leaves are literally pristine again. I highly recommend it.



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Post InfoPosted 29-May-2007 04:47Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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see I do post in your threads robyn
I know you do Matty and you've helped with some of my more technical questions eg. testing of filter flow rate etc. (I might come back to that question again soon.) You, tetratch, nowhereman & (in the early days at least) Bensaf have all been invaluable help to me.

Cherry's are hard to come by, but I have found a LFS who promises within 4 weeks he will have some stock. I'd love to get some and hope my fish don't eat them (Lobster without the Champagne). I guess you have to be more gentle with gravel vac too - hate to squash one of the shrimpsters during a vigorous clean.

Re the linking. Seems I remember visiting people's threads, where they have links that no longer work. Wouldn't that also be a problem with the links dropping out.
how long that period of no activity would have to be before Adam erases all the images
The moderator told me 2-4 weeks, but I know that my logs are often not updated for that period of time and the pics are still there. I have been thinking now I will not stop posting in my current logs, when I shut some tanks down & replace with new tanks. I'll just rename the logs to reflect the new tank size.

Cheers
TW
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If I am not mistaken then the "removal" of images is a manual process by Adam, right Matty?

The problem with linking to a separate host is that it adds more work to the Logger as I have to maintain a separate site with images. Once that gets out of hand then all is messed up. That even happened to Matty when he lost all his images for a brief period.

Uploading images to FP directly takes the burden of maintenance from the individual poster. I think it would be a smart move by the Site Admins to discriminate between what threads should be "cleaned" vs. which ones should be kept. Take my 125G log, for example. One one side, there is quite a bit of "Off-Topic" stuff included (may I remind you of the Brady Bunch phase), but on the other side there is a wealth of info, best explained with the attached images, that would be a great loss for the FP community if wiped out. Not to mention that it is probably the longest and best documented tank log out there (in the public world). Enough about me

Ingo


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Removal of images is an automatic process. In Robyn's case the thread had not been posted in for 6 months.

Re the linking. Seems I remember visiting people's threads, where they have links that no longer work. Wouldn't that also be a problem with the links dropping out.


This would only be because they removed the image off the host site themselves. You can still see the images on my reef tank log even though it's been inactive for over a month and the first images are from october 2005.

It's true there's that one time my images got messed up, and got me nervous, but all were back with no effort on my end in a day or so. That sort of thing doesn't happen often.

Myself, I don't feel too overwhelmed or anything keeping a photobucket site for my pics. It's really easy and since I don't live near any of my family, they appreciate being able to see pics of my tanks and other stuff too. You can click my www below to see all the good stuff there, even some pics from my recent vacation.



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Post InfoPosted 29-May-2007 16:59Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 51

Not much happened to the tank this week, the female apisto has still not been seen, I am as such most certain that she is MIA.

Trimming this weekend was only performed on the Bolbitis, pretty much any new leaf that is coming is now of a size that causes it to grow out of the water. I would say that this is no longer working this way, but I am not certain if a major trim would do or if even then new leaves would be too big for this tank.

Here is a full shot of the tank:

Attached Image:

Full Tank



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Post InfoPosted 03-Jun-2007 14:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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As I haven't shown any shots from a different angle in quite a while, here is the tank from the main front looking downwards.

You can see in the open center gap the HC. As you may note, it sure gets a lot of light.

Attached Image:

Front Angled



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Ingo, sorry to hear about you Apisto female Are you planning to repace her ? Tank looks fantastic as usual .
Garry
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And here is the tank from the other front, also in an angle.

Visible is the male Apisto in the center front, and a cherry shrimp on the leftmost branch. Also, compared to earlier stages of this tank, this side has no ground cover anymore at all.

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Back Angled



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A shot for Matty and his newly aquired HC, here is mine. I don't think it ever was really shaded and since quite a while now has the 96w lighting straight above. So, what keeps it from exploding ?

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HC



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Last night, it was time to do the following:

As you can see, these are a set of new Amano shrimp for the tank, not because the others are no longer there but to increase the clean-up group.

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Amanos



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So, in addition to the existing 6 adult Amanos, I added these 8 juveniles. They (and about 22 more) have been in the QT for the last two weeks and sure cleaned up that tank (including snacking on the Najas indica .

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

2 Amanos



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A shot for Matty and his newly aquired HC, here is mine. I don't think it ever was really shaded and since quite a while now has the 96w lighting straight above. So, what keeps it from exploding ?


My mistake then, I thought for sure that everything in the tank had been shaded before you pruned the java fern.



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Post InfoPosted 03-Jun-2007 15:10Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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I checked back when I got the HC, that was on Nov 15th last year. This means that I added it probably on the following weekend.

At that stage, the Bolbitis and the Narrow Leaf Fern were still way too small to create a shade. Once they became taller it may have been possible, but I think to remember that I always tried to keep the HC in full light, knowing that this (supposedly) is their single most important requitement for growth.

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Here is a small piece of bad news, one of the newly added shrimp was found dead in the tank this morning. I first assumed that it was only a shell, but it was actually the whole animal.

Given that all others are fine (as much as I can tell, as I only see maybe 4 of them, but that is rather normal) I have to assume that I maybe injured it when fishing it out of the QT.

On to write some good news about the new shrimp in the 125G,

Ingo


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Well you for sure know your tank better than I, sir.

Sorry to hear about the shrimp. It happens to the best of us.



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Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 01:18Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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Well you for sure know your tank better than I, sir.

Well I am glad it is that way . I raised the question just a few minutes ago in the NJAGC forum and so far what I have gotten back indicates a need for a better growth substrate (speak AquaSoil Amazonia) and more light (speak up to MH)

Not to helpful for my tank,

Ingo


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Well I am glad it is that way . I raised the question just a few minutes ago in the NJAGC forum


Does that mean you will be on APC more often? Well I plan on growing HC in my 46g with cf lighting and aquasoil. I hope the 96watt cf bulbs have enough to penetrate 18" and keep the HC low.

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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Does that mean you will be on APC more often?

Probably not, as I mentioned I posted at my local club, the NJAGC.

APC, for some reason, is not really what I am after. I find that people there are somewhat strange, to some degree arrogant, and it takes forever to get a constructive response.

Sure would I enter some contest or something along these lines, but some of the members over there should come down from their pedestal first.

I am sure that the hard core gang here seems to behave superior to others (newer) as well, but somehow it seems different to me, even when I try to put myself in the shoes of a newbie, as I have been like 2 years ago and found great support here.

Also, APC appears to me as having something of a politicalyl motivated reply structure, and I don't need that either, I have that every day at work.

So, for sure you gonna see me post there more often as soon as I am finished bashing them here

Ingo

EDIT: Oh - almost forgot - they don't seem to have a sense of humor either,


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EditedEdited by tetratech
APC, for some reason, is not really what I am after. I find that people there are somewhat strange, to some degree arrogant, and it takes forever to get a constructive response

Oops sorry I asked Well the two sites are completely different that's for sure. I don't even consider it the same hobby. This site of course is much more about fish or at most growing plants, while at APC it's more about using those fish and plants in an artistic expression of nature. I guess it depends what your looking for. I have grown to really like the APC website and the information sharing of so many very dedicated planted tank enthusiasts is really unparalled IMO.

Plus you don't have to be a paying member to show some pics.

EDIT: Doesn't your club have it's forum over at APC?

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... while at APC it's more about using those fish and plants in an artistic expression of nature ... I have grown to really like the APC website and the information sharing of so many very dedicated planted tank enthusiasts is really unparalled IMO.


OMG - they have brainwashed tetratech

I know that we have something like an "Announcement" and "Sales" section in the Planted Tank Forum (actually one of our guys is a Mod there), but I don't know about having our own block at APC, maybe I should ask or even better - go on the site and look for it. Without a doubt, quite a few of our members frequent APC and probably are well known there.

Ingo


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OMG - they have brainwashed tetratech



Isn't this your club's forum
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/new-jersey-aquatic-gardeners-club/



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I'ma go ahead and jump in on LFs side here. APC isn't for me.

And about paying......it's 1.50 a month. I'm sure that's a pittance for anyone living in or around NYC.

But back on track....MH for HC? Are we just talking about penetration....or actual intensity? Cause PCs penetrate just fine to the bottom of my relatively short tank. Hearing that made me plug back in the second 96w bulb on my 50g tank. I've still had it off since I left for vacation.



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Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 16:40Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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Well, I guess it's good that there are all sorts of different sites, to suit the needs of various posters. I may have a bit of a sticky beak at the APC site, but it does sound like the expertise of the members will be above me. I have enough trouble keeping up & following you guys here . Don't get me wrong, I love my plants and need to keep learning about them. I love looking at all the beautiful planted tanks that all you guys create, but equally, I love Ingo's fish pictures and I love reading about the fish in the tank.

Even though this tank of Ingo's here is really about the plants, I like hearing about his resident drug addict & other occupants - more so that I do reading the random posts. I get to know Ingo's fish, just a bit, by his pics & his little bits of narrative about them.

I love my own fish too - particularly my apistos. When they have fry, I could sit & watch them for ages.

tetratech, I hope you don't vacate this site for good in favour of APC. You've helped a lot over the time of my membership & your input would be missed.

Cheers
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I think tetratech appreciates the intensity with which the folks over there are working towards the higher goals of the hobby. I very often get the impression though that "lighten up guys" would be a proper reminder to all involved that this is just a hobby. Although, on the other hand, some of the guys there depend on this hobby as it is their business.

Anyway, to move on with other stuff:

Isn't this your club's forum --> yeah, indeed it is, I guess we are all over the place as well. So one can see the summary of our meetings at APC then. If you wish to see more details of our meetings then you should go to our site directly and look at the events section. There are quite a few ugly mug shots of me (and my balding head, LOL).

Matty - you may not remember this, or you may have never known this, but by now I have 96w plus 65w over the 40G, and even that in itself is not enough for the HC to explode. hey, in addition, I heard in my club forum that HC grows really fast, when EMERSED. Maybe it would be worthwhile culturing it emersed first until one has a large amount and then planting it in the tank, who cares how fast it grows then in the tank? The only thing that would be needed to be figured out is "what does it do during the acclimatization process?"

Ingo


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I think tetratech appreciates the intensity with which the folks over there are working towards the higher goals of the hobby. I very often get the impression though that "lighten up guys" would be a proper reminder to all involved that this is just a hobby. Although, on the other hand, some of the guys there depend on this hobby as it is their business.


I think that is is very accurate as well. But like most things in life, the population falls into a bell curve, where you have some extremists on one end who might appear as LF describes, but most are in the middle of the bell and don't have as much experience as you think.



