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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.



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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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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It does look very nice, and I like that the rotala has been replaced by that other large bushy plant.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

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Back in the saddle!

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

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





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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.

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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!

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Back in the saddle!

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.

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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!

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Back in the saddle!

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

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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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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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.

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Back in the saddle!

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

O.K. LF, so you want to play rough.
Here's my breeding pair of Neocaridina denticulata sinensis ($5.99 for the pair)



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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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.......

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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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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Back in the saddle!

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.

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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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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.


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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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.



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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

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Riccia carpet, riccia carpet, riccia carpet...

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Back in the saddle!

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.


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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.



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And finally a closeup of the stellaromatica a la hudson.



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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)



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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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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


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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.

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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.

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.


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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

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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.

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?

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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

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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.

Here's one from a different angle. Side view.

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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.

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.



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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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.

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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.

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.



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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

Brillant Rasbora?

I see a Pencil and a Hengeli in that picture

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

Nope, Ingo is right, it's a Beckford Pencilfish. Although I do see the resemblance to the Rasbora.

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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.

Dang... I hate losing...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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

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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

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

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.




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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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.



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Have you tested to see how high you have beeen pushing your CO2? I had mine up to about 50ppm before the fish started freaking out. Right now I am not 100% sure where I am at but over the weekend my plants grew like crazy! Some of them doubled in size easy. Algea is gone as far as I can see. Life is good in the fish tank world. Too bad school sucks! I will post some pictures of my tank a little later.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Have you tested to see how high you have beeen pushing your CO2?

I could be in that range, but who knows for sure.
I mean my ph seems to be around 6.2 and my kh is around 2.5 so that would give me about 48 ppm of co2, but it could just as easily be 6.4 ph and a kh of 2 and that would give me only 24 ppm.

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I thought this was an interesting comparsion. Day 1 vs Today after a trim (Day 180 or so). The driftwood pieces have changed. Only one of the main rocks is visible. The rock to the left in the day 1 pic is still in there in the same spot. The hairgrass is gone and the Blyxa and riccia is in. Look at the small amount of wisteria I started with. Those were saved from the 46gallon brewery.

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Isn't it fun to look at stuff like that? Your tank has come a very long ways. Not that it was bad to begain with but look at how much wisteria you have now! Wisteria is just sweet stuff. What other plant can you buy just a little of and with in a few months turn it into many.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

tetratech,

Yeah, quite amazing .

Having had the same basic layout the whole time allows you to go all the way back and make comparisons (something I cannot do), and what a change it is. Only over such a long time frame does one really see how much plant growth has happened all over this tank. Just beautiful

But - Did you remove some of the rocks surrounding the main group or have they been consumed by the plants (I don't remember)?

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

But - Did you remove some of the rocks surrounding the main group or have they been consumed by the plants (I don't remember)?

Out of the 3 main rocks. The one to the left of the big one is still in there in the same position as Day 1 it just got swallowed up. The other rock on the right has been changed a few times and there is a smaller rock in there. One of the reasons I removed that rock is I couldn't get plant growth to wrap around the front of the dw as it is now.

Another thing too about rocks. Sometimes even if the rock get's swallowed up as the plant grows around it and over it interesting contours are sometimes developed that give the ground an interesting look. You can't see it from the pic, but on the left the wisteria is overhanging rock from my beachfront(also partially swallowed up) creating a sort of cave affect (similar to Bensaf's tank).



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What it creates is depth...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

What it creates is depth...

Yes sir!

Anyway I saw this gourmai at pet***** (probably the crappiest petstore chain in my area. It looked just like the pic dark read with the grey/blue tail area. They had about 50 of them in a 10, so I was going to rescue a few. Anyone know anything about them. I can't go by what the shop says. What do I look for n sexing them?

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They look like dawrf gourami to me.. tetra, an impulse buy?? I'm surprised at you!

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Back in the saddle!

They look like dawrf gourami to me.. tetra, an impulse buy?? I'm surprised at you!

