AquaRank.com

FishProfiles.com Message Forums

faq | etiquette | register | my account | search | mailbox
# FishProfiles.com Message Forums
L# Freshwater Aquaria
 L# Planted Aquaria
  L# 72 Gallon Bowfront Setup Log
   L# Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119
 Post Reply  New Topic
Subscribe72 Gallon Bowfront Setup Log
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks luvmykrib. You know that LF, he has such a way with words.

Actually the comparison between hairnet and thread is in my 12g tank with java moss. This tank has only riccia held down with hairnets. The hairnet will remain as long as the rock is in there. Without it the riccia will simply float to the top since it's incapable of really attaching itself. The comparison was going to be by time not by how it was held down.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 26-Jan-2006 23:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
I got them mistaken, so a comparison of attachment will be showing up in the other thread then? Using a hairnet to hold the riccia on is a stroke of genius, I never would have thought of it...then again I don't have hairnets on hand...or wear them...ever!
A growth comparison to what exactly, from when it was planted to now? Do you have some in another tank to also compare it to? That would be neat, but if not it will still be interesting to see how much it has grown.

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 27-Jan-2006 00:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Update:

1. Beachfront completely established with rock.
2. Added a bigger piece of wood to left to match the other two pieces.
3. Stargrass on the right has taken off and is growing in front and behind the center DW. Stargrass on left is also growing in front of DW.
4. The diandra is pretty much gone. I left it to fend for itself behind the stargrass on the right.
5. Cut one stalk of E.stellromatica to bring the grouping closer to midground. I would like to wrap another plant behind it if possible.


Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Jan-2006 00:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Tetratech,

Looking very nice.

You said you trimmed the Star Grass but it seems (with the other plants in the group) to still reach the surface. Is it growing that fast?

If I would have a say (which I don't ) then I would recommend to let the Star Grass group on the right grow only half heigh.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 27-Jan-2006 02:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks LF,

Yes, it growing extremely fast and I do plan on "blinking some more" in fact I'll probably end up cutting both stands of stargrass lower than the rotala and stellaromatic.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Jan-2006 02:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
EditedEdited by Wingsdlc
tetratech,

diandra...is that....http://www.freshwateraquariumplants.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=FAP/PROD/SAP/DD

I kind of like the way that plant looks. Why types of problem are you having with it because I have been eyeing it for sometime now.

Edit:I was really thinking of this stuff......sorry!
http://www.freshwateraquariumplants.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=FAP/PROD/SAP/ENAR

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 27-Jan-2006 05:40Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Wingdsc,
I had the diandra I never had the egeris. Both seem to be fine-leaved. The diandra kept getting black stem sections 2/3 the way down. It seems like my lite wasn't strong enough for it.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Jan-2006 16:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Wings,

The Najas is much smaller in diameter than the Diandra. Also, it is by far not as pretty, and it will melt when one is using Excel (to kill algae, for example).

But on the upside it needs less light than the Diandra.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 27-Jan-2006 17:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Just did some testing as far as kh and ph. Lately my kh has been 2, usually 3. PH is anywhere between 6.2 and 6.4

Assuming the kh kit is sound (pretty old - more than 1 year) my co2 ppm is anywhere between 24 and 38. That's a pretty big range. I think this is a classic example of why you have to watch the fish and plants. Many might interpret their ph as closer to the 6.2 and swear their co2 is in the 30s, but it is actually in the 20s.

I'm still getting bba and if Tom Barr is correct my co2 is probably closer to the 20s. Plants are growing and pearling so things are good I just want to beat back the bba without going broke using excel.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Jan-2006 20:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Excel is just cost too much but it works so well. What is a guy to do? I have actualy stoped using it in my 40 gal but I have upped my DIY Co2 to two brews of mix. Things are growing really well. I have plants that are growing to the top of the tank. Its way cool.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 28-Jan-2006 01:59Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Wingdsc,
Glad to hear the plants are doing so well. I guess I'll have to up my bubble count to raging rapid.

Anyway here's a comparison pic of one of my riccia covered stones. The angle is slightly different, but you could definitely see the flatness under the hairnet and then 9 days later.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 28-Jan-2006 02:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Here's a pic of it against a backdrop of wisteria and some blyxa to the right. I think it constrast very nicely with the petrified wood. What do you think? I'd really like to know

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 28-Jan-2006 02:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Looking nice and growing well

The only thing that I can say that would not be perfect (if I had to ) is that it is too small to make an impact.

We need more of this stuff, either on larger stones or maybe on growing matts .

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 28-Jan-2006 11:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks,

I do plan on greening up the center area with more of this stuff. As I mentioned I barely had enough to cover the two rocks. Now that I have the border of rocks I will be added more rock to the inside in selected areas and they will be covered with riccia. Maybe I'll do a different chia sculputure of each one in your honor.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 28-Jan-2006 15:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
More would be better but it does look really nice. I am thinking of getting some Pellia moss. I like the looks of the stuff.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 28-Jan-2006 17:10Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Maybe I'll do a different chia sculputure of each one in your honor


Yeah

How about if you start with a Little Fish

I am glad that you are planning on expanding the Riccia group, it could be very very pretty (or a mess, but as long as it is not free in the tank you can easily dispose of it).

Ingo

EDIT: NEXT ONE IS 1000 - Leave it for tetra


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 28-Jan-2006 21:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Yes, it's the 1,000 post to my log that was started about 4 months ago. Biggest conclusion is "You can't be all things to all inhabitants. If you constantly try to fine-tune parameters, etc there is always a conter reaction. You most pick your flora and fauna wisely if you don't want to .

Here's a pic from today. Trimming time is overdue and has already cost my a blyxa that was unfortunately under the canopy of the overgrown stargrass and rotala. Also the pencilfish are pulling at the blyxa and riccia like spagetti. They are starting to bother me. But all this is a foregone conculusion.

LF, Thanks for saving me the 1,000th

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 30-Jan-2006 00:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
You are welcome tetratech,

I think 1000 is a very special number, the next one of that kind would be 1 million, and if it takes us 4 month for 1000 then it would be 4000 months, or 333.33 years to 1 million. I don't think you and I will be around for that one .

Anyway, from your statement I take it that Blyxa needs to be in full light. Good to know, as this means that the plant would have a hard time being the borderplant between tall and short plants as rather often than not the tall plants will create some shadow.

And yeah, trimming is overdue

Congrats to the 1,000

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 30-Jan-2006 01:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
saltnewbie
-----
Enthusiast
Posts: 277
Kudos: 168
Votes: 1
Registered: 04-Feb-2004
male usa
Hopefully by replying I can freaking veiw the last 2 pages of your log! Whats up with this? Some kind of glitch from the new fish profiles look?
Post InfoPosted 30-Jan-2006 03:51Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
saltnewbie,

Right on the money. You are seeing everything there is the see. There are just extra pages beeing added here and there on some of the threads.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 30-Jan-2006 04:03Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Interesting side note I recently introduced 6 add'l cardinals tetras to my existing school of 9. This is the first group I have added since my UV has been running. All other groups that I have introduced prior to my UV resulted in some inevitably getting an infection within a few days and dying. So far after about a week all 6 are fine and I see no signs of any infection. Is the UV the answer for fish that are sensitive to pathogens and other diseases. It's only one group of six, so I'll probably purchase anothe group shortly and see if I have the same success. And yes LF, my rummys do school with my cardinals at times

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 30-Jan-2006 18:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Glad to hear you're having success with the new cardinals! I was wondering how they would do, since you hypothesized earlier that going from UV holding tanks to your non-UV tank may have been shocking their immune systems. As you've been saying, keeping the tank clean is one thing, keeping the fish infectionf ree is an added bonus. You're on your way to that big school


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 30-Jan-2006 18:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks nowher UV good, GW bad

Speaking of big schools, looks like my rams are getting the honeymoon suite ready. Colors are out of control, pushing gravel around. What do you think if I just use a net breeder in the tank and feed BBS. Think any will survive.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 30-Jan-2006 18:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
I'm not familiar with how a net breeder works

The important thing is getting them away from those hungry cardinals and pencils. As long as you get any fry to their safe house, whatever that might be, mix them with some java moss for them to peck through and feed them the BBS they should be OK.

Another option, if you want to help the fry survive, is maybe putting a clumo of java moss right next to their rock in the back. This way they'll have a hiding place to run to to keep away from the pencils til they grow a little larger. They should be able to feed themselves with little bits of whatever in the moss/ on nearby plants.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 30-Jan-2006 18:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
I'm not familiar with how a net breeder works

I'm just referring to those little rectangle nets that people hang in their tank. It's about 8" wide. It would set in the 72g and I could siphon some free swimmers right into it.

The javamoss is a good idea in the back. I guess the wisteria isn't dense enough and the pencils go thru it.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 30-Jan-2006 18:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
You know me well tetratech, the rummie in the school was the first thing I noticed

A netbreeder might be worth a try, just make sure it doesn't hang in full current or a stale area. Also, it shouldn't be in direct light.

Glad to hear the Cardinals are doing well.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 30-Jan-2006 18:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks LF,
As you know I have a million and one uses for wisteria, so if I get the net breeder I will fill it with wisteria clipppings to block light, etc.

When I take pics of my tank it look's empty but there's actually 45 inhabiants in the tank.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 31-Jan-2006 22:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
45 fish in your tank. That is really wild being you never see any thing in your pictures. How do you do that??

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 31-Jan-2006 23:04Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
yeah, post some livestock pictures

1.) so we can get an idea of what fish are included in the 45

2.) to fill up this log so something actually appears on pgs 40-41


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 31-Jan-2006 23:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa

I don't think I'll ever catch up to the last page they keep reproducing like LF's espei. I'll have to do that but the flauna list is as follows:

15 Cardinals
9 Otos
8 Pencils
4 Rummys
2 Corys
2 Bolivan Rams
5 Shrimp

45 Total





My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 31-Jan-2006 23:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
All pretty small fish. I don't think I could get a shot of my tank with out a fish in it. Most of my fish are bigger than yours though. Pictures would be cool as Nowher said.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 31-Jan-2006 23:36Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
The riccia grows real fast. You'll be able to give it a haircut soon and use the trimmings to make new rocks.

The fish will treat it like spaghetti, I once made a post with a series of pics of all the different species of fish I had treating the Riccia like it was an all you can eat buffet. Usually the stuff grows faster then the fish can damage it.

The Blyxa definately can't take any shading. I've had prblems with mine where the sags around it have gone wild and are shading choking it out.

It's the monsoon season here and it's almost like the plants can sense it, everything is gone wild growth wise and I can't keep up with the trimming. Even with trying to do some work on the tank every evening I have some plants growing out the top of the tank.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 01-Feb-2006 05:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
bensaf,

Thats a very interesting thought. I wonder if the out side stuff plays a role with our little worlds...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 01-Feb-2006 05:15Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
EditedEdited by bensaf
I wonder if the out side stuff plays a role with our little worlds...


Well certainly the temperature has dropped. This is the coldest I've ever been in this country. It a wintry chilly 25oC 5 years in this country and I've never even owned a jacket , I bought one a couple of weeks ago. Mainly for wearing indoors, most places still have their AC set high, so it's a bit chilly in most indoor places. Going to the cinema is like watching a movie in a fridge.

Most plants are seasonal, usually aquatic's slow down in the hot summer months. Maybe the temp drop as kicked them up a gear or maybe it's the glass diffuser working do well. But everythings getting bigger, growing faster. A sword I've had for almost a year and a half has suddenly decided the tanks too small for him and is producing leaves over 2 feet in lenght and about 3" wide Java Ferns think they're Hygros


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 01-Feb-2006 08:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Sounds like you are having fun then. Good luck with all that!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 01-Feb-2006 15:23Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
When I take pics of my tank it look's empty but there's actually 45 inhabiants in the tank


Tell me all about it. As you know I have 100 in my tank and in full tank shots you can barely see 5.

Yeah Bensaf, makes sense with the growth of the plants based on climate changes. The same applies to fish, as much as I know. Some species are getting in the mood when there is a storm approaching. I would explain both with a change in conductivity (or something like that, I am not a weather guy) of the air. This sends a message to all living things that it is time for action.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 01-Feb-2006 15:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
The Blyxa definately can't take any shading

Oh great now he tells me. Is there a moderator in the house?

A sword I've had for almost a year and a half has suddenly decided the tanks too small for him and is producing leaves over 2 feet in lenght and about 3" wide

Do you expect anything less in your Amano Paradise Utopia Setup

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 01-Feb-2006 18:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
EditedEdited by luvmykrib
25 C is chilly? You need a jacket? It is just about perfect from where I see it. We haven't dropped down to -30 C yet this year, it has been an unnaturally warm winter, my heaters haven't had to work nearly as hard as they did last year. My house temp is set at 19 C, or 20C when I feel cold, to save on heating costs, yet the tanks are all set at 26-28C usually. Must be nice to live in such a tropical area. When the temp drops here I'll be asking for any pictures of sunny places, palm trees that sort of thing. I'll tape them up on the tanks so the fish think it's really nice here and won't wonder why the people are all bundled up!

Oops, when I posted this I didn't realize there had been more pages added to it. Everytime I go to the last 2 pages there's nothing there!

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 01-Feb-2006 22:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Oh great now he tells me. Is there a moderator in the house?


Well you didn't have it in a shady spot. I'm just beginning to realise that light is it's only real finicky thing. It's growing terribly slowly for me. Lots of side shoots but they take forever to do anything. I suspect it's because the tank is relatively deep (almost 24" and they are struggling for light. I'd say the same light in a shallower tank and they'd be much happier.

Well, the "Paradise" is badly in need of some heavy work. I haven't had time for much more then trimming. Chain sword/sags need to ripped up and thinned out. Anubias need to be adjusted slightly, moss needs trimming and sculpting badly etc etc, it's a very thick jungly paradise at the moment.
luv,
It's just relative. I've grown used to >30o heat and high humidity almost the whole year round. 25o , storms and heavy rain that we are having makes it seem wintry here when actually it's more like a typical Irish summer day. I lived in Russia for a couple of years, it'd get down to -20 there so I've been thru all the extremes.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 02-Feb-2006 04:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Uncle bensaf,

What is up with living all over the world?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 02-Feb-2006 14:38Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
What is up with living all over the world?


Who knew so many countries had extradition treaties !


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 02-Feb-2006 15:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada


"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 02-Feb-2006 20:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
bensaf, you must have done some pretty dodgy things to get thrown out of russia of all places...


No offense meant to our russian friends...