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Ingo,

I don't know if I'd say AS would necessarily make your HC grow. The big thing IME is CO2 - lots of it. Without it there's no point even trying. I started out a 2.5G with a few clumps of HC and now the bottom is completely covered. For a while it was stagnant, then added co2 and it took off. Granted, it does seem to enjoy the AS, but I really think you can substitute "AS" with "enriched substrate of your choice"

As for APC, it's different than this place. There are lots of serious 'scapers over there and you can learn a ton just by reading what they write and looking at their scapes. The worst thing about APC IMO is that the more time I spend browsing over there, the more I feel the urge to buy ADA products I mean, lots of people there spend $$$ on custom rimless tanks, high tech lighting etc. I'll admit, it's easy to get envious of all that, and at least for me anyway, I start to think "it's so gorgeous, maybe I should look into that too..." Makes me lose sight of doing things my own way and finding my own way, which is part of the fun of the hobby in the first place

Nevertheless, I'll keep reading and lurking there because there's so much useful info to go around. I'm sure it's more fun posting there if you're talented enough to roll with the big boys, but I'm not quite comfortable with it yet.


Back in the saddle!
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 52

Well this weeks update is a little different, a series of 13 ( lucky number? ) shots, celebrating:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANK

Yup, today a year ago I set up this tank, so without too much rambling, here is the first shot, taken right after the setup was completed. As you can see, only fast growers are in the tank:

Attached Image:

Week 0



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3 weeks later, the fast growers did what they do best, namely grow fast. By then the tank had seen some trimmings and the addition of Otos (all still there, btw).

Without a doubt, having only fast growers to begin the tank sure helped settle it A LOT!!!

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Week 3



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Of course, this fast grower business could not go on forever, so here is a shot from week 7 showing the first attempt to plant the tank more permanent. Look at this lovely lawn of Micro Swords , the barteri that eventually outgrew even the 125G , and the small group of Nanas and Narrow Leaf Java Fern.

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Week 7



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By week 11, the barteri had been replaced with the Bolbitis fern that is still in the tank today. I cannot even remember this plant ever being this small, kinda glad I made all these pictures just because of that.

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Week 11



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By week 14 became fed up with the untidy and boooooring Micro Swords. I started to add more Blyxa and emptying out other areas to leave them open in the future. Also, a second order of Nanas came in, overall I think there were over 20 of them.

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Week 14



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By week 20, pretty much all Micro Swords were out, some fast growers were added (hygro on tank left, for example) simply to keep the tank stable. As one may notice, the Bolbitis hasn't done much at this stage so far, it sure needs its time to settle.

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Week 20



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By week 24, the Bolbitis finally started to show some significant growth. The Narrow Leaf Java Fern on the right hill also started to kick into gear, it has received Needle Leaf Java Fern from the 125G in its center to make it appear fuller as well.

The fast growers in support a few weeks earlier had been removed again.

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Week 24



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Week 27 saw a continuation of that growth on both hills.

Actually, I forgot to mention that already in the last shot the newly added HC is visible in the opening of between the hills.

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Week 27



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By week 33, both planted hills have reached a height and fullness that makes it hard to take pictures of the tank that show all areas in full light, shading of the opening between the hills became a small problem. In real life, the areas did get quite some light, it just didn't show that well in pictures anymore.

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Week 33



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Week 38 shows the problems mentioned in the last post even more clearly, I find the Java Fern hill in particular looks like a lettuce head

No plants on both hills though have yet caused a problem on the surface of the tank.

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Week 38



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By week 42, the lighting on the tank had changed. In addition to the 96w PC, now being moved all the way to the front of the tank, a 65w PC that had been over the 20G had been added for the back of the tank.

The Bolbitis started to pierce the surface of the tank.

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Week 42



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By week 47, I had enough of the Blyxa, somehow I could not manage to keep it down (I know people with the same problems ) and the light addition made it look funky over time as well. So, all had to go.

In addition, and even more obvious, the Fern on the right hill got a major trim, acutally it caused the entire right hill to require a major redo, with sticks and everything.

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Week 47



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And finally, here is the tank from last night, week 52, not a very good shot for its birthday.

Overall, it has been a nice year with this tank, not one major crisis was there because of algae or something like that, except for the one day where the CO2 went crazy.

But, I think it has reached a point where it cannot be maintained easily much longer . The Bolbitis is simply too big for it now and something will have to happen to change that, meaning at least a major redo of the left hill. On the other hand, next years update would then look almost like a repetition of this year's, showing the bolbitis and fern grow tall again. How boring would that be?

Well, enough for now,

Have fun, and I hope you liked the review,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 52 - Now



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Ingo , loved the review , the photo story makes it very easy to follow the development of the plants . I'll be very interested with what you do with the left side hill . btw there is nothing boring about you logs , the photos and commentry are always first class . Happy Birthday for the tank . I look forward to reading for another year
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Ingo,

Looks so much better know with the Bolbitus dominating. Ideally if the left were alittle more centered, but it's good.

If I can be so bold, this tank could easily be made into one where the substrate in the front and middle is changed to sand. It would have great contrast with the dark wood. You could build up more rock along the inner and front edge of both islands holding back the eco and then simply siphon out the eco from the front and middle with a hose. If the eco hold you can than fill with sand, if not adjust the rocks some more. This would give you a makeover without totally making over the tank. Sort of what I did for my 72g.

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Just wanted to comment on the HC again. It looked like it was in full light at week 27, then started to get shaded out until your recent trimmings. This is just what I see in the pics, but the HC seemed to grow for you for a few weeks, then die back as it got shaded. Could just be the magic of time lapse though.

Neat summary LF. I think my 50's B-day is coming up. Its summary wouldn't be as interesting as yours though.



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I think my 50's B-day is coming up.

Wow Matty, I had no idea that you are already that old

Anyway, thanks guys for the input

Garry - It is not so much that I find my logs boring (although I would stop them if people stop caring about my ramblings), it is more that a tank that only needs trimming to continue to look the same is boring to me. I have a limited space available for tanks, and as such I increase my number of tanks by redoing them. In this faulty math, I already had at least 10 tanks, if not way more.

tetratech - I think the big challenge when trying to implement your suggestions (and believe me, I like them and I have thought about such changes as well) is the middle section of the tank. It is not "stoned" up at all, Anubias are planted in the Eco, it is hard to access without having the hills collapse, and so forth.

Matty - granted, the area of the HC has not received the high light that it gets since the last trimming, but the images are misleading. This is a trick that the camera plays on you. In order to avoid enormous overexposure of the areas on top the camera made all other areas look really dark, much darker than in real life. BTW, we happen to have an HC expert at our NJAGC, I think you may have seen his time lapse video of HC growing for 6 days. His take on successful growth is a) light and b) Excel (not CO2). I find that interesting.

Ingo


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tetratech - I think the big challenge when trying to implement your suggestions (and believe me, I like them and I have thought about such changes as well) is the middle section of the tank. It is not "stoned" up at all, Anubias are planted in the Eco, it is hard to access without having the hills collapse, and so forth.


You can do it! You just have to get big rocks and...

Place rock, push, siphon, place rock, push, siphon.

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Weekly Tank Updates - Week 53

Well, the tank had been pretty much neglected this week, all concerns where on the tannins in the 125G (read that log for details) and eventually this tank got involved in that issue (more later).

Here is a full tank shot:

Attached Image:

Week 53



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As you can see, there are a few new plants in this tank, they are the cubans that I am making a last ditch rescue effort for by planting the tops in the bright light areas. This angle reveals that there are a few tiny ones in dead center of the tank as well.

Attached Image:

Angled



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As the cubans are in bad shape, I don't really expect them to take off here, it is rather a wishful thinking thing. As soon as I added them into the tank, as in having them float until I was done with the 125G maintenance, the Amanos were all over them, not a sign of a healthy plant. Here are two Amanos on the floating stems:

Attached Image:

Floaters being eaten



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The same continued one the plants were planted, here are more Amanos muching away.

Hey - doesn't it remind you of bees collecting honey from flowers?

Attached Image:

Amanos Eating Cubans



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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH


SEE PREVIOUS PAGE FOR FULL TANK AND HOW THE CUBANS GOT HERE

Here is a closer look at the Cuban line-up on the right tank side. All stems are really short now, I tried to trim off as much old growth as possible. The tallest stem is maybe 4 inches.


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Cubans Lined Up



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Here is another look at the cubans (with an unfocussed Amano on top of one of them) and the HC, taken straight from above. Under non-maintenance conditions this shot is not possible as the light is sitting right up there.

Attached Image:

Top Shot



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The HC has grown a little this week, at least that is what I tell myself

Here is a slightly-out-of-focus shot showing it from the side of the tank. You can see the little green dots coming up here and there, I assume there is an underground connection between the groups.

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HC



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And with all this Amano here and Amano there, I still have some Cherries, or at least one. Actually, once this week I saw two at once.

Here is one on the Bolbitis:

Attached Image:

Cherry



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Speaking of Bolbitis:

That plant is becoming a problem. Its new growth is waaay to large for this tank, the individal leaves on the stems don't even start to open up within the water column. This weekend I had to trim off 5 strong stems that were pushing against the top glass. Open top is not an option these days though, I would damage the light (help may be coming soon though).


Here is a stem that grew out of the small open area that I have there for feeding fish and adding ferts during the week.

And that is it for now,

Have fun, thanks for watching,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Bolbitis on the Run



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Tanks looks very nice, despite the issues with the Cubans.

Open top is not an option these days though, I would damage the light (help may be coming soon though).
In terms of what, a new light? BTW I plan on running my 46g with the 192watt coralife without a glass top. I don't think it will be a problem if it's raised up on the mounting legs.

P.S. Happy Father's Day

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Your non-glass top thing may work, or it may not . One thing seems certain though, without a top you will have quite a bit of evaporation. The 40G managed to evaporate about 2 inches (depending on surrounding humidity in the air) within 7 days, to the point where the spray bar was almost exposed. I have a shot of my setup from a while back on page 4 in this log, you can see the small glass plate that I had under the light unit. In the morning, that glass was full of drops (under side, of course).

Anyway, yeah, I am thinking of a new light, but not before the end of August, maybe.

Ingo


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EditedEdited by tetratech
Your non-glass top thing may work, or it may not . One thing seems certain though, without a top you will have quite a bit of evaporation. The 40G managed to evaporate about 2 inches (depending on surrounding humidity in the air) within 7 days, to the point where the spray bar was almost exposed. I have a shot of my setup from a while back on page 4 in this log, you can see the small glass plate that I had under the light unit. In the morning, that glass was full of drops (under side, of course).


Well you just made me think of an advantage other than looks for the lily pipe. The large size of the funnel allows it to be way under the water line. The water returns back to the tank through the bottom part of the funnel. Since the co2 can be located below the funnel it sprays the co2 throughout the tank and their is little surface break caused by the funnel. In other words it would take alot of evaporation, before the funnel bottom was exposed. Of course if you want to raise the funnel higher to remove surface scum that can be done as well.

