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LITTLE_FISH 125G Log | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Interesting I was actually not planning to add new wood to the tank and have not even considered this option. Instead, I plannned on cutting up my big piece and use the branches individually. This should eliminate that big trunk in the front. Ingo |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 18:15 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | That will work as well, but just in case you pre-plan and find you may want more to work with, give AF atry, they've had some very nice pieces. How will you make sure the branhces dont float? |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 19:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | If I get new wood from AF then the color etc will not match (see the critics that I got a while back for my 20 QT). So I would need all new pieces. The existing wood is in there now at least 6 months, I hope it will stay down by itself. If not, some rocks will have to be either used as weights or I will squeeze some wood between 2 rocks. Ingo |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 20:31 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | So....hmmmm.....where was the platy? Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 00:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Forgot all about the platy fry BTW, currently there are maybe around 8 fry in the tank. And here is the one that was the subject of "I Spy": See It? |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 12:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a super zoom closeup of the fry, in case you thought I sell you a small leaf in its place: Closer |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 12:32 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I can't beleive you guys didn't see that thing! It is only bright white(or yellowish) and happened to be right in the middle! LF, Good luck with the redo today! Rock it out my Friend!/:' 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 14:03 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | The big tank is looking pretty good. Good luck with your fish day. Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 18:59 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys, Just a very quick update: I am almost done, but I have to take a family break before I can finish. So far: belh Ingo |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 22:45 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well, All done for today, took me only overall 8 hours, Here are the steps: First, the tank before the start, this morning: Tank Before Change |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:07 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Next, I removed all the plants and placed them in tubberware containers, one of which I even quipped with a heater. The water was from the tab, but I used prime. Then the wood was removed. Here is the tank right after the messy removal: All Nekkid |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:09 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The I performed a water change and vacuumed almost the entire substrate. Only one corner was left out as the water level was falling too low already. Here is the tank after a refill: Water Changed |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:11 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Once I started working on removing the plants I could for the first time in quite a while account for all of my Otos. After the water change I tried to find them all but was one short. I checked the tank over and over again, but could not find it. I ran to the laundry room (where the sink is with the wood and the python) and sure enough, in the empty and barely wet sink was the missing Oto , still alive. It must have been in there at least an hour and a half as it must have traveled on the wood. I scooped the Oto out with my hand and immediately returned it to the tank. He wiggled in my hand, then swam off and was still fine an hour later. Ever since the tank is replanted again I cannot see the Otos anyway. Here is the escaper after release: Oto Runaway |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:15 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | After cleaning the back and one side panel I cut the driftwood into individual branches and scrubbed them all off. The it was time to place them into the tank (they sink by now) to outline the main group. Here is the first, and almost last attempt: Branches Outline Main Group |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:17 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | After extending the main group a little it was time to place the plants back into the tank. First, I added the ones that surround the main group. In this stage you can see the main layout of the new tank very well. Once I was finished planting it wasn't all that clear anymore. But the point of this change was to allow me future updates without having to rip the tank apart again. So keep that in mind, this is the basic setup now: Basic Setup |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:20 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Then it was time to add the remainder of the plants, without adding the ones back in that I don't like anymore I(don't fit into the layout). As such, I am short on plants right now Anyway, here is the tank after I finished, what do you think? Have fun, Ingo All Done |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:22 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | Ingo, The new layout looks very nice. It kind of feels like an island almost. Very neat effect. Plus you can really spot the fish! Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 05:15 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I found the platy...I found it!! Ooo...I like it. Looks like it could be a tropical island there in the middle, especially if the wisteria were to grow around the main groupind to form the sea. Lots of different scapes could form around the central group though. Very diverse, very attractive, I like it. EDIT: well I second rick I guess. Oh, I can't tell from the pic but did you find a more suitable place for the nana petite? Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 05:22 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Nice work LF! I really like the Anubias work! The nana petite (bottem left in front of the DW?) Will get back with you more later! I have a marching band show/fish auction/Chicago marithon to watch this weekend.... 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 13:41 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys for the input Yeah, it looks like an island, and I am sure that some plants will change over time. Most important to me was to create a more "styles" overall layout and, ba The Nana Petites are spread out throughout the main group border from left to the middle. I will take some detail shots of the tank today and I will make sure to include them. The tank is really short on plants and I may have to add the wisteria from the 20G to fill it up a little. Oh - interesting side note: I assume that the Espei have made a packt when the tank was empty. Somewhere in the line "if we survive this then we have to strenghten the group". As soon as the main group border was in with the Anubias they went at the reporroduction ritual like mad. The were hushing under the anubias leaves even while I was planting the wisteria right next to them . The Apistos seem to have been the ones mostly stressed by the replant, the male was hiding for the rest of the day. Ingo |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 14:19 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Wow, what a change. Looks very nice LF. I like your anubias & nana petites. It's right, it does have the feel of an island & now you can have separate groupings, on both sides. Good job with the make-over Cheers TW |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 13:46 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi Ingo, The overhaul looks great! I like this placement of the driftwood with some of it a little further into the back of the tank. The placement along with the use of the ground cover, adds depth to the tank and enforces the "island" concept. I'm curious to see what it will mature into. With the Espei's - in many cases a large water change will prompt the spawning urge. It looks like you put in a solid days work. The thing that never ceases to amaze me is how elaborate a root system our plants develop over sometimes, a very short time. When they do it in my flourite, I always have my Vortex, diatom filter, primed and ready to run. What did you do with the plants you were no longer interested in? Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 17:23 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Robyn and Frank, your input is very welcome Here is a weekly tank update, although there should not be much of a secret on what I have to tell, but it is a tradition Weekly Tank Update - Week 56 Well, it was time for another major tank overhaul, Ingo Style. I know I am risking all kinds of things with this, but I had to get some more favorable structure into the tank upon which I can build future updates. I am currently a little short on plants and I hope that this is not coming back to haunt me (except on Halloween, ). To stir things up a little, I will start with some details. Here is the left side of the tank, the one that got the really short end of the stick. I grouped here all my crypts, except my red wendtiis, on the left back and side. On the right side, bordering the island, is a group of taller Pearl Grass, in between the new tenellus and some wisteria from the 20G: Left Side |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:32 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is the right border of the island. It has some of the reddish lugwigia still hidden in the back, then some NL Java Fern on the wood, then some red Wendtiis in front of it, and some Anubias in front of them. To the right is Wisteria only, I hope tetratech will not call me a copy cat Right Side |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a look into the island, without showing all of the borders. I know it is a little on the red side , but that is ok. You may notice that I use the Star Grass as a border between the red Ludwigia / Alternanthera and the Anubias. I discarded most of the star grass, it is not worth the helluffa maintenance and dying of lower parts. I will try to keep it short, even if it means at least bi-weekly trimming: Main Part Of Island |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a look at the front border of the island, containing the 5 nana petites. Can you find them? The Anubias in general received a major trimming, all kinds of algae infested leaves were cut off, as were old and leaveless parts of rhizomes. Anubias Row Coast |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The most worrisome part of the replant (besides the "lost" Oto) was the Apisto pair. They both seemed really scared and hid behind the heaters and filter intakes By now, almost all seemed fine again, although the female doesn't come out much. The reason may be some egg laying though, as she was defending the right side of the main group with the wood. Here is the male again: Male Apisto Viejita II |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:44 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Last but not least, here is a full tank shot from this morning. Compared to the last full shot from Friday there are a few more plant on the left tank side, collected from the 20. Please make sure to also check on my 20, 29, and 40 logs as all have new entries and in particular the 20 and the 29 have changes a little. Have fun, Ingo Full Tank Shot - Today |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well, There seems to be something going on in the breeding department with the Apistos (while the male in the 40 is doing really bad and may die). The female has found a spot in the wood on the right hand side of the island and is almost never coming out. If she does then only in the immediate are of the wood. Just now, the group of Rainbows came pretty close, and here is the male's response: Go Away |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 01:35 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Then the female Pearl joined that group, but the male Apisto even challenged her, although she is for sure number two in the tank (after the male Pearl). Here he shows her the way as well. That's it, we will see. Ingo And you better leave as well |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 01:37 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | LF, Very I like the structure of the middle-right section. Defintetly the right direction. I can see the island thing, I can also see moving more in that direction if you see fit, using glosso or HC or something to make a "sea" around the left side. Well done, and nice little story about the oto |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 13:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks NowherMan6, I wish I could have the red plants on the island grow some more and the freeze the entire island and just keep on working on the surrounding "sea". Unfortunately, that is only a dream as all will grow eventually out of shape and then it will be time for a redo . But I think I can handle the island for quite a while, with all kinds of options. The one thing I am considering is to replace the Star Grass border with maybe didiplis diandra, which I believe is not as messy as the star grass and also grows on stronger stems. The star grass is blowing slightly sidewards. About Glosso or HC, I may try first to surround the island with wisteria, in good old tetratech fashion . If the tenellus ever settles then I may use any runners to "refresh" the culture in the 29. Ingo |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 14:14 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Well I'm sneaking this one out I like the makeover much better as you said it's more "styled". I think it's more managable and something you could have fun fine-tuning as you go along. It's very tough to create a "bensaf-like" tank in a 125g without being "semi-retired" About the didiplis diandra: I had this plant way back when I purchased my aromatica and blyxa. It's the only plant that didn't make it. It's very fragile and light sensitive. It's also going to be a big pain when trimming. You know Blyxa might work in that spot and is not a fast grower. About the Wisteria: Go ahead knock yourself, but be prepared to see Jersey vs New York wisteria comparisons. Since I've seen about 5 FP tanks with creeping wisteria, maybe the Mods will give me a special contributor award. Ingo Style Makeover in regards to Algae: Most important if you haven't done so aready, reduce your lighting cylce to 7.5 to 8 hours tops and gradually increase as the tank matures and is stable. Same goes for ferts reduce to lower EI range and increase with mass. I think by this weekend I'll be back to some tank updates and responses to Matty and other threads. My Scapes |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 16:04 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Most important if you haven't done so aready, reduce your lighting cylce to 7.5 to 8 hours tops and gradually increase as the tank matures and is stable. Same goes for ferts reduce to lower EI range and increase with mass. Shouldn't that go without saying at this point?!? |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 16:30 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Shouldn't that go without saying at this point?!?We can only hope! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 17:17 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well, First of all, glad to have been able to get a response from tetratech, just for that the makeover was already worthwhile. If I only could get one from Bensaf as well, although he hasn't been on in a few days now Thanks tetratech, I forgot about the issues with the diandra. I don't think the Blyxa would work as it seems to take forever until it even reaches any height (meaning, it is too short and would not even be seen. The plants I need there would have to be about 5 to 6 inches tall (above the substrate). Next: Shouldn't that go without saying at this point?!?Actually, I did reduce the ferts a little, but not the light. I begin to have my doubts about my philosophy regarding light duration and intensity. I maintain my 10h and actually increased the "high light" about a week back to 3.5 hours. Ingo |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 18:58 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I begin to have my doubts about my philosophy regarding light duration and intensity.and your philospohy would be??? 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 20:18 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | and your philospohy would be?Well, I stated that I have doubts about my philospohy, which is in sink with you guys. The "new" thoughts are not well formed (yet), but there is of course the notion that the plants actually do not get enough lights to perform at their best. 1.5wpg is not quite much for almost all day (except the one hour I used to beef up the lighting). Ingo |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 20:36 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | The new structure is looking good & it seems the change may have prompted your apistos to mate. That should be very interesting, although any fry would probably struggle to survive in the community tank with the plant mass lower. But then, I'm talking about my tanks - where my adults are all notorious fry eaters. You have had success with platy & espei - so fingers crossed for you. Cheers TW |
Posted 25-Oct-2006 14:14 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Robyn, Nah, there will be no fry, not even my Espei fry has a chance now, and they are going at it like mad all the time . There are simply enough fish in the tank to extremely limit the chances of any fry not to be detected. As a side note, and unrelated to the upcoming loss of an Apisto in the 40G, this tank is seeing its first Espei death rather sooner than later. Given the signs on the fish (fading coloration and less transparency in the fins, combined with holding a static position in the water column rather than swimming all over the place) makes me strongly believe it is a case of old age. It for sure, by its size, is one of my original batch purchased over a year ago, which then was already in mating age. Nothing to worry about, just the way of life. Ingo |
Posted 25-Oct-2006 15:20 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well, Given that the Apisto in the 40G is gone and given that I placed an image of it in that log, I thought I owe you an image from the Espei mentioned in the last thread. Here you see the "old" Espei, and I am rather certain that he/she is suffering from old age only (please tell me otherwise if you should identify an illness). I thought I owe this picture as it completes my Espei life cycle of images, from small fry over juveniles to adults and seniors. As you can see, the body coloration is fading away, in particular in the front body section. Also, the fins are less clear and have mostly a whitish ba Ingo Old Espei |