You know me well. I didn't buy them yet?

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Ohhh, I thought they were in your tank already. nevermind then

If they are dwarf gourami then males should be kept to a minimum to keep aggression low. I was never a big fan of their colors either, seems almost unnatural.

That's why i like the sparkling gourami - the ones I have left, two of the three I think are males, but they never even so much as nip, they sometimes have a "croak off", then one goes away. If you're going for the small gourami look i would consider sparkling, or even female bettas.

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Back in the saddle!

Yup,

I also think they are dwarfs, the one in the back is called "Powder Blue" and is a strain of the regular one where the blue stripes are enhanced. The one in the front seems to be a strain where the red is enhanced (although I have never seen that color like this before).

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

So should I go for it! I was going to take three. What about sexing them? Another related question. These fish are at Petland Discounts, otherwise known as the Fish Cemetary. So what I'm trying to say is there are dead fish in all their tanks. So should I buy these fish. I know I probably shouldn't. Every store has dead fish that are removed, but petland I think saves on food by leaving the dead fish in.


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So should I go for it! I was going to take three. What about sexing them? Another related question. These fish are at Petland Discounts, otherwise known as the Fish Cemetary. So what I'm trying to say is there are dead fish in all their tanks. So should I buy these fish. I know I probably shouldn't. Every store has dead fish that are removed, but petland I think saves on food by leaving the dead fish in.

Well, it's your call of course, but I would rather not express my feelings on that store lest I be sued

If you're really into the dwarf gourami I think you can find a better store for them. Check out the FP profile for some info:

"Gender: Males are brightly coloured, while females are grey."

So I guess that means they're all male if they're all bringhtly colored? I remember reading somewhere that females were hard to find...

"Comments: Best kept in pairs. Colour variation are Sunset, Neon, and Coral Blue. The Powder Blue variety is often found to be less hardy than the other varieties."

So I guess my final verdict would be, stuffed in a tank like that, with fish that are especially e to bringing internal parasites with them, I wouldn't be so gung ho about introducing a couple of fish that have been feeding off of eachother to my paradise

On the other hand, you did get your bolivian there, right?

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Back in the saddle!

On the other hand, you did get your bolivian there, right?

Actually I got the bolivian at petco. I could direct you to a bevy of "I Hate Petco Websites" but I don't think you want to go there. I'm just expressing my personal observation about Petland Discounts. I believe I'm allowed to do that! Thanks for your input on the gourami. I think I might skip them

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I'm just expressing my personal observation about Petland Discounts. I believe I'm allowed to do that!

Yeah, you would think that wouldn't you? But remember there was that store a few years ago that sued all those people for libel when they posted bad things about it on an internet board... so you never know these days. I have stopped shopping at Petland discounts for the most part for the reasons you mentioned above.

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Back in the saddle!

Yeah, I think I recall that. Good luck to them, but I'll express my personal opinions anywhere and anytime I want.

I actually went in there for some small petrified wood pieces and saw the fish. I usually don't buy livestock there.

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Nah, don't get them.

That is my opinion.

I once liked Dwarf Gouramies, but now I find them boring.
And in 99% of the stores they are all males anyway, as females are rather dull (see NowherMan6's entry).

tetratech - Pearls

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

tetratech - Pearls

tetratech - Sparkling, Sparkling, Sparkling

Ya know, not for nothin', but I hear Pearl Gourami are well-known for their dislike of Wisteria...

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Back in the saddle!

...are well-known for their dislike of Wisteria

So not true, they loved the Wisteria in my QT (not to eat, to swim around).

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls - much more imposing and not such tiny critters that may be mis-identified as Glass Shrimp

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Ya know, not for nothin', but I hear Pearl Gourami are well-known for their dislike of Wisteria

I represent the Wisteria Growers of America. We are not happy with the negative comments you made about Wisteria concerning the dislike of said plant by Pearl Gouramis. I hereby order you to stop all negative commments until this is addressed in the proper venue.