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 02-Feb-2006 20:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Ouch!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 02-Feb-2006 21:14Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
bensaf, you must have done some pretty dodgy things to get thrown out of russia of all places...


Well if I'd known at the time she was Vladimir Putin's daughter ............


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 03-Feb-2006 04:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
It is getting deep in here. (where did I leave my chest wadders?)

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 03-Feb-2006 04:18Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Bensaf, you're a strapping young lad, I'm sure I'd want you on my side in a donnybrook... but if you messed around with Putin's daughter, well, you wouldn't be here talking on FP - you'd be up in that big Amano Paradise in the sky!





Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 03-Feb-2006 05:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
EditedEdited by bensaf
I'd want you on my side in a donnybrook...


Donnybrook Now there's a phrase I haven't heard in a long time. Do you know where it comes from ? Donnybrook is a district on the southside of Dublin close to where I was born and raised. There's was a bit trouble there way back, bit of a spat between some rebs and the British army. The Dublin boys were armed with pretty much just their fists and anything else they could grab at the time. Hence the phrase.

Sorry I'm bringing this thread way off track.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 03-Feb-2006 05:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
bensaf,

It happens... I don't mind so much being I just learned someting...other than fish stuff... which I learn tons from here. It is tetratech's log though and he would have to forgive you.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 03-Feb-2006 05:30Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
I knew it was an Irish term, knew it was named after a town, but I just thought the town was a bit of a rough neighborhood - didn't know the bit about the British army.

You guys ever been in a donnybrook? Every guy should go through one at some point I went to an all guys high school, it happened there more often than you'd think. Then there was that one time in London...

alas, you're both right, this is tetras thread and all. He's been on sporadically the past few days, he's still traveling maybe?


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 03-Feb-2006 05:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Ironically Donnybrook is one of the poshest parts of Dublin.

I used to run an Irish pub in Beijing. There was the occassional err..."misunderstanding"

The funniest one is a story that I tell over a few beers and usually has people rolling around the ground laughing. Lets just say it involves a German girl, a lit cigarette shoved in my ear by a drunk Canadian cowboy, a psychotic Belgian chef who refused to cook Irish stew, a missing pair of dentures that turned up 2 days later in the back of a taxi, and the Chinese secret police.

All the makings of a donnybrook !

That was a good one. I've still got a scar.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 03-Feb-2006 06:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
upikabu
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 591
Kudos: 393
Votes: 44
Registered: 08-Jun-2005
male australia
The funniest one is a story that I tell over a few beers and usually has people rolling around the ground laughing. Lets just say it involves a German girl, a lit cigarette shoved in my ear by a drunk Canadian cowboy, a psychotic Belgian chef who refused to cook Irish stew, a missing pair of dentures that turned up 2 days later in the back of a taxi, and the Chinese secret police.


You didn't tell me about that one (maybe because you were sober? ). I thought the one about the gun smuggling, "Ice Cream", Irish PM, and Chinese secret police was good too. Hmm...do all your stories always end up with police at the end?

-P
Post InfoPosted 03-Feb-2006 07:10Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
AAAAAnyway,

tetratech, did your premium membership expire?

Images and color - all gone

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 03-Feb-2006 11:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
I'm back
A guy goes skiing for a few days and finds his thread in a in a ganglion of knots.

The ram eggs are back to. The were laid right in the left front on one of the beachfront rocks.





Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 05-Feb-2006 16:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Welcome back tetra

Nice to see the rams back at it. And this time right out in the open like that - the tank must be their property now


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 05-Feb-2006 17:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Yeah,

Welcome back, I thought your kidney stones were acting up again .

Nice ram eggs, should be plenty of photo ops to see them hatch.

Got to run, will post latest tank pic in my thread and then have to sign off.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 05-Feb-2006 17:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks Nowher and LF, It's good to be back.

So let's see I leave for a few days and...

1. My log is in shambles
2. My rams spawn

and

3. My log gets taken over by some sorted tale about a german girl, a lit cigarette, a drunk Canadian cowboy, a psychotic Belgian chef, Irish stew, a pair of dentures, the back of a taxi, the Chinese secret police, Putin's daughter and Bensaf.

I've reported all those involved to the necessary authorities.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 05-Feb-2006 22:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
I've reported all those involved to the necessary authorities.


That's ok, but for God's sake, man, just don't tell them where I am


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 06-Feb-2006 03:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
O.K, I've joined the ranks of the co2 glass diffusor users.

That's ok, but for God's sake, man, just don't tell them where I am

Bensaf, if I find out your on the payroll of some sorted online aquarium supplier pushing these devices to ignorant americans like me I will find you, even if I have to search every sleazy pub on half the globe.

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 06-Feb-2006 16:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
All right tetratech

Once again you can serve as a tester for things that I have on my list. If you easily get the desired results on your 72G with one diffuser then it might be worthwile for me to try it as well . Hope you don't mind me copying you (see Star Grass).

What size of a diffuser is that, and where can I learn more about it?

Thanks,

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 06-Feb-2006 17:10Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Nice, tetra. As I said in my thread, I had bubbles going straight up to the surface, no blocking the, or shooting them back down, I was getting great saturation. It must be the fine bubbles that do it


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 06-Feb-2006 17:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
LF, I bought mine at aquabuys. Here's the link:

http://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=j_co2_diffuser&Category_Code=i3&Product_Count=1

I didn't measure it but you'll see by the description that it's supposely good for up to 120g. It does blow the bubbles since my spraybar is directly above it, clear across my tank.

BTW - What do you mean you copied my stargrass? No patents on these things? All the planted tanks are combinations of plants, wood, rock, etc. No two exactly alike.


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 06-Feb-2006 17:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Thanks for the link tetratech

Sounds like it could be big enough then for my tank as well. I am a little sceptical to use diffuser(s) if I would need 2 and had to split the line.

Copied your Star Grass: Well - I used your tank to see how well it does under similar conditions. And it does well, so I gave it a shot in my tank too .

Thanks,

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 06-Feb-2006 17:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
I doubt if you would need two, but again you have the 6-ft tank not me. For me also it's a little different because my main grouping is off center to the left where the diffusor is, so we only talking a few feet the rest of the tank is you know "weeds"

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 06-Feb-2006 19:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Pretty good shot of my ram eggs closeup. I expect them to hatch in a day or two.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 02:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
tetratech,

Very nice picture. Congrats! What are your plans?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 02:26Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Very nice picture. Congrats! What are your plans

There's the rub!

My pencilfish and 15 cardinals are already licking their chops. I probably will attempt to remove some into a floating breeder in the tank and some others into a 5gallon that I have running (future nano tank).

Last spawn none survived in the 72g and the 10 or so I put into the 5g didn't survive, but I also didn't feed live food. This time I plan on hatching BBS.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 02:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
The whole trying to breed in a commuity tank is tricky stuff. In my 55G I am keeping a pair of Cons (aka cichlid rabits) and I almost never have the fry make it. At least in any kind of quanity. Right now I have a 3 or 4 week old fry that has some how made it up to this point(2 spawns later).

I tryed the breeding net and I lost the fish faster than the parents did. I guess I messed something up... I have heard you can take the eggs out and put them in a different tank so that might be something to try... Good luck!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 03:34Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Darn tetra found out about my link to the Taiwanese Aquatic mafia - the Okidifusserwas

Yes my shameful secret I hang around schoolyards trying to hook younsters on diffusers. I'm responsible for a whole generation of MTS sufferers

Welcome to the club.

Ingo,
If you decide to go down that route I can get nifty little Co2 T-bar's here real cheap. They allow you to run 2 co2 lines off one needle valve. I can post one over.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 04:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Yes my shameful secret I hang around schoolyards trying to hook younsters on diffusers.


Really!

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 04:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

Nice egg shot, I hope we will see many wigglers coming out soon .

About the diffuser option, I will create a thread specific to the topic at hand.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 15:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Well don't think I'm going to have any ram fry this time around. This morning they were all vibrating and when I looked a few hours later all but a few eggs were gone and the parents are both visible in the front of the tank. My hypothesis is that the eggs being laid in the front of the tank made it very difficult and stressful for the parents to secure them. I have so much thick ground cover it's hard to believe none will survive in there. It also might be water conditions. From what I understand ram fry don't tolerate high no3 levels, which probably do exist in my tank.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 18:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Sorry to hear that tetratech,

Give it one more try and if it doesn't work out and you decide you would like to safe some fry then you might have to set up a breeder tank (I think).

Ingo




Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 19:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
If you're really set on raising up some of the fry, and since the pair is well established, you can probably get away with using that spare 5 gallon as a one-time breeding tank. Use plant clippings and few spare rocks to create cover, put them in there and see if they lay eggs. Once the eggs are there you can always remove the parents back to the big tank.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 19:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Yeah, you guys are right. I guess I'm trying to have my cake and eat it too.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 19:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
The ram's are breeding nicely, too bad they haven't managed to raise the fry though. Do the parents leave the other fish alone as well? Many cichlids become incedibly aggressive when breeding, even kribs. Which is why I am not brave enough to get a male! Although it probably has a lot to do with tank size right?

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 19:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Luv,
The bolivans do chase the other fish away to protect the spawn, but nothing too aggressive. Actually the first spawn the parents did a good job there's just too many little fish (no pun) who want a piece.


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 21:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
At least they're not killing the other fish! I was warned that the kribs would kill the other fish if they were ready to spawn, never mind what they'd do after they were finished and any had escaped the first purge!
Are you going to have the 5g as a breeding and grow-out tank? You don't have to try and keep them all. I think it would be neat to breed them at least once successfully and raise some of the fry.
Other than that anything else new going on in the tank?

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 21:21Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Kribs and Bolivians are pretty far apart in terms of aggression. I had two kribs for awhile and after a week I had seen enough and returned them to the LFS.

Yeah, I'll probably start using the 5. A little concerned it might be two small for two bolivians. I'll have to look into that alittle more.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 21:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
You could get a ten.

Couldn't you?

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 21:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
luvmykrib,

If you could convince his wife he for sure would .

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 21:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Yeah, I'll probably start using the 5. A little concerned it might be two small for two bolivians. I'll have to look into that alittle more



Spare rocks, spare DW pieces, lot of clippings. No susbstrate necessary. bare bones. or use one of those coconut caves. like i said, they're proven breeders, i can't imagine aggression between them. if anything it may be post-breeding, when one wants to to guard the eggs... in which case you just move the other back to the big tank.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 21:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
If you could convince his wife he for sure would

That pretty much says it all.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 21:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

We are sitting in the same boat

All I wanted for Xmas was a small 55G African Cichlid setup

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 21:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
We are sitting in the same boat

Yes we are. Sorry you didn't get the African Setup. I guess you'll have to keep working on it.

I think I might have scored some points by taking the two little kids away on a ski trip without the mrs. Little did I know how much work it was getting the two little ones in and out of their ski gear ever day, etc. Well at least we drank enough dark beer to make even Bensaf proud.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 22:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Well at least we drank enough dark beer to make even Bensaf proud


You and the little ones?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 22:21Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
You and the little ones


Yeah Bensaf pushes diffusers and I push black & tans.
I should have been more detailed. My friend went with his "little ones" as well.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 22:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
You guys are nuts... not that I am not being I beleive it takes one to know one... Sorry to hear about your fry. Who knows they might make it. I have a random Convict fry still hanging out in my 55G.

A 10G is really no threat. So small.. so little time and effort. Tell the wife you can make money doing it!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 07-Feb-2006 22:44Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
I have a random Convict fry still hanging out in my 55G.

What else is in the tank?

See if I had a basement maybe, but when I setup a tank it's gotta go in the kitchen, den, bedroom. I actually have 5 setups around the house

72g - Kitchen
12g - Bedroom
10g - Kid's room (newt/fish setup)
5g - Den (setup for possible ram fry)
.5g - Kid's room (Betta tank)

Yes and every tank has some wisteria in it.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 08-Feb-2006 02:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
EditedEdited by Wingsdlc
Lets see...

I have my rescued oscar...they had the poor guy in a 20G hex for a year and a half. M + F Con, Rainbow shark, 3 gaint danios, two B. Rainbows and a pleco.... I think thats it..

Ahh I see your problem... buy a new house...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 08-Feb-2006 03:55Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
You could sell some of the wisteria to pay for the new tank and sell the ram babies to support your fish habit.

It would be very profitable to make that wisteria available to those of us up North who cannot find any and have to make do with water sprite, a very poor substitute for wisteria.

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 08-Feb-2006 03:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Yeah Bensaf pushes diffusers and I push black & tans.


By that comment I take it you're a Guinness man. My estimation, which was already high, has increased ten fold.

Liquid paradise. There's eatin' and drinkin' in it.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 08-Feb-2006 08:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
By that comment I take it you're a Guinness man

Yes I am and then some.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 08-Feb-2006 23:20Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thought this was a good pic showing my wisteria as a ground cover. This pic is taking thru the right side of the tank. The lower part is the wisteria pressed up against the glass.




Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 00:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Good shot of my E (cough) Stellata Group. The underside does have purple coloring but the top is mostly green. I don't think there's enough FE in Flourish, been dosing 15ml every other day. I will be trying a dedicated FE fert soon. Either way nice plant.




Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 00:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Pretty much full tank shot showing the reworked center. Everything trimmed. The E.Stellata has been brought forward and right behind the main rock with the rotala behind it. The stargrass now cascades over the left dw and rock.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 01:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Tetratech,

Wow your tank is looking great! My wisteria doesn't even come close but its on its way!! Look out for when i get my real Co2!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 01:41Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks Wings,
I'm sure your wisteria will look just as good once you get the co2 going. Here's a full pic from the front.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 02:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
upikabu
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 591
Kudos: 393
Votes: 44
Registered: 08-Jun-2005
male australia
I don't think there's enough FE in Flourish, been dosing 15ml every other day.


No, there isn't. Did you see this thread tetra? Turns out there's a lot less iron in Flourish than the online calculators (FertFriend, APC Fertilator, etc.) lead us to believe (only 10%). So 15mL of Flourish in your tank only gives you less than 0.02ppm of Iron (instead of 0.2ppm). 5mL of Flourish Iron gives you about 0.2ppm.

I just started dosing Flourish Iron in combination with Flourish last week (after reading the APC thread) and the difference in the red plants after just a couple of treatments was very noticeable.