Posted 26-Oct-2006 00:14 | |
shawnp2k Hobbyist Posts: 66 Kudos: 14 Votes: 1 Registered: 19-Mar-2006 | Ingo: Good Job on your new tank overhaul i see how you have a lot more room for future development. I hope you're algae problem will be a lot less then in your previous layout. I cant wait to see how it will look in the next few months to come. Cheers Shawn |
Posted 28-Oct-2006 03:32 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Shawn, I appreciate the comment Just like you said, I am also happy that this layout will allow me to change things from now on a little more slowly rather than having to perform 10 hour makeover sessions every few months. And like you, I am very curious as to what it will become in the next few months. Thanks again, Ingo |
Posted 28-Oct-2006 10:17 | |
jase101 Big Fish Posts: 345 Kudos: 273 Votes: 1 Registered: 06-Jul-2004 | hey there lf - great work on the tank - i can't believe how much work you do on your tank!! i love watching it progress from stage to stage. i just did a big clean out, thinning out all my swords, and propogating some tiger lotus pups - not a bad sunday arvo at all. hope you are well, justin |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 12:04 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Justin I appreciate your input and compliments, keep em coming Anyway: Weekly Tank Update - Week 57 The tank has been doig quite ok during this week, I was hoping not to see a major outbreak in algae (from the redo) and so far I have been lucky. The duck weed on top grew rather dense and needed some major thinning out as the two spray bars on each end concentrated the weed in the middle of the tank and that led to shading of the main group, not so good. I have quite a few shots to show, so here is the first set, taken during the water change. This is the diffuser at low tide, as you can see there is some algae on it. I have not cleaned it in months and the green part is the one where the diffuser never let out any bubbles (ever). My cleaning consists of dripping Excel on top of the plate (after drying it off with a tissue) when the water gets below the rim. That is all I do since months. Diffuser |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:03 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a look at the main group from almost above, a little from the side. I cannot really get a straight down shot as I would have to make a hole in the ceeling of the room and take a shot from the first floor . I am always surprised to see how bright blue the background of the tank actually is. It seems so much darker when there is water in the tank. This reminds me, maybe I should play with the background for a few weeks. Low Tide Main Group |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:06 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a look at most of the fish that are in the tank, almost all shots were taken during low tide. Usually, most fish are hiding in the plants during water change, but this weekend they were parading around. Here are the Espei swimming along the island perimiter, supervised by the male Apisto: Espei School |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:09 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is the female Apisto, above the Wisteria. I assume her "fry" from last was either non-existent or had been eaten/abandoned/died. Female Apisto |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:11 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Just for completion of the Apisto pair, here is a shot of the male, taken a few hours after the water change. Besides showing him, I would like to point out the little bubbles in the water which are finely diffused CO2 bubbles. And that is on the other side of the tank from the diffuser. Male Apisto |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:14 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | On to some other fish of the tank, here is a neon dwarf rainbow looking into the camera. I wonder if they wonder what it is that I am doing there. But I guess I give them too much credit Anyway, it is very nice of him to give me this pose: Rainbow I |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:16 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here are two of the rainbows, side by side. I would assume that the one with the larger hump is superior to the one in the back, right? These fish (the rainbows) are the most active in the tank and are constantly busy chasing each other and showing off to each other. Rainbow II |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:18 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is my female Pearl Gourami. She holds the number two spot in the tank, at least when it comes to respect by the other fish. She is also less shy then her mate. You can also see a few of the very healthy duck weed with roots on the left. Female Pearl |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:20 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the king of the castle, the male Pearl. Nobody questions his authority and I am sure that his size alone gives him this respect. He is pretty much at least 3 times the lenght of most Espei. If the other fish would take a closer look when he behaves like a chicken (for example during water change) then they may change their mind and try to take dominance in their own hand . Male Pearl |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:23 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Enough about the fish in the tank, let's move on to the plants and the tank overall. Here is a look at the Wisteria on the right after the water change. I was very tempted to thin it out already and use the clippings on the left side, but I rather wait one more week to have a fuller and healthier growth first. Wisteria Lawn |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:25 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look at the left side of the tank, the one that needs improvement/filling the most. I had no chance this week to go to the LFS and see if they have any Wisteria that I could plant there to fill in the empty gravel, maybe this week will be better. Left Side |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:27 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Many, Many More Pictures Are At The Bottom Of The Previous Page As we all know, my tank is not known for pearling But this weekend, after the water change, the tank pearled for hours. I know, I know, that is not something all that special, but even this has not happend in this tank for quite some time (many months). Must be the Jersey water that has changed, . Here is the Star Grass with its pearls: Pearling |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look at the tops of the Alternanthera Group. I had to trim away a few leaves that had a rim of BBA on them, still from the previous setup. In the past, most of these stems were spread out throughout the tank and actually did not receive the light (and respect) they need to shine: Alternanthera |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Right next to them (actually on the left),completing the center group of the island, are the Ludwigia peruensis's. So far, all stems still develop new leaves at the double per node. Matty - If I understand the statement that you made about this plant a while back, then this should either change to single leaf per node or I actually have Ludwigia peruensis, which - by your statement - is not an aquatic plant. Ludwigia peruensis |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Ok, The last 4 shots are of the full tank and/or the full island. Here again is the tank from last week, shortly after the Little_Fish style makeover: Last Week |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:38 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank this weekend. The plants that I noticed as having grown the most are the Wisteria on the right, the Pearl Grass in the back left off the island, and the Star Grass ring on the island border. What a surprise Week 57 - Now |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look just at the main island. I have to admit that this so far is my favorite setup of this tank and I hope that I will not regret the recent makeover and ligthing duration changes. So far, so good, I will keep my thumbs crossed. Island I |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:43 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is (already) the last shot, the main island in a more Matty-Style angle. Matty - I hope you are proud of yourself as you most certainly can take all the credit for any shot taken in these angles I have to say that in this angle the island looks almost like a bird's nest I am looking forward to the red plants growing just a little more to really fill in, in particular in height. That's it for now, Have fun, Ingo Island - Matty Style |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:46 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, Your tank looks pretty nice! I like the lay out with all the Anubias on the DW. That works really well for me. Things seem to be filling out quite well. The left side is a bit thin but you will soon have plenty of westeria to fill in the gaps. Your rainbows are looking really good. I really love mine when I had them but for some reason they didn't do well. I am glad you have had pretty good luck with yours. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 15:07 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Matty - If I understand the statement that you made about this plant a while back, then this should either change to single leaf per node or I actually have Ludwigia peruensis, which - by your statement - is not an aquatic plant. If it doesn't end up with one leaf per node, then I have no idea what it is. The terrestrial plant I've seen in pics is very large and looks nothing like our aquatic plant. Sorry if I wasn't clear on that. I just meant to say that ludwigia peruensis is usually a false name for ludwigia glandulosa - but a name which is correct for a terrestrial plant. Matty - I hope you are proud of yourself as you most certainly can take all the credit for any shot taken in these angles I can't take credit, I didn't take the pic!. I'm glad I could make an impact on the angles you take your pics though. It's rare when people actually look at a tank from that dead on angle, so it's hard to get a feel for what your tank really looks like. Nice pics Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 17:17 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys for the input and comments on tank and pictures. Wings - none of my anubias are planted/tied on the driftwood, they are are stuck into the substrate. Of course I made sure the rhizome is above the substrate, so don't worry The Mother Barteri is shooting out about 3 new leaves every 2 to 3 weeks, I hope that it doesn't grow too big too soon. Matty - Of course you can take credit, you made me do it In the same way, NowherMan6 can take credit for my pictures as he was my lens consultant Ingo |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 00:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Hah, I am glad that I am able to post the following picture. As you may know, one Oto went MIA during last weekend's makeover and spent about at least 1.5h in an empty sink (where I placed the DW before cutting it). So, given that I overall had 6 Otos before, and that I added him/her back in and he/she swam away, and that I have not been able to count them all any time since, here they are Ingo |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 02:33 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Man look at how clean that filter intake is. Makes me want to take mine out and bleach it or something. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 03:27 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Your Alternanthera Group is just stunning & I'm really liking the island setup. Great shot of your otos - pretty cool to get them altogether like that. Cheers TW |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 12:52 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks, you two Matty - This is the intake of the newer filter, the one I added rather recently (maybe 6 weeks back, I don't remember). I will try to get a shot of the other one which is more in line with yours, I guess Robyn - Yeah, it took me two hours until I had all 6 of them herded onto the clean filter intake and heater Ingo |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 15:23 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | It's a classic case of "less is more" your no longer concerned with the confines of the tank where your putting a tall plant in the corner to cover the filter tubes, heater. etc. The Island looks even more impressive close-up. Nice tight groups, good constrast and manageable. If I had to nitpick (some things never change) it would be the anubias in the front is too lined up. Are you considering changing the tubes, heater to all black so they fade into the background? With two filters on the tank that powerhead is also an unnecessary distraction IMO. My Scapes |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 19:19 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I think tetratech went colorblind during his absence. LF's background is blue and his heaters are black. I think LF is also using that powerhead to throw CO2 bubbles out to the other side of the tank and get more saturation. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 20:00 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | If I had to nitpick ...Of course you have to And it is always welcome, tetratech. Does that mean your bet is over and you won, or what? What are you getting out of this again? Ah yeah, a new tank Anyway - Just a few posts earlier (or a few pages earlier) I mentioned that I may play with the background for a while. This means that any colors of heater and what not will have to wait. Also, yes - as Matty said - the powerhead is for the CO2. My way of dispersal in a 6 foot tank. I have to see about the Anubias and a few other plants in the future, for now I am just glad that I got an environment that allows me to play with it without having to do a major overhaul. Ingo |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 20:33 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I went to the LFS after work and bought 3 bunches of Wisteria, each having 3 stems and being about 6 to 10 inches long (they also has a pair of Apist Cacs "Double Red", but I resisted). Once home, I proceeded to trim the stems. For one thing, I would like to keep the growth low, so 6 inches is not good. I made two sections out of each stem, the top and the next element down, which gave me 18 pieces overall. That was enough to cover the part of the left side that was still open. Here is that area: New Wisteria |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 03:00 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | This shot, of the female Apisto exploring if there is any food in the wistera, shows the very finely structured leaves of this growth: Apisto Looking For Food |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 03:02 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | In comparison, here is my Wisteria from the right side of the tank. As you can see, most leaves are much broader that the new ones. Is that because of less light intensity? I need to consult the Wisteria Whipper Existing Wisteria On Right Tank Side |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 03:04 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And just for completion, here is the whole tank again. Now it is getting harder to avoid any glare in the pictures as the Wisteria is highl reflective of the tank light. That's it for now, Have Fun, Ingo Full Tank |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 03:05 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | As you can see, most leaves are much broader that the new ones. Is that because of less light intensity? I think it has to do with light. More light the thinner the leaves. Less light the wider they get. The wisteria in the last picture sure is bright. You should ask tetra how he does it! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 06:09 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Since you just bought it, I'd tend to think the thin leaves might be an emersed growth form(as most plants are grown emersed at farms to avoid the algae problem and to max light and growth using sunlight). I've also seen very large leaves come into the store too. I guess that's why they call it hygro difformis. Very tough to tell what does what to this plant. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 06:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Ah, I have never thought of the possibility that Wisteria is grown emersed. The stems seem way to fragile to support the plant weight out of the water. Not because they are so thin but because they seem to easily break when bent (at least the main stem of an upright growing plant). Interesting, so much still to learn, Ingo |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 14:16 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Tank Update - Week 58 The week was rather eventless, with the exception of the addition of more Wisteria on Monday. So here is a quick look at some stuff The morning before the water change, when the tank was still dark, I had a chance to take a peek as the light on 29G next to it goes on first. I know that plants close shop when they have enough light and at night as well, but I did not know that this applies to Wisteria as well: Wisteria Closed At Night |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is the Pearl Grass before trimming. It has grown very nicely and I could use the extra plants for the 40G. It is now pretty much as tall as it was two weeks ago and I was able to harvest 9 smaller bunches: Pearl Grass |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Also, for the very first time ever I really cleaned the filter (the bigger older one). I removed even the content of the individual trays and rinsed them in tank water as can be seen here. Left is the bio la Cleaning Time |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:50 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And, for comparison, here is the tank two weeks ago after this setup had been created. As you can see, it is still quite empty: Two Weeks Ago |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:51 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank earlier today. Not only does one notice the addition of the wisteria, but also some healthy growth in the Star Grass, Alternanthera, and Ludwigia groups. Also, the mother barteri developed quite a few new leaves. Tank Now |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Nevertheless, not all is rosy. There is again some BBA, in particular on some leaves of the Alternanthera, Java Fern, and Anubias (just some leaves on that whole group). I am considering an Excel treatment. Here is a closer look at the island: Island |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:55 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look at the Wisteria group on the left side of the tank. The front section is the addition from last Monday. That should be rather obvious though as I never had this growth form in any of my tanks: Wisteria |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:57 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The Tenellus field behind it is still pretty messy, but I clearly see the development of submersed leaves and a few runners. I will give it some more time and then decide what to do with it in the first place. I am considering to replace the star grass with the crypts from the way left and make the whole area around the island wisteria (a la tetratech). Tenellus |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 00:00 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is an add-on: I went to the LFS this afternoon and got some fishies (see 40G Log ). While I was there I picked up another 6 bunches of Wisteria. It wasn't in super shape, so I only could use the top most section of each stem (unlike last Monday when I divided each stem into two reusable pieces). I planted then in front of the Island and now have to left almost connected to the right. Almost there That's it, have fun, Ingo New Wisteria From Today |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 00:03 | |