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Negative comments were not intended towards Wisteria, but rather towards Pearl Gourami. As a representative of the Sparkling Gourami lobby, I urge a full investigation into the habits and attitudes of said Pearl Gourami towards Wisteria. I further urge that the testimony of LF be barred from inclusion in any investigation, as his care for his fish is so exemplary that Pearl Gourami in his custody could not give, in the opinion of this lobby, an unbiased view of Wisteria.

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Back in the saddle!

You guys crack me up!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

We, the members of the PGA (Pearl Gourami Association), have contacted our legal team to evaluate which steps can be taken against the above mentioned "Sparkling Gourami lobby" as their denial of the undoubted benefits of Pearl Gouramis and their grass misinterpretation of Pearl Gourami love for Wisteria is causing our members tremendous grief.

The "Sparkling Gourami lobby" has never provided any proof of their claims and continues to upset the GOU (Gourami Owners Union) which clearly states that "Pearls are by far the most beautiful Gouramis available and don't harm any Wisteria (most of the time)".

Ingo
PGA CEO

Resources: GOU handbook, 2004, Page 3

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

The top one is a Thick-lipped gourami , Sunset variety, same as you had before. The coloring is not natural rather a selective breeding thing, so there's lot's of variety in the shading and coloring.

The bottom is, as mentioned, a powder blue Dwarf Gourami. I'm very fond of Dwarf Gouramies, I've had some for years.

I'm a big fan of gouramies as you know so I'll stay neutral. I'll be the Switzerland in this minor Gourami war. Pearls , sparling whatever rocks your boat.We'll just have to wait for nowher and LF to stop trying to hit one another with their handbags



I think the powder blues would have looked good in your tank personally. I find if you introduce a few males at the same time in a big enough tank they get on pretty well.

Another option that works well in planted tanks is female bettas. You can choose a color that goes nicely with the plants you are keeping. Very much like Gourami, except they prowl around the tank like a stalking cat.

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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.

Weekly update:

I did a major trim job after last week's waterchange. I've also been adding 5ml of Flourish FE daily on top of my 10ml Flourish semi-weekly and I have not really seen anything reddier. I might try putting my UV on a timer for evening only and see if it makes a difference. I did ask Seachem themselves and they said if Flourish FE dosed daily the UV shouldn't make a difference. Still have a "controlled" BBA problem that really only grows on hardscape and some slow growing leaves of the Blyxa. You'll notice the foreground has changed with the Blyxa being pushed into the corners because of the increasing riccia. I really like the way it looks on the rocks and understand now why it's so popular. I also find maintenance of it extremely easy with the removal of each stone for a haircut.



Attached Image:


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Closeup shot of the rapidly expanding riccia foreground:



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Tetratech,

Again, the tank looks very nice (that's pretty much what I say every week for a few weeks in a row now).

I like your Riccia farm more and more as it is coming together now and not only one or the other rock in the front that has green hair. In particular, I like the group in the yellow oval as it creates the impression that it is creeping along rather than being isolated islands.

Ingo

Attached Image:

Riccia Foreground

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Thanks LF,
Yeah that part you circled actually is alittle thin still, once it get's thicker it will sort of form a wall on the inside edge of the rock beachfront with openings here and there of uncovered rock jutting out. It's actually fun to move the rocks around and see the effect.

One headache I have with the tank is the center piece of DW. Because of it's thickness it's a challenge to get bushy growth under and to the front because of shading. Right now the rotala r is in it's shadow.

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Right now the rotala r is in it's shadow

I assume it will not do too well there as it likes its light.

How about a group of Anubias in that shaded area? It could help breaking up the fine leaf structre of the other plants and function as an island in the sea of Wisteria.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

How about a group of Anubias in that shaded area?

Not a bad idea, but I think I've pretty much convienced myself that anubias does not look good in my setup. Although a much darker green than the wisteria, the flat large leaf shape of both might have something to do with it.