-P
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 02:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
So 15mL of Flourish in your tank only gives you less than 0.02ppm of Iron (instead of 0.2ppm). 5mL of Flourish Iron gives you about 0.2ppm.
'


Thanks Upikabu,
I actually did see that thread and never read it. I would say that is quite a difference. All this time I was trusting the fertilator and I was only getting a 10th of what I thought I was getting.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 04:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
That actually explains why dosing Flourish Fe every three days my plants are still showing signs of deficiency! I figured because I have very low-light and no CO2 I would not need to dose as much or as often as if the light were higher and had CO2. I don't get the cloudiness though unless I dose more. But I don't have to dose a lot more to get the cloudiness, this is probably my high KH and pH.

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 04:21Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Better shot of the tank this morning.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 16:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Looks beautiful and very natural tetratech

But, just like you, I have a hard time with giving unconditional compliments

It seems the Blyxa is not growing in. Is that because it gets shaded by the beautiful group behind it?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 16:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Riccia rocks looks great, that wisteria is amazing, it sur elikes your tank man. Good chatter above pointing out the iron situation with flourish, that's quite helpful to a lot of people.

how are the new cardinals doing, any losses?


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 16:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks guys

Blyxa:
As bensaf noted is very light sensitive and I keep moving them toward the front because they do get shaded by the main group. Which I hate moving them because they are very sensitive. Also because of their so growth they are getting some bba on some of the leaves. I also don't know if the excel treatment is affecting their delicate leaves as well. To complicate matters further the bowfront where they are located is not the brightest spot in the tank.
I'm actually thinking about putting an additional light on the front of glass canopy to see if it has a better impact on any foreground plants there.

Flourish:
Yep, I'm definitely gonna look for a dedicated fe fert, any suggestions besides flourish.

Cardinals:
Beleive it or not I haven't lost one since I got the UV. I added 6 a few weeks ago all are good and I'm going to add another 6 this weekend which will give me a total of 21 on my way to 35 to 40.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 17:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
tetratech,

I can't wait for you to have a big school of cardinals. It will look super sweet to the max! Are you going to cut down on any of the other fish?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 23:21Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
SheKoi
******
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 667
Kudos: 553
Votes: 4
Registered: 11-Feb-2004
male uk
tetra - great looking tank

question - how do you keep the wisteria short? and so it doesn't look cut?

mine is about 7-8inches tall and growing quickly - i want it to bush out not up?

do i just cut it?

cheers Karl

www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk
Post InfoPosted 09-Feb-2006 23:54Profile Homepage MSN PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
First off make sure you have wisteria not water spirit. Just cut it and replant the top. The old bottem will start regrowing again. This is the tetratech method btw. I use it and it works!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 00:08Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
SheKoi
******
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 667
Kudos: 553
Votes: 4
Registered: 11-Feb-2004
male uk
simple as that - cheers

i'll do some trimming tommorrow, while doing water change.

Cheers

Karl.

www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 00:17Profile Homepage MSN PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks Shekoi,

What wingdsc said is true, I just keep cutting and replanting, but when you replant don't plant it straight up, plant it on an angle like 30 to 40 degrees this way more of the stem comes in contact with the gravel and will root along the stem keeping more of it down.

Also if the plant is growing fast, it only looks cut for a day or so because the new leaves are coming out so fast. When you cut and replant eventually the cut stems getting hidden by the leaves.






My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 00:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
SheKoi,

tetratech forgot to mention that he has a special whip to get the wisteria in just the right shape

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 01:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
SheKoi
******
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 667
Kudos: 553
Votes: 4
Registered: 11-Feb-2004
male uk


always with the whipi perfer the red hot poker myself - probably not much use in water

www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 01:17Profile Homepage MSN PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
tetratech forgot to mention that he has a special whip to get the wisteria in just the right shape

O Ya, forgot the whip. I think they sell them on eBay.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 01:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
Brand? Style? I want to be sure to get the right one!

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 01:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Brand? Style? I want to be sure to get the right one!

Tetratech of course. Not to be confused with that company that puts out the Tetratec line of aquatic products.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 01:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
SheKoi
******
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 667
Kudos: 553
Votes: 4
Registered: 11-Feb-2004
male uk
i couldn't find them!
http://search.ebay.co.uk/tetratec_W0QQfromZR40QQpqryZtetratech
sure they're on ebay - should look american site

www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 01:44Profile Homepage MSN PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 10-Feb-2006 01:46
This post has been deleted
SheKoi
******
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 667
Kudos: 553
Votes: 4
Registered: 11-Feb-2004
male uk
looks fantastic

how tall is that at the front?

how often do you have to trim it?

/:'

www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 01:56Profile Homepage MSN PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
It probably ranges from 2 to 4inches, but if you look at my tank from the front. The area in the pic around the driftwood is going up a hill so it looks taller than then it really is. My tank slopes up to the main grouping on each side so the wisteria looks like it's going up a hill.

The wisteria seems to be very no3 hungry. So if all the othe things are in place (light, ferts, co2) it will grow very fast. I trim different pieces every week to keep it looking like a smooth hill.

BTW - That search on ebay


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 02:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
Send some trimmings my way! I really cannot find any locally, I ask and I get water sprite.

It looks really good though, I could just sit and stare at the wisteria.

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 03:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

That is a very nice shot of the side of your tank. I like how the Wisteria creates a natural slope upwards towards your plant mountain.

And did something special happen in front of your tank while you took the picture? All fish seem to look out into that direction (almost all).

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 12:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
And did something special happen in front of your tank while you took the picture

I was doing my daily tetra dance to keep the tank in balance. Don't most of you do a dance in front of your tanks to keep the gods happy and balance your tanks

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 20:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Count me amongst the apostates, tetra. During the green water plague my prayers for balance and clear water were answered with only more green water.

All hail the mighty UV idol! /:'


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 20:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Don't most of you do a dance in front of your tanks to keep the gods happy and balance your tanks


My fish usually hide in the darkest corners of the tank when I start to dance

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 10-Feb-2006 20:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Interesting,

My kh this morning was 2, it's usually 3. Which means if my ph is 6.2 than my co2ppm is 24 and not 37 at same page but a kh of 3.

This might be part of my bba problem.
I guess I'm going to start adding baking soda during WC.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 11-Feb-2006 17:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
This might be part of my bba problem


I guess you assume this relationship because of the lower CO2, right?

Your lowered KH is a reminder to all of us that tab water conditions change, sometimes very rapidly

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 00:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
I guess you assume this relationship because of the lower CO2, right

Yeah, Tom Barr seems to repeat this over and over again like religion. I have to assume he knows his stuff.

The only other wildcard is light. I was playing around with my light and tilted it toward the front. When I did this the front got much brighter making me realize even more the dark front the bow creates. It might simply be the reduced light is slowing growth and letting the BBA get hold.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 02:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
O.K. Here's the tank with the grouping of Rotala Wallachi I added today:





Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 03:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Here's a closer shot of the Rotala W.

It definitely adds more color, but does it take away from the main grouping. I plan on keeping it about the height it is now, so the slope up to the middle remains.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 04:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
As you could see from this depiction:



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 04:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

Looking nice

It is going to be interesting to see what the group of Rotala wallichii will do. Sounds like it will not take too long until you have to trim it already.

Tropica's description of it sounds very promising.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 15:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Are you thinking of adding a second light? What type of light are you running now?

In my tank I just took off my glass lids because the hing was blocking too much light...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 15:55Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Yeah I know another stem plant. I must be crazy.

Here's a pic of my Acer palmatum dissectum (Japanese Crimzon Queen Maple. Might give me an idea for a future scape.

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 15:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Are you thinking of adding a second light? What type of light are you running now?

I'm running 192 watts (2.7wpg), but because of the bowfront the light intensity is weak toward the front, because the light sets on the back piece of glass behind the hinge.

How is your light suspended that you removed the glass cover?

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 16:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech - Nice driftwood Chop it down

Wings - May I say CONDENSATION?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 16:20Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
I have a Coralife 130W so I have the legs on that sucker!

Maybe stick a small t5 set up on the front of your tank?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 16:23Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
tetratech - Nice driftwood Chop it down

My wife would surely have my head
Actually that tree is growing thru a 4 by 4 opening in my deck that of course is covered by the snow.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 16:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Wings - Once again (in case you haven't seen my last entry on the previous page), may I say CONDENSATION? You are going to wreck the Coralife fixture. If I am not mistaken that Coralife explicitly states to use the fixture only with a glass top.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 16:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Hey tetra, keepin gthe new rotala that height may become a pain, especially if it doesn't take too kindly to trimmings (i.e. wants replants all the time) I can see it growing a few inches higher, to the height of the DW, without taking away from the slope effect


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 16:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Maybe stick a small t5 set up on the front of your tank

I might do that, only problem is the inconvienence. Everytime I open the top I'll have to remove ther reflector.

I'll tell ya I might eventually decide to do a MH light suspended from the ceiling. The wife will love it in here kitchen

Nowher, I'll have to see how the Rotala W. does. Curious to see if it will keep it's pink color. It really looks alot like a pink Mayaca

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Feb-2006 17:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
LF,

Thanks for the heads up with the glass lids...Going to have to do some thinking..Maybe I will just have some glass cut so I dont have the hing in the way.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 02:24Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
When your snowbound, not much to do but take some pics.

Here's some pics from above. First E.Stellata (or so I'm told) This plant was the best surprise so far from my online plant order. It has grown very well, both bottoms and replanted tops. Some have developed multiple leaders as you can see from the stalk on the right.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 03:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Next is the R. Wallachi from above. Nice plant for a LFS anyway. I'm cautiously optimistic.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 03:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Here's a closeup shot of the main area of the tank. The rotala r. is alittle unruly but you could see the mound shape of the layout. My only problem right now is the foreground. I believe the blyxa and other foreground plants aren't getting enough light because of the bowfront. It's either that or co2 too low, so I've started added baking soda to bring the kh up a bit, but my gut know is telling me it's light related and slow growth is allowing the bba to take hold. Although if I have bba there has to be a cause which brings me back to the co2 level. So we'll see.






Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 03:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
**********
---------------
---------------
Moderator
Posts: 5108
Kudos: 5263
Votes: 1690
Registered: 28-Dec-2002
male usa us-colorado
Hi,
With the Rotala ind, turning pink, I would probably
suspect something other than the lighting. The Rotala
does not normally turn pink in less than favorable
lighting.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 08:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Hi Frank,
Actually the lighting on the rotala I. and other plants I think is good, my problem is the light reaching the blyxa and other foreground plants in front of that big rock. It seems to be a dark area with the the current lighting setup because of the bowfront.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 10:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Nice close-ups of the plants, tetratech

The Stellata looks very nice and full, should it change color soon?

And what are you doing up at this time of the day?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 12:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
The Stellata looks very nice and full, should it change color soon

I really need to find a concentrated FE fert. I guess I'll try Flourish Iron for now.

Couldn't sleep last nite, worry about my blyxa and the 2 cherry shrimps I haven't seen since I dumped them in what a week ago.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 15:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
worry about my blyxa and the 2 cherry shrimps I haven't seen since I dumped them in what a week ago.


They're probably off getting ready to produce babies as cherry shrimp tend to do.



I understand about the rock shading the blyxa, but i think it's that and not so much the bow front. It's not as if the blyxa is right up the the front glass, it looks to be pretty much under where it should be getting light, it's just being shaded by the rock and the other taller stem plants.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 15:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
I understand about the rock shading the blyxa, but i think it's that and not so much the bow front.

Yes and no I think. It's probably a combination of thinks. Remember the light is coming from above and right now when I look thru the top of the tank. The Blyxa are in the clear, but because the lighting fixtures resides on the back part of the glass canopy the only way to get to the blyxa is on an angle and partially thru the main group. My tank is 15" on the side with the bowfront pushing out another 3". Another fixture on the front of the canopy would solve the problem, but be inconvienent. The BBA also affected the hairgrass I had all the way in the front that wasn't shaded by the main group.

If the cherry shrimps are off breeding somewhere I guess between ram fry and shrimp fry I could throw out my fish food.




My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 16:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
**********
---------------
---------------
Moderator
Posts: 5108
Kudos: 5263
Votes: 1690
Registered: 28-Dec-2002
male usa us-colorado
Hi,
I see the more forward plants are in the shadows. I think
you are right, either move the light so the angle is
different, or add another strip.

I tried both the Ghost and Cherry Shrimp. I even bought
the iodine that they need to supplement their diets, but
like you, I seem to have only enhanced the diets of the
tank denizens (Black Skirt Tetras, and Cherry Barbs).
As expensive as the shrimp were, I'll not do it again.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 17:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Frank,

The cherry's I purchased are quite small so I'm not sure yet what has become of them. I have so much ground cover that I bought a few amano shrimp about 4 months ago and didn't see them for weeks and then one day they appeared and are living in that center piece of driftwood with the moss growing on it. They only leave the driftwood at nite.

I find the amano shrimp to be bigger and more resilent than the ghosts.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 17:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

I saw 2 cherry shrimp for sale at my LFS this weekend and couldn't believe that they were even more expensive than Amano shrimp ($6 vs. $5 a piece).

Did you have the same experience?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 21:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
LF,
I paid $3.99 each, 2 for $7.50, but they were really small. Maybe too small because I haven't seen them. I also haven't research shrimp that much. I don't thing they fight with Amanos and Ghost because I have both in my tank.
The Amanos are by far the biggest and the only ones I've seen munching on BBA and other algae. Ghosts really don't do much.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 21:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Ghosts really don't do much


Except,

Die quickly.

They supposedly have a live span of a few months to maybe (just maybe) a year.

That's what I have heard,

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 22:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
They supposedly have a live span of a few months to maybe (just maybe) a year


I did not know that

Actually this sounds pretty stupid but I bought 2 Amano shrimps and was so happy with them I went back and bought 3 more when I got home I realized they were ghost shrimps. I have seen 2 as of last week and I bought a few months ago so I guess they won't be around too much longer. The shrimps have totally different behavior. The amano stay on that piece of driftwood all day and seem to defend it against any fish that swim nearby the ghosts just run across the front of the tank all day. Maybe they die of exhaustion in a few months. And the cherry's either hide or became lunch. They were small maybe the fish thought they were "brine" shrimp instead.

Moral of the story is always watch what the LFS employee is doing because you might be surprised when you get home. A couple of times I got a few neons in with my cardinals.

Any LFS FP people, please don't take offense. Just like anything else, some LFS employees know their stuff other ones are just "there"



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Feb-2006 22:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
And sometimes things just happen the wrong way...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 14-Feb-2006 01:57Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Did alittle trimming to the E.Stellata and the rotala r. to help reduce shade on the blyxa. For the first time I'm deciding whether I should replace my main rock to help with the lighting situation on the foreground.