Tainted Glory Hobbyist Posts: 97 Kudos: 41 Votes: 0 Registered: 03-Dec-2005 | Tank looks amazing Ingo. I was a bit surprised when you chose to steer clear of the Amano style. When you mentioned an "island" setup, I was expecting exactly what you have in the middle, but a clear cut line surrounding it of bare gravel. Hell, I would have bet sand would have made an appearance with this layour, at least in the foreground. But it looks killer either way. I'm thoroughly impressed! Nice seeing you today, btw. |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 01:42 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well thanks Mike, I appreciate the compliment Yeah, it was nice seeing you today at the LFS and I am glad it motivated you to peek into my logs (responsive that is, as I know you do it as a reader only anyway). Yeah, anything more than I did in this current redo would basically have meant to start all over again as I would have had to get rid of my well bacterialized gravel. So, that's as good as it gets Ingo |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 02:31 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Looks good LF, especially the tenellus(gosh I like that plant). It looks as if you're getting pretty good growth overall, should be fun to watch the tank continue to grow in. How's the ludwigia turning out? I'm really curious to see if that turns out to be the same as mine, or what else it could be if it doesn't. I don't really have anything to nit-pick about. I like the setup, just needs time to fill in. That's some nasty media BTW. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 03:14 | |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 13:34 | This post has been deleted |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I don't really have anything to nit-pick about. Well I do! That last pic is really beautiful! My Scapes |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 13:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | So - where is the nitpicking, tetratech ? I know there is much that can be done better, but I had to start somewhere. I think that this setup will allow me to play around with much less ecological interference. Thanks for the compliment on the last shot. Matty - You sure like tenellus, don't you . The ludwigia is still growing in the same style, aka two leaves per node. Maybe the grand master of plants, aka Bensaf, could take a look and let us know what he thinks . And yes, the media was really . Maybe in about two weeks I should have the other filter undergoing the same treatment. Ingo |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 14:31 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, If you are doing major up rooting fairly often then you are probobly releasing tons of junk from the gravel. This stuff ends up right in your filter. Therefore its probably a good idea to keep them cleaned more often. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 17:24 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Ingo, Looking at those nice pics, I forgot to ask. Are you seeing an abatement of your algae issues. I didn't see any "real" issues even from the closeup shot. My Scapes |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 17:25 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys for input and question, Tetratech - right now I don't have a huge algae issue to report, but I see a ring of BBA around sicklish leaves on the Anubias and Alternanthera, and on the edges of leaves on the NL Fern, but they may have gotten damaged during the redo as well. Otherwise, only a little hair algae is growing on the glass, but not bad at all. I will try to give you an even closer look so one can see the problem Wings - you, that's it, the redo will do that. But I decided to not mess with the filters right when I did the redo as I had upset the biofilter enough as it was. That's why I am doing it now, one filter at a time. Ingo |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 17:48 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | that's it, the redo will do that. But I decided to not mess with the filters right when I did the redo as I had upset the biofilter enough as it was. That's why I am doing it now, one filter at a time.I am with you. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 18:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | So, Just to show you that not all is shiny shiny, here are two of the plants that have BBA problems (I couldn't get a good one of the Alternanthera). Here is a leave of the Mother Barteri plant. Just a few leaves have algae: Anubias Barteri BBA |
Posted 07-Nov-2006 01:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the Narrow Leaf Java Fern. Again, only a few leaves look like this, and I believe to identify that they are damages further down on the leaf. That's it, Ingo NL Java Fern BBA |
Posted 07-Nov-2006 01:54 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | i had a BBA problem but my pearl gouramis ate it all. i wonder why tours havnt eaten any of yours? BTW my male pearl is almost full grown now, hes chest is a deap red orange, his dorsal & analfins stretch way past his tail fin and he has the most amazing turquise and olive green iridescences. |
Posted 07-Nov-2006 04:05 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | coop, I wasn't aware that Pearls are BBA eaters, I for sure haven't seen mine even touching it. About 6 to 4 months ago, my male seemed well on the way to receive his orange underbelly, but now it seems more like he is moving backwards in the coloration department, except for the turquise and olive green iridescences on his finnage. It may have to do with the fact that there is 0 chance for breeding in this tank as the current would wash away any bubble nest. So he may think: "Why bother with all the color if I cannot use it anyway" Ingo |
Posted 07-Nov-2006 14:33 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | I am loving your new island look. All is looking pretty slick. Like Matty, I'm a recent fan of Tenellus. Is there more that one form of tenellus? Mine look taller than yours, but so far they are all I've found. How tall would you say yours grow? I agree with not cleaning out both filters at once. In fact, I have never done a 100% filter media clean. But for you, 100% cleaning of one filter = only a 50% clean, as you still have another filter to go. I would wait 3-4 weeks before you clean the 2nd filter, to allow the cleaned media to grow a new colony of bacteria. Anyway, all is looking great Cheers TW |
Posted 07-Nov-2006 23:58 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | your male pearl has a beter body shape than mine, mine has a more bulldog face too. id say its colour is becauase of the current as my tank has 2 smaller HOB filters at each end. one is soruonded by a lot of wisteria where as the other has a big clump of sggitaria stimulatus in front of it, this makes the water surface in the middle of the tank fairly still which allows him to build his nest(wich is then purposely destroyed by my male blue ram). i guess it makes him a fair bit more agressive. he is king of the tank except when it comes to the male german blue ram; about half the size of the pearl but twice as aggressive(i originally had 2 pairs of GBR's, because of the male GBR its now only 1 pair). |
Posted 08-Nov-2006 06:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | coop - Yeah, my male Pearl is the king of the tank as well, not even my male Apisto truly challenges him. This comes as a surprise to me though as the male pearl is also one of the biggest chickens in the tank as soon as an "outsider" appears (meaning a person). By now he has figured out that me standing next to the tank is not harmful, but he darts into hiding as soon as another person comes closer. Not to mention that you cannot find him once my hand penetrates the water (maintenance stuff). I checked last night on his coloration and yeah, there is not one bit of orange left. Robyn, yeah - there are at least two forms of tenellus, but the other one is actually smaller with thinner leaves that are turning a reddish color in bright light. Amano uses that one quite often and I once got a tiny plant by accident (didn't grow for me). About the filter cleaning: I don't believe I destroyed the bacteria in the filter completely as I rinsed the media in tank water. Sure, whatever was on the filter walls and media baskets is gone, but the surface of the media itself should have contained most of it anyway. Ingo |
Posted 08-Nov-2006 11:24 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | yeah mines a real chicken when it comes to "outsiders" and matenence. i recently gave my tank a complete makeover and the whole timt he was flapping around in the back corner. strangly though he eats algea wafers out of my hand |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 10:17 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | Those buckets of dirty water got me thinking. Still having BBA issues ...hmmmmmm. I think it's pretty much been shown that BBA is reliant on carbon to thrive. Organics produce carbon,in a form difficult for planys to access but somewhat easier for algae specifically BBA. A dirty tank will produce algae. I'm surprised you've gone that long between cleaning filters. For some reason I always clean my canister every 4-6 weeks. By clean I mean I totally dump the wool media , clean the can but don't touch the bio stuff (ceramic rings/efisubstrat). I've always done it this way, no particular reason just habit. The likes of Tom BArr are always stating the importance of keeping tank and filter "clean" - maybe that's where I picked it up. Wondering if the amount of organics in an old "dirtier" filter is helping the BBA? Class discussion ? Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 13:24 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Organics produce carbon,in a form difficult for planys to access but somewhat easier for algae specifically BBA. Can you explain this a little more, if you can? And if it thrives on carbon produced by organics, then why is it said that LOW carbon causes BBA, as opposed to an organic form? I always thought of it being more of a steady C vs. fluctuating C issue. |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 14:10 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I always thought of it being more of a steady C vs. fluctuating C issue.Maybe the organic form is a fluctuating one? Come to think of it. I was having some aglae issues a while back. I think I cleaned out my filter and it went away. I was having issues with staghorn though. Which is one of two, the other being GS, that I get in my tank. Now if the filter is good and dirty is the bio filter working at top production? 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 14:45 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Wondering if the amount of organics in an old "dirtier" filter is helping the BBA? IMO yes. Nothing works in a vaccum, everything is part of the whole. The more organics in the tank/filter the more you might have issues. If you have a tank that has no fish only plants, you could probably get by with doing an annual filter cleaning as opposed to one stocked with fish that would require monthly or bi-monthly. Listening to the conversations here at Planted Aquaria the conversations are usually as much about fish as they are about plants. There's nothing wrong with that mindset, but it does bring about more algae issues. The amount of organics affects the amount of filtration, flow, co2, etc that one would need to maintain an algae-free tank. My Scapes |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 16:11 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I'll agree, but can't say I'm a shining example of someone who keeps their filter clean. I get to it every couple months. At this rate I can't say I've ever noticed a correlation between algae before and after cleanings, but maybe I would if I let it go longer. IMO it's the same as the junk in the gravel bed or rotting leaves or anything else. If I could I'd gravel vac every week too. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 16:27 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Oooooooh, the grand master gave me the honor of a few words Anyway, first things first: coop - When I read your entry I had to laugh as feeding the Pearls is really like you describe, they eat out of your hand. Not only that, the way they open and close their mouths on the surface while eating looks to me like they are singing some song. Some may have seen my picture of an old Espei a few weeks back. I did not see him anymore 3 days ago but then found him again 2 days ago, minus half his body Rest in peace old man, you were a proud father of many. Now on to the filter cleaning: Bensaf, you may have misunderstood: By clean I mean I totally dump the wool media , clean the can but don't touch the bio stuffI do that too, it was just the first time that I even cleaned out the media baskets. As mine are stuffed with media there is always something left behind when not removing from the baskets. And this gunk is also partially ba Nevertheless, I agree, dirty media can, and probably does, have something to do with the algae. But like all the others, please elaborate on the carbon culprit. Thanks in advance, Ingo |
Posted 10-Nov-2006 10:54 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi, Plants can extract the Carbon from organic compounds. The problem is how tightly the element, Carbon, is bound into the compound. An organic chemist, I am not, but I do know that some molecules hang onto the elements that make up that molecule more tightly than others. The CO2 gas that we inject into our tanks is the easiest for plants to extract the Carbon from. It requires less energy from the plant and is why plants seem to "take off" when we start using injected CO2. It is the same with other elements that plants need. Fe for instance as well as the trace elements. They need to be introduced into the aquarium in the form that is beneficial for plants, other wise they build up to possibly toxic levels or precipitate out. This is discussed extensively in Diana's book, The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 10-Nov-2006 16:34 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | And if it thrives on carbon produced by organics, then why is it said that LOW carbon causes BBA, as opposed to an organic form? Frank pretty much nailed how organics produce carbon. But lets clear one thing up. Low Co2 in and of itself is not a cause of BBA. Fluctuating carbon levels will. In a non Co2 injected tank one of the best methods to avoid algae is to avoid water changes or actually, to avoid putting in sudden short doses of Co2 (from tap water) which will benefit algae more then plants. In an injected tank relatively high and stable is the way to go. In an injected tank the plants are getting there carbon easily and readily in the quantities they need. A lot of "dirt" will produce carbon that may only benefit algae.As Frank mentioned the carbon is not Co2, more in the way of carbonate molecules. The plants simply won't be bothered stripping down the molecules when it already has all their carbon needs readily available. But BBA is built to access carbon in just that way. I pull tanks up completely every year as I've noticed that things tend to go downhill at bit at that stage. They look dirty and old. No matter how fastidious you are you can't get everything at the regular water changes - things get under the wood and rocks etc. The only tank I've never had BBA in (or any other form for that matter) is the small non Co2 low light desktop tank. It really is a method that truly seems foolproof and is the reason why I'd never bother with more then one hight light Co2 tank. Need the patience of a saint though - it grows very very very slowly and the plants stay much smaller, Don't get me wrong , not saying Ingo has a filthy tank or anything. I could be going overboard but I've never let the canister go more then 6 weeks without a cleaning. Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 12-Nov-2006 16:20 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I pull tanks up completely every year as I've noticed that things tend to go downhill at bit at that stage. They look dirty and old. No matter how fastidious you are you can't get everything at the regular water changes - things get under the wood and rocks etc. That's an acurate statement. Everything is relative to this buildup. A year could probably be stretched to 18 months if your really anal about things(feeding,fishload, water changes, filter cleaning) or can be shortened if your very overstocked, etc. I notice some BBA on some of the eco which was never there before. It's not a big issue but it's there. That's why I'm also pushing the low ishload, low feeding thing, because this will buy you more time before things get real bad. The majority of aquarist feed and stock too much not to have some algae issues in hi-light planted tanks. I want to repeat something. It's not that they are overstocked or overfeeding in general terms, but they are when it comes to controlling algae in planted aquaria. My Scapes |