My Scapes

Tank is looking nice! I think you could have a lot fun with the forground. You could have a nice lumpy/rockey medow.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

tetratech,

First of all, congratulations to the "Ultimate Fish Guru" status.

But now back to the Anubias question. Try to envision other types of Anubias as it seems to me you are focussing on the Nana shape. How about barteri var. angustifolia (''afzelii'')? Worthwhile to check out some images, at least.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

I continue to work the foreground by adding more petrified wood and riccia. Really like the contrast between the petrified wood, the riccia and the substrate. The tank is in need of a little shaping in this pic, but what I find interesting is that the wisteria behind the middle piece of DW isn't planted there. It is growing horizontial from a piece of wisteria to the right of the right DW.

Attached Image:


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If you look at this closeup shot of the wisteria there is a big black space beneath it showing that the plant isn't rooted there.



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Well I think you've found your foreground ! Keep filling in the Riccia a bit more and you have a real stunner

Like the new location for the Blyxa too

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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.

Thanks Man! I guess your seeing what I'm seeing. I just have to make sure the riccia is separated from the other plants by the rocks otherwise it doesn't stand out enough.



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I guess your seeing what I'm seeing

I'd just like to go on the record with this: I believe I was the first to point out how good the full riccia foreground would work in this tank. So that's LFs driftwood, now tetras foreground. You're both very welcome

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Back in the saddle!

full riccia foreground

I think you said "riccia carpet" after I had already covered a few rocks in the stuff, but the history is all there in the posts, but I'll give you some credit.

On a different subject, I skipped two doses of macros last and kept up the micro plus FE dosing and I didn't see any add'l red in the wallachi, rotundala or aromatica. Maybe not enough time to test this. On the plus side I had no algae related problems either. This tank seems incredibly stable right now with the BBA receding as well. Anyone want to venture a guess?

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Anyone want to venture a guess?

On which ? The lack of algae or the lack of red.

Hell I'll tackle both

Algae: cleaning wood and removing mulm. Less organic carbon for the BBA.

Red: Light. The red coloration is a defense mechanism against strong light, the choraphyll turns from green to a red pigment. Let some hit the surface and see. Reduced macros,hmmm, see where you're going but remember intensifying red means low nitrates and high phosphates. That would mean somewhere about 5ppm No3 and 1.5-2ppm of P. Tight.

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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.

Well,

I give all credit to tetratech, because no matter who suggested it first and who thought about it first he was the one who maintained his vision (something I don't posess) and made it real .

The tank looks great and even I believe I can see where you are going with it. Soon it will be time to enter one of the contests, if you haven't done so already.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

So about this red plant stuff.

I have Sunset Hygro in my tank. Most of it is green but the tops tend to get pink. I guess that it has to deal with the lighing thing then. I have no idea what my Nitrates are at. I haven't tested it since I got my kit about a month or so ago. So lighting would be my main key to get this stuff to color up then?

Oh fudge! to tetra! Oh you should hook up with LF and nowher at that fish store. It would be cool! I would love to do something like that but right now its not quite ideal.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

As I've said before, your tank continues to look nicer and nicer tetratech. I agree that a riccia carpet would be stunning.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Hey, FP friends thanks for all the compliments. I guess it's unanimious that everyone like the expanding riccia foreground. As I said before the addtion of bigger rocks across the beachfront was a big part of getting this look.

LF, thanks for the Ulimate Fish Guru comments as well as thinking my tank might be good enough for a contest, but some of those contests I see at APC, etc, blow me away. Althought professional photography and snaping that moment in time have a lot to do with it.

Once the hardscape is set, the biggest thing is the health of the plants. As long as the plants are full and growing quickly it's easier to experiment and get the look you want.

EDIT: LF I think your really going to like the diffusors, I get insane pearling now every nite around 5pm to lights out. I don't think I every got that with any other diffusion method.