What do you think. Keep it or change it to something shorter and maybe wider.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 14-Feb-2006 03:10Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
**********
---------------
---------------
Moderator
Posts: 5108
Kudos: 5263
Votes: 1690
Registered: 28-Dec-2002
male usa us-colorado
Hi,
Actually, I think I like it where it is.
Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Post InfoPosted 14-Feb-2006 06:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
I agree with Frank, it looks great where it is and the way it is. I also like the new trimmed look, the blyxa looks like it's getting a bit more light. You may wind up pulling the one closest to the rock a bit more forward if it's not getting enough light where it is though. It's your tank though so do what YOU like and what you think it NEEDS.

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 14-Feb-2006 06:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

That is a tough one.

On one hand I think the taller rock keeps the focus group nicely together and removing it can conclude in the group flowing into the rest of the plants and as such lose its destinction.

On the other hand, that flow might look very good as it connects all elements of the tank.

If you don't try it you will never know. So, you may want to think about the effort it takes to change it (and maybe change it back later), and if you conclude that it is not too much hassle I would say go for it

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 14-Feb-2006 11:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks for all the comments. The rock is probably overdue for a cleaning so I might try to take it out and give it scrubbing and I could play around with some other rocks. I guess what I'm afraid of is a chain reaction and I'll end up adjusting different things to compensate.

LF, I see what your saying about the flow and that's where the above might come into play.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 14-Feb-2006 16:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Tetra,

Some change can be a good thing. I think you're right on track with taking it out to clean it and seeing what it looks like.

To me it seems like you're moving in the direction of adding more and more different types of plants, and with the wisteria taking up the real estate it does, and serving a purpose taking up that real estate, that's left you with squeezing all these different types of plants behind this one large rock, or around it. Something smaller will give you more room to play with different plant types and to scape the plants a bit more.

I guess what I'm afraid of is a chain reaction and I'll end up adjusting different things to compensate.


Isn't that the whole point?

But seriously, the wisteria is taking up so much space and you're not about to rip it all up, and you need not worry about lack of a hardscape because you still have plenty of it. I guess I'm saying, I don't think pulling it up won't ruin the shape and flow of your scape


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 14-Feb-2006 17:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
To me it seems like you're moving in the direction of adding more and more different types of plants, and with the wisteria taking up the real estate it does, and serving a purpose taking up that real estate, that's left you with squeezing all these different types of plants behind this one large rock, or around it.

Nowher, I'm going to give you another and answer.
I'm trying to experiment with more variety and your right most of gets squeezed into the middle, but if you look where I put the rotala w. I basically cut a whole right in the middle of my wisteria slope and put it there away from the main group.

My other variable is that this tank is in my kitchen and it has to look good most of the time, so I can't experiment too much. LF is lucky his tank is in the basement and he can probably get away with more. The other day my wife looked at my tank and said "Those flowers (pointing to the top of the E.Stellata) are really pretty" My response "Aren't They" The fact that she thinks those are flowers allows me to score points on my quest for more tanks (with flowers of course)

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 00:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
EditedEdited by nowherman6
but if you look where I put the rotala w. I basically cut a whole right in the middle of my wisteria slope and put it there away from the main group.


I know, and it came as a shock to myself and I'm sure to all other followers of Tetra's bowfront log My only oint was - which I'm pretty sure you got - that clearing the big rock out allows you more room to experiment with different plants without compramising the overall flow of the tank. You even mentioned a few posts ago that the rotala w. will probably have to be trimmed often to keep it from disrupting the flow created by the sloping wisteria. Redoing the hardscape in the center gives you a little more freedom, IMO.

The other day my wife looked at my tank and said "Those flowers (pointing to the top of the E.Stellata) ( are really pretty" My response "Aren't They" The fact that she thinks those are flowers allows me to score points on my quest for more tanks (with flowers of course)


What can I say? You the man!




EDIT: and welcome back to premie land, BTW


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 00:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
LF is lucky his tank is in the basement and he can probably get away with more

Hey, my wife looks at my tank too, about once a week

I didn't know that your kitchen is your showroom where hundreds of people march through to view the exhibited tank

Your wife knows that things take a while to look good, just look at food in the makings - not the prettiest display. I wonder if having your tank not at 100% display level would encourage your wife to give you more input on what could be improved. Then you have to make sure she stays busy thinking about it and before you know it she wants to have a tank on her own, to show you how it is done (wishful thinking on my part - doesn't work here either ).

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 11:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
I didn't know that your kitchen is your showroom where hundreds of people march through to view the exhibited tank


Lots of foot traffic with three kids and friends.
Hey, my wife looks at my tank too, about once a week

I wonder if having your tank not at 100% display level would encourage your wife to give you more input on what could be improved.




Then you have to make sure she stays busy thinking about it and before you know it she wants to have a tank on her own, to show you how it is done.
pause, catch breath



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 15:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
And look at all these Gold Stars



Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 16:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
And look at all these Gold Stars

What can I say

I added 5 more cardinals to my tank and I now have a total of 20. Another 100 I'll catch up to LF's major school.

Anyone know the difference between a school of fish and a shoal?

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 17:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
If you look them up in a dictionary they mean the same thing. A school is no different than a flock, no different than a swarm, no different than a shoal. We just use different words to mean the same thing when describing different animals. You dont say a flock of tetras, you don't say a swarm of watter buffalo, and you don't say a school of birds.

Now, maybe there's some specific difference when referring to fish but in my mind if there is it can't be a good one. prove me wrong. Fish that like to be with eachother school, or shoal, whatever. Fish that don't, don't. I've seen people say on other threads, shoaling means the fish stay loosley together, schooling is when they stay tight; bunk! Bunk I say! If they stay tight together, it's a tight school, if not it's a loose school. Just my opinion of course, but you won't catch me saying a school is all that different than a shoal, no matter what.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 18:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
From my deep contacts within the intellectual fish keeping communities:

Schoolers form a tight streaming flow across a tank, and shoalers group together, but don't follow a pattern.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 18:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
A silly distinction to make, IMO. I can make my harlies form a "tight streaming flow across the tank" by sticking my hand in there and waving it around. Other times they're at rest and feel safe, they just drift about in a loose group. Are they schoolers or shoalers? Same thing with most fish we call schooling fish. Neons, cardinals, rasboras - "keep in a school of 5-6" the story goes, "because they're schooling fish". Fine, but when a group of these fish are at ease they dont flow from one side to another, they just hover. Sometimes they try to school with their reflections in the glass, especially when introduced to a new environment. The more friends and the closer they are to eachother, the better. Tight schooling formations are a defensive thing, when they feel safe they split up a bit, it makes sense.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 18:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
The only time my Espei school these days is when I move fast to one end of the tank. Then all shoot over to the other end and eventually half of them return while the rest stays over there for a while.

the rest of the day they are spread out (if that is even possible with 100 of them in there), the leading males fight over who is the boss, and the rest just "hangs" .

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 19:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Is it me or do fish school or shoal more in the evening.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 19:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
See,

I feed mine only in the evening and as soon as I approach the tank at that time of the day at least 80% of all fish are in the front left corner of the tank within a second.

NowherMan6, First Gold Star hm?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 19:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
From Univ of Montana Study:

Shoals vs. Schools

Shoal: a group of fishes that remains together for SOCIAL reasons

School: a polarized, synchronized shoal

In this definition a school is a shoal of fish when they form that tight pattern based on predators, stress, etc.

Makes senses

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 19:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
In this definition a school is a shoal of fish when they form that tight pattern based on predators, stress, etc.


Ok, I can buy that but I still don't think it;s much of a difference, especially for the intents and purposes of our little tanks.


NowherMan6, First Gold Star hm?


Well look at that, I guess so Don't worry, I'll lose it next time I take the quiz


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 19:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Schoolers form a tight streaming flow across a tank, and shoalers group together, but don't follow a pattern

That univ defintions does blend with the original one, but I think the problem with the above statement it almost implys that we are talking behavior by species.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 19:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Switching subjects, when I picked up my cardinals the other day I saw a 4" bamboo shrimp. At first I was like "no way I'm putting that in my tank", but now I am considering it. From what I understand they are filter feeders and just sift water for food basically. Probably good for GW

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 19:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Probably bad for your tank, or any tank that is

They will slowly starve to death as there is not enough food in the water column to keep them happy.

I think to remember that I read that somewhere

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 20:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
From what I understand they are filter feeders and just sift water for food basically. Probably good for GW


If a 4" shrimp clears up a 72 gallon tank full of green water I'll eat my hat.

Definetely not my cup of tea, a shrimp that large should be served chilled, with a splash of lemon.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 20:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
They will slowly starve to death as there is not enough food in the water column to keep them happy

Well I would probably have to supplement with some food. But you bring up an interesting poing. Would the uv destroy some of it's food source.


Definetely not my cup of tea, a shrimp that large should be served chilled, with a splash of lemon

And I was going to have a tea party and invite you guys over. Nowhere your not going near my tank.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 20:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Tea party? tetratech... I thought you were a liquid bread kind of guy!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2006 23:38Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Tea party? tetratech... I thought you were a liquid bread kind of guy!

Absolutely wings, definitely liquid bread, but nowher brought up something about tea. I think tea and gouramis go well together - very graceful

BTW - Might be all the beer I've been drinking, but I think I see an improvement in my Blyxa. I've reduced height of E.Stellata overhanging the main rock and I've tilted my light toward the front of the tank slightly using rubber feet at the front the fixture.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 16-Feb-2006 16:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
As most of you know, I'm going to try my aquascaping skills in an east african biotope. I think part of the reason for doing so is this tank. I'm actually pretty happy with it and although I will always be fine-tuning it I think for the most part I'm going to leave it alone. I will add more riccia to the front and try to have the blyxa fill in more. Here' some random current pics of different areas of the tank.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 01:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Pic 2

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 01:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 18-Feb-2006 01:44
This post has been deleted
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Pic 3

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 01:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Pic 4

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 01:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Pic 5

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 01:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Pic 6

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 01:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Pic 7

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 01:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Pic 8

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 01:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Looking good

That "stellaromatica" is coloring up nice. Been adding some extra micros have we ?


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 03:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
That "stellaromatica" is coloring up nice. Been adding some extra micros have we ?

You could tell right. . I've been dosing about 25ml 3 week of flourish combined with flourish trace. Still probably need more FE. Do you know another focused FE source other than Flourish FE?

stellaromatica
Yeah that's what it must be, a hybrid.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 06:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

I like the pictures number 2 (mixed school in formation), number 6 (new plant sprouting) and the full shot at the end the best

Yeah, seems to be allsettled there, except for the frequent pruning that you still will have to perform. Sorry that I can't pull even with the African tank, I am in trouble enough as it is .

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 11:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
I am in trouble enough as it is

Aren't we always.

Don't worry even when I setup the 46g your still crushing me with total gallons. I think I need to move somewhere warm so I could have a tank in the garage.

Yes, I will have to prune alot, but it's not as basd as it seems. 80% of the bottom is made up of wisteria which I simply cut off and top that trys to resist creeping.
The Stellaromatic (as bensaf put it) is a thick stalk, so I think I have four stalk maybe five in all. So you just cut off the bottom and replant. The E.Aromatic has done really well. I only purchased one stalk originally and both th tops and bottoms have grown well thus far. But the top is very pretty and it would take a while for the cut bottom to look as nice. The rotala w. yes another stem, but it's in a very easy area to chop down. So that leaves me my original stargrass and rotala r. The rotala I've been replanting tops right now. I just don' want to take a chance so a little work there and the stargrass I did cut out all bottoms the first few times and replant, work there as well, but lately the plant has been given me multiple leaders so I've trimmed off the top right above the smaller lower leader and it's growing beautifully.





My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2006 14:31Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
**********
---------------
---------------
-----
Moderator
Tenellus Obsessor
Posts: 2790
Kudos: 1507
Votes: 1301
Registered: 26-Mar-2004
male usa us-northcarolina
That looks REALLY nice tetratech, bravo.



Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients
Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2006 05:57Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Matty,
Thanks for the comment

Please meet the shoal, school, herd, oh whatever
I'm really amazed. I've acclimated in another 5 cardinals a week ago all are still fine. I now have a total of 20 and have not lost one since my UV was hooked up.


Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2006 17:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
I thought this was an interesting growth pic of my E.stellata .

The two stems on the left of the white line shows replanted tops that have colored up and have one stem each. The grouping to the right is the original bottom of one of the replanted tops. It has developed multiple stems from the thick bottom stalk.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 19-Feb-2006 17:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Guys,
Did some trimming and wc today. I pulled out the two major stalks of E.Stellata you see in preceding post and I hadn't realized how big these things were because alot of the length is hidden behind the tall rock. Here's a pick of one floating in my tank after pulling it out. You could really see the purple color on the underneath of the leaves. This pic is not altered. The stalk also has numerous side shoots below the level of the rock.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 00:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
This are some fat stems tetratech

Why did you pull them out again? And did you replant them?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 01:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Why did you pull them out again? And did you replant them

I pulled them out to cut off about 4" of the bottom and I replanted the tops. They were starting to shade the foreground too much. I will probably have to trim every week but because it's basically one thick stalk it's pretty easy to do so. So it's 4 cuts and replant - done.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 02:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Nice,

So all you need now is a powerhead that blows the current upwards from under the leaves so we can see the beautiful reddish underside more often .

So, the general question here is (and it applies to my Althernanthera as well):
Why do some plants have leaves with red undersides? What is the point of this?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 13:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Why do some plants have leaves with red undersides? What is the point of this

Bennnnnnnnnnnnn?

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 14:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
EditedEdited by bensaf
Why do some people have blonde hair, heck if I know

In most red the plants the red color is a defense mechanism against bright light (hence the need for bright light to bring out the colors) it's some kind of change in the chlorophyll pigmentation.

Why are the red underneath, or purple, or silver - just to look pretty I guess


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 15:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
maybe its so some fish wont eat it. The bright colored warning thing...???...??

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 15:53Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
maybe its so some fish wont eat it. The bright colored warning thing...???...??

That could very well be, wings. Color is always used in the natural world as a warning system.

Speaking of bright light. I've pretty much concluded the front bow of my tank is not getting enough. I took a cut top from my E.Stellata and planted it about a week ago in front of my tank, closer to the front than the Blyxa where it isn't shaded from the main group and it really hasn't grown. The Stellata in the main group is growing great, which is right under the light. The bowfront design with the lights on the rear piece of glass isn't really reaching to the front. I believe that was a problem with the hairgrass and bba as well.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 17:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

Good idea, I guess that was a valid test .