Posted 12-Nov-2006 18:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well thanks guys for the detailed inputs on carbon and BBA. I guess I will have to clean my filters more often the, right (as a reduced fish load is not an option ). On with the show, I got loads of pictures and no time. Weekly Tank Update - Week 59 To start off, here is the tank 3 weeks ago when it was set up in this layout: 3 Weeks Ago |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 02:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank now, with a few additions of Wisteria and some growth. I think it still looks pretty, but some pruning is needed. I just didn't have the time for that this weekend and also I don't know what I would like to change yet. Tank Today |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 02:58 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Now I would like to show you how the tank looks when I have only the second row of lights with 5,500K on. Doesn't it look much greener? I am considering of switching to the 10,000K that I have: With 5,500K Only |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:00 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closeup of the Pearl Grass right afte water change. As you can see, it really pearls , but somehow it does not really look like grass though Pearl Grass |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:02 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | My Excel Treatment that I started this week to fight off the existing BBA is showing effects, the algae is beginning to turn red or pale, as can be seen in this closeup of an leaf of the NL Java Fern. BBA Dying |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:11 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | For Matty, a 4 picture special Maybe Bensaf wants to chime in, that would be nice. Here is one of two shots showing the current growth of the Ludwigia Peruensis. This one is closer to the bottom of the tank and a small sprout. LP new Growth I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:13 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is one from the tallest of them in the tank. As you may see, the gap between the nodes is really small and there are still two leaves per node. Also, it has gotten much redder. The beginning of the new growth section can be easily identified: LP new Growth II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:14 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Then I looked at the plant right next to it, my Alternanthera. Doesn't that plant look very similar? I wonder if I have some form of Alternanthera there! Alternanthera I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:15 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | One of the differences is that the gap between the nodes seem larger than on the LR, although they are at equal height in the tank. The LR also appears to have shorter new leaves, actually it seems a little stunted. Maybe I should add more K, but I for sure beefed up the micros from 20ml to 30ml as of today. Alternanthera II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:17 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The Star Grass in the tank is still growing strong, but I don't think it is right for the spot that it is at. Its stem is too weak and it gets blown heavily to its side by the current in the tank. Here is one of the more stable parts of it as the current in that section isn't all that strong: Star Grass |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:20 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is the weakest section of the tank, at least in my opinion. The whole left side needs something, and I believe it needs less of a plant mish-mash. Maybe all should be wisteria for now and later I could add some highlights to it. I could use the crypts as a border section in the Island, but the tenellus would have to move to other tanks. Left Section |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:22 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | On to some fish shots: Whenever I enter the ba Rainbows I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:24 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Once they realize that I am only there to hold this black thingy (camera) in front of my face they tend to peruse the tank some more. Here they are on the other end of the tank. Rainbows II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:25 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | My Apistos are always up for a nice photo, and they seem to enjoy beeing the center of my attention. Here is the female staring at me like "Are we done yet?" Female Apisto I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:27 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | After a while she had enough and starts to swim off, on to finding some food in the tank. These days she is wearing her bright yellow wedding dress only on rare occasions, maybe 3 days out of 7 Female Apisto II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Make Sure You Look At The Pictures On The Previous Page That Start This Weeks Update Here is the male Apisto swimming through the bubbles of the CO2 output. It seems to me as if he is eyeballing the Espei in the bottom right corner. I wouldn't be too surprised if he got a tast for them by now, given that it was he whom I found eating the dead (old) Espei during this week: Male Apisto I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The male Apisto (and his girl) are the least shy fish in the tank. Whenever I put my finger on the glass all other fish first swim away (and may or may not come back), but he doesn't seem to be worried at all. Actually I think he likes the attention: Male Apisto II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:33 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Just to show off his nice colors again, here he is from the full side. He is just as handsome as ever Male Apisto III |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Ok, On to some off-shots, more in line with the things Matty likes, but maybe the others will enjoy them as well. Here you can see how full my tank is Small Gap Left |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:36 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look accross the length of the tank, from the left side to the right. Last week I filled up the tank (by mistake) so much that the duck weed got stuck at the crossbars. Surface Movement |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:38 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look at the tank from the left side, showing more the frontal section. Most of my sideshots are guesswork as I don't really have the space to squeeze my head behind the camera for that angle: Tank From Left |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:39 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look into the tank from the right side. This spot is even tighter and I barely can hold the camera in my hand into an almost proper angle. Sorry if they are not the greatest pictures. From Right Side |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:41 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The last 3 pictures are of the main island. Here is the first from a slight angle when standing closer to the left side of the tank: Main Island I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:42 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look at the island from a slight angle to the right. I like how the Espei tend to peruse along the front edge of the island, they go very well with the color theme Main Island II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:44 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a head on, but angled down, shot of the island. I know it needs some work, at least the Star Grass needs trimming. As you can see, I have closed the frontal gap between left and right and now the island is surrounded. That is it for today, Have fun, Ingo Main Island III |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:46 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Neet shots there LF. I can't say that I know for sure what red plant you have there. I'm not sure. It's nice whatever it is. My ludwigia gets those crinkled leaves on the new growth when I don't dose a bit of calcium at waterchanges. I'm not sure why that is, I have hard water, and would think I had plenty of calcium, but it's at least something to go on. I really enjoyed the shots from the side, that was a cool angle we haven't seen much before. It really helps get the 3D feel for the tank. The shot of the center group with the espei was particularly nice as well. I've decided recently that I can't handle floating plant. I ended up ripping out my water lettuce. It kept floating to the front corner that didn't get light enough for them anyways. I applaud you for keeping some duckweed in there for the fish. That shot also showed me how well your tank was levelled when you set it up . I'd say that something like a rock or non green plant would look good in the open area, but it sounds like you already had something like that in mind. I agree though, it could be a bit better on that side, maybe simpler would be better, maybe not. At least it's something easy to play with, just don't kill those tenellus movin' them around too much or I'll come after you....I know where you live. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 05:30 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | Have to say the tank is looking better then then ever. Probably because it has more order and tighter groupings. One minor quibble, I'd tighten up the red plant grouping a bit and pick just one species ( personally I prefer the Reineckii, the Ludwigia can be a pain to grow). Red beside red doesnit work and they slightly different shape of both makes it look untidy. Nut the island formation looks good amd the tank finally has a distinct look rather then a mish mash Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 11:41 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Bensaf, Before I race off to work, can you tell me what kind of plant you think this "Ludwigia" is. It was sold as peruensis, but Matty thinks otherwise and I have no idea. I will comment on your entries more later, Off to the races, Ingo |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 11:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well, I guess I missed Bensaf's presents here at FP by about 5 min . He will never let us know what plant I have there Anyway, on with some comments: Matty - Yeah, crinkled leaves and calcium, I thought about that. But I am adding already one tsp of Equilibrium weekly so I do not want to make the water any harder. Instead, I hope that upping the micros will help out. You may remember that I used to feed 50ml dosages of TMG, but with the new stuff I went to 20ml, as instructions from Tropica suggest. Now, with 30ml, I should see some changes, hopefully not in the amount of algae About the leveling: well, I have to give credit for an almost even concrete floor, but thanks anyway. Overall, the tank is a little higher on the right than on the left, maybe a difference of 1/3 to 1/2 an inch. Also, I will not try to kill the Tenellus, I promise . And yeah, the left side will undergo slooooow changes. For the first time in quite a while I look at the tasks at hand with excitement and not as a necessity. Bensaf - Thank you so much, very nice of you to give me (or my tank) such praise. With regards to the Ludwigia, I assume you identified the plant then, right ? What makes it so hard to grow? Does it have specific requirements in nutrients, like loads of Iron or something like that? In either case, I will keep your words of mixing these plants in mind when I have enough of them (Alternanthera) to fill in the whole area. Thanks for the input, Ingo |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 14:53 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I could use the crypts as a border section in the Island,I think that is a really good idea. Then maybe a rock or something coming out of the wisteria would look nice as Matty has said. Overall your tank is looking quite nice. I like the shots from the side too! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 15:20 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi, I throughly enjoyed the photo tour. It's no wonder that the high point of the dollar two ninty eight tour of the house begins and ends in the fishroom! As far as the lighting is concerned, the tank (to me) does not seem "greener" with the 5500K lights so much as the light seems "yellower." It is lower in K and will tend to the yellow, and then the red end of the spectrum. While the 10,000k seems so bright that it starts to "washout" the green colors. That's why I, personally prefer the 6700-8800K bulbs. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 14-Nov-2006 01:53 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | About the ludwigia, I didn't recognise the name 'til I found out it was another name for glandulosa. It needs a lot of light to look it's best which should be a deep purple. It's also very picky about nutrients, any slight shortage and it stops.Like most Ludwigia's it can decide just to melt away when trimmed. When it's a deep purple it's too strong and distracting and is best as an accent. I don't like the way it grows -straight up , never branches- the bottom leaves drop easily and it lloks like an umbrella. If it's not the deep purple there are lots of other plants that are better looking and easier to grow - like the Altherena. So why bother ? I wasn't sure it LP you had from the pics but the close up show the leaves seem to be in groups of threes at the node which is typical for this plant. Kind of a star formation, so it probably is the ludwigia. Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 14-Nov-2006 15:51 | |
illustrae Fish Addict Posts: 820 Kudos: 876 Registered: 04-May-2005 | Wow Ingo, I havn't looked at this thread in a few weeks, and my how it's changed. I absolutely love the island! All that anubias with the lush sections of Alteranthera, pealgrass (something I've never had any luck with, and I'm envious) and still the ever-present stargrass looks absolutely great. However, you have an awful long tank, and I agree that the sides need something... I wish I could help you with what that something may be It's hard to believe ba The dwarf rainbows are amazing! They've grown so much, getting that deep-bodied look of mature rainbows. A question that was probably answered way back when, but just occurred to me is do you keep the tank covered at all? Do you have a canopy, or plain glass covers, or anything on this tank? If not, do you have a problem with jumpers? I know that I ocassionally find tetras and rasboras dried up on my floor just from leaving the lid slightly open on my tanks, and was wondering if that ever happens to you. Hoping that there must be a word for everything I mean... |
Posted 14-Nov-2006 16:55 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Ok, Thanks for all of the entries, here are my responses in order of entry: Wings - Right now the tank gives me more options that I can even think off, and I can think off quite a few . Albeit I haven't made any changes yet, I am looking forward to some playtime in the tank. This is a fist in a loooooong time. Frank - You are right, it is more yellow than green . I have the 6,700K as my all-day lights and turn the others on only for mid-day-lights. I may switch them to the 10,000K lights that I have lying around though, just for the fun of it. Bensaf - Thanks a lot, my friend. I will have to do more research on the LRs, but from what you describe and from what I observe in the tank (stunting) it strongly appears as if you are right on. What else would I have expected anyway ? illustrae - Thank you very much for stopping by and making an entry, I appreciate it . I am glad that my trials (and errors ) have helped you out, better learning from somebody else's mistakes than making them yourself . Yes, I do have 3 glass panels on top of my tank, no canopy though. I like the glass/elevated lighting unit look, it has some high tech flavor to it. I have no doubt that the rainbows and pearls would already have been on the floor if I didn't. Ingo |
Posted 15-Nov-2006 15:10 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | |
Posted 16-Nov-2006 08:40 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi, "A couple of THOUSAND gallons?" Now those pictures I'd love to see!! Has he posted them anywhere? Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 16-Nov-2006 08:57 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | firstly he is 84 and doesnt know how to use a computer, the net or a digital camera.none of wich does he have. its actaly 1 thousad gallons with angels and discus. and secondly i only see it about once a year(when get to see him) and finally it will be sold by this christmas for $10,000 or there abouts so i will try and get or find a photo by then. if not (sorry about the edit on the post above, people will think we're crazy coz of that. i couldnt sell the pearls, they're to buetiful, instead m getting another female and a powerhead with a spray bar to try and stop aggression.) |