My Scapes

tetratech,

I agree, some of the tanks in these contests are awesome, but quite a few don't look as good as yours. From what I know, most first time participants don't win, but instead gain the knowledge of what the jury is looking for. Having a comment about your tank from one of these top notch people is quite an honor in itself (hey maybe Amano may say something about it).

I will try the diffuser on the weekend.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

LF I think your really going to like the diffusors, I get insane pearling now every nite around 5pm to lights out. I don't think I every got that with any other diffusion method.

Yup, once your plant mass increases enough that the plants start dumping O2 into the water pearling should really go up.

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Back in the saddle!

Update:

Tank continues to stay extremely stable. No problems to speak of, more pink and red yes, but that's about it.




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Riccia continues to take the beachfront.

Attached Image:


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Yeah, Bensaf I have Wallachi too, New York style () This is new growth after replanting.


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And finally a full tank shot:



Attached Image:


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Tank is looking great! The beach front is starting to look more like a golf course but thats cool with me.

On the left side.... is that a moss covered rock or something of the sort?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Thanks Wings. On the extreme left is Blyxa alittle to the right of that is another riccia cover rock with a little wisteria overhanging it.

My Scapes

tetratech,

I know it is getting boring, but the tank looks really nice, what can I say. All things are coming together nicely, a good flow of plants is given.

About the redding of your plants. I know that you add the extra dosage of iron to encourage more red, but it doesn't seem to make a huge difference. I think Bensaf mentioned it before, but don't these plants need (besides the iron) more light to turn red? Have you thought about expanding your high-light period? I guess the potential outbreak of algae that may go hand in hand with a longer lighting period could be a show stopper.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Thanks LF. I'm currently doing the highlight period for about 6 hrs, not sure if another one or two will make the difference. I think it's more intensity than duration. I havent' totally dropped the no3 levels while keeping everything else high to see if it makes a difference. I did skip a dose of no3 midweek to see if it made a difference, but I didn't notice anything.



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I think it's more intensity than duration.

I think you are right on with that one. The Sunset Hygro in my tank doesn't start turning pink until its almost at the top of the tank. Maybe I will have to try something crazy like adding a second light to the tank just to see what happens. Being I have one around.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

tetratech - Just be careful. There is no glory in competing with me on who has more algae .

Wings - You are loaded with light (3wpg) as it is, why add more?

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Well, I must admit I am getting a little bored as my tank goes from interactive aquascape to a "picture on the wall" that needs a little dusting now and then. Not that my tank is perfect but as LF has pointed out there isn't that much to do. I'm certainly not going to rescape the whole tank, etc. After opening my big mouth about the african cichlid setup I've decided to shelve that idea for now, partly because I made a big mistake and picked up a reef tank book. Now I'm tossing around the idea of using my old 46 gallon for a small reef with lots of live rock. I just don't know if the african cichlid tank will keep my interest.

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Oh no, tetratech is going to dissapear to the Dark Side

We will never see him again in this forum . I know Matty wouldn't mind having a buddy over there, he once in a while complains that it gets pretty boring in the forum.

Well, if you have to then you have to . But promise me one thing - don't bug me with these strange names of invertebrates and fish and equipment that they use on the Dark Side, it always makes my head spin .

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

LF,

I know I already have a good amount of light but I was thinking of just messing around with having a second light run as a kicker for an hour or two. I want to see if this brings out the color in the sunset. Right now its not too impressive. I am not for sure going to try this but its just an idea. I am not quite sure I could get both lights on there anyway...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Well, I must admit I am getting a little bored as my tank goes from interactive aquascape to a "picture on the wall" that needs a little dusting now and then. Not that my tank is perfect but as LF has pointed out there isn't that much to do.

Aren't we a contrary bunch ? Things aren't going well and we wail and scream and get tempted to scrap to whole thing and go back to a plastic castle and hot pink gravel ? When it goes well it becomes almost too easy - 2 mins of dosing and a weekly trim. We begin to long for the algae battlefield again.