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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Yeah,

The high tech guy in our club adjusted the pipe return level when he had a crisis once, that's how I know that this is a feature,

Can't wait to see that log, I just hope that you don't let us hang until all is already established

Ingo

Oh yeah, Happy Father's Day to you as well. Turns out to be more of a Children's day as I could not resist and gave mine a Nintendo DS. Now I have to read all the in-game instructions for them

Ingo


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EditedEdited by tetratech
Can't wait to see that log, I just hope that you don't let us hang until all is already established

I guess I'll have to decide what I'm gonna do. Got the rep and all now

The high tech guy in our club adjusted the pipe return level when he had a crisis once, that's how I know that this is a feature

What was the crisis?

Oh yeah, Happy Father's Day to you as well. Turns out to be more of a Children's day as I could not resist and gave mine a Nintendo DS. Now I have to read all the in-game instructions for them

Yeah I spent my Father's Day mowing the lawn doing alittle emersed scaping and taking my kid to soccer training. I feel for you with the DS, you mean your kids don't want a Wii got up for in the morning last December to wait in line and get a Wii for them.

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Got the rep and all now

The terrors of being famous

What was the crisis?

He switched over to mostly RO water and in order to boost his calcium he used some stuff that is often used in Marine tanks. He usually knows his chemistry much better than I do, but this time, a side component reacted with the water and created (most likely) an enormus biologial bloom. That in turn cause a major oxygen depletion in the tank, within half a day. By chance he saw the fish gasping in the middle of the night. He managed to get the Oxygen back up (raising the pipe) but too late for all Amanos.

you mean your kids don't want a Wii
They sure would want one, but I did such a rush ($$$) purchase on the PS2 and the original X-Box (both for myself, of course). Now I have the paitence to wait until the price is more "normal". But I almost bought one now. BTW, one night when we worked 36 hours straight (software release) I played WII tennis at 4 AM, that was fun

Ingo


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Ingo , I really like the way the Bolbitis looks now that you have reduced the right side of the tank .
Gives the tank that slightly unsymetrical look which I think is sensational . It would be a pity if it had to go .
Do the cubans stay that colour? Or will they green up ? I really don't like them the way they are maybe be just me
Good luck with the Nintendo , we got a Wii and they are fantastic ,my wife keeps beating me at tennis and I'm not even on the same page as my son

Garry
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Here is another look at the cubans (with an unfocussed Amano on top of one of them) and the HC, taken straight from above. Under non-maintenance conditions this shot is not possible as the light is sitting right up there.


This confirms it! unshaded HC. LF was right all along. . Look at the explosion of growth you got from it. Looks like there was a continental divide though. I think the right group is headed east, watch out for minor tremors and liquid hot mag-ma.

Happy fathers day you geezers .



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Happy fathers day you geezers



The individual groups of HC have formed from individual plantings of the original small batch that I got.

Garry, the cubans are yellowish with a tint of orange/red when in good shape, a great alternative color in the background of a large tank, with green plants half way up in front of them, or in a street arrangement. This small picture from APC shows you a nicely colored up top.

Ingo


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Weekly Tank Update - Week 54

Not much time to report anything, not much happened during this week anyway.

Here is the latest full tank shot:

Attached Image:

Tank 6/24/2007



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As you may have noticed, the cubans are gone, they didn't do to well during this week (understatement) and I removed whatever was left.

Here is the battlefield:

Attached Image:

Bad Cubans



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And if you thought you noticed something different about the Bolbitis group then you were right. I pretty much ripped out a few rhizomes here and there, and before I knew it a bucket full was gone (5G bucket).

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Bolbitis



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Ingo , thats a lot of fern you pulled out . It certainly didn't damage the look of the tank though .
Are you going to use the fern you took out in another tank?

Sorry to see the cubans were a bust . Got any ideas why they didn't work ?

Tank still looks brilliant

Garry
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Ingo,

Tank is looking great! Still love this one. That is a ton of bolbitis fern. What are you going to do with it all?

Looks great!
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Ditto what all the others say - tank still looks great (as ever).

Does your LFS give credit for plants? Otherwise, I recall from previous conversations you're not keen on bothering to sell on ebay.

Then again - you probably trade with your club when you can.

Cheers
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Wow! Even though you ripped out that much fern you still have a huge mass of it.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
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the shape of this tank has changed pretty significantly, from that "U" shape to more of a triangle now. it really works though, and I think it'll continue to work as long as it remains dense.

and congrats on the HC babies. in another 8 months you may have a carpet forming


Back in the saddle!
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 55

Not much time available to respond to your entries, just enough for an update and to read your other threads.

I could have posted last week's picture, the tank looks just the same,

The only special thing is that I havent seen the older Apisto female in a few days now (Matty's second).

That's it,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 55



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Ingo , Sorry to hear about your Apisto female , hope she turns up .

Garry
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Is it possible she is just gaurding a clutch of eggs deep in the plants?
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 56

Not much happened during the week and the weekend saw the trimming of some additional Bolbitis leaves. A member of our club is currently doing away with his bolbitis as it had been trimmed so often (by removing sideshoot rhizomes) that the center portion does not procude enough new leaves to keep the group nice, maybe someday soon the same will apply to me.

To make my point a little clearer, this is what I deal with weekly:

Attached Image:

Bolbitis



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The female Apisto is back, I assume she must have been guarding some fry but as ususal this will not work out in this tank.

I also saw for the first time a female Amano carrying babies, this will of course also not work out.

Here is the tank in a Matty angle:

Attached Image:

Matty Angle



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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
The HC does not grow any further again and I also seem to see some disintegration.

Nothing else is to reporty right now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:



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Here is the tank in a Matty angle:


huh....wha? I'm here. I'm here.

Glad to see the female apisto is back. Lots of hiding spots in that tank.

I like the look of the tank in these shots. And to be honest I think I like it without a lot of ground cover.

Most people wouldn't complain about having too much bolbitus LF. I got lectured by a coworker today about complaining that I have too much HM. Made $10 today anyhow. Too bad you don't have an LFS to get $ or store credit. My plants generally sell like hotcakes....if that's a good thing . As I see it I'm making the store more money.



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EditedEdited by tetratech
I agree with Matty that this tank would look better with no ground cover. HC with all that Fern doesn't work well. I still think the this tank would look much better with a sand front and middle area. Build up both Islands with more rock showing, pour sand all around them and put some anubias,moss or whatever in between rocks and you'll have good contrast and more depth.

EDIT:
The HC does not grow any further again and I also seem to see some disintegration.

Are you trimming it? I have always found with most stems if you do some trimming it produces more growth.

My Scapes
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EditedEdited by RNJ_Punk
Tank looks great. I think I contacted you about my bolbitis. It has finally taken hold and is now growing at a good rate. You have so much it looks great.

Why wont any apisto fry wont work out?

Tank looks amazing.
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Why wont any apisto fry wont work out?
Perhaps it is a combination of:-

a) Water not soft enough for a large batch of fry to hatch. I've read that for the apisto eggs to hatch,the water must be really quite soft.
b) dad snacks on the fry

Glad the female's back. Yeah for the shrimpster baby. Finally saw one of these in real life the other day. So cute & tiny. Was advised not to get them though, due to my discus & apositos

Cheers
TW
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Uh, lots of replies required here:

- Matty: Without a lot of ground cover, that was what tetratech was preaching since a long time, and I never listened. I could get some bucks at the LFS for my plants, but I am too lazy to even go there and ask. Maybe in one of the next months I will approach their plant guy (who I actually know rather well) on how such a "trade" could be arranged. Currently, that last thing I wanna do after a 4 hour maintenance routine is to drive to the LFS.

- tetratech: It is my honest conviction that it is just a matter of time until the Bolbitis is too large for the tank, in height and width. As such I am very hesitant to custom th layout around this plant. I need to have a better plan for the time after Bolbitis before I would go to any drastic step with regards to the design. Trimming the HC, no - I have never done that. I thought that the tiny amount that I have in there would do better if undisturbed.

- RNJ_Punk and Robyn: The fry does not work out for the reasons Robyn mentioned, plus the fact that except for once I cannot even see where the "nest" is as it can be in any of the 500 hiding spots in the tank. As such I would have to add huge amounts of fry food to the tank to assure they get something to eat. In addition, I have something like 15 Amanos in there and they would not hesitate to eat any fry they can find.

Thanks all for the interest and info,

Ingo


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Yeah, I guess it's different. I HAVE to go to the LFS anyhow. Speaking of which, I gotta get to work. and then class. Won't be home for 14 hours. Now I know how you feel Ingo. To make things worse, they are going to start beating me in walk my plank.



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Post InfoPosted 09-Jul-2007 14:22Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo, love that Fern it would be a shame if it had to go .
Wish I could find it over here , would look good in the future of my big tank .

Glad to hear about your Apisto female .

I really want to see what you do with this scape , there are so many possibilites all of which I find facinating .
Not least of which is Jeffs idea which sounds very interesting .

Oh well guess I'll just have to be patient and see where you take it.

Garry
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tetratech: It is my honest conviction that it is just a matter of time until the Bolbitis is too large for the tank, in height and width


I hear ye! Another possibility is to remove the fern on the right completely and have just "Bob" positioned left off-center (which it pretty much is based on the way you trim) and have it cascade down to the right with more rock and than a few scattered pieces of rock all around. Sand or Eco would look fine with some moss cover rocks,etc., This way you could let Bob spread his wings alittle more. And we all know you have a special attachment to Bob anyway

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Thanks guys for the input, time will tell what I am going to do about this tank.

In the meantime:

Weekly Tank Update - Week 57

This week has seen more trimming of the Bolbitis, some leaves were removed because they grew out of the water, some because they started to shade the HC again. Now that tetratech has it growing so successfully I have to take better care of mine .

Here is the full tank:

Attached Image:

Tank 7/14/2007



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Post InfoPosted 15-Jul-2007 14:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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And here is a closer look at the HC, now without a doubt in full light. I also dose about 3ml of Excel right over it during the water change as I have read that HC really likes Excel:

Attached Image:

HC



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The last shot for now is the tank from the back. The right side isn't really all that dark, but it for sure is not qualified to grow any light hungry plants. As you can see, the Bolbitis has created a huge umbrella over that area, making the tank not really surround anymore. Just one more reason to rethink this plant in this tank.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Back Side



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fishmonster
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I really love this tank ingo. Im hoping i can get my tank to look like that soon.

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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Post InfoPosted 15-Jul-2007 21:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Thanks Shane, keep in mind that the tank is over one year old, so don't expect a natural growth too fast.