Posted 16-Nov-2006 10:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | OK, I don't know what the two of you (Frank and coop) were talking about , but fine with me. Coop, more apisto shots are on the way further down. Weekly Tank Update - Week 60 It was a busy week for me and as such I did not have a lot of time to care for the tank. All had to be done this weekend and now I am in a mad dash to get the Update in before other duties call me away again. I will respond to all your threads during the week, I promise Here is the tank before the water change and fixes: Before Water Change |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:17 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | As you can see, the star grass has grown way too tall by now, and the alternanthera is pretty much reaching the top. Also, note the green la Darn Duckweed |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:19 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank after maintenance and water change. Some things have changes, a few of which will be shown later. Here, I would like to mention that all crypts have been moved either to the island or to the 40G. Tank Now |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:21 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | PLEASE LOOK AT THE FULL TANK SHOT ON BOTTOM OF LAST PAGE The fish, BTW, are not swimming on the surface because of the CO2, but this shot was taken when it was feeding time. Here is a closer look at the new left side. All is now wisteria with the exception of a group of Blyxa that I got from a local planted tank friend. It is huge, compared to the one in the 40, although he is the source for that one as well. I hope this one will keep in shape. Left Side |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:23 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | One more plant picture, then I will show some fishies. The Star Grass in this shot almost didn't make it back in the tank. I intended to replace it with pearl grass, but that plant is way too "bendy" for the current in that area. Also, its leaves are a little too small to make for a good mid-level plant in the island. Bensaf - I don't think that Ludwigia is grandulosa as I still have new growth with only 2 leaves per node. All other things you describe fit though, picky about ferts and loss of lower leaves. In the end, I kept some star grass, here it is: Star Grass |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:29 | |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:31 | This post has been deleted |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | On to some fish. The ones that worry me these days are the Espei. You may remember that I talked about the old one that died, well - now another one died and he may have been old too. And so is another one that is still alive, but seems to go the same way. But then there is also this one, he will be dead within this week. He seems much smaller and really really skinny, not like the other ones that live and died so far. I hope there is nothing going around. Skinny Sick Espei |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:32 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Either my computer is giving up or FP has issues, I just did a double post for no reason and it seems to be really slow in responding. Anyway: Here is the male pearl, followed by the female. He has some nicer color these days. Pearls |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a closer look at one of my Rainbows. They play "who is the boss" all day long. I am sure they can participate at the Olympics with all this racing training they get in a 6 foot tank Rainbow |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:35 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | On to the Apistos, for coop and all others that may care. Here is the female, looking pretty in her wedding dress. The reason why she is colored up is because the male is near by and clearly in the mood for some fry making Female Apisto |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the man we were talking about, the male Apisto. I always tend to show shots of the full fish, but I thought I might try a closeup to give you more details about him. Good idea? Male Apisto I |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:39 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here he is again, in this last shot for tonight. Here he has his fins standing out as the female is near and he needs to show that he is in good shape. And he sure is !!! And that's it for tonight, hope you like it, Ingo Male Apisto II |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:41 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Your apisto girl chose a very nice wedding dress indeed. Very pretty. I hope she is able to tempt her groom and has more sucess than my nigrerian red girl. She is trying very hard to tempt, with little response from her intended groom. Looks like you've had a lot of growth & the wisteria has really grown in. I take it you removed some of the duckweed to let in more light? Cheers TW |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 03:52 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Wow, LF that first shot of the male close up is so focused that you can see the cephalic pores on it's head. Nice I have to say that I disagree with bensaf on the ludwigia glandulosa. In your tank by now it should be deep red top and bottom with one leaf per node, not two. Ludwigia glandulosa may drop its leaves, which is common of high light demanding plants, but it's not picky about nutrients. If it were, there's no way it would be so red for me. Mine transformes rather quickly maybe in two or three weeks it was really deep red top to bottom, look at my tank log now to check out what it looks like. That's par for what I've seen on the web...some are even more purple. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 06:26 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | love em. beutiful fish. those rainbows are praecox right? just wondering coz i want some for my next set up(once i get a bit more money) wich is actually gonna be a 35G paludarium(is actually ment to be a frog tank but im not really into frogs). my 55g was nearly half filled with wisteria, but i removed all of it when i did a fuul makeover, didnt really like it but it works good in yours. me and frank were talking about the first post that i edited, it said that i was gonna sell my pearlscoz of aggression(couldnt do it)and i had a brag about my granpas 1000gal that inspired me to try a SA theme. good photographer LITTLE_FISH |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 09:31 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, This tank looks quite empty after your trim job. Once again I will have to say that you need to find some rocks for this tank! A few stuck in the center mound and then some in the open space to give it some contrast and hight. It seems you have taken some lessons from tetra on how to grow wisteria. Too bad he doesn't have the guts to show his tank off in the past couple of months. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 20-Nov-2006 17:55 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks folks for the input Robyn, yeah the female wears a beautiful dress rather often and I think they have eggs rather often, but ACIDRAIN once mentioned to me that his viejita are lousy parents in the community tank, and so are mine. Matty - I guess that means the Ludwigigia question is open then again. What if you don't have grandulosa either as bensaf mentioned 3 leaves per node? Coop - yup, this are praecox, but I don't think they would be happy campers in a 35G paludarium. Too small, not enough water for a small school. Wings - Slooow changes, young grasshopper (better than babe, right?) Maybe one I day I will add rocks, maybe not, time will tell. The ba Ingo |
Posted 21-Nov-2006 00:57 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Matty - I guess that means the Ludwigigia question is open then again. What if you don't have grandulosa either as bensaf mentioned 3 leaves per node? That's why I said I didn't agree with Bensaf on the ID: I have to say that I disagree with bensaf on the ludwigia glandulosa. In your tank by now it should be deep red top and bottom with one leaf per node, not two. Ludwigia glandulosa may drop its leaves, which is common of high light demanding plants, but it's not picky about nutrients. Glandulosa for sure has only one leaf per node. Quick take a look here]http://www.aquahobby.com/garden/e_Ludwigia_glandulosa.php[/link], [link=here]http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/images/Onagraceae/Ludwigiaglandulosa.jpg[/link] and the second pic [link=here. They all stagger one leaf per node in a star shape upwards around the stem. I did a lot of lookingwhen I bought the plant to figure out what I had. Oh, and you won't find peruensis unless you are looking to buy a plant...for some reason dealers use a false name. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 21-Nov-2006 03:19 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | oh, thats to bad(just adding that the tank is actualy 55 G but with 30-35gal worth of water in it.) |
Posted 21-Nov-2006 08:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well Matty, time will tell what it is that I have in there. If I don't remove the plant first, that is Did you see my entry in your tank log where I mention that maybe neither you nor I may have Amano Pearl Grass? coop - Well, that may work for you then, 35G of water should allow you to have 6 of them and still give them some space to swim around. That would be a 4 foot tank, right? Ingo |
Posted 21-Nov-2006 10:45 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | courrect, i might want to put a couple of golden panchax in now though. thats well in the future though, havnt even started the thing. i think your tank looks heaps better now, more like professional aquascaping or sumthin. i used to think my tank looked great but then i changed it around so that i have an island at each and of the tank and a space in the middle, looks heaps better now(still got crappy lookin driftwood but) |
Posted 22-Nov-2006 09:10 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Coop, so that i have an island at each and of the tank and a space in the middleHey, you should take a look at tetratech's log as he just has shown us the first picture of his new setup, with two islands and a space in the middle. Can we get a link to a picture of your tank sometime? Ingo |
Posted 22-Nov-2006 10:37 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | yeah thats the same kind of thing, but at eiver end of mine the plants reach the surfac and the gap in mine is less centred(more to the right) |
Posted 23-Nov-2006 01:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Once again coop, Can we get a link to a picture of your tank sometime? Your tank for sure sounds very interesting and I really would like to see a picture of it. Then we all can go and take it apart . Or steal some ideas Just kidding, we will not rip it apart, of course. Ingo |
Posted 23-Nov-2006 13:08 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | |
Posted 23-Nov-2006 23:35 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | my anubias nana has now got 3 flowers on itOn one rhizome? That beats my heavy flowering nanas and barteries easily. Now you really have to get a charger fast as I would really like to see a shot of that Ingo |
Posted 24-Nov-2006 04:21 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | yeah on one rhizome, i just had the best oppotunity for a great photo, but i couldnt take it it was the male GBR dipping his head down to one of the flowers with the other two in the background, looked like a humming bird or sumthin. that gets me soooo angry !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i was, just then, looking through this log(im bored)just randomly clicking on pages and i clicked on page 48 i think. position no.4 of the driftwood is exactly what i want in the right hand corner of my tank. where did you get that?LFS or self collected? id have that crawling with nana's (not grandmas, anubias. damn im funny) from the one i have now. i dont even have co2 in my tank either(cant get any co2 systems excepty for liquid co2, which can cause massive ph drops) im having a bit of a problem with plants, pretty sure its nitrate deficiency, 20ppm. some have yellowy brown dots on the leaves. just wondering, what do you do for tank maitenance and what do you feed your fish? |
Posted 24-Nov-2006 05:50 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Coop, Nice desc The driftwood that you describe from page 48, or something like that, does not exist in this form any more. Immediately after identifying how it should go in the tank I had to cut it into 2 pieces as it was too large even for a 125G. And now, with the last redo, I cut it down even further into many little branches that now border the island. I got this wood from EBay and payed way too much for it (). Somebody found it in some river down in Texas and sold it on the web, and the last minute bitting was a pure war of nerves. NowherMan6 was the person who pointed it out to me. What do you mean with liquid CO2 and causing massive ph drops? Never heard of that. Do you know Flourish Excel? That is a liquid carbon solution and quite a few people use it to have C in their tank (like me, for my 2 low tech tanks). But it is of course more expensive (in the long run) than a CO2 system. Your nitrates are 20ppm? That is not a deficiency at all, that is the desired level for planted tanks. BUT - only if all other nutrients are at their proper levels as well, and if one follows Tom Barr's Estimative Index (EI). Otherwise, the value would be considered high. Have a look at Chuck Gadd's Nutrient Deficiency list to see what may be wrong in your tank. What do I feed my fish? Mostly, I would say 95%, flakes. The rest is the occasional treat of freeze dried foods like tubifex worms, bloodworms, brime shrimp, all small stuff. So, that's enough for this entry, Ingo |
Posted 24-Nov-2006 11:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | |
Posted 24-Nov-2006 11:51 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | on the liquid co2, i was talking on another forum about it and blackwater extract. someone told me that the liquid co2 causes your ph to drop...the same person who told me i have a nitrate deficiency and it should be around 30ppm. i hane a feeling they had no idea what they where talkin about. Driftwood:yeah i noticed it was a bit chopped up now but if that peice was about L 20" W 12" and H 16" it would be perfect did you treat it yourself? if so how?....... i cant get any good wood around hear so ill have to try and get some from down at my river. do not know of flourish excell, ive only started proper aquascaping and planted tanks in the last 4 months or so(been in the hobby for about 2 years now) they sure beat my other bad looking tanks i started with. i think its either manganese calcium or potassium in conjuction with hungry pearl goramis, its mainly in the giant hygro and the polysperma. well thats all i have to say for now |
Posted 25-Nov-2006 01:37 | |
Posted 25-Nov-2006 01:38 | This post has been deleted |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | i hane a feeling they had no idea what they where talkin about.Could well be, or they knew too much and didn't share it all with you. In either case, WRONG! I relied on the person that I purchased the driftwood from to tell me if I would have to treat it. She said no, and as such I only soaked it for a week or so in the bathtub, plus the occasional scrubbing like a madman. Wood that is in a river for just a short period is not qualified for a tank (bugs and critters) and most of the time will take forever until it will stay down by itself and stop leaching tannins. Check into Excel for a CO2 substitue, I think it is available in your country as well. Also, I doubt that it is a potassium issue, although you may well have a low in that department too. I would assume you have a general lack of micro nutrients. What is your fert schedule? Ingo |
Posted 25-Nov-2006 01:53 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | i weekly dose with a liguid fert with N,P,K(2.6,0,5.0) and trace elements including chelates of iron, copper, manganese boran and zinc. my rooed plants such as echinodorus also have JBL 7 Balls wich are like a pellet wich slowly releases iron and trace elements throughout the year. any suggestions for other ferts? most of the DW in the river(brackish) has been there for decades except for a couple of fallen over trees that have been there for about 3 years or more. |
Posted 25-Nov-2006 02:05 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | dose with a liguid fert with N,P,K(2.6,0,5.0)Uh, here is something that you can teach me: What do the numbers in the brackets mean? I would say it must be some concentration level measure, but why would P be zero? And is that right that there seems to be twice as much K than N? Ingo |
Posted 25-Nov-2006 12:44 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | From what I understand those numbers represent the percent of each of those in the fert. So if his numbers are correct there is no "P" in the fertilizer. Congrats on 3000 My Scapes |
Posted 25-Nov-2006 15:19 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | n= nitrates p=phosphorus k=potassium it means there is 2.6 parts nitrates to ) parts phosphorus and 5.0 parts potassium. the dont add phosphorus becuase it is what algea thrives on and yes there is twice as much potassium so that there isnt a huge amount of nitrates going in to your tank. after this weeks water change im gunna dose liquid ferts daily so that the nutrients are there on a daily basis instead of just a massive boost once a week. im looking in to buying the liquid co2 now,BTW i just added six home bred and grown honey gouiramis, they are mostly males though. i was worried the pearls would attach them but thhey havnt yet so all is good. enough about my aquarium though, i feel like im kinda steeling your log. BTW, i think your due for a weekly update |
Posted 26-Nov-2006 03:41 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I think your due for a weekly update- Right, I will do that in a second, but first some input to your fert entry: You are waaaayyy off! Read This Article for more information on ferts and dosing, it may give you some ideas. And here it is, albeit not much to write about: Weekly Tank Update - Week 61 Not too much has happened during this week, most of my concerns where related to stuffing Blyxa back into the substrate. Every time when I get some new plants of this species they come without roots and tend to float like mad. So, for 4 days in a row, I had to shove between 2 and 4 of them back into the gravel. By now they seem to stay down though. The Wisteria is growing nicely, and so are most other plants. Here is the tank after the island was created, 5 weeks ago: 5 Weeks Ago |
Posted 26-Nov-2006 13:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank last night. I am still wondering if I should give the pearl grass a trim as it has reached its peak height (although it can grow taller, but that is as tall as I would like it to get). Also, because the island has become more dense with trimmings from the alternanthera and the inserts of crypts, the lower parts of the star grass seem to be too dark and wither away. I may trim them as well. Tank Last Night |
Posted 26-Nov-2006 13:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look at the left side. The tank light and the camera make the blyxa blend in more with the wisteria than it is when viewed directly, so don't even comment on that fact Not visible in the picture are one or the other tenellus plantling that I did not see when I removed them all to add them to the 29. I will keep them in there for a while, we will see if they make it in the wisteria jungle. Left Part of Tank |
Posted 26-Nov-2006 13:43 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | It seems like my Apistos are filing for divorce, at least that is how I interpret their facial ex Not the best shot, but better than none Leave Me Alone |
Posted 26-Nov-2006 13:45 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Already the last shot for this log today (waaayyy more will come in the 40G log), a closer look at the Island. The one thing I am trying out (as of yesterday) is having my light further back than I used to. Before, it was pretty much in the middle of the tank depth, now it is about 2/3 back. I don't need that much light over the Wisteria in the front and I think the island and blyxa will profit from it. What do you think? Have fun, Ingo Island |
Posted 26-Nov-2006 13:48 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi, I do love that tank! With the shift in the light toward the back of the tank, I suspect that you will change the dynamics of the plant growth and the leaves may tilt in the new direction. The Wisteria, in particular, may change leaf "texture" and you may wind up trimming a whole lot more as they stretch up instead of out toward the shifted light source. My Wisteria grows on stalks nearly a 3/8 inch thick and sends out runners parallel to the gravel. The central plant grows an unbelievable root system, and I nearly up root everything else in the tank when I try to remove it. So, I stopped trying. I let the three main stalks stay where they are and snip off their tops and either replant them elsewhere, or toss them. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 26-Nov-2006 16:59 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Frank for the input and the compliment on the tank itself, I appreciate it. Yeah, the wisteria can develop quite some root system, I experienced that in the past when I had it too settle the tank and when I had it dispersed throughout the tank as a nutrient sucker. I will have to talk to tetratech about the details on creeping-wisteria-maintenance The leaves should not change direction too much as the light shift was maybe 2 inches at most 3 inches. I guess we will see the difference in a few weeks when I make another comparative update. Thanks again, Ingo |