But I know what you mean. I get that way too. One thing I do in all my tanks - I always have one little area that's got good light , in the mid-ground that can be accessed easily without disturbing anything else. And I'll use this to keep one species that I can remove and change at a whim. It's also got be a place that changing a species won't throw the entire tank off balance scape wise.

I change the species here quite frequently to try to keep things fresh and interesting. In the current tank that spot is where the Wallichii is now. A few weeks time , maybe even saturday if I go to the plant market and see anything nice. I can easily whip out whatever plant is there and put in something else without any disturbance. This allows me to try all sorts of different species, it's still a bit of acvhallage has you can't just throw any old thing in, it should still fit and work with the rest of the scape, but it is a chance to try different textures, shapes and colors. Keep it to stem plants though, nothing that roots to deep to avoid a mess.

Ideally I'd love to try completely different scapes especially the more minimilist types, different fish mixtures with the plants, paludriums etc. But it's too much trouble to tear down a tank every few months and I don't have the time or space for multiple tanks.

Salt is something I will try in the future. Heck I could collect my own coral and fish here in the tropics. It's a fraction of the cost to do here, probably only 20% of the cost in the US. Wife is always asking me to do it, she loves them. But I've always been drawn to the planted side. Long before I started in this hobby, and i didn't know the difference between a guppy and a rotala, the image that wlaways popped into my minds eye when I heard "aquarium" was of a nice planted tank with lots of wood and rock, it was never a coral with "Nemo" lying on it

Guess I must have planted tank genetics

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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.

Ideally I'd love to try completely different scapes especially the more minimilist types, different fish mixtures with the plants, paludriums etc. But it's too much trouble to tear down a tank every few months and I don't have the time or space for multiple tanks.

I think we're in the same boat. I feel like if the 3rd tank was another planted tank I would still want that reef one and I couldn't have 4 tanks. I do have a 5g that I was going to fully scape, but I think I'm going to take that one down.

I really like the complex interaction that exists with a reef tank. So much going on between the fish, coral, shrimp and other invertebes, you just don't get that deep in a planted tank, but you do of course get that lushness and beauty and when the scape really comes together, WOW.

I guess I could keep one area open for change in my 72, but I think it's harder because the layout really swepts up to that one main area with the aromatica and the rest really supports it. The wallachi I have really is there on a sort of trial basis in terms of location, but right now I'm just trying to get the thing to grow better.

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The wallachi I have really is there on a sort of trial basis in terms of location, but right now I'm just trying to get the thing to grow better.

Well if you get fed up with it you could try something else. You may be surprised at the results.

Don't know if you saw the winning tank at this years AGA contest? Quite similar in layout to your own. A big central mound of stems and wood surrounding by low greenery. Where it really became a remarkable tank was by the use of one particular plant. There was a green lotus plant almost reaching the surface standing to the right (about where you Wallichii is now)and solitary. It's a choice that on paper shouldn't worked, but it did, beautifully What would have been a an excellent tank anyway was turned into a showstopper by the daring choice of a plant and it's location. It added a whole new dynamic to the aquascape.

Who knows you may hit on something

While yes the marine tanks are more complex in terms of their eco-system and have colors just not capable in a freshwater set-up, I don't think they have the dynamics of the planted variety. Lets face it the marine tank appearance is not going to alter much, rock id fixed so the overall shape remains the same. Planted tanks on the hand change shape and appearance on almost daily basis. The lines and curves and shapes that can be created with wood and rock and different textures and shapes of plants are much more appealing to me then a cliff wall of rock.

No marine tank will ever be able to convey the same feelings and emotions as an Amano scape is capable of producing. And that's the real challenge IMO. You mention you're tank beginning to feel like a painting rather then a living entity. Well that was always something I told you I felt about your tank, a bit cold and impersonal (it's much warmer now )

Really there's not much difference between the wall of rock and the wall of plants . The difference is when you create something that's more then a wall of plants. To me the best tanks always have secrets or mysteries. The tanks that when you look at them you get the sense that you are not seeing everything there is to see, that there are hidden areas you have to seek out and discover. Amano is a master at this as is Luis Navarro and Oliver Knott. They look great but yet you have a sneaky feeling there's something even better hidden somewhere, behind that wood or piece of rock.