I have a few more pictures that I took today, just for the fun of it. First off, my biggest HC mountain

Attached Image:

HC Hill



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Next up, the female Apisto that was missing for a while but reappeared the other week. She looks pretty nice these days which for sure means that she wasn't sick or something when she was MIA. Must have been another breeding attempt.

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Female Apisto



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Last one, a female Amano. Not that I expect all these, or any of these, eggs to develop into little shrimpsters, but I found it cool that I got such a nice shot of it. It looks much clearer in the picture then when looking at the shrimp directly, that must be hundreds of eggs.

But I am not going to set up a salt water tank to hatch them.

That's it,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Amano With Eggs



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Post InfoPosted 16-Jul-2007 01:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by tankwatcher
nice pics, as usual, ingo. Great shrimp shot. Good news about the female showing up again.

Cheers
TW
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The female apisto looks definitively slimmed down. Your water is pretty soft, right? I am assuming that the shrimpsters had some unexpected nutritious delicacies to pick from.

I admire your Bolbitis and would love to grow one myself but my water conditons are not to its liking. Your specimen is deserving of a tank of its own but its vigorous growth and dominance of the tank reminds a bit of "Audrey" in "The little shop of horrors", hope you take this comparison with a smile! Bolbitis fetches a good price in stores and getting the cut offs to the LFS the day after the harvest should not diminish its growth for the new owner and get you a nice store credit. Why not go for it?
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Thanks Ladies for the input and comments

catdancer - nice comparison there for the Bolbitis . See, most of the time, my trimming is the cutting off of individual leaves and not the removal of an entire section of the rhizome. Only the latter would conclude in a sellable piece for the LFS. But, such a removal would mean that I seriously have to mess with that hill as Bolbitis attaches itself to wood really strongly. I only had the nerve to do this once so far, and then I didn't feel like spending the extra time with the trade stuff at the LFS (as, for example, the plant guy may not be in at the weekends and I may have to store the plants untils some evening during the week and so forth).

Thanks again,

Ingo


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Countryfish
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And we all know you have a special attachment to Bob anyway
Ingo , you have names for your plants Ah well each to his own .
That is a seriously small but very healthy looking bunch of HC.
Have you worked out why it hasn't spread yet , or is that a delicate question
Great shot of the Shrimp , I did not know they only hatch in salt water .
I thought Tetra had some hatch in one of his tanks ????

Anyway , tank looks fantastic as always .

Garry
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Ingo , you have names for your plants Ah well each to his own .
Yeah, whatever turns you on.

As far as the shrimp, I have cherry shrimp babies that breed quite easily in freshwater, but from what I understand about Amanos is that the adults live in fresh water in nature, but the eggs are carried down from higher elevation to salter waters where they hatch and then the make their way to fresh water again as adults or something like that.

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Garry,

I have no idea where tetratech came up with the Bob-thing, but I thought I will play along, if it makes him happy

I assume that the HC is not doing sooo great because it is not getting enough light and because the substrate is not as full of goodies as tetratech's ADA substrate.

And tetratech is pretty right about the Amanos. I think there are basically two kinds of shrimp, one where the eggs turn into little shrimp directly and one where they go through a larvae stage first. The first group can be bread in freshwater just fine, like cherry and glass shrimp. The second group cannot, like Amanos.

Ingo


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fishmonster
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Ingo

Didnt i hear you wanted rid of those pesky amano's??? hehe Ill take em off ya hands for my planted tanks hehe

Shane

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Shane,

Well, I did not want to get rid of them, what you have read must have been in reference to my 20G QT tank as I at some point had about 30 of them in there for QT purposes (and until I knew where they will end up).

Ever since then I added about 8 to this tank and 10 to the 125G. Now, with about 12 remaining in the QT things are better, but they soon will be moved to the 125G as well, I justed waited with that to see if the first batch added there will survive (because of the Apistos and Rainbows) and I can still see about 3 of them once in a while.

Ingo


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Weekly Tank Update - Week 58

Well, I don't have much time and as such it comes in handy that there is not much to report about this tank anyway. I did the weekly water change, and that was it, LOL.

Otherwise, all is the same,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 58



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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Weekly Tank Update - Week 59

I take the non-existence of entries in this log as a sign that you feel about it the same I do, it might be nice, but over time boring.

Nothing happened this week again, except work. Today, after the water change, I started to see hundreds of Amano larvae in the tank, tiny little critters floating and jerking about. The male apisto ate some, but there are loads of them. Again, I know none will survive, no need to point that out.

Here is the tank,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Tank Now - 7/29/2007



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Post InfoPosted 29-Jul-2007 23:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Looks good LF, how're my ladies?



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Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 02:02Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
eat_ham222
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Take down that tank, its making me look bad . But seriously nice job keep up the good work!
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 05:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo , No I for one am not bored . I'm just waiting for you to suprise with your next move with this tank.
You given lots of hints but you are obviously too busy with work to get to and plan your next moves .

Waiting expectantly.
Garry
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Interesting about your Amanos. I am guessing at that point you could put them strait into saltwater. Not that you are going to but you could if you wanted. At least that is what I thought I read about them.

I don't think your thread is boring. I think we are all just busy at the moment. I know I am!

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Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 16:32Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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I'm getting worried that "Bob" ate Ingo

My Scapes
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Ingo

Sorry i havent replied, i have been moving and have barely replied in my own logs. lol. Anyways I love the tank, i was gonna take the amanos off ya hands if ya didnt want them. hehe

Anyways I cant wait for new pics and what you are gonna do next with this tank

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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No Tetratech, Bob - whoever that is - didn't eat me

I am just very busy. For that reason, the update even had to wait until today.

Thanks all for the input

Weekly Tank Update - Week 60

Not much happened, I cannot see the second of Matty's females again for a week now, and the young female doesn't look to good either. And that is all that is there to say,

Here is the tank,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 60



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Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo , Life does get in the road from time to time .
I'm sure you will find time to look after Bob soon .
Tank as always looks great .
Garry
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 62

Have been in the home country for 2 weeks, tank looks the same as before though, .

Not much happened in the tank at all, a big bore.

Attached Image:

Full Tank



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The only thing nice is the slightly larger HC area, tetratech would be proud of my growing success, .

That's it for now,

Ingo

Attached Image:

HC



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Hey Ingo

I look at this way. Something is better than nothing. Your tanks are never a bore btw.

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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Ha the HC spreads , very interesting .
Maybe it's just a matter of time and Patience .
Thats not boring its facinating .

Garry
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LF,

The HC is looking quite a bit better. Maybe it just takes forever to settle in.

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Hey LF, if you had a tank with the dimensions of your average ashtray you'd have a nice lush HC carpet.

But seriously, as Johnny Cash would say, that HC is in good shape for the shape it's in. Nice and clean.

Not sure where you stand on this, but are you getting to the point at all where the 4 tanks are too much to concentrate on? You seem to be a bit bored with the 40G, and the 29 and 20 are low tech so change is very incremental. Just curious about your 'mental state' with the tanks, 4 is a lot and some burnout is understandable.


Back in the saddle!
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Hey Ingo, as usual everything is beautiful in your tank. I'm sure the missing female apisto will turn up (she usually does) but sorry to hear the smaller one isn't looking so great.

That's an interesting comment NowherMan6 made about whether 4 tanks are too much to concentrate on & I'm interested to hear what you think on that?

Hope the home country was lots of fun for you

Cheers
TW
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I agree. I'll be getting rid of two of my setups here soon. Too much work right now. Looks like it will be the 5.5 shrimp tank fw planted and I'll move the reef tank into the 50.

Sorry to hijack. I hope the trip was nice. You deserved a break. The tank looks great as always.



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Guys and Gals,

Yes, you are right, I sure have these burnouts once in a while, and currently I am getting over a big one.

Having had no opportunity to "update" my tanks for a few months now, given the knowledge that I will go on vacation and didn't want to leave any tank in an unsettled way, the great boredom with the only tasks being maintenance, feeding, and ferting, was (and still is) making me think of either cutting back, or changing the high techs to low techs, or whatever along these lines.

Probably for the same reason I cut back on my participation in all forums that I am a member of, mostly here and the NJAGC. Yes, I had much to do at work as well, but I could have tried harder to participate in other threads.

Overall, my thoughts about the tanks are somewhat like this these days:

125G: Looks ok, but needs major changes to make the new scape really work. That was planned anyway, but had to wait until I was back from vacation. Too many similar plants in there right now, almost all would be fine in a low tech setting.

40G: Needs a major redo, the Bolbitis is way too big and the Narrow Leaf Fern is too boring. This will be a major act and I don't have the energy yet for it. BTW, a Tek light with 4x35w is on the way to me.

29G: Will get a major redo soon, probably within the next few weeks, but will stay most likely low tech. For this tank I am pretty much done with a vision for layout, just the final plant selection (being most likely a limitation of the current plants in the tank) is still in question, all scape material is already in the house. Also, I have by now way too many platies in there.

20G: Albeit people say it is conceptually the best of my tanks (iwagumayumi), I am also bored with it. That is an easy tank to change, but I probably will re-invent it as a QT again, my school of Espei in the 125G is becoming rather small now as fish keep dying (most likely of old age) and I will add some other schooling fish at some point.

So here you have my thoughts, in short at least.

Thanks,

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 21-Aug-2007 13:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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Yes, you are right, I sure have these burnouts once in a while, and currently I am getting over a big one.
My solution to multiple tank burnout is to have each tank with a completely different focus. Wouldn't work for you, as I recall reading you wouldn't consider a non-planted tank. But I'm the opposite. I might get chased off the Planted Forum here, but must say I would be bored with 3 tanks where plants were the main focus in each. Two of my new tanks will be planted, but only in one will the plants be the focus (even then plants will share the limelight with my discus). The other planted tank will have C02 (bought another set on ebay, so may as well use it) but it's focus will be as a divided tank, with an apisto pair on either side that I hope to breed. The 3rd tank will be an African Cichlid tank, completely different with no plants.

Because for me the fish are equally important as the plants/scape, just their presence keeps me interested. Too big for you I know, Little_Fish, but I am in love with my discus & they are spoilt rotten. They threaten the ongoing existence of the African Tank. I'm determined to do the African Tank, but if it doesn't last, it will be the fault of discus.
Narrow Leaf Fern is too boring
You wouldn't say that if you lived here. Never seen it or Needle Leaf Java Fern either. I'm so excited, as I bought a bunch of each from an ebay seller in Thailand, who says he sends to Aus. Still waiting & I hope it survives the trip.

I hope you find your own solution to the boredom Ingo. Sorry to take up too much room in log.

Looking forward to seeing the changes you mention.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 21-Aug-2007 14:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Yes, you are right, I sure have these burnouts once in a while, and currently I am getting over a big one.


If your having a tag sale let me know!

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Me too!