Posted 26-Nov-2006 17:20 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Very nice looking LF Re the light move. Your lights are probably so good, that no-matter where you position it, all your plants will still be very happy. But re-positioning my blyxa in the best possible light spot sure helped mine out. I'm sure your blyxa will thank you for the extra light. Cheers TW |
Posted 27-Nov-2006 23:44 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | what am i way off about? sorry dont have time right now to read the thingy. i no im right about the N,P,K because thats what we were taught in Agriculture. ive been treating daily since friday, all synptoms seem to have gone except for a couple of ugly leaves on one of they giant hygro's. one of the anubias flowers died looking good |
Posted 28-Nov-2006 09:41 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Robyn for the re-assurance on the light move, when I look into the tank now from the side I can see the light straight above the middle (in depth) of the main island. Coop - maybe at some point we should discuss your ferts in a separate thread that you could create. In general, adding N but no P is way off, plus all the other stuff. Ingo |
Posted 28-Nov-2006 11:22 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | Ingo, The tank is looking good. I really like how it is developing. Always love the pictures! Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 30-Nov-2006 05:23 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Rick, The next set of pictures will have to wait until at least tonight as I did not take any yet (although I have done the water change). Too busy Ingo |
Posted 03-Dec-2006 15:27 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Tank Update - Week 62 This week has seen some inconsistency in the fert schedule as I had no chance on two days to fert the tank, given that I spent them at work. So, first I missed a micro day and did it the following day, then I missed the next macro day and skipped the 3rd "feeding" completely. We will see if it has a negative impact. Not much happened otherwise, I did some wisteria and star grass trimming. Here is the full tank shot: Full Tank Today |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 01:25 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look at the left tank side, trying to show that there is really another plant, the blyxa, in the middle of the wisteria lawn. In reality, the color difference between these two plants is a little stronger. Blyxa in Wisteria |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 01:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look at the right edge of the main group. The red Wendtiis are not doing to well and undergo quite a bit of melting. The NL Java Fern is doing ok though, but it tends to be the first plant that develops signs of BBA on its tips. The wood is beginning to be a host for hair algae again. Right Part of Island |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 01:31 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a close look into the center of the island, showing the various colors that are present there. In addition, the crypt shown in this picture is the one that I think tetratech has. Center Look |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 01:33 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a look at two of my rainbows,they are fine week in and week out. Just like Matty's, they always are up for a chase amongst themselves, including some stand-off to identify "who is the boss". Every day anew. Rainbows |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 01:35 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here you can see my female viejita again, she is soooo nice. In this shot though, she is spreading her fins, I wonder why? Female viejita II |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 01:38 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the answer: The male was near by and they were showing to each other. I often think that she must lay some eggs somewhere, but is just not commited enough to actually take care of the fry. I wonder what could be if I would place them in a separate tank (which I don't have). Ok, that's it for this weekend, Have fun, Ingo Pair viejita II |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 01:40 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | In reality, the color difference between these two plants is a little stronger.This blending of greens in camera shots .... know exactly what you mean. I can imagine all the subtle differences in your tank when viewing in real life. I like your middle shot, showing all the different colour details. My hubby doesn't understand why I am so desperate for better lights, so I can have colours like yours. On Saturday he said "he wished he could get through to me not to change a thing". Ahhh, but to have nice reds like you He just doesn't understand. And I agree, your viejita girl. A most attractive lady. And, Yes, Yes, Yes - get them a separate tank & see what happens. What fun. I'll pop straight over to your Christmas present thread and put that suggestion in in BOLD CAPITALS. No doubt, your management won't give permission, but still..... Cheers TW |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 01:48 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | No doubt, your management won't give permissionYou got that right Robyn Why would my management be any different than yours I think the nicest red plant that I had so far was my Rotala Macandra, but that group at some point decided that it doesn't like my tank anymore and it melted away. I don't know why up to this day. Ingo |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 02:13 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Why would my management be any different than yoursI know, I know, I know. But sometimes, deals can be struck Maybe one day. For now, I will just have to be satisifed with reading about the activities of your cacs in the 40G I guess. Cheers TW |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 02:17 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 16:48 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks tetratech, I haven't even had the time to think about treating myself for my birthday, I guess I will have to spend more money when I treat myself for Xmas then Ingo |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 18:51 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Oh, I didn't realise. Happy Birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday dear Ingo Happy birthday to you Hip Hip Hooray Sorry I'm late. Cheers TW |
Posted 04-Dec-2006 23:29 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Happy Birfday, Lf Also, nice fish pics, very pretty apisto pair. I'm sure they steal attention away from the rest of the good looking crowd. Back to the paper Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 05-Dec-2006 02:10 | |
goldfishgeek Fish Addict Posts: 667 Kudos: 412 Votes: 38 Registered: 27-Oct-2003 | happy Birthday!!! I get bored with saying <- this smiley does not poke its tongue out enough!!!! Your tank looks fantastic. I saw those fish in my LFS a couple of weeks ago. yours look better. going now. humph. GFG Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself. Harvey S. Firestone |
Posted 05-Dec-2006 02:24 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 05-Dec-2006 05:39 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks everybody for the Birthday wishes and comments on the tank/fishies GFG - My pair of viejita II looked nothing like this when I got them from the LFS, all gray and rather boring. If it wouldn't have been for the nice employee (whom I trust as we have had a few fish-conversations beforehand) I would not have shelled out the $80 they cost at that store. In the end, I am glad I did as this is a very nice looking, pieceful, and enjoyable couple. Ingo |
Posted 05-Dec-2006 15:03 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | n the end, I am glad I did as this is a very nice looking, pieceful, and enjoyable couple. Well, despite the ensuing divorce, that is... Happy birthday, belated of course. As for presents, enough with this fish stuff, you KNOW you want to expand that Canon lens selection! |
Posted 05-Dec-2006 16:44 | |
fish patty Fish Addict Posts: 539 Kudos: 223 Votes: 255 Registered: 04-Oct-2006 | HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE FISH! I don't keep up with logs very well........ I'm not that advanced. But I do peek in occasionally to see the pretty tank pics. Oh.......... NOW that you have me leery of being bitten by little fish, you change your logo! Out of curiosity, what little fish is it that bit you one time to make you used to have that logo? |
Posted 05-Dec-2006 16:59 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | you KNOW you want to expand that Canon lens selectionYeah, I wouldn't mind a lens for the real real close ups. The wife got me a photo printer for my birthday (Epson R800, I think, no idea if it is any good, but so far even 8x11 pics look nice) and I really would like to get some great ultra-close-ups. Any suggestion? what little fish is it that bit you one time to make you used to have that logo?fish patty - glad to see that some others than the usual gang is looking into my log(s) once in a while. No fish bit me though . My name is here is LITTLE_FISH and my siggi line made it clear to all that one better does not mess with me by assuming that a little fish can be pushed around. So, if forced, I would have been the one doing the biting Ingo |
Posted 05-Dec-2006 17:40 | |
fish patty Fish Addict Posts: 539 Kudos: 223 Votes: 255 Registered: 04-Oct-2006 | OHHHHHH! That explains a lot! DUH! Well, I'm so glad to hear that! And here I was thinking you were just somewhat of a woos! (sp) Ok, now that I know, I won't mess with the LITTLE FISH. I'm sure we would all be surprised if we knew how many people looked in on our threads! It's only the smallest fraction that might comment. I look at ALL the recent threads, but only scan the SW, crustations, logs, etc., things I'm not really interested in. The logs are waaaaaay past me since I'm just a beginner & it's all I can do to keep up with water quality, especially since I have a 55 gal.. Hoping to get a python some day. I'm one of those people that get interested in things & then dwindles off. I wouldn't be surprised if I dwindled off FP some day. I noticed from old posts that a lot of people come & go. So, we'll see. All this talk about ferts., substrate, special lighting, co2!? Ummmm no thanks! Don't think I ever want to get to that point. But I have noticed many posts with people like me that have regular low lighting & regular gravel & want to make do with what they have & still have some live plants. I may go that route that some day................. meantime I will just keep reaping the benefits of the hard work people like you put in & just view your tanks from where I sit. (lurking in the background with the others) |
Posted 05-Dec-2006 21:24 | |
goldfishgeek Fish Addict Posts: 667 Kudos: 412 Votes: 38 Registered: 27-Oct-2003 | 80 dollars? My God. they weren't expensive here at all. thy were just a bit more expensive then normal but not 80 dollars. wow. am glad I live near Europe for the first time ever!!! Fish Patty - I hear you on the ferts malarky, I too am a fan of the good pictures, my tanks survive on the basics! GFGxx Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself. Harvey S. Firestone |
Posted 05-Dec-2006 22:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | fish patty - Sorry to read that you are an "Interest-Looser" , maybe this hobby can maintain your focus for a while as there are so many facets to be explored. About the siggie line, I think GFG's line just above is stating more clearly what mine was (more or less) implying) GFG - My LFS is known to be on the more expensive side of things, I am most certain that you can get this fish (as a pair) in other areas of the US for half the money. Ingo |
Posted 07-Dec-2006 15:31 | |
jase101 Big Fish Posts: 345 Kudos: 273 Votes: 1 Registered: 06-Jul-2004 | belated birthday wishes, ingo! i was just doing a bit of a catch-up on this thread, and it occurred to me - if you didn't fertilise so much, have such good light etc, maybe you wouldn't have to prune and maintain so much!!! justin |
Posted 09-Dec-2006 09:38 | |
Posted 09-Dec-2006 09:38 | This post has been deleted |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Ha Ha Justin Well, if I didn't have soooo many ferts, and less light, and maybe no CO2, yeah - less pruning would be required. But ups, that would be a low light low tech tank then Actually, these days with the new layout, the pruning is much less then it was with the old setup where fast growers were dominating (given that there is a difference between the fast growers, as Wisteria in the tank is growing less fast than Star Grass). Ingo |
Posted 09-Dec-2006 14:06 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Gang, Sorry to say that my weekly tank updates will have to wait at least until tonight. I have been very busy hosting this month's NJAGC meeting and that took all out of me, preparing the tanks on Thursday and Friday, hosting on Saturday, cleaning and adding new plants to my tank(s) on Sunday - including another Ingo Style makeover on the 20G QT But it has been a blast, Ingo |
Posted 11-Dec-2006 16:22 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I was starting to wonder what happened to you! At least you were having some plant fun! As always I look forward to seeing the new pictures. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 11-Dec-2006 16:26 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Allow me to be random for a moment, because your av. reminded me of something I read recently on APC. In an article about anubias, the writer said that higher levels of phosphate seem to lead to flowering. I know you have higher levels of P - could this be the reason why your anubias seem to flower so much more than others'??? Just putting it out there randomly, my apologies if this has already been discussed to death. |
Posted 12-Dec-2006 23:49 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Interesting point Nowher. I don't think that has been talked about here. I might have missed it though... Mine flowered once back this spring. I have no idea what I did special for it either. It just happened. I might start doesing some P in the tank its in now just to see what happens. The tank already has my flowering crypt in it so why not add another plant to the list of flowers. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 13-Dec-2006 15:05 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks for the P info, makes a lot of sense, as I have about 3 to 5ppm of it Weekly Tank Update - Weeks 63 and 64 First of all, sorry for my lack of participation lately. There have been two main reasons why I was slacking off: 1) I hosted the second meeting of the NJAGC last weekend (see siggie line) 2) I have been killed with work, 15 hour workdays plus 3 hour commute were pretty much normal (and may continue for the next two weeks, at least) The first was a treat that included a lot of preparation, including early water changes so that the tank is in a more normal state (not crazy pearling, for example) during the presentation). As a result of that meeting, I was left with quite a few plants from our usual plant swap and had to find a home for some of them (one I still haven't placed). So, without further details, here is the tank last week: Last Week - 63 |
Posted 17-Dec-2006 15:27 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I managed to add my ferts during the week, usually at 4:30AM as I came home way too late at night to do it then. As a result, fish have not been fed 3 times this week Plant growth was strong nevertheless, but by Friday I also ran out of CO2 and had to get a refilled bottle on Saturday. Here is the tank before some trimming yesterday: Yesterday Morning |
Posted 17-Dec-2006 15:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | There are two new plants in the tank right now, I will mention them a little later. A third is in the net breeder. This week, I only trimmed the Wisteria in the foreground as it was beginning to grow rather tall. I know that quite a few plants are in need of a trim, but I am worn out and didn't want to spend too many hours of my off-time on the tanks. Tank Now |
Posted 17-Dec-2006 15:35 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | One of the new plants is a lilly, but I don't even know what its name is. It was a leftover from the plant swap and I couldn't throw it out, it was too nice. I placed it in the tank where there was some space and where it would kindoff fit in. I think I saw a few days later that tetratech added the same or a similar lilly, but I swear that I had mine first Lillies |
Posted 17-Dec-2006 15:38 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The other new plant is also a lilly, I think it is called a Tiger Lilly. It has large leaves of which some melted away from being in a bag for too long. It was also given to me during the plant swap. And that is it for this tank and this weekly update, Have fun, Ingo Lilly |
Posted 17-Dec-2006 15:40 | |
dan76 Big Fish Always Reading Posts Posts: 343 Registered: 08-Jul-2003 | hi ingo , been away for a while , the tank looks great cheers dan onetwothreefourfivesixseveneightnineteneleventwelvethirteenfourteenfifteensixteenseventeen, thats all you need |
Posted 18-Dec-2006 04:48 | |
jase101 Big Fish Posts: 345 Kudos: 273 Votes: 1 Registered: 06-Jul-2004 | ooh, ooh, i know those ones!! finally, a plant you own that i know! they're all varieties of tiger lotus - the second picture is a particularly gorgeous variety that i own - very dark, thick stems, gorgeous patterned leaves, and sends strong lily-pad style leaves to the surface once established. heavy root feeders, don't like being moved at all, very strong root systems, propogate by pup, yadda yadda yadda... i'm sure you could have just looked that up on tropica!! hope your hard work ends soon ingo, and gives you some time to enjoy your family and your tanks!! have a merry christmas, too. regards, justin |
Posted 18-Dec-2006 09:58 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Dan for the compliment and Justin for the input on the lotus. I somehow thought it must be a lotus, and not a lilly as I wrote, I guess the last week really wore me down, . I had to move the strong lotus twice, I hope it will forgive me for it. Ingo |
Posted 18-Dec-2006 16:44 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Both tanks are starting to look nice and full. They are really starting to look great Ingo, I wish I could say the same for mine. I just trimmed my plants for the first time in a few weeks and pulled a basketball sized amount of stargrass and pearlgrass out . It looks like you are able to treat your tanks a little better than me, even though you are busy. Looks great, keep it up/:' Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 18-Dec-2006 17:12 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I think I saw a few days later that tetratech added the same or a similar lilly, but I swear that I had mine first Since you broght it up, mine was featured in my makeover Nov 21 (Pg. 85) of my 72G log. It is also known as a tropical lilly. BTW the tank looks great Really like the Wisteria Wizard influence My Scapes |