Now that you know that, what are you going to do? Are you going to place a small light there as had been mentioned before?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 18:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
LF,
Well, if I want lush foreground growth I think I'll have to. My only problem is it will be very inconvienent. to have to lift the light everytime I want to get into the tank unless I could rig something that would lift the light when I open the top, but right now I can't thing that deeply about it.

I could install a hanging MH system above the tank, but that would be rather expensive.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 18:10Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
**********
---------------
---------------
-----
Moderator
Tenellus Obsessor
Posts: 2790
Kudos: 1507
Votes: 1301
Registered: 26-Mar-2004
male usa us-northcarolina
I'd leave the front open like it is, it looks good, and I'm a fan of a little substrate showingdon't misconstrue that if possible



Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 18:11Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
I'd leave the front open like it is, it looks good, and I'm a fan of a little substrate showing

Thanks! Yeah, I do like the way the black substrate constrast with all the green, so I'm probably not going to bother with a lawn on this tank. I've said this many times before. You can't be all things in all plants and fish in one tank, so in this tank with it's bowfront design this is what works. I would like to add a few more riccia covered stones that would add a little more green to the front but not take away the black constrast.


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 18:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
**********
---------------
---------------
-----
Moderator
Tenellus Obsessor
Posts: 2790
Kudos: 1507
Votes: 1301
Registered: 26-Mar-2004
male usa us-northcarolina
Oh just read your post(same time as mine). Don't get a MH. You'll likely need two for a light spread big enough to cover both sides of your tank. This light really is much too intense for planted tanks, unless they are really deep. Plus they are expensive to buy, run, and get toasty warm.



Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 18:16Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Matty,
Thanks for the inside info on the MH lights. I guess I'll save that for my one day 250g opentop.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 20:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
They do make legs for T5 systems. A t5 set up should give you the light that you need for just the front of the tank if you can make a 4' strip work.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2006 23:46Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks Wings. I'll have to look into that if I decide to add the extra light.

Almost got them all. Here's a pic of 19 out of 20 cardinals (unless LF could find the 20th)



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 04:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Not having much experience with shrimp, but I think this yamato shrimp is pregnant. The belly area is loaded with something. Even so, from what I understand the fry have to be raised in water with alot of salt and the calcium level has to be raised.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 04:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
The riccia continues to do well, although I think I might have seen alittle BBA. I did actually trim this rock a couple of times, but was alittle of anxious and I couldn't get anything big enough to use on another rock. So I'll wait alittle longer next time I attempt it.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 04:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Tetratech,

Yeah, I count 19 as well
Plus 2 Rams, 1 Oto, 5 Pencils, 1 Rummy Nose, and one fish I cannot ID (in the center, above the Rummy and parially hiding a Pencil).

I also heard that Amano shrimp are not easy to breed in the community tank. But maybe you get lucky

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 12:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
I only count 18.....where is the other one??

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 14:40Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
also heard that Amano shrimp are not easy to breed in the community tank


They need brackish/ salt water for the baby shrimp to grow. Cherry's will breed in FW and can be raised in FW as well. Now if you can only find them...


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 14:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Yeah, that's what I thought. I fear the worst for my cherries. Haven't seen them. I don't think the Amanos would have eaten them, do you? I'm thinking maybe the Bolivians, they were very small.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 14:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Plus 2 Rams, 1 Oto, 5 Pencils, 1 Rummy Nose, and one fish I cannot ID (in the center, above the Rummy and parially hiding a Pencil).

LF, the hidden fish appears to be a blurred image of another rummy (see the tail) Actually almost all my fish are in that shot except (8/9 otos, 2 corys, 2 rummys, 1 card and 6/8 shrimp).

The store where I got my cardinals ($3 a piece ) has a great school of emperor tetras. I was tempted to add those in, but I feel they will just get lost in the tank with other fish I have of similar size and color. This store also has like 10 species of rainbows. As you could see from the cardinals prices he's very expenisve. I think he had huge bosemani for $40.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 15:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Wings - Count the circles, 19

Yeah, the big Rainbows cost a fortune, tetratech. Remember that I paid for my juvenile Simple Neon Dwarfs $12, adults are $20. Supply and demand, man, they get you coming ad going.

Ingo

Attached Image:

Ring Fish



Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 17:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
LF,

You the man!

My dwarf rainbows are 4 for $10.... that would be $2.50 each...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 18:11Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Count the circles, 19

Now if you could find the 20th. . I guess he's off-camera. I have such a good streak going with the cardinals that I almost don't want to spoil it, but I will attempt to add 5 or 6 more by the weekend. That will give me a total of 25 or 26 assuming they all make it.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2006 18:20Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Well wasn't planning this, but I was at one of my lfs today looking for some more shrimp (bought 2 more cherries and two more yamatos and this guy was all alone in the shrimp tank and I caved and said "I'll take him too" Nice little fish. It's a variety of honey gourmai, really nice color. I couldn't get the best pick, because he went into hiding, but now he's exploring the place.





Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 02:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Another pic:



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 02:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Pretty fish, tetra

There goes the SA theme!


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 02:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Your right, this does it fishwise, but I already strayed with some plants species and of course the yamato shrimps, etc. If Amano does it, I guess it's o.k with me.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 03:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Welcome to the graceful world of Gouramies

I've got one of these guys, your's has much better color though Nice fish very peaceful , always on the move hunting for something.

Like the new siggie too


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 03:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Yeah,

I guess you couldn't resist the grace and charm of the Gouramies, couldn't you.

He (or she, don't know if you sexed the little one yet) looks very nice .

Now we need a mate

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 15:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks for the gourmai commments. I guess there's nothing wrong with having alittle grace.

Yes, I do like the way he pokes around the plants and marches to a different beat then the shooling fish.

I think it's a male based on the color, but not sure. There seem to be a few varieties of this fish.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 18:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
I am not sure if this fish can be identified by the dorsal fin shape, but looking closer at your picture it seems to be rather pointy towards the back. This, in quite a few Gourami species, is a sign of a male. The female's is rounder and shorter, although the length is really kicking in a little later (IMHO).

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 18:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Yes, I do like the way he pokes around the plants and marches to a different beat then the shooling fish


Exactly. My sparkling gourami tend to do this little thing where they move along a certain invisible line, move forward an inch, stop flare their fins, then poke at the DW/ substrate/ plant. Move, flare, poke etc. over and over. They're also the only species I have that consistently explores every level of the tank.

Take LFs advice on sexing them, the only way I can tell with mine is looking for their ovaries with a flashlight


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 18:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks Nowher, I'll give it a try

How big do the sparklings get, this guy only gets about 2". He's really not much bigger than my cardinals, just more graceful.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 18:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 24-Feb-2006 18:43
This post has been deleted
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
He's really not much bigger than my cardinals, just more graceful


Sparkling gourami aren't that much bigger than my harlies. Actually, I think the harlies are more full bodied. The biggest is 1 1/4, 1 1/2 inches max. They also like each others company to a degree. It's very neat, like schooling gourami

It's funny, I saw one very similar to yours when i bought the sparkling gourami, again alone in a tank with bottom feeders. Maybe they don't get them in in big groups?


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 18:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Might be, they didn't have any sparklings, but they had many other gouramis. The store I went to Aquarium Adventure.(LF has been there) had a 50% off sale. So the gourmai was listed for $4.99 and I only paid $2.50. The yamatos where listed for $3.99 and only paid $2 so it was a pretty good deal.

BTW - Before I went to the store. I did see one of my cherries for the first time since I put them in, so I ended up buying 2 more.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 19:10Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Well so much for grace. Once my kids found out that this is a honey gourmai they named it Winnie. The pic of winnie-the-poo with his his head stuck in the honey pot doesn't exactly illustrate grace. Here's a few more pics: Not a bad fish for $2.50.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 22:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
And another:



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 22:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa


Winnie will just be its nick-name. In secret you can call it by its real name, Butch. Though that's not very graceful either...

If anything, don't think of Winnie-the-poo when you look at it, just think of Winnie Cooper from "The Wonder Years." She never got her head stuck in a honey pot, so that puts her at least one rung up on the gracefulness ladder


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 24-Feb-2006 22:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks Nowher, I would definitely say that Winnie Cooper has grace.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 25-Feb-2006 00:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
He's looking even better. They are very feline in their movements and the way they hunt about.

It's probably not an actual Honey Gourami ( Colisia? Chuna) it's more then likley a "Sunset" color variety of the Thick Lipped Gourami (Colisia Labiosa). They are often sold as Honey Gouramies.

Real Honeys are smaller and squatter like squat Dwarf Gourami with more of a red body and black undersides.

No matter, behaviour wise they are pretty similar the thick lipped will get bigger though.

He (and I'm pretty sure it's a he) will max out at about 21/2-3", but they take a long time to get there. If you can get a female they will behave like an old married couple and go everywhere together Very peaceful, they just hunt and poke about 24/7. They also become very very tame and in time will gladly swim into your hand. At least they are easy to move they swim right into the net

Great fish I've always had a couple in my tanks for as long as I can remember. I've got one in there now going on 2 years.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 25-Feb-2006 04:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Winnie also seems to have the perfect camouflage coloration for your plants. If he (and I also think it is a he from the latest pictures) hangs out just between the stems he would be in perfect stealth mode.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 25-Feb-2006 11:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks for the comments on the new guy. I definitely enjoy watching him move about. I'll probably try to add a few.

Switching to plants. I've trimmed my riccia covered rocks twice and after the second trimming I'm getting increased growth and I might be ready to try and harvest enough to cover some more rocks in the foreground. Interesting that the riccia seems to be growing fine in the foreground with the blyxa improving by still not really growing (although slow grower). I think at the depth my riccia is growing it is considered high light.

Here's a current pic:



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 25-Feb-2006 15:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Here's a full tank shot from tonite. The stargrass is growing almost too fast and it's presence is definitely too overpowering. You could also see a third rock is now covered in riccia in the middle of the foreground. It's a little too centered in relation to the others, but I plan on added a few more butted up against the new one to create a multi-level effect.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 04:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
A closer shot of the main grouping. The E.Stellata is really a strong growing and is starting to push some other plants out.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 04:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Tetra, I have to say that full tank shot is the best I've seen your tank look

It no longer looks sterile. It has a warm full feeling to it while still retaining the shape and look you envisioned. There's much more interest now.

Is it just me or is the Indica the reddest it's ever been ?

I bow to you. Out of us all I think you have achieved the fullest most attractive growth on your plants

Give yourself one hell of a pat on the back.

For the Riccia it's not so much the centering that's the problem as that they go in a straight line. Groups of 3 like that should be done in a triangular shape. The center one should be further back or the the 2 on the sides brought a little forward. This will make a little triangle.
You can bring them a bit closer together too.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 08:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Yes teratech

Looking very nice. I agree with you that the Star Grass is growing really fast and begins to tower over the rest of the center group. I love the closeup shot of that group, very nice that the caridnals also decided they want to be in the picture as it makes for a nice comparison of size .

One reason why the tank looks better now (not that it looked bad before) is in my opinion the fact that you managed to create a flow towards the center from your side groups, you did this in particlar well on the left side.

I am with Bensaf on the triangular shape thingy for the Riccia, but:

a) I wouldn't know where the 3rd corner stone shoudl go
b) I know this is only the plant's growout spot and you have a much broader vision for the Riccia

Anyway, looking very nice, but I hope that doesn't mean you declare this tank as done .

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 12:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Your making be blush

Bensaf,
Thanks! I'm glad your proud of your "young" apprentice.
It wasn't long ago that I almost quit with planted tanks when I couldn't fiqure out the problem with my old 46g.
The rotala has nice color. It is a deeper red than the E.Stellata . I've also been replanting the tops more which have more color than the bottoms so that's keeping the color fresher. I guess the UV isn't haven't too much of an effect on the FE because I'm running 24/7 and not even dosing a dedicated FE fert, just Flourish and Flourish Trace. I would love to get some color hues out of the Blyxa, but I don't think that will happen with the current lighting in the front of the bow.

LF,
In my tank I actually think the stargrass looks better low and wide and really cascading Once it gets too high it opens up to much and pulls the focus off the more colored group. In your tank as others have said I actually think the stargrass looks really good tall interwined with the wood. I'm finding hte riccia a dream to work with. As both of you correctly pointed out the current position of the 3 rocks in not great, so I could simply pick up the rocks and move them around with no mess in the tank. The hairnets are definitely the way to go, so much easier than using thread.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 17:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Looks great, tetra.

The only thing left is to go all out. Get a bunch more rocks and a bunch more riccia. Cover them all and make a big riccia beach right in front. The rocks will make it look like rolling hills in no time.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 17:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks nowher,
I'm definitely gonna have some fun with the riccia and rocks in the foreground

On another note: When I was taking some of my recent pics I shut of the filter because the flow was moving some of the plants around too much and guess what? I forgot to plug it back in. So my filter was off from 7pm last nite to around 8am this morning. What do you guys think will happen.

1. Nothing
2. Ammonia spike
3. Algae Outbreak
4. Both 2 and 3



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 18:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
ChaosMaximus
*******
----------
Enthusiast
Posts: 163
Kudos: 39
Votes: 9
Registered: 15-Dec-2005
male usa
1

__________________________________

- - - Humorous Bit of Wisdom - - -
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 18:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Man,

If you are lucky then number one will happen.

If not it may be 2, or 3, or 4.

Did you empty the filter first and rinsed the media (in tankwater) before hooking it back up? If so then I vote for No 1.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 18:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Oh tetra, when your tank is covered in slimy brown staghorn and thread alage we'll look back and say that your hubris was your downfall. Reminds me of that famous ending line in Oedipus rex.

Most likely nothing too drastic will happen. Maybe ammonia will register, your tank is so big and full of plant mass that I can't see any major outbreak happening. Then again, this is coming from the guy who had ammonia present in his tank and didn't know about it, so don't take my word for it...


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 18:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Did you empty the filter first and rinsed the media (in tankwater) before hooking it back up? If so then I vote for No 1.

LF your right, I should have done this, but I'm full of too much hubris. .

I just checked my nh3 level and it was zero after having the filter running for about 4 hours. So if I don't get an nh3 spike does this prove that in a large well planted tank the biofilter contained in the filter is overated?

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 18:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
I don't even know what hubris is

Anyway, might be overrated when it comes to storage of bacteria.

May main concern would have been this "aerobic bacteria being converted to anaerobic bacteria based on lack of oxygen, which is poisenous to fish" thing. Not that I really know what I am talking about .