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Countryfish
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Ingo , After all the dedication you've put into your logs over the last couple of years,
I'm sure there are times you think why am I doing this . You have your own reasons
and motivations but I simply wanted to say from myself and from a lot of others here at FP :
Thanks , you have helped, entertained , informed and given me pause for thought on so many occasions .
Your fantastic Tanks and your wonderfull logs are an inspiration.
This place is much poorer in your absense .

I hope you rediscover your desire & enjoyment soon .
I'm sure its only one major "Ingo Style " redo away .

Regards

Garry
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My cure for aquarium burnout:

Have a non-fish person come to your home.

Show off tanks.

Watch as their jaw drops to the floor.

From your pictures, it looks like you'll have no problem with the third part. If you're like me it'll help. I hope with whatever you do you have at least as good luck as you've had with your plants! And ditto what tetratech said about the tag sale!

><>
Post InfoPosted 22-Aug-2007 20:38Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
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Ingo, Your tanks are what made me want to start a planted tank. Please dont give up as we all enjoy your beautiful tanks

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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Don't worry folks, or maybe I should say "don't be disappointed" as there will be no tag sale

As you all probably know, as long as we are not too full of ourselves we are our own worst critic. It doesn't help me if others find my tanks nice as long as I don't think they are. With this I don't mean to say my tanks are bad, I mean this as a general statement. I guess I am in a philosophical mood

The Tek light for this tank arrived yesterday, sadly enough with 2 wrong bulbs, 15,000K

I tested the other 2 bulbs, which also were not what I ordered (6,000K) but actually 6,500K - a better value. And what can I say, that is some bright light

Currently I have no idea on how to affix the unit, I thought of hanging it but there are ceiling issues to consider, more to this maybe later.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 23-Aug-2007 13:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by countryfish
Ingo, Just good to see you online , Mate . Sorry the lights were not what you ordered .
15000 thats some light . Should give it a try see what happens

Garry
Post InfoPosted 23-Aug-2007 14:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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If you can't get those 15K bulbs replaced, please send them my way lol. Although I still have about 8 months to a year before I have to replace my bulbs. T5s last forever. I think you'll really love them if they aren't too much light.



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Post InfoPosted 23-Aug-2007 16:03Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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Thanks Garry and Matty,

Garry, the problem with the 15,000K is not the intensity but the temperature (not heat, but K), a really wrong spectrum for plants.

I agree Matty, that is quite some light. I tested the 2 6,500K bulbs yesterday and boy-oh-boy, that was bright.

I am planning on using mostly 2 bulbs (on the outsides) and only the second set for midday, starting with an hour or two.

Ingo


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I spent the weekend at the beach, so the water change was today:

Weekly Tank Update - Week 63

Nothing new on the tank, saw one of the females and she looked pretty bad, then she went back into hiding.

Tek light is still missing two bulbs and I have to define how I would like to affix it in the first place.

Here is the tank,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 63



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Post InfoPosted 28-Aug-2007 01:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 64

The better light K range bulbs for this tank are ordered, and I also have to think about how to affix it to the tank (the Tek light, that is).

Nothing new inside the tank though. Here is the tank this week with the male Apisto over the HC. The females all are MIA since quite a while.

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 64



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Post InfoPosted 03-Sep-2007 22:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
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Wow ingo, that bolbitis is getting rather large, any plans for a trimming on that? Also what kind of range are you talking about for the bubls and how will you have to change the fittings to accomodate the changes?

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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Post InfoPosted 04-Sep-2007 06:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
fishmonster,

The new range is either 10,000 or 11,000 K, not sure which ones were ordered for me.

I meant to say that I need to figure out how to "hook" the Tek Unit to the ceiling or some form of stand.

Weekly Tank Update - Week 65

The tank has seen little maintenance this week, next week I may cut off some Bolbitis rhizomes to trim the group back and to bring it to our NJAGC meeting for trading.

Here is the tank,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:



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Post InfoPosted 10-Sep-2007 00:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 66

I don't have much time, but here is a quick shot of the tank. Not much has changed, I just trimmed the Bolbitis a little to bring some parts to the NJAGC meeting yesterday.

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 66



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Post InfoPosted 17-Sep-2007 00:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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LF,

The tank seems much brighter. Are you still running the old light or do you have the new one up? Maybe it was just the trim. We would all like to see pictures of how you end up hanging it.

How are the fish doing in this tank?

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Post InfoPosted 17-Sep-2007 02:16Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
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Yeah i agree with wings, did you get your new lights? how are the fish doing? Is it this tank that also has the shrimp?

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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Post InfoPosted 19-Sep-2007 07:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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EditedEdited by TW
Hanging lights would make maintenance easier, although I don't think hubby would allow the holes in the ceiling. Would like to see the pics of how you've done it though. Tank is looking very nice & healthy.

Cheers
TW
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FRANK
 
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Hi,
I'm not so sure that hanging lights make anything easier.
One generally bumps head on them, or smacks a hand or
elbow on them while doing maintenance. To avoid that one
sometimes hangs them higher, but that lessens the intensity
of the light on the tank and widens the "footprint" of the
light.

Frank


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Post InfoPosted 20-Sep-2007 19:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 67

Not much happened during the week for this tank, but I managed to give the Bolbitis a larger trim than usual. It was basically a removal of rhizomes that have grown closer to the middle of the tank.

Here is the tank after the water change:

Attached Image:

Week 67



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Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 00:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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That was yesterday and today I finally found the time to hang up the new Tek Light. Not really a "job-well-done" as it was rather sloppy DIY just to see it in action.

That should answer all the questions between this series and last weeks update.

Thanks folks for showing interest!

As you can see here, the image is a little green. That is because I only run the 2 6,500K bulbs in this shot.

Attached Image:

With 6,500K lights on



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Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 00:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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You can also see that I don't require any additional lighting in the room anymore as the unit shines about everywhere. This is why you see the wall behind it soo much better now.

Here is the tank with the 10,000K bulbs turned on as well, you may note that it is a little bluer in the coloration. The camera compensates for the extra light so you cannot really see the brightness increase.

Attached Image:

With All Lights On



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Now I wanna see the HC take off, just like it did in tetratech's tank,

Last but not least, a shot of the setup including the new light unit.

That's it, have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Full Setup



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Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 01:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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It's pretty bright huh? What do you think, 2-3 X as bright as pc watt for watt?



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Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 01:46Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
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Ingo,

Thats a great looking setup my friend, love the light and the way you have your filters. How did you fit the filter pipes in the tank like that if you dont mind me asking?

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
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Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 07:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Now I wanna see the HC take off, just like it did in tetratech's tank,

I like the light, but why on this tank? Isn't "Bob" going to go ballastic. Your so busy you might not look at your tank for a few days and you'll come home and find Bob has taken over the basement.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 25-Sep-2007 02:10Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Ingo , nothing like a new bit of gear is there . Love the Light it certainly gives a different
perspective to the tank . Hope the HC takes over the tank for you

Garry
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Wow, for the longest time I thought you had a black background on this tank! Couldn't tell it was clear on both sides. Those lights make quite a difference.

tetra,

Yup, one day Ingo is going to walk down to his basement and the scene will look like this:




Back in the saddle!
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Yup, one day Ingo is going to walk down to his basement and the scene will look like this:


hehe, That's pretty much what I was thinking or Bob will extend to every tank.

P.S. Nowher where's your little setup?

My Scapes
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- Darn Bob

In order of requests:

Matty - I don't know how bright it is, it for sure lights up the whole room though (height over tank related).

fishmonster - Thanks. The filter hoses are coming up on the right back corner in the picture, actually nothing special there.

Tetratech - Why this tank? Well, it is the one that seems the most show case like, from the overall setup. Currently I don't like the plants one little bit, but things may change.

Garry - yeah, new gear always makes my day

NowherMan6 - I assume you don't remember that this is a walk-around tank. A background is not possible as one side would not be viewable anymore. And bob has not yet licked blood, LOL.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 25-Sep-2007 18:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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LF,

I like the new light. I hope it grows your HC well too!

Have you thought about going to a single mound with a ground cover around it?



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Post InfoPosted 26-Sep-2007 01:51Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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How long would you expect it to take, before the light has it's impact on the HC?

Cheers
TW
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FRANK
 
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Hi Robyn,
Depending upon the tank conditions (nutrients),
and the health of the new plants, I would expect to
see some change within a week, two at the outside.

Frank


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Post InfoPosted 29-Sep-2007 15:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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very nice tank, especially love the bolbitus huedelotti
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 68

Thanks folks for the input.

I am still thinking about design options and I am in no particular rush to do something about it right now (no time anyway).

The HC is already showing signs of change Robyn, I think it has grown a little larger with regards to leaves and stem length and diameter. Overall, it looks healthier. This is probably a result of the new light, but it may include the trimming of the Bolbitis that I performed last weekend.

Not much new happened otherwise, I added today the second set of light rows (center rows) for 1h midday.

Here is the tank this morning:

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 68



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Weekly Tank Update - Week 69

Almost no trimming during this weekend, but I had to remove a load of duckweed that now, with the new light, grows much faster.

The HC is weird, it seems like the old growth (original planting site in Nov last year) is coming all out and the new growth since the last two weeks stays put. Maybe the old growth was done anyway, I don't know.

Here is the tank,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 69



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Post InfoPosted 07-Oct-2007 21:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Ingo , Did you back the new lights off a fraction , the last shot seems a little darker .
Or is that just the Fern needing a trim . The HC thing is very interesting , wonder
what will happen next ?
Still love Bob ( even if everyone loves poking fun at him )

Garry
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Garry,

Thanks for the input

The lightness of the image greatly depends on where the camera focus hits the tank, if on a leaf in the shade then the image is brighter, if on a leaf in the light then darker.

The HC is confusing me as well, I don't know if it comes or goes!

Bob - tetratech came up with that name, I sure had nothing to do with it - might have to go at some point, too big.

I don't have a great vision on what to do with this tank yet, so no major changes are performed on it these days.

Ingo


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Weekly Tank Update - Week 70

Well, as I was trimming one or the other leaf of Bob (ok, I declare defeat and accept the name for it, gee - thanks tetratech) I decided to give it a major haircut. The goal was to remove any bad leaf as well as any leaf that reaches the surface. And about 50 leaves later I was done

Here is the balding Bob,

Have fun,

Ingo

PS: Otherwise, no news

Attached Image:

Week 70



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That really changed the lighting in this tank! I wouldn't really call bob balding either. More of a buzzed bob.

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Post InfoPosted 15-Oct-2007 12:29Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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Well, as I was trimming one or the other leaf of Bob (ok, I declare defeat and accept the name for it, gee - thanks tetratech)

Oh, your very welcome Now that it's official, please consult me before Bob's next haircut, I know how he likes it. Bob would also like to be moved alittle to the right (You know that ego of his)and he has requested a pair of sunglasses That's it for now.