Posted 18-Dec-2006 17:14 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Glad to see you back, LF. Despite the busy work week I hope you at least are able to enjoy a few days off around christmas. I second (or third.. or fifth..) everyone's thoughts about the tank. The one thing I really noticed though is how large your dwarf rainbows have gotten! They appear almost as large as the pearls! How nice to see the kiddies really growing up... |
Posted 18-Dec-2006 17:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I hope you at least are able to enjoy a few days off around christmas Unfortunately it we will have some family over on Xmas, and then I got to go back to work. If things turn out not too good then I may even work on Xmas and New Year itself. But so far, I think I will have at least the weekends and holydays off. Thanks all for the compliments and input: - tetratech, I guess I was not the first with the Lotus then, or is it a Lilly, or can one use either name ? - Matty, I think my Wisteria is not as well trained as Tetratech's as it starts to grow upwards now (or it is just too crowded on the bottom already). I should have trimmed some more this weekend, but I was too tired. - NowherMan6, the downside of having your little ones all grown up is that they enter a later stage in their lives, and eventually die Thanks again, Ingo |
Posted 18-Dec-2006 18:47 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Matty, I think my Wisteria is not as well trained as Tetratech's as it starts to grow upwards... It takes a while. The longer you do it the more readily it grows horizontially. It also helps you plant it on an angle to the substrate. This will force more roots along the length of the stem. My Scapes |
Posted 18-Dec-2006 19:40 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, The tank still looks nice. It hasn't really changed much in the past few weeks but that isn't always a bad thing. Congrates on becoming a member of NJAGC. I wish we had something like that around here but I can't fathom it happening anytime soon. Best wishes these next couple of weeks with work. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 18-Dec-2006 19:44 | |
jbe0404 Hobbyist Posts: 56 Kudos: 47 Votes: 70 Registered: 17-Jan-2006 | LF, It's been a while since I've visited the web-site. I've been real busy as of late with school and work. The first thing I did when I visited the site tonight was to check the status of this tank and I must say that you are an aquascaping genious. I wish I had the money and the time to invest into my tanks. All in all, you have a very beautiful tank. jbe |
Posted 29-Dec-2006 09:48 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | jbe0404 - Thanks for the compliments, keep on checking on the log, I appreciate it. I myself did not find the time to update the log in almost two weeks now, or even longer. SORRY ABOUT THAT!!! And I am super busy at work, barely finding the time to do the basic maintenance on the tank. In fact, there have been at least 4 not-done fertilizer days, and just as many non-food days. And I have to say, the plants seem to do rather well with it. My work situation is not getting much better just yet, tomorrow will be a work day from 6:45 AM to 3:00 AM as we go live with an important new product (software). K, so here is some update, in just a few pictures: Weekly Tank Update - Week 65 and 66 Here is the tank about a week ago, week 65: Week 65 |
Posted 01-Jan-2007 22:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank today. Last week saw the trimming of the main group, this week has seen more trimming of the Wisteria (was needed in 29G, update there will follow). Tank Now: Week 66 |
Posted 01-Jan-2007 22:51 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The Tiger Lilly for sure seems to like it in my tank, it has grown at least 5 new leaves since added about 3 weeks ago. Here is a close-up: Tiger Lilly |
Posted 01-Jan-2007 22:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And the carful observer for sure has seen the net thingy in the last picture's foreground. Yes, I have started my first Riccia Rock, what a PISA to get a larger rock covered with pieces and then wrapped in a net. Well anyway, it is starting to grow out now, one week after creation: Riccia Rock |
Posted 01-Jan-2007 22:55 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The last picture is of the Blyxa group on the left Wisteria field. Here, I always have to watch out that the Wisteria is not growing too strongly over this plant, because of shading. But so far so good. Well, that's it for now, over to the 40 and 29 tank logs. Sorry again for my lack of participation, Ingo Blyxa |
Posted 01-Jan-2007 22:57 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, Even though your life has been crazy the tank looks quite nice. I am glad nothing has gotten out of control on you. The Lilly looks quite nice and how do you think tetra is going to feel about you having riccia too? 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 02-Jan-2007 00:42 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Your tiger lily is looking really good, as is everything else. how do you think tetra is going to feel about you having riccia too?Well, LF is not the only one. I have it too & don't you as well, Wings (or am I thinking of someone else)? Cheers TW |
Posted 02-Jan-2007 01:44 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | Ingo, I continue to enjoy this tank. It looks great even with everything going on. Just try keep your head above water at work! Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 02-Jan-2007 16:22 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | You are right Robin. I have it too. Very neat stuff! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 02-Jan-2007 18:56 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | Well, LF is not the only one. I have it too & don't you as well, Wings (or am I thinking of someone else)? First Wisteria and now Ricca, apparently Tetra's plants are contagious. **Cover's Mouth ** Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 02-Jan-2007 20:31 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks all, Mostly for the wishes about the work thing. It is 2:20AM (and I am here since 6:40AM) and I am still in a conference call resolving release issues. No idea when I get out tonight. It will get better and then I have some more time to chat Ingo |
Posted 03-Jan-2007 09:23 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | The Lilly looks quite nice and how do you think tetra is going to feel about you having riccia too? Well "imitation is the greatest form of flattery" My Scapes |
Posted 03-Jan-2007 23:36 | |
goldfishgeek Fish Addict Posts: 667 Kudos: 412 Votes: 38 Registered: 27-Oct-2003 | just came by for my regular Drool session big hugs to hard working man! hope everything goes well with the software malarky! GFGxx Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself. Harvey S. Firestone |
Posted 04-Jan-2007 02:09 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | not much going on here. hows your male pearl going? coloured up much more? a picture maybe? anfd your viejita to plz i bought a new camera soonce i get a couple of new plants and try to send some photos. tanks looking great. oh i changed my ferts so now i use tetra florapride and flourish excel, plants are looking great. im likeing your 40G tank better now days. oh i just read what you have written on the last couple of pages(bored). your worken huh, im still a student so im on holidays........its summer hear in Australia and today(one of he unusual days where im not at the beach)its about 38-40 degrees, butiful day. im really angry coz no one will take me to the beach i guess its better than being stuck at work though |
Posted 09-Jan-2007 12:03 | |
RNJ_Punk Big Fish Cory Fanatic Posts: 395 Kudos: 114 Votes: 137 Registered: 12-Nov-2006 | LF, I have been admiring your apistos. Are they also known as Double Full Red Cockatoo Cichlid? If so I put myself on a waiting list so I will know when they get them in...here is the link http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1664&emailconf=1664 thanks |
Posted 14-Jan-2007 08:04 | |
jbe0404 Hobbyist Posts: 56 Kudos: 47 Votes: 70 Registered: 17-Jan-2006 | LF, Hope everything is going well. It has been a while since the last tank update. I'm sure everything is fine because it is in your hands and you are an aquarium master. Hope to see an update soon. JBE |
Posted 23-Jan-2007 07:37 | |
Garofoli Big Fish Posts: 337 Kudos: 143 Votes: 27 Registered: 12-Apr-2006 | Wow... This tank is amazing. This thread has been around for several years now. Like since I started at FP. It is a wonderful Tank. How's it treating you now? Chris |
Posted 26-Jan-2007 06:19 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Sorry folks, I know it has been quite a while since my last update, but I have been really busy this year (so far). And when I was not working I had other things to do. Anyway, the tank is doing fine, even with a certain amount of neglect. I even skipped a water change for the first time, and had over one week with no ferts addition. Nevertheless, nothing bad happened. Makes me wonder if all the usual effort may be overdoing it anyway. So, here is the tank from last night, I think this is now week 70. Have fun, Ingo Tank in Week 70 |
Posted 29-Jan-2007 00:44 | |
Rob1619 Fish Addict Posts: 763 Kudos: 619 Votes: 626 Registered: 01-Sep-2004 | Thats awsome mate..really nice aquascape and very healthy plants...well done |
Posted 29-Jan-2007 15:22 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | Ingo!! Glad to see you are still hanging in there! The tank is looking very nice. This last layout you have here as filled in very nicely. I'm glad that this layout has been very resilient with your busy schedule. Hopefully this tank is becoming a little more low maintenance (Well as low maintenance as a high tech tank can get ). Is there any hope of you returning to a more "Normal" work load? This place has been awful quite lately. Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 29-Jan-2007 16:18 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks for the input guys, Is there any hope of you returning to a more "Normal" work load? That's what I am hoping for, but today is already another day from hell. It only can get better though. See ya soon, Ingo |
Posted 29-Jan-2007 20:10 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Ingo, Glad to see you around best of luck with work and all! |
Posted 29-Jan-2007 20:29 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Nice lookin' scape, LF. You should slack more often. How do things look on the small scale? Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 30-Jan-2007 00:17 | |
AquaClear_Fan Hobbyist Posts: 52 Kudos: 25 Votes: 6 Registered: 27-Jan-2007 | That is one awesome looking aquarium, hope everything works out well for you. 17 years experience with freshwater. |
Posted 31-Jan-2007 00:06 | |
Cup_of_Lifenoodles Fish Guru Posts: 2755 Kudos: 1957 Votes: 30 Registered: 09-Sep-2004 | Contrary to looking neglected, it actually appears to be, IMO, the best aquascape this tank has supported thus far. |
Posted 31-Jan-2007 06:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks everybody for the kind comments, I appreciate it You should slack more often. How do things look on the small scale? I guess you are right, slacking seems to be better for my tanks than too much messing around (eh, I guess I should have known that). Weekly Tank Update - Week 71 I will first show some full shots before I go into some details, although not too much is there to report about. Here is the full tank this week: Week 71 |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:36 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look at the main group only: The only thing that begins to bother me about it is that the mother barteri is even outgrowing this tank and is dominating everything else. I am considering removing it or cutting it up. Main Group |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:38 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is the latest addition to the main group, some Pennywort. I always liked that plant and I regretted having thrown it out in one of my changes to the tank. It for sure grows fast though, maybe that was the reason I let it go in the first place, I don't remember: Pennywort |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The Red Tiger Lotus (Lilly) has grown really strong and has by now a few runners above and below the substrate. One downer of it is that it grew so much that the Riccia rock is not getting enough light anymore and will need to be moved soon or all will die. Red Tiger Lotus |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:42 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The Wisteria is now very dense all over and pretty much forms a solid mat with about 2 to 4 inches in height. Here I will have to do some messing around as well, maybe cut off the tops, dispose the bottoms, and replant. We will see. Wisteria Carpet |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:43 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Another addition to the tank was the Water Lettuce, and that plant is growing fast as well. I kept some duck weed on the surface to see what will happen, but the Water Lettuce seems to suck up all the nutrients before the duck weed can get to it. For now, I like the hanging roots though. Water Lettuce |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:45 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a look at the area of the tank that I had a chance to mess with this weekend, the Blyxa. I removed that mountain effect by taking out the tallest plants (which, btw, were not that tall but floated like 4 inches above the substrate being held in position by the other plants) and placing them closer to the main group, essentially connecting to it. Blyxa Group |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:48 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Not all is that great in the tank, I am seeing quite a bit of BBA on the exposed parts of the wood. It is not growing very fast and I have it now for a while. Just this weekend I started a small treament with Excel to make sure it stays checked. Sorry about the bad quality of the shot: BBA |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:50 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | On to some more fish shots, but not too many. As I rarely get to capture a Pearl up close, here are two shots of the male, you pick which one you like, if any LOL. Number 1: Pearl I |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:51 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here he is again, this time in his more natural level within the water column. I wonder if they like the water lettuce because they can swim trough the roots, but they are up there as often (or little) as before. I guess they don't care. Pearl II |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | All fish in the tank seem to be doing well, with the exception of some Espei that I see dying. I never find a body, but all indications are that one or the other is gonna be gone within a few days of observation. I am not too concerned about it, actually I am not concerned at all. I believe that the dying fish are from my first generation and have reached the end of their life span. Anyway, here is a shot of the Apisto Couple: Viejita II |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Last shot for now, again of the Apisto Couple. I am very glad I got them as they are really beautiful fishes. Anyway, that's it for now, I hope you liked the pics, Have fun, Ingo Apisto Pair |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 14:58 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | That's a really nice shot of the apisto pair, LF. This tank is also appreciating being left alone I guess. I like the consolidation of the blyxa group, but I think the island could use some consolidation as well. It looks like if it gets much bigger it will take away from the nice effect you've worked towards. I feel like the red tiger lotus is starting to get too big and not make it look like an island at all, but you may be going for that. I think it would look great within the group of plants there somewhere. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 16:18 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | but you may be going for that Right now, I think I am going for "not too much work" I was actually thinking about integrating the lotus into the main group, but I haven't found a good spot for it yet. Maybe to the left of the NL fern as I cannot move it close to the mother barteri, the leaves are too equal in size (but not color, so maybe this would be good as well, hm). Thanks for the input, Ingo |
Posted 04-Feb-2007 17:28 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | tanks looking great, those apistos ar the best. i dont mean to be mean but your male pearl is a shocker. it should be a darker brown with blue spots and a red orange chest and the fins should be hanging behind the caudal fin. it is a very female looking male, in fact i would have mistaken it for one but i notice the small filaments coming off its fins. |
Posted 05-Feb-2007 08:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Another Gender Confusion !!! I hope that not, as I had this going for a while with my Apistos for the 40G (I don't know if you know that coop). Although I for sure cannot be certain, I am more convinced that this pearl is a male than I was with my Apistos. I have him, and another one that is a female, since they were very young and can pretty much say that they are of equal age. By now, he (one will hope it's a he) is quite a big taller than the other one, and the fins are for sure longer and more elaborate. For a while, when growing up, he had some oranging of the chest area, a sign for a male. Once he got a little older he lost most of this color. I don't know why, but I assume it has something to do with the fact that my tank is rather unsuited for Pearl breeding as the strong surface current would not permit the building of bubble nest. So - why shine if there is no way to successfully mate? At least that is what I came up with. Don't worry coop, I would never think that you are mean And thanks for the compliments on tank and apistos, Ingo |
Posted 05-Feb-2007 15:12 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Hey all Been lurking from time to time, but spending more time at a forum dedicated to aquatic plants. LF I think your group has a thread over there. I've seen another of our group there as well. Much more inspiration to take it to the next level. Anyway to your tank. The center group still looks great and the plants healthy. As Matty, pointed out the lotus looks weird in the corner. Either you know that and your simply to busy or are more a collector plants and just want to experience them. The Blyxa (which looks much better than mine) also seems to be there just so you can have the plant. Maybe you and Nowher can teach me how to grow Blxya. I'll probably put a few updated photos of my tank in my log soon. Hope all is well My Scapes |