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 19:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Not that I really know what I am talking about


It's one of those things that people with experience talk about, but is rarely looked into but oft repeated by others. More knowledgable people than myself say this can happen, so I'll take their word for it.

But in anycase, the 10 pounds of wisteria in tetras tank provides quite a biofilter itself, so that huge amount of surface area in the cannister probably isn't VITAL right now. But when starting up a tank it's VERY important to have that space available, as well as space for AC etc. So while maybe we can say the filter isn't all it's cracked up to be NOW, this was not so when you were establsihing the right conditions for this wonderful plant growth to occur.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 22:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
the 10 pounds of wisteria in tetras tank provides quite a biofilter itself, so that huge amount of surface area in the cannister probably isn't VITAL right now. But when starting up a tank it's VERY important to have that space available, as well as space for AC etc. So while maybe we can say the filter isn't all it's cracked up to be NOW, this was not so when you were establsihing the right conditions for this wonderful plant growth to occur

A big yes! I think I mentioned in a previous post that if you stood my tank on it's side you would have a huge 4 foot wisteria tree that's has multiple levels that I'm sure is helping. That is what I'm talkin about mass,light,waste.

And a big yes again! The biofilter is a hugh part of setting up a new tank. And I use biofilter in the broadest of terms. Seeding the filter, seeding the substrate, adding large quantities of "weeds" both planted and floating.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 23:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
ChaosMaximus
*******
----------
Enthusiast
Posts: 163
Kudos: 39
Votes: 9
Registered: 15-Dec-2005
male usa
Hey,

So I voted for 1 largley out of optimism. But I am wondering if the bacteria we use are really that delicate. That they couldnt survive a few hours of stagnant water?

Just wondering.

Chaos

__________________________________

- - - Humorous Bit of Wisdom - - -
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 23:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Good question Chaos,

Once the canister filter stops the bacteria are deprived of oxygen since the o2 filled water isn't passing thru and they die off supposely within 4 hours or so. I don't know if bacteria in an HOB can last longer.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Feb-2006 23:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
ChaosMaximus
*******
----------
Enthusiast
Posts: 163
Kudos: 39
Votes: 9
Registered: 15-Dec-2005
male usa
Oh, OK.

So stagnat water without contact to air is bad because there is no oxygen exchange? This is why the canister is worse than HOB in this respect? That is good to know.

Chaos

__________________________________

- - - Humorous Bit of Wisdom - - -
Post InfoPosted 28-Feb-2006 00:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
luvmykrib
*******
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 585
Kudos: 256
Votes: 27
Registered: 08-Nov-2005
female canada
Hi Tetratech, I had the same thing happen when I went back home for a week in the summer time, my filter clogged up and quit working, when I got home I basically did the same thing, started it up again, I only cleaned the impeller, not the rest of the filter. Basically nothing came of it. You may want to add 'cycle' or 'biospira' whatever you normally use, but if your fish are doing fine then I wouldn't worry. The plants probably took care of any ammonia that the bacteria in the gravel, on the rocks and the plants and the glass didn't get. The last time I went away I made precautions for it happening again. I set up an air pump and airstone by each tank and asked my Mother-In-Law to check on the tanks, if the filters quit she was to unplug them and plug in the pump, then drop in the airstone, this would keep the water moving and keep the bacteria in the tank alive at least, as well as provide oxygen for the fish to use.

I hope the same thing happens in your tank, nothing at all!

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus
Post InfoPosted 28-Feb-2006 00:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks Luv,
So far I don't have any nh3 buildup or do I notice any fish problems. So I think I'm good to go

There's still plenty of things I haven't figured out yet. I mean I know what pearling is and too be honest my plants really don't pearl that much and the growth is pretty good although I don't consider pearling a true indicator of plant health, it's still nice to see it. Tonite I have alot of pearling on my stargrass as you could see in the pic below.






Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 28-Feb-2006 03:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
So,

Any guess why you have more pearling last night ?

What has changed besides the turned-off filter? If the answer is nothing then maybe you found a way to enhance the water-oxygen saturation by having filters off over night. This could be interesting.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 28-Feb-2006 11:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Any guess why you have more pearling last night ?


The occurence of pearling is dependent on the O2 content of the water.
More fish, more O2 consumed, more bacteria more O2 consume.

Bacteria in our bio colonies are very o2 dependent, they use a lot. Tetra has already remarked on his preference for large bio media in his filter (a very good thing IMO).

Filter left off, a large die off in bacteria , less demend for O2 , water saturates quicker, more pearling. QED.

There was enough bateria on tank surfaces, plants etc, to prevent a major issue. Healthy plants keep the water clean and fresh. A dead filter for a few hours is nothing in a healthy plant tank. The system hardly misses a heartbeat. Lots of folks run planted tanks with no filter at all. Circulation and movement is more critical in our lovely planted tanks.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 28-Feb-2006 15:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
....as LF adds another timer to have his filter go off for a few hours once a week

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 28-Feb-2006 16:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Another beautiful day in New York. One thing I've always enjoyed about planted tanks is that no matter how bad the weather is outside, within a few feet is a little tranquil tropical paradise (Assuming you have the protists under control! )



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 02-Mar-2006 18:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Tetra, you lucky...

Right now in midtown manhatten all we're getting is sleet and icy rain.

But alas, only a few miles away in LI there is a tranquil snowy winter wonderland!


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 02-Mar-2006 19:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Right now in midtown manhatten all we're getting is sleet and icy rain.

You and LF in manhattan....interesting

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 02-Mar-2006 20:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Hey NowherMan6, maybe we should do lunch sometime.

I am in Midtown East.

I have no idea how the weather is at home (yeah - Joisey - tetratech ), guess I have to call the wife.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 02-Mar-2006 20:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
<--- midtown West side

Sure, sounds good... if only I could get out of the office more Starting to get busy around here, I don't know about anyone else...

Regardless, it's nice to know we can all enjoy our little tropical paradises in spite of the inclement weather.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 03-Mar-2006 00:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 03-Mar-2006 00:17
This post has been deleted
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Using my thread to make lunch appointments are we. .



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 03-Mar-2006 00:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
You are just jealous tetratech

You are sitting there way out on the island and the big city is too frightening for you .

Or is it Nowherman6 and I that are frightening, I don't remember

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 03-Mar-2006 01:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Or is it Nowherman6 and I that are frightening

I picture a Don Larson cartoon of Littlefish eating sushi with the protist collaborator. A very scary thought indeed.

Well the pearling continues unabated. This is by far the most my tank has pearled since its inception. This is not from a wc. The last wc was Sunday.

Attached Image:

Stargrass Pearling


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2006 03:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Pretty much this is a first, every species of plant I have in the tank is pearling. It honestly looks like I just did a water change. Here you could see a couple of streams of bubbles coming up from the wisteria. I did not prune anything either. These vertical streams are all over the tank to the amusement of the cardinals.





Attached Image:

Cardinals and Pearling


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2006 04:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Even the E.Stellata got into the action. Might be hard to see, but definite pearling.

Attached Image:

E.Stellata Pearling


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2006 04:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
And lasty. I was really excited when I saw the riccia pearling. It doesn't get as much light as I would like down there, but it's defintely pearling

BTW - Notice the BBA on the rock behind the riccia. See I'm not perfect either. I do have BBA on some of the hardscape, but nothing to get into a twist over. The plants are just growing I believe too fast to be affected by it. I might start dose some excel again to keep it in check.


Attached Image:

Riccia Pearling


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2006 04:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Yup,

Nice pearling

I assume this means that for the first time your tank has a sufficient plant mass to drive the oxygen to saturation levels.

Or you have a hidden air stone somewhere in there

The Riccia seems to require some trimming very soon though.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2006 11:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Pearling continues at a frenzied pace. This is a closeup shot of my stargrass with reflection at the water's surface.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 05-Mar-2006 06:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Are you using the glass diffuser now ?


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 05-Mar-2006 15:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Are you using the glass diffuser now ?

Yes sir

Very good point, I've been using several weeks, but when I first got it, it was so efficient that I actually reduced co2 alittle from a fast moving stream to a slow one, recently I did open it up a bit, because I've been dosing alittle heavier because of the increased mass.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 05-Mar-2006 16:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Some fresh pics from today:

I think some of the add'l "interest" is the fullness of the grouping and how they are now layering over and into each other.

You could also see how the blyxa have started to get fuller as well.


Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 05-Mar-2006 18:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Another closeup shot:



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 05-Mar-2006 18:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Good shot of the whole tank.
You could see alot of layer, also the colorful
E.Stellata is really exploding from
behind the rock adding more interest. Also on the left the wisteria wraps around and meets the stargrass as it increases in height.

BTW - This is before trimming and wc today. Ideally the stargrass should be shorter than the red plants in the middle.


Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 05-Mar-2006 18:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
A final full shot further away.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 05-Mar-2006 18:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
EditedEdited by Wingsdlc
I am thinking you should pull the dwarf hair grass(?) and just wrap you crazy wisteria around your center grouping. It would make it simpler and more united. I am thinking about doing about the same thing with my wisteria in my tank.

Nice pictures BTW! Your tank has been looking really nice!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 06-Mar-2006 02:25Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Still looking good. I won't say anymore, don't want to bring you unwanted attention from some of the more envious guys

If you could thicken up the Indica grouping a bit. The Stargrass and Stellaromatica are thick and bushy, be nice to have the Indica the same.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 06-Mar-2006 04:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks for your brief comments

Yeah the rotala needs to be fuller. I haven't really left any bottoms yet. Next time around I'm cutting the tops and leaving the bottoms.

BTW - Wingdsc that's blyxa in front of the rock.


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 06-Mar-2006 15:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Ahh sorry!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 06-Mar-2006 16:12Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Wingdsc,
No problem, sometimes it's hard to tell from the pics.

Anyway some bad news, not plantwise, but fish. My new little gourami didn't make it. I found it this morning.

I don't think it was water-related. The fish definitely had a hard time competing for food with all the schooling fish, but I don't think that's what killed it, because I did personally make sure it ate. This isn't talked about that much, but I notice a strong predatory response from my large school of cardinals. I did see them chasing and biting the gourmai. I believe when these schools get big enough they become bolder in numbers and take over a tank, in a smaller or similiar way that their cousin the pirahna does.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 06-Mar-2006 16:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Interesting observation about the cardinals, tetra. I think you're on to something. tetras and rasboras and most barbs are regarded as peaceful fish in that they won't kill anything that enters their territory like a cichlid, and won't kill their own like some gourami and other cyps. But they do have a hierarchy and that madates some aggression on their part. I've also read somewhere about harleys being aggressive towards newcomers in their shoals, i.e. once a shoal has been established they'll sometimes reject newcomers. I'm sure there's a territory thing going on here.

As for the tank, it does look lovely

Just to further what Bensaf said, the red-circle areas below I think could use a top clipping/ replant to make them bushier, especially on the right. i think it's grown enough to give it a haircut, fill that spot out a bit. it should grow up again fast enough, it'll just be fuller. And I also really dig how the wisteria has grown up on the left side, it's like a little forest over there.

And Bensaf, come on man, grow up already. You're just envious of my ability to control my envy.



Attached Image:



Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 06-Mar-2006 17:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
This is before trimming and wc today. Ideally the stargrass should be shorter than the red plants in the middle.

Wow, you mean you guys don't read every word in my posts
These pics were before trimming and water change, so I agree actually with both of you.

Really liked the gourami, but maybe if I introduced 3 of them at the same time the results would have been better, but I'm not going to try to bring anything else in. I was thinking of adding a pair of apistogrammas. I think they can take care of themselves.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 06-Mar-2006 17:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
I was thinking of adding a pair of apistogrammas. I think they can take care of themselves.


Beautiful fish, and you have lots of broken sight lines etc., but would breeding rams and breeding apistos get along? Theoretically you have plenty of ground cover and hiding spaces for it to work, but in theory you should also have enough ground cover and hiding spots for a few ram fry to survive, and that's not happening to this point...


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 06-Mar-2006 17:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Beautiful fish, and you have lots of broken sight lines etc., but would breeding rams and breeding apistos get along? Theoretically you have plenty of ground cover and hiding spaces for it to work, but in theory you should also have enough ground cover and hiding spots for a few ram fry to survive, and that's not happening to this point...


Thinking same thing. Speaking of the cardinals again, I also noticed they were even more aggressive than the pencils when going after fry. I really believe the more are group of fish establishes itself in your tank the more they will defend that "ecosystem" as their own.
The apistogrammar which I would have to spend a future to get a pair I think will fear o.k. concerning all the rock work etc.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 06-Mar-2006 18:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Sorry about the Gourami. At least you got to see how great a fish they are in planted tank.

Hard to imagine the Cardinals doing them in, but I've never had Cards. The Thick Lipped is about the most docile of the Gouramies, mine will let rummies snatch food out of it's mouth.

They are also very overbred to get that coloration which is not natural coloring, it could have been just a weak one.



Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 07-Mar-2006 04:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks Bensaf,
I was rather surprised because he seemed to be well acclimated but I have noticed a difference in my cards now that there are 20 in the tank. I did see him get knocked around be them, but the possiblity exists that he was showing weakness when that began to happen.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Mar-2006 04:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
upikabu
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 591
Kudos: 393
Votes: 44
Registered: 08-Jun-2005
male australia
Sorry about the gourami, tetra.

I had a female betta that died for no apparent reason soon after I upped my cardinal school from 7 to 12. However in my case the cardinal number also dropped back to 7 within a week after addition, so perhaps the new cardinals had something that infected the betta too. I also noticed that the cardinals were "bolder" when they were in the bigger school, always patrolling the tank instead of hiding among the plants.

-P
Post InfoPosted 07-Mar-2006 04:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Thanks upikabu,

So you've seen the same behavior with a large school. In my case 20 cards where there before the gourami was introduced.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 07-Mar-2006 06:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
O.K. since LF is back I guess I'll chart some changes.
I couldn't leave well enough alone and decided to move the rotala from behind the e.stellata and give the stellata the lead role and move the rotala to a supporting role on the side to the left of the rotala w.

I also did a major trimming job on the stargrass, as I mentioned I didn't like it taller than the e.stellata in the middle.

Here's the tank last week when I got some nice accolodes.





Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2006 20:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
And here's the tank today:



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2006 20:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Closeup of the foreground. Note the add'l riccia in the middle. I spread the riccia further in the middle forward by using a plastic grid and covering it with riccia and a hairnet.