I think that's what make the masters tanks better then the painting look. It's the little indefinable touches.

Think I overdosed on the philosophy pills today

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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.

Think I overdosed on the philosophy pills today

That was my thought even before I read this line in your last 2 entries. But, I am with you, except I cannot express myself in such poetic terms .

It shows how much this hobby is a match to your personality. And how much you understand about it. I bow in respect,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Wow Bensaf! Have you ever thought about writing a book? This hobby of ours is much more than just keeping fish in a glass tank. It is more like a secret ever changing art form. I don't think a lot of people get that. People may look at our tanks and go "wow thats cool!" but I don't think they understand the vision and comitment that goes into it.

Look at pictures of my tank from this last August til the present. We have all come a long ways...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Don't know if you saw the winning tank at this years AGA contest?

Yes I did see it and yes the basic idea was the same, in fact I thing he even used stargrass as the support plant on both sides of the main red one.(Swear I did not see that tank when setting up mine). And yes, it was unusual the way that lotus rose right next to the main grouping almost in defianous of most aquascaping principals.

The think the tank was so crisp, so "perfect" that it was able to get away with that. It was almost like a zen garden where there was very little there, but what was there was powerful.





My Scapes

This thank?

Looks much more like LF's tank but he was stealing stuff from you....

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Wow Bensaf! Have you ever thought about writing a book?

Hell, I'm Irish we can blarney on about any subject.

You want eloquence you should here me talk about a subjevt I'm really passionate about - like Guinness

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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.

Hmm... I think I just put sticks on the fire....

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

You want eloquence you should here me talk about a subjevt I'm really passionate about - like Guinness

Please tell us a story Uncle Ben /:'

My Scapes

Oh no,

tetratech's thread is about to blow up with one single entry of Bensaf's Guiness narration .

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Please tell us a story Uncle Ben

Yes, a story! Tell us again about the time when, years ago, you were out drinking with Amano and after getting loaded on Guiness you went back to his house and he showed you his fish tank, and all it had in it was a crappy pink castle in the middle and you said, "no, no... I'll show you how it's done" and you immediately made it into that giant beautiful tank he keeps in his living room. That's my favorite one /:'

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Back in the saddle!

Hi,
I don't know if you realized it or not when you started out
but keeping a planted tank, especially one looking like
the prize winners is real WORK.
When you guys started in on this it was all a learning
experience that allowed you to channel your inquisitive
nature and create something beautiful. Then along came
the algae, and later the battle with it and conquering
it, then came the CO2, and then the Fertilization problems,
and now you sit and stare at the tank appreciating
what you have, and now you still have all the energy,
and now you are looking for another challenge.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, could now
be branching off into the husbandry of the more
difficult plants. Perhaps creating "grow out" tanks.
Tanks of crypts, swords, or the Madagascar Lace for sale?
Read Diana Walstad's book and create one of them instead
of using bits and pieces of what she discusses. Building
the addition necessary for the new tanks, is also a way
to channel your creative juices.

You have found out what I discovered long ago. Once you
create a living picture, and you capture it on film, what
do you do next with all that energy? Amano built an entire
building and has a staff to continue with what he initially
creates and charges an admission fee, photographs and
writes books, gives talks, and goes onto creating more
tanks.
It's work, it's fun, and seems to create its own energy
that you want to continue.

Welcome guys!

Frank

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Frank,
Overall those are very inspirating words

Read Diana Walstad's book and create one of them instead of using bits and pieces of what she discusses.

Building the addition necessary for the new tanks, is also a way to channel your creative juices

Sounds like fun, but unfortunately my wife would have my head.

My Scapes

No stories today boys. Going thru a hell of a time at the moment.