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Well done Tetra .!!!!

I think Bob should have a stylist , what do you think , someone with Hollywood experience maybe ?


Garry
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You guys are weird

Seriously, I love the lines and flow of this tank.

Well done - it's just lovely.

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Weekly Tank Update - Week 71

You guys are weird


They/We sure are, but we are proud of it

Thanks for the input Jay, much appreciated

On to the tank:

Not much to report, Bob is growing again, if that is his hair then I really envy him, I need some of that, LOL.

The one thing I threw out in the NJAGC forum that bugs me is the HC. It keeps on floating up bits by bits. I think though we have identified why: The pesky elephant sized Amanos are running over the patch and their stompede causes the uprooting of the HC. Any believers? I sure think it is the most logical explanation at this time and found people that have similar experiences, including a case where HC was all well and as soon as Amanos were added to the tank it started to float up. I guess it just doesn't work well with both together.

Here is the tank this week, the male Apisto gave me the honor to pose in the shot,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 71



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Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 00:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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I like this scape, especially after the trim.
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Here is the tank this week, the male Apisto gave me the honor to pose in the shot,
He is looking pretty nice too! How are the females doing?

You got really nice photos of this tank and the 125 this week. Did I get that you are playing with the camera settings?

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EditedEdited by tetratech
The one thing I threw out in the NJAGC forum that bugs me is the HC. It keeps on floating up bits by bits. I think though we have identified why: The pesky elephant sized Amanos are running over the patch and their stompede causes the uprooting of the HC


I would have to respectively disagree with the members of the NJAGC on that one. Are you referring to the original HC planted some time ago or additinal pieces? I have the HC growing in my 72g now without a problem and there are amanos, cherries and kuli loaches in there. If it's still floating up then the root system isn't developing enough. Do you trim it? Remember this is a stem plant. Trim the top and what happens to most stems plants. You get several new headers. Same with HC, this will help spread a more elaborate root system and it will keep the plant anchored.

Also it's far easier to plant HC just like any other stem. just replant the tops. Push it into the eco and then pull up slightly and let the eco fall in around the stem.

My Scapes
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Thanks folks for the input

Wings - yes, I am playing with camera settings and post-picture-taking image manipulations of the simple form, like sharpness, midtones, and the like.

The females died months ago, never found even one dead one (thanks to the shrimp, I assume).

Tetratech - I do see the Amanos rumble over the HC field, and I do see individual strands come out at that time (although I don't see when it all happens). Are your Amanos grown up? Mine are huge. I have not trimmed the HC, maybe I should give that a try though. I am just afraid that having only such a small patch the rest of the field will be destroyed in a heart-beat.

patty - Thanks

Ingo


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Tetratech - I do see the Amanos rumble over the HC field, and I do see individual strands come out at that time (although I don't see when it all happens). Are your Amanos grown up? Mine are huge. I have not trimmed the HC, maybe I should give that a try though. I am just afraid that having only such a small patch the rest of the field will be destroyed in a heart-beat.


I've had some of my Amanos for like two years, they are big, bigger than most of the fish in the tank. I see them walking on it too and of course some will be pulled up before the roots grow, but if it's still coming up then the root system isn't developed enough. I have the loaches as well and they are much worse than the shrimp. Trust me on this one, keep trimming the tops of the tallest pieces.

I'll be interested in your picture results, since I plan on buying an SLR camera shortly. I would give my Canon S2 to Wings, but I think my kid has already called it his own. Sorry Wings.

My Scapes
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 72

Thanks Tetratech for the tip, I will keep it in mind. I heard others that swear that trimming is not required, they instead wanna sell me on AquaSoil and even offer me a little bit for a container to submerse in the tank and just see what happens (sounds like an interesting test as well).

As I stated in the 125G log, I had very little time this weekend and DID NOT DO A WATER CHANGE

Here is the tank anyway,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 72



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clownloachfan
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Nice tank, Love the Bolbitis
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks Tetratech for the tip, I will keep it in mind. I heard others that swear that trimming is not required, they instead wanna sell me on AquaSoil and even offer me a little bit for a container to submerse in the tank and just see what happens (sounds like an interesting test as well).

Interesting you should say that. I actually did this in my 72g. I took a small area in my foreground and replaced the Eco with AS. I found no difference in the way it grows or the speed (see pic below). I will conclude that the HC in ny AS-based 46g grow much faster then it did in my 72g with Eco or AS. Although the tanks have different lighting etc, my unscientific conclusion was that it grows better in AS not based on what it derives directly from the AS, but rather what the AS leaches into the water colum.

Eco/AS



My Scapes
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Weekly Tank Update - Weeks 73 and 74

Didn't have much time/patience last week to update the log, so here are the shots for both weeks:

Here is week 73 (somehow not so good of a shot)

Attached Image:

Week 73



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And here is week 74, this weekend.

It appears that the HC is spreading faster than usual, at least whatever can be considered usual in my tank. I also have taken a look at the tank a few weeks back and can now see that the HC for sure is no longer static.

Tetratech - nice comparison shot, seems to grow just as well in both.

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 74



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Post InfoPosted 11-Nov-2007 15:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Ingo , HC looks to be on the move for you at last and it seems that Bob needs his hairdresser in attendance .

Garry
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Bob needs his hairdresser in attendance
That Java fern looks like its about out of control too!

HC is looking much better. Do you think its the new light?

55G Planted tank thread
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[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 75 and Week 76

Yes Wings, I think it is the light, and maybe the fact that I layed off on adding Excel as a spot treatment right over the HC (as I have heard it likes Excel, but maybe not in my tank).

Anyway, more of overgrowing Bolbitis and giant Narrow Leaf Fern, mixed with Anubias Nana and a spot of HC.

The tank in week 75:

Attached Image:

Week 75



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And just because I got fed up with the comments about BOB (I don't like that guy, whoever he is, LOL), here is the tank today.

Yup, an Ingo-Style Make-Over

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 76



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LF,

That looks really sharp! You did a really nice job with the sand.

What are your plans for plants?

Did you take the filter-out off the 29G or did you get one for this tank too?

55G Planted tank thread
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[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 26-Nov-2007 04:15Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
lotec25
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little fish,

Where do you get your plants? I am looking for the Bolbitis fern but cant seam to find it online. Not sure if my LFS has it or not so i will have to check.
Post InfoPosted 26-Nov-2007 05:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Brengun
 
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I do like the new look. Do you ever get memorseful after such a change? Even when I give my plants a little trim down and thin out I wonder if I've done the right thing.
I definitely love the new look though.
Post InfoPosted 26-Nov-2007 08:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
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Wow, what a change. Now that the plants are really
thinned out, the two vertical rocks remind me of Easter
Island statues, and I'm not sure they "fit" in the new
scape. Maybe if partially obscured by plants again they
will look more like they "belong."

Great Tank!
Frank


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Post InfoPosted 26-Nov-2007 09:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Ingo, Unbelieveable !!!!!!!!!, Stunning ( Again! ), Brillant , Wonderful, Spectacular ....hmmm can't think of any other superlatives Great look etc perhaps you could find the time to describe the plants and give us a closer look ?


Garry
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 77

Thanks all for the input, much appreciated. Some answers:

Wings - Plants are HC and maybe some larger plants (Blyxa and such) within the rock groups. There is further also only the outflow of the CalAqua glass ware in this tank (for now).

lotec25 - I got my Bolbitis at the LFS, it was rather small (see much earlier entries in this log). Sometimes I buy plants online (not in quite a while) but most of the time I trade them in my local club (see signature)

Brengun - I have done so many make-overs that I am over feeling remorse for a previous scape, even if that one was maybe better. What is done is done and always worth the learning

Countryfish - Thanks, but you are way way way too kind. Granted, I like the look too, but it is just my first attempt at this kind of scape (ok, the second if you count my mess in the 20G, LOL). Plants - well only HC for now.

Frank - Frank, Frank, Frank!!! I have to say that it is obvious that you didn't get it . It's an Iwagumi. There will be no plants on the left and right when all is said and done. They are only here to help the tank to settle. The rocks will be fully exposed when all is settled.

This few from the backside during the setup a week ago may give you some idea:

Attached Image:

Last Week - Back Side



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Anyway, here is a shot of the full tank from this weekend. The plants seem to grow just fine.

There have been 3 water changes during this week, each with at least 50% water replacement.

Attached Image:

Tank This Weekend



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Here are some impressions:

The diffuser, LOL. Ok, it is not all that pretty, but I point it out as it is going with about 5bps, a lot for the 40G, but with no fish etc I can blast that baby.

Attached Image:

Diffuser



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And as a result, with even only 8 hours of light on the tank the HC is bubbling (on not water change days, on the water change days the tank is bubbles in itself).

Attached Image:

HC



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Another look at the HC pearling, I promise I will not repeat this every weekend though, LOL. I didn't have too many floaters of HC yet, maybe two or three after the water changes.

Attached Image:

More HC



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Last shot, the center area of the tank, having the HC growing on both sides.

Although I cannot be certain, it seems to settle nicely.

That's it,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Center



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AH!
That answers it... Iwg who?
I keep forgetting that you are an avid proponent of
the "Nature Aquarium" vs the "Dutch."

Seriously, it's a beautiful tank, and my sincere complements.


Frank


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Post InfoPosted 02-Dec-2007 18:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Now that's a tank where the HC works wonderfully. Very nice rock work as well.

My Scapes
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clownloachfan
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Nice change in the tank style. You will have a nice grove of hc once it grows out.
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I have been checking my LFS for the Bolbitis but no one has it, still looking.

Tank looks good LIttle_Fish, Keep it up
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EditedEdited by catdancer
Such neat arrangement of the border stones Whom are you trying to prevent from trespassing?
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Ingo ,
Thanks, but you are way way way too kind

I don't think so , your an inspiration to us planted types here at FP . Well done mate . I never liked the black rock look before but this tank combines my favourite thing (River ) with the rock work and beaches leading to the river very very well . If the HC works for you this time then the Black rocks and the river are going to look fantastic .
Thanks for showing some more closeups Btw . Can't wait to see this tank develop . Are you going to put fish in or are you going to get the scape spot on first .

Anyway well done and keep those closeups coming .

Garry
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LF,

Is the HC what you had from the last scape or did you get another batch? It looks like you have quite a bit more than you did before.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 05-Dec-2007 13:45Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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Gang,

Frank - Thank you!

Tetratech - Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

clownloachfan - Thank you as well!

lotec25 - Thanks, and with regards to the Bolbitis, try to ask the LFS if they place custom orders, maybe you get lucky.

catdancer - LOL, neat is the right word, and I promise it will not stay like that. But for the time being it appears to be a proper physical divide to assure that the individual substrates stay on their respective sides. I was toying with having shrimpsters in the tank that could mess up the substrates, but others have already assured me that my border will not help there either.