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2006 20:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

Looking very nice there

I like that the Stellate took over THE leading role in the main group. It has grace and color, just beautiful. The Riccia also looks nice, its light green goes well with the darker one of the Blyxa.

I skimmed over the previous entries from this week (too many right now to read in detail). Sorry to hear about the loss of the Gouramie. I have not any "bully by number" behavior of my Espei towards any new fish, but this may be because they are all larger and have no problem messing with the Espei. I am also thinking about adding a pair of apistogrammas to the tank, if I am ever done with planting the tank, that is . Do you think you may get issues with the Rams and the Apstios breeding at the same time? I could see that happen.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2006 22:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks LF and thanks for glancing thru my log. As you could see you didn't miss too much. Yeah I was surprised when I lost the gourmai, but as I said I've noticed the cards being very aggresive of late. Maybe they gain too much power in a large school. As I mentioned they are related to the piranha.

By the way some of these cardinals are quite large, pushing 2 inches. As far a the apistogrammas, I think the tank could handle the two types of cichlids. There is alot of rock work scattering around the tank and alot of ground cover. I haven't seen to many of locally, mostly some orange flame type for about $20 each.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2006 03:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
upikabu
-----
Fish Addict
Posts: 591
Kudos: 393
Votes: 44
Registered: 08-Jun-2005
male australia
EditedEdited by upikabu
Tetra,
I just finished going over 25+ pages of this thread to get some info on keeping Blyxa (which you added while I was away on Xmas vacation, right before your first Ram spawning and around page 25 for those keeping track ) - need to put some drops in my eyes now. So basically what I can gleam from your experience with it so far: no shading & no moving it around. Is that all? Does it grow upwards?

I just got some for my tank over the weekend. It was an impulse purchase at an LFS and hope won't bite me in the you-know-where. I'm putting it in the background for now as they were tall stems with multiple side shoots and I didn't want to cut off the side shoots yet (no space in the foreground for them anyway). I actually quite like where it is now and may keep it there.

Anyways, just wanted to say thanks for having the info.

p.s. This place desperately needs a functional search tool.
p.p.s. I thought it was amusing to see LF declared a self-professed love for blyxa just from your pics (somewhere in page early 30s). Wonder if he's still got the love now?

-P
Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2006 04:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
So basically what I can gleam from your experience with it so far: no shading & no moving it around. Is that all? Does it grow upwards?

Well Background/foreground whatever floats your boat, but really I've never been one to say this is a background plant and this is foreground it really depends on your arrangement. In my 12gallon I have wisteria as my background and in my 72g it's my midground, but anyway yeah shade sames to be a major problem. It's a very fragile plant and could definitely melt if not taken care of. My blyxa is still holding on. I believe it will grow bushier with very strong light and taller with less light. Mine seems to be going more vertical than I would like because my light problem is compounded by my tank shape. The bowfront simply has pour light going to the middle foreground. It's also the only plant that does get alittle bba on it, because of it's slow growth. Bensaf has had it longer than me, not sure how his is doing, in fact he recommended it to me. I really love the texture of the leaves and I should probably put another light on the front top of my tank to see if it helps.




My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2006 05:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Well after a visit to my LFES (Local Fire Extinguisher Store) and $10 bucks later I'm back in the co2 business.

One problem fixed and another reappears. I noticed a spot on two of my cardinals pictured below. It's not ich trying to determine what it is. And I thought my cardinals were made of teflon.




Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2006 20:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Hm, if it was just one I would say perhaps it's just a missing scale or something like that, but that it's on both in the same spot makes me suspicious.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2006 20:31Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

From the distance it looks just like NTD, but I am sure you would recognize that one. You say spot, as in something sticking on the fish or as in discoloration? If the first is true then could it be some fungus (or is it encrusted)? If the second is true then it still could be NTD.

I must be shopping at the wrong place here. My exchange bottle cost $30 (including tax) and is from a big welding supply store. But it is the only store around that I found.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 14-Mar-2006 12:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
If the second is true then it still could be NTD.

Well whatever it is, it's even hard for me to tell looking close up I'm not planning on chasing the disease with meds.

As far as co2 refills, maybe the exchange program works differently, but $30 seems like a lot to fill a 5lb tank.
Maybe a piece goes to the crew in NJ - Bada Bing!


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 14-Mar-2006 14:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa


Well, I have no idea where the money goes, but somebody is for sure happy to do business with me .

About the fish: I am with you on the no-chasing-the-desease statement. Let's see how it develops.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 14-Mar-2006 15:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks!

I should get my bigals delivery today:

Flourish
Flourish Iron
Excel

This will be the first time I'm dosing a dedicated Iron fert. See if I can make my avatar more colorful.

I might start treatment for BBA, although it's not out of control and is really only affecting hardscape. I'm also concerned of a negative effect on the all ready fragile Blyxa. I need to find if anyone else has had problems with excel and that plant.




My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 14-Mar-2006 15:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Just watch out with that flourish iron, tetra. I've had little outbreaks of hair algae in the past when dosing too generously. Bensaf will probably tell me that if I'm going to spread such crazy conspiracy theories I might as well go ahead and join the International Flat Earth Society while I'm at it... but a conservative approach can't hurt IMO

And LF, you're not alone on those bottle fill-ups. I pay $20 at the local beer distributor


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 15-Mar-2006 23:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Just watch out with that flourish iron, tetra.
Thanks! The bottle says 1 capful (5ml) to maintian .1 ppm
for every 50 gallons, so I dosed about 7ml this morning, along with my regular 10ml of regluar flourish so I guess we'll see what happens.

I guess I got lucky with the refill on the co2. I got it refilled from an old man who runs a small fire extinisher store and the conversaton went something like this:

tetra: I need a refill
old man: Wow that's a big canister ya got there
tetra: Well it's for a fish tank
old man: heh!
tetra: a planted tank, plants need alot of co2
old man: heh!
tetra: oh come on, you must get alot of that
old man: heh!
tetra: O.K, what do I owe ya
old man: got $10 bucks sonny
tetra: here ya go, see ya in 6 months
old man: heh!




My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 16-Mar-2006 00:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa


I never had a conversation like that with the beer guys. They never ask questions.

The best was the time a few weeks ago when i refilled the tank but hooked it up improperly and all the gas leaked out over the course of the week. So there I was the following Saturday, another tank to refill, same place, same guy who helped me. No questions asked though. I think they just figured I was a drunk.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 16-Mar-2006 00:21Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland


I get mine refilled at a local gas supplier. A little Indonesian mom and pop shack that sells o2, argon etc.

They don't get many westerners in there I can tell ya

It was the same shock when I told the guy what I was using the Co2 for. Since then the pop has turned up at my apartment twice to see this miracle that the crazy foreigner is doing.

Second time was to inform me that he bought an aquarium, he took some plants from the garden and dumped in some pupuk, which is the kind of fertilizer you'll throw on your roses and attached Co2. Couldn't figure out why the water was green and his "flowers" and fish were dead.

I tried to help but while my Indonesian language skills are pretty good they don't quite extend to the finer points of planted aquariums.

I don't open the door anymore and am looking for a new supplier.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 16-Mar-2006 03:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Second time was to inform me that he bought an aquarium, he took some plants from the garden and dumped in some pupuk, which is the kind of fertilizer you'll throw on your roses and attached Co2. Couldn't figure out why the water was green and his "flowers" and fish were dead.




If only he had used a test kit!


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 16-Mar-2006 03:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Well there seems to be alot of protist collaboration lately. Some have done this accidently others have declared their outright love for the little guys and others have been rebelling.

Regardless of the reason the show must go on: This full tank shot shows the changes I've made maturing alittle. You'll notice the rotala r. now is on the right side next to the recut rotala w. The tank is actually alot easier to maintenance this way with the rotala r more accessible. The rotala and the stargrass which were recently trimmed alot are starting to come in, but have some more growing to do.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 16-Mar-2006 04:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Also this riccia stuff has really been a pleasant surprise. I actually find it very easy to work with inconjunction with the hairnets. Here's a closeup of the center riccia which is a combination of rock and plastic grid underneath hairnets.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 16-Mar-2006 05:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Looking very nice tetratech,

But first:

With regards to the previous entries.

Now to the tank. While on one hand I envy you for the completeness your tank displays on the other hand I am wondering what else can be done to the tank. I mean to say that your tank appears finished and there is nothing (major) left to enhance. Aren't you getting a slight feeling of boredom with nothing to do? As much as I would like my tank to be more presentable, as much I dread the day when I stand in front of it and think "what now".

Well, here are some minor questions/observations:

- The Riccia looks great. Given that you trim it outside of the tank I assume that the distribution within the tank of broken pieces is minimal. Did you find any pieces growing in your other plants yet?
- The Wisteria (in particular on the right) seems to develop a rather large leaf size. Is that just my old eyes or has the size (structure) changed?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 16-Mar-2006 11:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
It's always funny to see that one ammano shrimp sitting on top of that one DW branch. I know you mention it all the time, but still, there he is, sure as the sun rising

So last night replaced all the DW in my tank with new pieces that freed up some floor space for more plants and overall helped the scape. On the left side of my tank as you may be able to imagine I used to have that one suspicious piece of DW in there branching upwards. Well, i took that on eout and tried to mimic that effect with two a little bit thicker pieces. I stepped away and i thought, wow, that looks great!

Then I looked at the pic you just posted and realized, Oh, the reason it looks so great is because it's nearly the same thing that tetra did with his. Damn. Back to the drawing board

It does look very nice, and I like that the rotala has been replaced by that other large bushy plant. Same effect - adds a big spot of color - but much fuller


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 16-Mar-2006 16:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Tetra,
Tank is looking really nice!

LF,
Scary thought of having nothing to change in a fish tank. I guess that's when you start a new one..

Nowher,
Copy Cat! I know what you mean though. After looking at each others tanks so much I think we star to play off of each other. It kind of goes back to does the real world represent the media or the meadia the real world.

(All I have to say for my currant situation is blasting black beard algae! It't not getting out of hand too fast but its just starting to bug me when I look at my tank close. I guess I need to make a rule where I have to stay at least 4 feet from it.)

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 16-Mar-2006 17:57Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks for all the comments everyone. The tank I guess is kinda complete in a way, but look I just moved the rotala r last weeek and I'm still tinkering with the foreground in the main area. Not sure how far I want to go with the riccia, because I do like the black sandy look and if I put too much riccia it will ruin that constrast, but building a carpet on top of rock seems to be within reach.

To answer LFs question about the riccia, yes it's easy because you just lift out the rock, trim in in a bowl of water and put it back in the same spot or move it around. It's actually fun to play with. The cut off riccia is then used to cover another rock and so on and so on. As far as pieces in the tank, yes there are a few pieces floatng around the tank, but nothing that is nuisance. Actually if you look close at the center dw where nowher spotted the shrimp you could see a piece of riccia clinging to it. I decided to just leave it. Speaking of the center dw I'm also getting the feeling that the moss isn't necessary and there would be better contrast with the green, kinda what happened in nowher's tank.

As far as the wisteria observation that LF made. It does seem that there are some bigger leaves on the right side, but I think this is a result of pruning frequency and where I made the cut. The right side get's prune more, but I think the support leaves under the leader have remained more if that makes sense.

Nowher, I wouldn't worry about copying my look. Planted tanks are rock, driftwood and those green things, rock and dw poking out of plants is gonna be in every tank pretty much so just do what works with your layout.

In light of wings comments I think a good theme song for the planted tank forum is "From A Distance" Bette Midler





My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 16-Mar-2006 20:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
O.K. so I dosed Flourish Iron for the first time the other day. The bottle says dose 5ml per 50g to maintain .10mg/l.

So bascially without a test kit that means very little since I have no clue to what me fe levels are and I'm sure the test kits s&*#!

So anyway I dosed the 7ml plus 10ml of regular flourish so I get the other micros as well, but when I go the "Fertilator" and plug in the 5ml for a 50g it tells me that will give me .26mg/l That is 2.6 times more than the flourish bottle says, plus I dosed the 10ml of regular flourish which according to the fertilator gives me another .17mg/l. So based on my 72g tank according to the fertilator my fe level is .38mg/l based on the flourish / flourish fe dosing.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 01:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Tetra,

Your sig has made your feelings on micromanaging macros well know to all - however, the question remains: how do you feel about micromanaging your micros?

From the looks of things you're quite open to it!


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 17:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Your sig has made your feelings on micromanaging macros well know to all - however, the question remains: how do you feel about micromanaging your micros?

That's pretty funny nowher, but a micro is a micro and a macro is a macro . Not that the .38 fe is incredibly high, but I don't like to go there in one swift dose. Actually the iron depletes very quickly so I'll have to fine a good daily dose. I think the fertilator is way off anyway.

Gotta go call all my LFS's and see what Apistos they have in stock.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 17:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Gotta go call all my LFS's and see what Apistos they have in stock


Good luck to ya

LF certainly upped the ante in the Apisto wars with that move he pulled yesterday. Imagine that - going out and getting those pretty fish without even giving us 24 hours to catch up.. the nerve!


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 17:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
LF certainly upped the ante in the Apisto wars with that move he pulled yesterday.

Yeah well I guess he's living up to his sig

In honor of St. Patrick's Day I'm turning off my UV for the day .

All protist collaborators - As you were

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 17:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Who's The Man?

I am sure that there are many ways you can beat that, tetratech.

For one thing, I am still in shock over my sudden loss of German Rams a few months back. So hopefully I will not suffer the same destiny here as well

Another option would be to get the same fish for half the price, that would teach me a lesson

BTW, Double Red Apisto Agassizi sell in the store for $20 a pair.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 17:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Double Red Apisto Agassizi sell in the store for $20 a pair

Why so cheap? Those are $65 a pair at Drs F&S, plus shipping

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1658


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 18:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Before I got my shellies a while back I was thiiiis close to buying a pair of a. cacatuoides. They, along with a few others like Agassizi or even Njessini, always appealed to me more because of their greater availability and the availability of F1 and F2 generations. It seemed like a big risk to take on a pair of rare but wild caught apistos, especially if things didn't turn out well. As it turned out, I wound up with the shellies, and then sold them because I was made an offer I couldn't refuse.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 18:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
The sales person explained it this way:

Supply and Demand!

They can have the Double Red every day if need be, not rare what-so-ever.
Mine, on the other hand, have to be ordered from a specialty fish wholesaler.