Even made the Indonesian evening news

No I haven't been arrested again

Was looking forward to a long easter weekend holiday. Left work on Thursday evening didn't have to be back until Monday. Got a call Thursday night that the second shift people at the factory were dropping like flies. Food poisoning from the cafeteria

All other management were on overseas leave, muggins here was the only manager around. Pandemonium ! More then 50 employess had to be rushed to hospital. Organisation is not something this country is world famous for
Had to close the place down and cancel the weekend shifts 'til we got a handle on things, find the contract caterer so I could kick his &nbsp; up and down Jakarta, fight off the press.Can you imagine the mess 75 people suffering from food poisoning at the same time makes ??? Luckily nobody killed, but still got a couple of guys in hospital.

Thank God, it wasn't the day shift. The big foreigner is famous for eating 2 or 3 of those catering lunch boxes everyday. I think I'll have lunch at home from now on !

All calmed down now so I'll be out working on some well earned alcoholic poisoning tonight

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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.

Wow Ben!
Talk about the day from H...!
I'm glad to hear that everyone is going to be ok.
I gather that you will have new food vendors from now
on.

Tetra,
I'm glad that you took them in the spirit I intended.
Between you, LF and Ben we all have learned a lot, and
have been treated to some pictures of beautiful and
inspiring tanks, all from our own "FPers." We all reach
a point where we are just not "into it" and let water
changes slip, pruning fall behind, and just do nothing.
If we are lucky, algae does not gain the upperhand and
we can recover. Others, such as myself, are always looking
for new things to try, and new things to learn.
And, Yes, you are right about the wife. Mine is the same
way. Every time I get out the tape measure she knows I'm
looking for a place to put another, bigger, tank. Each
time I stop and measure, she is right behind me "No!"

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Wow Bensaf,

I hope the Easter Bunny is bringing you loads of Guiness-filled easter eggs
What a hassle!

Frank - I am months away from achieving the relative boredom of a finished tank, if I ever will. So, no time here to try a Walstad tank. Not to mention that I am in the same boat with you guys. The divorce papers are already in the wife's desk and will be pulled out immediately when she seems me unloading another tank (larger than 10G) from the car .

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Been awhile so here's just a random pic of the tank. I have to say I think the UV is the key to keeping cardinals (in New York anyway). I still have 18 cardinals going strong after 4 or 5 months. I've only lost 2 of 20 since installing the UV.



Attached Image:


My Scapes

Hard to capture this, but here's a shot of the co2 bubbles rocketing off my spraybar from the glass diffusor. I've been alittle negligent cleaning my canister filter and it was definitely slowing down the flow. This pic is after cleaning. The bubbles reach down now to the riccia and float back up about two-thirds across the tank.

Attached Image:


My Scapes

Great to see the cardinals are still staying strong Knew that UV would be good for something besides the green water - do you run it full time still, or does it go off with the lights? I can't imagine you'd get any more GW with the plant mass you have.

How long did you go between filter cleanings BTW?

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Back in the saddle!

Yeah, been running 24/7. I was going to do it with the lights, but right now I have to add powerstrips to accomodate another timer so I've been lazy. I would be curious to see if shuting it off during the day would make any of my plants reddier. I'm still experimenting with macros for that. I've been dosing Flourish FE everyday and it isn't doing much, so I'm currently increasing po4 and easing up on no3 - we'll see.

I usually change the white filter pad and rinse the blue ones every month, but I went about 3 months without even opening up the canister. The withe pad was pretty much mush and the blue was pretty nasty as well.

EDIT: BTW on the darkside I think UV usage is primarily to kill pathogens to protect the expensive and sensitive fish and not necessarily to prevent green water.

My Scapes

BTW on the darkside I think UV usage is primarily to kill pathogens to protect the expensive and sensitive fish and not necessarily to prevent green water

Makes sense... but who knows with those darksiders. Fixated on pink blobs and dirty rocks. Weird bunch they are...


Whoops, sorry tetra. Almost got carried away there, forgot what I read above, seemed too unbelievable...

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Back in the saddle!