Countryfish - Thank you again for your kind compliments. The rock is actually not black at all as you will see in a little series of close-ups that will follow this entry (based on your request ). Someday there will be animals in the tank (besides the all-present snails anyway), but I will have to wait out the "wild" phase of the tank in order not to jeopardise the critters.

Wings - well observed, there is about twice as much HC in the tank than what I had in there before. I purchased the second batch at an auction held right during a Jeff Senske presentation in PA last month.

End of Entries, Onto Pictures


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Post InfoPosted 06-Dec-2007 15:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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These shots were taken on Monday.

As you all might know, this is a walk-around tank with no closed side.

Here is an angled shot from the lesser seen long side:

Attached Image:

Back



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Post InfoPosted 06-Dec-2007 15:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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And here is a similar shot from the main viewing area, the one I usually use for my weekly update pictures.

Attached Image:

Front



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A closer look at some of the HC, which btw is so far growing in nicely. I can see runners already, one has even breached the rock wall to the beach, LOL.

Attached Image:

HC



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Here is a look at one of the two rock areas, from the back side of the tank. I selected this side as it is currently allowing the best view up the slope into the rock group, showing the difference in height of the substrate.

Attached Image:

Rock I



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Post InfoPosted 06-Dec-2007 15:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Last, but not least, here is a look from the same back side at the other rock group, not as high as the previous one.

That's it for now, back to work,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Ingo



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Post InfoPosted 06-Dec-2007 15:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Wings - well observed, there is about twice as much HC in the tank than what I had in there before. I purchased the second batch at an auction held right during a Jeff Senske presentation in PA last month.
I guess my eye is still working well! Very nice shots. It looks like the HC is thickening up quite a bit even if you did get a second batch.

According do the latest couple of TFH, you need to get some HC up on the slopes.

How was the presentation? Learn anything fun and exciting?

If you haven't looked yet I added some pictures to my 55G log.

Some time down the road I want to plant my 20 long in this style but we don't quite have the cash flow right now.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 07-Dec-2007 01:11Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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nice, looks like the hc is starting to fill in for you./:'
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 78

The tank has seen 3 water changes this week, the same than last week. Growth of the growout plants is fine, I had to give it a major trim to avoid shading of the HC and stagnation of surface agitation.

Here is the tank in its standard view:

Attached Image:

Week 78



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Post InfoPosted 09-Dec-2007 16:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Here is a look in an angle that reveals the "not-so-great" issue that I have right now, check out the sand.

I also had some green spots on the glass, in particular in the area where the sand is and other lower open spots. When scraping that off I noticed it comes off easily in a slimy layer, making me believe it is Green Slime Algae, and that would be the one on the sand as well.

Oh well, whatever

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Angle



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Post InfoPosted 09-Dec-2007 16:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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nice, i forgot to ask you earlier, what kind of rocks are those? Do they raise the hardness?
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Green Slime Algae
Sounds like a job for some otos

55G Planted tank thread
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[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 10-Dec-2007 00:45Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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BTW your HC is really starting to look nice. Without Bob and the NL java fern it gets the light it needs.

How has your dosing been with this tank and low plant mass?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 10-Dec-2007 23:29Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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Ah! someone has got to keep me informed . I missed the makeover. I study for a few finals and look what happens.

Well I really like it LF. Way to utilize the 360ness factor. I bet that looks outstanding when you are walking around it. /:'



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Post InfoPosted 12-Dec-2007 22:57Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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Ingo , Love the shots from above , they give a very clear idea of the layout . Well done .
I agree with Matty , the design of the scape really emphasises the all around views of
this tank .
Green slime is a bit of a bummer but I'm sure you will handle it !
Thanks for the close ups btw , the rocks look to have a silver/ black thing going on
which didn't show up as well from a distance . Visually stunning though ...excellent choice
How long do you plan to leave the other plants in there ? Is it a HC growth thing , or do
you have a time frame in mind?

Garry
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 79 and 80

Got a little busy in life again, so here is a 2 week update and answers to your questions. BTW, thank you all for the input.

In order:

clownloachfan - The rocks are either blue or black granit, the verdict is still out. In each case they do not raise hardness.

Wings - Yes, sounds like a job for Otos, but they may be too big for this tank . I will take my time before deciding on animal life.
I also do not dose anything in this tank yet, maybe in a few weeks I may add some micros and some P, but I will see how all grows before deciding on anything.

Matty - Thanks for the input, glad you like it so far.

Garry - I don't have a specific time frame in mind for how long the fast growers will stay in there, it all depends on how fast the tank will settle and become more stable. I still do 3 50% water changes each week to keep it stable.

Here is a look at the tank from last week:

Attached Image:

Week 79



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Post InfoPosted 24-Dec-2007 15:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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The last two weeks have seen some trimming of the Rotala, Wisteria, and the Pennywort. In addition, the green stuff has spread to the tops of the rocks, but I am not too concerned about it yet as it does not seem to spread onto plants. I will see what it does in the future before I consider removal.

Well, here is the tank this weekend, otherwise - Have Fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 80



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Post InfoPosted 24-Dec-2007 15:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
GobyFan2007
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EditedEdited by GobyFan2007
I might not have read it in previous posts, but i was wondering if no background was what you wanted? IMO, i think that a nice fading BG would make the path look better.

My Favorite shot, i would have to agree with Garry on this one. I love the top, as the rounded lily looking things are really beautiful. The only thing that i can say is the bubbles stuck on the glass. Its kind of distracting in a straight layer, and IMO it would look "Cleaner" with out them. In my tank, they are caused by filter blowing currents against my glass, carrying little microbubbles into/onto the glass.

Great Job!!!!

EDIT: Im sorry, i missed the fact that this is a 360 view tank. My bad...I guess you dont need a BG then...

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Weekly Tank Updates - Week 81 and 82

GobyFan - What you call bubbles stuck on the glass is most likely CO2 being pushed through the tank, although some shots (but not the last 2) may have been taken right after a water change when loads of bubbles are all over the place, including the glass.

Last week saw some of the usual trimming and nothing else.

Here is the shot:

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Week 81



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This week saw a little more action, mostly the removal of about 1 quarter of the fastgrowers in the left forward corner. Sure not because they were not growing but to start the transition into the Iwagumi that it is supposed to become.

Here is the shot:

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Week 82



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By accident I made a shot with one of the pre-set settings on the camera, I think it was flower or head (closeup or portrait). It shows the tank in different colors.

Here it is,

Have fun,

Ingo

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Other Settings



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I am way impressed with the growth of your HC. It is filling it extremely well!

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EditedEdited by countryfish
Ingo , I see the Algae has gone from the river , but it appears to be still on the rocks ....spoils the look a bit .
HC is developing really well considering the way it was before. You have gotta be happy with that !

Are you only going to have the HC once the tank settles or are you going to have a second plant around the rocks ?

Garry
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Weekly Tank Updates - Weeks 83 and 84

The week 83 saw some minor removal and trimming of the fast growers, with minor extensions of the HC. Growth is still fine.

Wings and Garry, thanks for the input. The algae, or greenish brownish film on the rocks, does not bother me at all, makes it look more natural. Well, as long as it does not spread that is

Here is the tank, false colors again:

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Week 83



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And here is the tank this week, quite some removal of fast growers and spreading of the HC has happened, not hard to see the difference. I did this in two stages, spread out by 4 days each since the previous trim.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

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Week 84



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Ingo ...So just HC then ? the growth of the HC is amazing. Like the look without the fast growers .

Can we see the shot from above again ..from the front it looks like the HC is overgrowing the river .

Garry
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Wow, the HC is out of control. Nice progress LF.



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Post InfoPosted 21-Jan-2008 16:27Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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pretty amazing looking setup! I cannot get over the transformation that takes palce, looks like you have a green thumb for sure.

I came very late to the party... what sort of stocking will you have (fish, that is) and what size tank is this? I love the granite and the black sand against the vibrant green of the plants... awesome stuff!
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Weekly Tank Updates - Week 85 and 86

Thanks for the input, here are my comments:

Garry - for the time being it will be HC only (once the rotala on the left is gone), I haven't made my mind up yet on what to do with the rock groups in regards of plants. Other angles will follow sometime soon .

Matty - thanks, yeah - the HC is in serious need of a trim.

ScottF - Thanks for the comments. I don't know what live stocking will get in here, I am not in a rush. Something small though, that is for sure. The tank size is mentioned in the thread title, a 40G Breeder. There is no black sand in the tank, just white sand. The black is the ADA AquaSoil substrate.

Well, I decided to give the tank a rest after removing the whole right group 2 weeks back, so no changes last week. Here is the tank, in wrong colors again:

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Week 85



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I helpded the tank along by blasting the CO2 after the change, I would say something like 5bps.

I did no changes this weekend either, no time available, except for the water change on Thursday.

Here is the tank this weekend,

Have fun,

Ingo

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Week 86



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Wow, look at that HC go. Impressive growth indeed. Are you going to let the "river" disappear from sight completely?

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LF

Just caught up on your changes which are very impressive indeed. I like the new look of the scape. Are you going to remove the other fast grower eventually thats on the leftside also???

I also have another question, I noticed on one of the pics you took from above that you had no cover on the tank at all. What are reasons behing not having a glass canopy. Does this increase the light into the tank? How much water loss do you have from this?

Thanks

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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Post InfoPosted 16-Feb-2008 22:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Weekly Tank Update - Weeks 87 and 88

Robyn and Shane, thanks for the input. Some of your questions will be answered in this update, so no mentioning of the solutions in this paragraph. Shane, yes, open top is more light, just think about condensation on the glass and the light needing to break through to even reach the tank water. Water loss is about 2 inches per week this time of the year, when all is very dry.

On to last week's update:

The tank had to have a major trim to avoid a die-off of lower HC layers and to maintain the river
It took quite a while to give all the HC a hair cut, and just as long to fish out all the loose pieces afterwards.

Eventually it was all done and here is the result:

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Week 87



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This week it was time to remove the last remaining fast growers

That created quite a mess in the tank, the root system development in the AquaSoil was excellent and the rotala held on like it knew what was coming, LOL.

Anyway, after a major water change things cleared up and that is how the tank looks now:

That's it,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 88



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Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2008 15:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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looks awesome. I can't wait until you get some time for detailed shots of your tanks.



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Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2008 17:31Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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LF

I think you have told me this before but i dont remember. I see the diffuser on the right side which is for the CO2, but what is the other glass peice for as I was under the impression that was for the CO2 also as it kept the CO2 in the water longer to dissipate.

Thanks

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2008 19:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Thanks guys for the input,

Here is a new angled shot, for Matty

fishmonster - the big glass orb is the outflow for the filter

Ingo

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Angled



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Woohoo!