The sales person explained to me at least 3 times that this is the reason mine are so expensive. He wanted to make sure that I don't feel ripped off.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 18:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
But in all reality of things how much do you have into them. Did you basicly steal them because you traded in some of your fish that you may or may have not been planning of taken over your tank?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 18:15Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
O.K. LF, so you want to play rough.
Here's my breeding pair of Neocaridina denticulata sinensis ($5.99 for the pair)



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 17-Mar-2006 20:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Very Nice ,

I cannot beat that as my breeding pair of Pond Snails did want to be in a picture

But seriously, glad to see that the little buggers are still around. One thing about this photo: I thought you had Moss only at the end of one piece of driftwood. Did it grow down on that wood to its base?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 18-Mar-2006 12:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
One thing about this photo: I thought you had Moss only at the end of one piece of driftwood. Did it grow down on that wood to its base?


Your powers of observation are quite amazing
You are right, that is not my 72g it's the 5g I setup for bolivan fry that I kinda started to scape. Details will follow.......

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 18-Mar-2006 14:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Your powers of observation are quite amazing

Thanks tetratech

So, when can we see the 5G log? Even if it is not finished I would love to take a look at it.

And while you mention it, we haven't heard anything recently about a possible breeding attempt by your Rams. Wouldn't it be that time again soon?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 19-Mar-2006 14:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
So, when can we see the 5G log? Even if it is not finished I would love to take a look at it.


Yeah, let us know. I want to know when I should start up my 2.5 gallon log


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 19-Mar-2006 17:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
So, when can we see the 5G log? Even if it is not finished I would love to take a look at it.


Yeah, let us know. I want to know when I should start up my 2.5 gallon log


Don't we all have nano tanks in our "closets" somewhere.

Should be able to get to it within the next few days...

And while you mention it, we haven't heard anything recently about a possible breeding attempt by your Rams. Wouldn't it be that time again soon?

Havent' seen anything. Maybe they gave up after two failed attempts. Although I did see them really color up last week so they might have spawned but didn't care for the eggs. Still debating whether I should add the apistos.

BTW - Water change today and removal and cleaning of centerpiece rock. Yes there is some BBA on it - I'll update later with the exciting results.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 19-Mar-2006 18:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Don't we all have nano tanks in our "closets" somewhere.


I got nothing

Would I ever not tell you guys if I would be working on a new tank ?

And I doubt that I will have a tank to enter the competition any time soon. I just cannot convince the wife that we really need another one . And I also think an overhaul of the 29G will have priority, but also not now.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 19-Mar-2006 19:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Compitition? Fill me in! Of is the the game of the mini tanks? I have one too! Needs some help right now though. I have some dream in mind but I need to go rock hunting. I think I found some on campus that I like...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 19-Mar-2006 21:53Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Did a wc and cleaned my centerpiece rock. Look at the before and after.

I also just be coincidence developed a triangle going up from right to left, because I didn't clip the last stellaromatica stem on the left to make more of a mound shape.


Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 19-Mar-2006 22:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Yup, that for sure is one obvious triangle

Looks like you don't have much more time before you need some major trimming if you desire to maintain the "less is more" perception of the tank, which I think looks great.

How did you clean the rock? Just scrubbing or bleaching. Whatever it was, it sure made quite a difference. Overall,the triangular slope has reached a height where the mossed branch has been consumed. It seems like your tank does not only look nice but growth is also excellent all the time .

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 19-Mar-2006 23:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
How did you clean the rock? Just scrubbing or bleaching

I just scrubbed it with a stiff brush. I kinda like it alittle darker, but that will happen soon enough. After a cup cuts here and there I'm back to a mound shape (maybe a little more stargrass on the left and the wisteria needs to be a little shorter in the left back corner)

Right now I'm in a good space and I feel this tank is very easy to take care of.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Mar-2006 15:21Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
I really like the mound much better then the triangle. It looks much more natural.

BTW go look at my pictures!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 20-Mar-2006 15:39Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Yup, very nice

I like how the Riccia shines in the front, with its much lighter green coloring (or is this because of the air bubbles that are trapped in it) than the rest of plants.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 20-Mar-2006 15:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1880
Kudos: 922
Votes: 69
Registered: 21-Jun-2004
male usa
Riccia carpet, riccia carpet, riccia carpet...


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 20-Mar-2006 16:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks for all the comments. A few more pics. First here you could see a compare pic from lastnite and this morning. On the bottom I clipped more wisteria on the extreme left and now the mound shape is even more obvious, simple. The ricca doesn't have the false pearling from last nite in the bottom pic as LF noted), but the riccia is still a light shade of green. You could also see the difference between pm and am as the leaves are more open in the bottom am photo.


Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Mar-2006 19:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Riccia carpet, riccia carpet, riccia carpet

Is that a challenge Protist Collaborator?

I actually thought of a good idea with the riccia, so I guess this tank isn't "done"

Here's a closeup shot of the riccia area in the foreground.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Mar-2006 19:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
And finally a closeup of the stellaromatica a la hudson.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Mar-2006 19:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
One thing I forgot to mention concerning maintenance. I recently removed two big pieces of hardscape to clean. My center rock and a few pieces of wood. These pieces have not been removed since I started the tank and I was amazed. No mess. I mean alittle came up but nothing that I even had to worry about vaccumming up. I reached a few possible conclusions.

1. I feed vary sparingly
2. Plants have been sucking it up.
3. Grounds crew has been working overtime (cory's, shrimp)



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 22-Mar-2006 19:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Interesting

1. I feed vary sparingly - Poor fishies must be starving if they don't even poop
2. Plants have been sucking it up - can be, but isn't the generation of mulm natural?
3. Grounds crew has been working overtime (cory's, shrimp) - I don't think they eat everything, they are rather picky with their menu

4. Larger parts have been broken down and fell through the gaps in your substrate further down. Do you rocks simply sit on the substrate or are they partially buried? Does something come up when you uproot a plant?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 22-Mar-2006 21:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Larger parts have been broken down and fell through the gaps in your substrate further down. Do you rocks simply sit on the substrate or are they partially buried? Does something come up when you uproot a plant?

I'm not a big feeder. It's one of the most common problems with new and even some experienced aquarists. Less is definitely more here. Better for the fish and the tank's health in general.

I could be off here, but I'm wondering if the eco is better at breaking down this waste than say regular gravel


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 22-Mar-2006 23:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
My money is on ground crew. I'll be making a post later on this very subject. Just need to prepare some pics.

I'm getting envious from looking at tetra's gorgeous tank.

Time to pull out the big guns and show some pics of my own tank. I've been growing some Aromatica and Wallichii. If nothing else the pic will show tetra what Wallichii is supposed to look like . I've managed to grow it huge and bright bright pink

On the stellaromatica - I think I've figured that one out.
When I ent to the market (who know's these plants probably came from the same Indonesian grower Mr.Hudson buys from ?) They had , what from a distance seemed to be identical plants. But on closer inspection it was obvious there were actually 3 quite distinct species.
#1 was a much finer plant, thin almost transparent leaves with a very light pruple underside. I reckon this to be Limnophilia Aromacatoides (sometimes known as Gratiola ?).

#2 and #3 very similar in color and shape. But both had quite different growth patterns. One grew very straight and vertical with no branching. The other had a more angled 'leaning" growth and quite a few sideshoots. I reckon the vertical one to be the Broadleaf Stellata and the other to be Aromatica.

I would reckon yours to be (as it does lean toward the light and be more bushy) L.Aromatica.




Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 04:31Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Bensaf,
Thanks for the comments. I am not worthy and only an apprecntice to "My Master"

I'm glad I could intice you into showing some more pics and I look forward to seeing them. I would love to know your secret with the Wallichii. I've recut mine and it is starting to grow in better but certainly not pink except the very tip so I'm thinking it's a lighting issue, but I have a feeling you'll tell me otherwise.


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 04:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
It's a very picky plant. Way more picky then Macrandra IMO. All rotals like nutrient levels fairly low but The wallichii in particular.

I'd say at above 15ppm it stops growing completely

I've been messing around with nutrients. Part of the reason I changed the plants a bit. I went so high as to stunt my Ammania. Nutrients were high enough to kill a plant, but NO ALGAE !

I find with really low levels it gets dark red, high and it's a dull brown. The pink color seems to be when everything is in the middle ground. Of course light is part of the issue, I've got it right under the lights. But to me the pink is more of a nutrient thing,light is more of an issue for deep red color.

I'm running at about the lowest levels I've ever run at , at present - about 10ppm No3.

The playing around told me a lot , particularly about K


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 06:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
The playing around told me a lot , particularly about K

What? That you need to dose "K" if you run N and P to low.
Yeah, that could be the problem. I've been running high for the stargrass and some others, now what to do? I don't think I'm gonna chase the Rotala W. by changing al my dosing. Have you lowered co2 as well?

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 13:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
EditedEdited by bensaf
What? That you need to dose "K" if you run N and P to low.


Quite the opposite. If it gets too high there's problems. I've suspected this for some time.It's been quite the bone of contention in some places. But I mean really high.
It's a long story but if you're interested drop me a PM.

Have you lowered co2 as well?


Good God no Never lower the Co2. That's the one you don't play with. All bets are off has regards experimenting if the Co2 is off. 99% of the time what you are seeing is the result of bad Co2. It's the one given. Got to be up there no matter what.

Anyway here's a pic of the Rotala taken this evening

Attached Image:



Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 15:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 23-Mar-2006 15:05
This post has been deleted
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Here's one from a different angle. Side view.

Attached Image:



Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 15:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Bensaf,

Very nice and colorful, strong as well.

Looks to me almost like a monument, some form of dome or stoneage upright rocks.

I love it, but given all your commitments on running things low - nah, no way I am going to get into this plant .



Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 15:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Very nice Bensaf. That's certainly the way it should look.
So is this a case where "You can't be all things to all plants" I mean the stargrass is n hungry, my rotala r stunted when it was to lean in there. I have the aromatica a la bensaf growing insanely (I'd like more red).

Here's a pic of my wallachi when I first got it. It always cracks me up wheh my LFS sells hard to keep plants to "joe aquarist" who has no clue what they are getting into. Then the plant dies and the aquarist get's turned off. The store I bought this plant is a regular petstore nothing extreme.



Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 15:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

Yours are not ugly either . Rather than a dome their tips look more like spot lights, a nice appearance as well.

And of course Mr. Shrimp has to sit on his branch . Are you sure he isn't a plastic animal from your kids

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 15:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Nitrates seems to be the main one. It doesn't like too high. Up to 15ppm is ok. That's a fairly decent range that shouldn't harm the others. It doesn't like high K or Mg either but there's no reason for them to be high enough to cause a problem anyway. P , it could care less. Micros should be decently high also. So it's really well within EI range.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 15:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
So it's sort of like a (you know that white plant begins with an "M" where it's a good indicator of fert levels, even looks like the Wallachi.

LF,
No he's real, I'm not fooling you guys. I don't have the heart to clean that piece of wood. It's a heaven to the yamatos. All the good stuff falls into the are with the moss. When a fish comes to close, he even appears to swat at them.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 16:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Bensaf,

Fish in your second picture. Brillant Rasbora? Sweet fish. I now have 10 in my 40G. They almost never leave eachothers side. Love'm.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 18:20Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Brillant Rasbora?


I see a Pencil and a Hengeli in that picture

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 18:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
EditedEdited by Wingsdlc
The fish that is almost dead center in the picture?
like this?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 23-Mar-2006 23:01Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
**********
---------------
-----
Fish Master
Posts: 1978
Kudos: 1315
Registered: 08-Apr-2004
male ireland
Nope, Ingo is right, it's a Beckford Pencilfish. Although I do see the resemblance to the Rasbora.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2006 03:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Dang... I hate losing...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2006 04:15Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Not much new with the the tank. Here's a current shot that I happened to like. I think it shows how nicely everything is blending together. You'll also see some add'l riccia areas at the base of the main rock. It's kinda shaded down there so we'll see.

I'm still envious of Bensaf's Wallichii

Attached Image:


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 26-Mar-2006 20:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
rasboramary
*******
----------
Big Fish
Posts: 431
Kudos: 192
Votes: 4
Registered: 12-Mar-2004
female usa
Awesome tank!!! I have a 72g bowfront as well. It was my first tank and my attempts at landscaping it were lame, to say the least. I am going to do somewhat of an overhaul in decor, and now I am well-equipped with some great ideas thanks to you.

Excellent setup
Post InfoPosted 26-Mar-2006 20:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
tetra,

What did you do for lighting for that picture. Things seem much brighter then before. Looks very nice!!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 27-Mar-2006 06:41Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
tetratech,

from this angle the tank looks really full, in particular the main group. Is it reaching the top already? Looks very nice, seems like all you have to do now is to sit back and enjoy .

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 27-Mar-2006 12:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
rasboramary
Thanks for the comments. Good luck with your 72!

Wings,
No additional light, yet. I pic was taking move over the top so it made it lighter in the front. I am lending toward adding another reflector to the front to see the effect it would have on the Blyxa.

LF,
Looks very nice, seems like all you have to do now is to sit back and enjoy

Well, almost. It's about every 2 weeks the main group reaches the top. The Aromatica is definitely the easiest stem plant I ever had, because so much fullness comes from one thick stem. When I orderd the stellataromatica I only ordered one plant which was one stem, so everything is a cutting from that. So far it grows well whether you just cut the top or replant the top. If you leave the bottom you could multiple heads from the upper sides. Stargrass is still alittle work and the wisteria is the easiest way to take up space. It bascially can be shaped almost anyway I want it.




My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Mar-2006 15:10Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
The Aromatica is definitely the easiest stem plant I ever had

Maybe I should give it a try sometime. I can imagine that you have to trim your plants rather often, with all this healthy growth. At least you have a situation where you don't have to wonder if trimmings will grow back in again as you have mastered this art for your collection.

How are the fish and what are the plans in that department?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 27-Mar-2006 16:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
Maybe I should give it a try sometime.

It's one plant I would definitely recommend if it works with your scape, which I'm sure it would. Stellaromatica for Apisto Fry -

Plants:
I thing I'm getting the trimming down to science, but we'll see. Let's also see if the rotala w. get's fuller, not sure if it will and I don't want to go chasing it with different fert schedule's etc.

Fish:
I haven't added more cardinals since I lost one, The two with the white spots seem to be fine and under closer examination it looks like it might be just a lose of color (I think nowher mentioned that).

I'm still thinking less species bigger school I think I'll still seek out an apisto pair in the near future.

BTW - I did lost an oto the other day. I saw it swimming eratically and I did notice bloody streaks near the gill areas, so I'm not sure this is co2 related since I have been pushing it to pretty high levels. All the other fish seemed fine.



My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 27-Mar-2006 19:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
********