Posted 06-Feb-2007 15:21 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Jeff for the input Yeah, our group has an account over there, that's right, but I haven't been there in a long time, except to look at pictures of myself You are most certainly right, quite a few plants in my tank are there because "maybe one day I will use them properly." For example the blyxa - one day I may make that whole left area (or most of it) all blyxa instead of wisteria, but that would be boring as well, I guess I have no idea why blyxa grows, but I can tell you that most of the stems in that group that have not been moved in a while actually hang onto the substrate just by a thread (aka one small string of root) while the rest is floating. I am actually not too wild about that part, this means that as soon as you somehow mess with the group (like thinning it out and such) you have a bunch of floaters. Can't wait to see a few new shots of your tank, Ingo |
Posted 06-Feb-2007 18:34 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Been lurking from time to time, but spending more time at a forum dedicated to aquatic plants. LF I think your group has a thread over there. I've seen another of our group there as well. Much more inspiration to take it to the next level. That's too bad. For awhile I thought we were actually going to build a nice group of planted tank enthusiasts on this site. 'tis a shame. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 06-Feb-2007 18:53 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Het matty, we're all still around here. I know personally I'm just going through some burnout right now. Also been frustrated in my attempts to start up my 65G tank which I bought 6 months ago so my interest isn't where it would be if I had, ya know, an actual large tank to take care of. LF, you tank looks great considering the schedule you've been on. It's strange to see you settling on a layout... |
Posted 06-Feb-2007 19:42 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | For awhile I thought we were actually going to build a nice group of planted tank enthusiasts on this site.We really did have a nice group of planted tank enthusiast for quite some time. Couple of years? Tetra and LF's logs well and prove that. It seems though, that the community we have here falls apart without the backbones of LF, Tetra, and Ben. No one on here can seem to match their posting power. Maybe life is just to bussy right now for us all. I know things are still pretty crazy for myself. It's strange to see you settling on a layout...Right...I think that LF just doesn't have time to mess with it like he used to. Or maybe he is actualy happy with what he has going on. I know that I am starting to get to that point with my tank. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 06-Feb-2007 22:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Guys, It is not Doomsday, chill I am still here, but tank related items had to come a little short when a workweek is somewhere around 80 hours. In my spare free time I has a choice, post here or maintain the tanks. If I don't maintain the tanks then there is nothing to post, except disasters, and I didn't want that to happen. I am still around though. Ingo |
Posted 07-Feb-2007 19:19 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Funny, and Scary Short Story: Every night when I feed the fish in this tank, the larger ones (apistos, pearls, and rainbows) come to the top left corner of the tank where I add the food. The usually very shy pearls allow me to even pet them while they are eating (too greedy to be irritated by my fingers, LOL). Once in a while, they scare each other during that feeding process, maybe when one of them darts for a flake and another didn't see him/her coming. This concludes in the startled one swimming off really fast. So, two nights ago during the feeding, one rainbow got so startled that he leaped out of the tank and flew a good 4 feet before he hit the ground It took me a little bit to realize what has been going on, but the silver shine of the fish during his flight made it easy for me to see his landing spot. I carefully pushed him with one hand into the cradle of the other, and placed him back into the tank. He first sat only on the ground (I couldn't help but draw a parallel to a dove that hit a glass window and sits there all confused), but later his urge to eat was stronger and he continued feeding session. But - always below the top 5 inches of the tank, LOL. I guess he learned his lesson for that day, albeit I am sure he has forgotten all about it by now. That's it, Ingo |
Posted 09-Feb-2007 18:38 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | When I feed at the store the oscars almost always jump out of the water to get the food, sometimes leaping out of the tank. I've gotten use to it now and have grabbed a few mid-flight. We have three verticle shelves of tanks, the fish that jump out of the lowest 2 usually survive. I think 5 feet is about the max drop to a non-cushy floor that a fish can normally take. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 09-Feb-2007 19:36 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I think 5 feet is about the max drop to a non-cushy floor that a fish can normally take. And what happens to the fish when it is higher? Is he/she dead right away or dies slowly? My stand is 28 inches, the tank 24 inches = 52 inches So, if he didn't jump all that high then he should have fallen about 4.5 feet downwards, plus 4 feet horizontal. Must be a record for a dwarf neon rainbow, I guess Ingo |
Posted 09-Feb-2007 20:10 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Not much to report for week 72 I did some minor changes only, in particular I removed the oldest baby of the Tiger Lilly as a trade for our plant swapping in the club. I left it with the host for the meeting as I was a week too early in my schedule. Here is the full tank, Have fun, Ingo Full Tank - Week 72 |
Posted 12-Feb-2007 03:03 | |
aquapickle27 Enthusiast Posts: 182 Kudos: 98 Votes: 55 Registered: 28-Jan-2006 | The tanks are looking really good, just had a quick question though, do you get your driftwood online? †Aquapickle†|
Posted 12-Feb-2007 03:44 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Looks good. How about moving the lilly just to the left and front of the NL Fern? Might look nice there as it is a different leaf shape and color. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 12-Feb-2007 03:50 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Is he/she dead right away or dies slowly? They usually start spinning spirals. Those weird loops that when on a rollercoaster make you a bit sick....Sometimes they straighten out, sometimes they die pretty quick. As the lotus stands, it looks much better than before. I like wings' idea, it might look great in front og the NL fern. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 12-Feb-2007 04:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks for the input, aquapickle27 - This driftwood was once a big trunk like structure, all in one piece. I bought it at EBay and you can read more about it approx. 70 pages earlier in this log (LOL). Wings and Matty - I am not so sure that moving the Lilly more forward and center is such a good idea. It is a pretty large plant,at least when considering the leaf diameter. I will have to think about it Ingo |
Posted 12-Feb-2007 15:32 | |
aquapickle27 Enthusiast Posts: 182 Kudos: 98 Votes: 55 Registered: 28-Jan-2006 | Ok, i was just having trouble finding driftwood that i liked. I really like the drift wood you have in your tanks. Thanks! †Aquapickle†|
Posted 13-Feb-2007 00:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | aquapickle27, I had trouble (and still do) finding the right driftwood as well, it takes time and luck to come accross a nice piece (or pieces) that fits your tank dimensions. I just checked my log, if you want to then you could see how these branches looked like when they were on one trunk on page 48. Have fun, Ingo |
Posted 13-Feb-2007 14:23 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | aquapickle27, Check out this site. http://manzanita.com/ 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 14-Feb-2007 00:58 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Tank Update - Week 73 I had to do a little maintenance on this tank this weekend, some Wisteria needed trimming, all Star Grass needed trimming, so did the Alternanthera and the Pearl Grass. On top of it, I had it with the Riccia, it is just not my thing. Here is a look at the full tank: Tank Week 73 |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look at the island group in itself. I arranged the Star Grass and the Alternanthera a little different, not in la Island |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:32 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | If the Star Grass would grow much slower then it would be a truely beautiful plant, at least for me. Here is a look at the new group just a few hours after the water change, that's why it pearls so much. Star Grass |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I am glad that I added some Pennywort to the tank again, although it is by now growing so fast that I have to remove one to two stems each week. Half by itself and half with my help it is wrapping nicely around and through the Anubias Barteri plant. Pennywort |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:36 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look at the Pennywort after the water change. This plant tends to pear nicely, I remember that it was the first one to ever do so in this tank a long time ago. Pennywort Again |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And as I usually show shots of my Pearls, Rainbows, and Apistos, today I will show one of the other fish in the tank, beginning with an Oto. They are probably all still in the tank, although I haven't counted them all (6) since the last layout change a while back. Oto |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:39 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Last series of shots is commited to my Espei. They are slowly reducing in numbers although I for sure still have about 30 in there. Here they are in an area where they usually never hang, above the Blyxa on the left side of the tank. Espei I |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look at some of them. It is interesting, albeit sad, to see how they age. Once old, they become rather skinny and breath hard. And then, one day they are gone I have seen this about 6 times so far. Espei II |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:43 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is another group shot over the Blyxa. Note the two Espei on the right of the picture. They are males sparring off the identify the boss. But only the boss of the current fight as I happen to know the real boss of the school personally and these two are not it, LOL. Espei III |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:44 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Last but not least, this is the real boss. In the current tank layout he occupies the area above the Star Grass. Here, he fends off any other male and flirts with the females. Strategically, this is a great spot for him as the way to the underside of leaves is really short. That is it for this week, Have fun, Ingo Espei - The Boss |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:46 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:50 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Robyn, Glad to see that someone likes the street. Unfortunately it will be short lived as the Star Grass grows way too fast and the look of this area will be changed within a week or two all by itself. Glad you liked the pictures, Ingo |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 14:52 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, Nice shots of the tank. It looks like you still have some algea but I would like to find someone without any. Even one of the Amano tanks had GSA in it from a TFH mag. I like the shots of your Espie. I don't think you have showed them off in quite some time. I went over to some one of my customers/friends house last night. They had some H. Rasboras that looked quite nice too. Much nicer than my Briliant Rasboras. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 23:01 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Wings for the compliments/comments Yeah, I once in a while have some BBA issues, and some green hard spots on the glass, but nothing that concerns me at all. One week of Excel takes care of any major BBA and the green spot can be scraped off. Ingo |
Posted 19-Feb-2007 23:14 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Tank Update - Week 74 Nothing much happened to the tank during the week. I guess the one thing worthwhile mentioning is that I reduced my dosing. Not by amount but in frequency. I only dose now twice a week. I do this since about a month and haven't seen an issue yet, but I think it would be too early to assume all will be well with this schedule. Here is the full tank this weekend: Week 74 |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 18:25 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The one major trimming I did this weekend was to start the replanting process of the wisteria. Wow, I greatly underestimated how long this would take. All I did was to remove all wisteria in the area shown below, trim off old bottom parts and low leaves on the new clippings, and then I replanted them. It took me over one hour to do so. Trimmed Wisteria Area |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 18:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Hey, did you see the male Apisto in the last shot? Well, here he is again, a little burry, in front of the center group and flashing to his girl. I like when they do that: Center with Fish |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 18:29 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The next two shots are all about the male Apisto showing him in two modes. First off, this shot was taken right after he flashed to his girl, but she took off in the meantime. Take a look at his face: Male I |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 18:31 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And this shot was taken a short while later. As you can see, the bar under his eye is much more dominant than it was in the last shot. This is his "stay away from me" mode. Most Apisto people knew that, but hey, maybe someone not so firm on this fish may be peeking into this log as well. Male II |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 18:33 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Already here comes the last shot. It shows the Blyxa group on the left side of the tank. This plant is such a floater The sole reason why there are a few plants that look taller than the others is because they become loose and float upwards, just to be hold back by either other plants or one or two tiny roots that still stick in the substrate. Anyway, that's it, Have fun, Ingo |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 18:36 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Looks good Ingo. Everything's looking healthy. I'm still waiting for you to move the lotus That's funny I recently uprooted all my wisteria, but only did one side and it took me a few hours only because I did it very slowly and keep removing water as things got stirred up. Only had to do this every 6 months or so, depending on how high you want the wisteria to grow. If you want it really low like a carpet you might have to do it more often, but mine sort of acts as the side of a mound so I can accomodate the height for longer periods of time. Sounds like you have the same issue with the blyxa that I do. A small root system so the plant has a tendency to float up. I'm gonna try putting some root tabs right under the blyxa and see if it helps develop a bigger root system. I believe the ADA substrate works better in this regard, as I think nowher can atest to. Nice apisto shots! My Scapes |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 18:51 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I'm still waiting for you to move the lotus Well, I am holding back with this effort so I have you come into the thread more often and check if I finally have moved it Yeah, the wisteria replant is time intensive. I had to redo mine because I used a lot of tops as plantlings for the 20 and the 29 over time. The new growth looked funny with the strong main stems and then the thin new tops coming out of it. Root tabs sounds good, just this morning I was considering to order a few for some of my plants, Blyxa being the main one. Any particular brand in mind there, tetratech? I am thinking Seachem Flourish Tabs. Ingo |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 18:59 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Well, I am holding back with this effort so I have you come into the thread more often and check if I finally have moved it Boy this is like old times. Unfortunately nowher is nowhere, matty is probably around somewhere and bensaf, well you know that bensaf. Anyway as far as the tabs, yes I'm using the flourish ones, I just put them in so well see, I think nowher also thought those were the ones to get. Switching gears, I just saw the pics from your meeting. That's very impressive with the dosing computer, etc. Looks nice. I was looking at the setup that was a tek T5HO light right? That substrate separater was that also from ADA. I'm not sure how there going to keep the two substrates separate. Definitely no bottom dwellers and especially no kuli loaches. The loaches go through all the rock crevices and tend to mix the substrates, but even without them I would thing the substrates will still mix with too much current or water change situations. My Scapes |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 19:08 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Yeah tetratech, Just like the old days, kind of at least Anyway, yes - this guy's tank is truely high tech, from automatic water changer (10% daily) over automatic fertilizer addition to ADA stuff (including the tank itself), he has it all. Very very impressive! So far, his tank looks really good, it is planted now (not final of course) and we will soon see how the separation of sand/soil will hold up. You may not have noticed it, but there is a line of rocks on the border between the substrate types. Hey - did you see the last shot at the event review? I assume you have figured out who's hand that is there in the tank Ingo |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 20:30 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | You know I didn't notice the last shot with the hand. Tough to miss the orange sweater from the shot before and make the connection. Yeah I saw the rocks, but it doesn't take much to mix it. There are always little crevices, etc. So 'bout the lights are the Tek T5HO? My Scapes |
Posted 25-Feb-2007 21:05 |