That shot really shows off the tank well, IMO.



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Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2008 03:49Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
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great looking tank, and i love the meadow with a trail look!

IMo it needs a "tree" like plant to break up the meadow on one side...

i think it look almost unreal though! like it isnt a real aquarium!

are you ever gonna have a permanent livestock in there that consists of something from the animal kingdom? or will it stay a planted tank and that is it?

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Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2008 07:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by TW
That looks so nice & healthy, but IMO, what you need to add next are some nice little fishies to break it up Cardinals would look great & aren't so tough. I think you said in one of your other logs that Cardinals are sensitive & would mean extra work (or something like that). I have a whole bunch of them in with my discus. Maintenance routine didn't change at after I added them. 50% weekly, like always.

Your HC has done so well in there

Cheers
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Really nice work LF! I think this tank is crying to have some high grade shrimp in it. Just a very cool progression.

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Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2008 13:16Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo ...without a doubt this is some of your best work ...Absoultely stunning . The Top shot is a beauty .

So what now ..a couple of centre piece fishies or a single school of a small tetra ???????


Garry
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Thanks folks for the input and overall positive comments!

With regards to accent fish, critters, and plants:

Patience, young grasshoppers

I am in no rush, just some things are for sure:

Any fish or critter that will enter this tank has to accomodate the scape. As such, anything around 2 inches in lenght is too big, and that would include Cardinals (not to mention that they need hiding places to feel secure, and this tank has none).

Eventually, fish will enter the tank, even if only to show its true size as such a scape could be done in a 2.5G as well, but with fish one will be able to see that we have a rather large Iwagumi here.

Accent plants are already in my mind, but mostly to be used inn the openings between the rocks in the individual rock groups, not on the "plain".

The HC will at some point, rather sooner than later, require a replant as constant hair cuts are not really the best one can do. So I busy myself now with thinking up how I would approach this, like:

Section by Section
Half the tank at once
All the tank at once

You get the idea!

Thanks for the input again,

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2008 16:10Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by resle
i think an unusual and stunning tank requires an unusual and stunning inhabitant. a bunch of bumblebee gobies would add to the appeal definatly!
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Patience, young grasshoppers
Was it Ben that used to say that?

Accent plants are already in my mind, but mostly to be used inn the openings between the rocks in the individual rock groups, not on the "plain".
Good thinking there. It will give the scape a little bit more height.

The HC will at some point, rather sooner than later, require a replant as constant hair cuts are not really the best one can do. So I busy myself now with thinking up how I would approach this, like:
I would vote half and half as it probably wont kill you by doing the whole thing at once and it will also keep some plant mass in the tank.

I am guessing that this will need to take place soon as the HC looks like it's getting rather thick.

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Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2008 02:27Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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lol i figured the rock groups would be the future homes for some plants... and i wast thinking maybe some anubias or some jave fern for said places.

good luck it the replant of the HC, that will be a booger.

and wings mr. miagi from the karate kid used patience young grasshopper(s).

when you say ben i assume you mean obi-wan kenobi from starwars...
unless there is a member named ben i haven't met that used to say that

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Wings ...I think you are right . brandeeno ..you need to read back in Ingos logs .

Ingo ... Has anyone heard from Ben.. I always enjoyed his entries in yours and Tetras logs


Garry
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It has been a really long time since I have heard or seen anything from him or tetra.

As with anything time changes thing... Now we have some new members to pick on and the old ones do something else.

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Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2008 13:20Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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Thanks guys,

Here are some comments:

resle: I don't think a fish that requires mostly live or frozen food, that appreciates a ph above 7 (mine may be around 6.2, not tested though), and is timid is the right species for this tank. But it is a pretty one

Wings: I will talk to the guys in the club that have done it before. Obviously I will wait until after the next NJAGC meeting anyway. And the height of the HC is currently way over 2 inches meaning way too tall (full).
And yes, that's him, the Grand Master.

brandeeno: A Fern would be way too massive, leaf by leaf. The key is small leaved plants to keep the tank larger than life. As such, the only Anubias that would be an option would be petite, but it does not generate any height. As such, a no go.

Garry: You get an A+ for doing your homework

Wings again: Last time I "spoke" with Bensaf was about 6 months ago, and with tetratech maybe 6 weeks ago.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2008 15:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Really nice!

To trim the HC I would remove small patches a few weeks apart. You then replant stems in the small patch areas and they will start to regrow and then you start removing other small patches. This way you won't ruin the entire look. It will take a steady and patient hand, but if your midi-chlorians are as high as I think Skywalker, you shouldn't have a problem.

My Scapes
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Speaking of tetra! He drops in. Maybe I will have to mention him in my thread... = )

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Post InfoPosted 25-Feb-2008 23:46Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
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Ingo

Im liking the changes mate. Looking good. I know I have to wait on the inhabitants but im impatiant....

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2008 08:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Weekly Tank Updates - Weeks 89 and 90

Thank you so much for your input, in particular tetratech's participation is appreciated

Removing small patches of HC and then waiting a few weeks before doing the next one is probably not going to work. If I were to divide the tank into 8 segments (and they would be rather large patches) and wait 3 weeks between removals, I would spent about half a year on one go-around. Yet, within 3 months, the tank is out of control easily.

Anyway, last weekend did not see any changes at all, just your standard EI maintenance and letting the grass (figuratively speaking) grow.

Here is the tank last week:

Attached Image:

Week 89



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Post InfoPosted 03-Mar-2008 02:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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And this weekend has seem some trimming again, the last one I can afford before the replanting has to start. I probably should have replanted already but I don't want to ruin the scape before the next NJAGC meeting in two weeks.

I also added some, hm, goodies to the tank, I am just not yet settled on the location.

Here is the tank this week:

Attached Image:

Week 90



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Post InfoPosted 03-Mar-2008 02:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Placing then new diffuser is a hassle as I try to get all dispersion from the flow in the water only, not needing the power head anymore. I currently don't see a good spot for it anywhere, but I will find something

Here is a shot showing the "utilities" side of the tank, giving you a better idea of what I am talking about. New are the Cal Aqua intake and the Pollen Glass diffuser.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Goodies



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Post InfoPosted 03-Mar-2008 02:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Ingo ...seems such a shame to uproot the plant when you have got it looking so fantastic . Is there no other way ????


Garry
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fishmonster
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Ingo I do love this tank.

Its got style but it seems bare to me.... I love your scapes mate, you always seem to impress. Keep it up. Im not understanding what you are talking about with the diffuser tho



Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2008 07:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Oh, I had forgotten. Exact words Ingo. When I meant small sections you took my words very literally. I meant you can pull out small sections and replant, small sections replant. I mean sure some of the areas might get too tall but at least when you pull them out your not at ground zero, since the other sections would have started to grow already and your closer to having a lawn again. BTW I still can't get over people's obssession with flow and powerheads. I think it's BS. I have a 3 foot tank with a little Eheim 2213 I can clearly see the bubbles from my diffusor that are positioned right under my lily pipe making it all the way to the other side before surfacing. I can also see the hairgrass swaying in the current. Why would I need more flow than that.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2008 11:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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Looking great Ingo

I'm with Garry - is there no other way, other than to replant the HC. I know trimming in the tank is messy & you have to net it out, but if that way is doable, a lazy bones like me would prefer it.

So, other than the mess, is there a problem with trimming in the tank?

I ask because I'll be using HC in my new tank. You might remember I have it growing in the waterless tank atm.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2008 13:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Weekly Tank Updates - Weeks 91 and 92

Gang, not much time here, so just to answer the questions quickly:

Garry - Nah, over time there is no other way
Shane - The diffuser needs to be in a place where the water can swush the CO2 bubbles around the tank, and not where it lets it get to the surface right away, and as such wasted
Tetratech - Nah, when placing it under the pipe outlet it sits in the tank, like in the picture below. I will continue to play with it. HC replanting will start within a week or two
Robyn - HC needs to be replanted from time to time, no other way. And it sure makes a huge mess, keep the filters turned off even during trimming so as much as possible floats right up rather than gunk up all the other plants.

Here is the tank last weekend

Attached Image:

Week 91



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Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2008 01:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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And no changes have been made for this weekend either, just some cleaning to have it shiny for yesterday's NJAGC meeting at my place.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 92



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Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2008 01:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Weekly Tank Update - Week 93

Well, this week saw the beginning of the replant of the HC. I took out maybe somewhere between a fourth to a fifth of the overall plant mass, cleaned the tank, replanted the tops, and did another water change. 3 HOURS LATER, I was done. That is painful

Here is the normal shot of the tank after all was done:

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Week 93



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Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2008 00:31Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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And here is an angled look to show the changed section a little better. BTW, the rocks that you see in the newly planted section have not been there before, and neither was the edge to the sand river that dominant. I am using this chance to play a little with the hardscape as well.

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Angled



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Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2008 00:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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I like the more defined edged between sand & island now. IMO looks a lot better. Thanks for the HC information. Seems now it may not be plant for me, after all. I have a whole heap of it cultivating in my waterless tank, ready for the 7ft tank, but I thought I had picked a low growing, easy maintenance plant. I will use it first up anyway, but when time comes for replanting, I may not have the energy for a replant.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2008 02:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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I am really quite amazed with the growth you have with your HC. Really thick stuff!

I like the new rocks added in on the replant though I think you will have to keep at the trimming to keep them visible.

Overall you have done a really great job with this tank. It has been a ton of fun to watch.

Do you have any plans to add other plants around the rocks? Maybe some downi?

55G Planted tank thread
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[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2008 13:25Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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Thanks for the comments, Robyn and Wings!

Yeah, all plants need trimming, no matter how slow they grow Except the ones that die of course, LOL.

No manifested plans for a second plant species yet, Wings.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2008 14:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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I think the new rocks add more interest. I have to say this is your best yet. Many times less is more....

And kudos for the replant. Whenever I've replanted HC I've always done it pretty much stem by stem, it's difficult to replant larger groups, but it looks like you've done it and the tank doesn't look recently redone.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2008 19:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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Yeah, all plants need trimming, no matter how slow they grow
Thanks Ingo, it's not the trimming I object to, it's the fiddly replanting of a plant such as HC. It just doesn't sound like something I have time for, or want to have time for. I will probably use it first up (as I have it anyway) but will decide whether to ditch it when the time comes for replanting.

Have to admit, it looks great in your setup. Congratulations on the patience & perseverance to have replanted it all.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 25-Mar-2008 13:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo ... You amaze me with your patience ...and I agree with Tetra ...It dosen't look replanted . Well done .

I like the new rocks in the body of the plants ...but I must disagree with the others on the river border ...I always though that the no border look was one of the special things about this scape ...and you have reinforced that view for me .

Still a stunning scape of course ... and it might just benefit from one other plant behind some of the rocks .

Garry
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