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  L# LITTLE_FISH 20G Long Log
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tetratech
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still have my other planted tank (with ADA soil)


For some reason I didn't realize you had ADA soil in a tank. When you say ADA soil are you referring to Aquasoil Amazonia. What was your experience starting up the tank with that stuff? Did you use it in combination with powersand? Reason I ask is I have 3 bags of the stuff and I'm about to start up the old 46g with it.

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Post InfoPosted 15-May-2007 02:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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I used Aquasoil Amazonia in my 23G (the dedicated apisto breeding tank). I used Power Sand Special under the aqasoil, which has Bacter 100 and Clear Super added to it. The Power Sand doesn't have those, but they can be bought separately. Tank was set up with ADA in May 2006.

What I like about it:-
Tank was absolutely clear from first filling (probably the Clear Super helped there)

My pH from tap is around 7.8 to 8pH & this ADA keeps it low. Not sure how low, as my test kit doesn't go below 6.0, but I just tested it now & know it is no higher than 6.0 & probably it's even lower (dang, wish I hadn't broken my pH pen tester). I'm really happy about it's ability to keep pH low and stable, as that's why I mainly bought it.

Plants grow really well. At the moment I'm having algae problems, but I think it was a lack of fast growers & not related to ADA.

What I don't like about it:-
If it lowers ph so dramatically - how do you tell if you have too much C02 going in (this is one reason I don't use C02 in this tank).
When you pull up a rooted plant, the little volvanic stones (which is what power sand is) rise to the surface - which is annoying.

In all, I do recommend it and I'm really happy with it.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 15-May-2007 03:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Yeah,

I put down the other cory last night, I have no idea what is going on. So far I lost 3 out of 7, one was sick from the getgo, one had the burns and was dead one day, and the last one had his tail disintegrating and was breathing very hard. All other fish in the tank (like 7 platies and 4 cories) look fine, I will see what happens next. If I had to make a prediction then I would say that the reamaining one cory from the first batch (like 6 weeks ago) should be the next one to show problems.


And about the Aqua Soil: I will start soon to look at the hearsay information I have about it (and the visuals I get from member tanks at the NJAGC and here) from a critical perspective. The more I think about it the less I like it.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 15-May-2007 13:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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the trick with the ADA stuff is to use lots of water changes from the get go isn't it?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 15-May-2007 14:11Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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My water change routine with the ADA is once a week, same as for the other tanks. My algae problems only commenced when I had reduced plant mass & no fast growers. I can only go from my own personal experience though and, from that, I remain a fan of the stuff.

Interested to hear what others say, particularly those who've had it 2 yrs plus - does it still retain it's pH lowering qualities after that long? One year into use - I can confirm it does.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 15-May-2007 23:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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It is always interesting to see how a product works out for others.

The water change thing I was talking about... was from a fresh start up. After the first month or so I guess weekly is fine but the first month you really need to be on the water changes I guess.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 16-May-2007 14:12Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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Did you try the bloodworms again? Wondering if your fishies are learning to like them any better? More importantly, how are your cories doing?

Agree Wings, I'll be interested to hear how ADA goes for others, if LF does any research. What have you heard? It always seems doubts start coming in on a product, just after I buy it

Re the water changes, the ADA tank was crystal clear from the get go. There were no water changes until it cycled, then moved straight into 50% weekly and sometimes bi-weekly water changes. As the ADA tank is low tech, I don't always do a change every week

Maybe I have been luckier than others, but seems to have worked out in my tank so far.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 16-May-2007 14:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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if LF does any research

As of right now, I am way too lazy to seriously get into that topic, but I have seen tanks do well in various substrates and I have seen tanks not doing so well in the same substrates. Meaning - overall care is the key, not the substrate. Now, what does care mean? Too much to explain quickly and I haven't thought it out either


Anyway, here are some tank shots from now: First up, the Nana Petite forest in the right front of the tank:

Attached Image:

Nana Petite



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Post InfoPosted 20-May-2007 14:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Next in line, the 4 remaining Cories. No Robyn, I have not tried to feed more frozen food, I didn't get around to it.

So far, these 4 seem ok, although the one remaining from the first batch is not always into the perusing that the other 3 do all day long. Here they all are, on the heater:

Attached Image:

Cories



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Post InfoPosted 20-May-2007 14:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Here is a close-up of an addition I made this weekend, the Najas Indica in the 29G grew so well that I could use 4 clippings in this tank.

Anyone with a Nano Tank, this may be something for you, think about it!

Attached Image:

Najas Indica



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Post InfoPosted 20-May-2007 14:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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And here is a look at one of the permanent residents, the twin bar platies. This one is a juvenile, one of 7 overall. I think soon it is time to move some of them into the 29G as they are growing too tall for this tank.

Attached Image:

Juvenile Platy



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Post InfoPosted 20-May-2007 14:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Last but not least, a full tank shot from yesterday. Here you can see the additon of the Najas Indica to the left and right of the fern in the center. Overall, the tank is pretty stable and of almost no concern (there is always some concern).

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Tank 5/19/2007



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Post InfoPosted 20-May-2007 14:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Just a quick update on the tank and an image coparison:

The tank has not much changed in the last few weeks, except that the nana petites were removed in favor of the 125G's redo.

Also, the Najas indica looks a little stomped, that is because at the time of this picture (and for the last two weeks) about 30 Amano shrimp were quaranteened in this tank. And these guys can eat a lot. They cleaned up the substrate at the open front and when that was done they started to eat the indica leaves

Here is the tank:

Attached Image:

6/2/2007



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Post InfoPosted 03-Jun-2007 13:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Almost by accident I came up with the idea to take a picture with the lighting moved much further forward, actually the unit itself was hanging over the front of the tank.

I am surprised how different the tank looks under this lighting condition.

That's it for now,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Another Lighting Position



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Post InfoPosted 03-Jun-2007 13:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo , love the hardscape in this tank , really strong and simple . I'm always in a quandry about what looks best with different light positions .

Moving it forward does make the tank look very different though . Think I like the light plays on the rocks better with it further forward.
Garry







Post InfoPosted 03-Jun-2007 14:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Yes Garry - I like the hardscape as well, a long tank that is rather shallow allows rather small rocks to play an important role.

I am not intending to light the tank as shown in the second picture, it was just to show how different the incoming light can make a tank look.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 03-Jun-2007 16:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Well the lighting effect you show is just a small example of how important camera skills and equipment is when taking photos of your tank. Have you ever seen the equipment Amano uses to photograph his tanks? Many pics you see of tanks from advanced scapers are either professional done or are photoshopped to death to get the right look, etc.

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Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 02:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Have you ever seen the equipment Amano uses to photograph his tanks?

Yeah, it's called "20 people"

Many pics you see of tanks from advanced scapers are either professional done or are photoshopped to death to get the right look, etc.

So much about the "code of honor" that explicitly limits the actions that one is allowed to perform when participating in contests and such

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 13:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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So much about the "code of honor" that explicitly limits the actions that one is allowed to perform when participating in contests and such
Who knows what tetra has done with his tank to win contest.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 14:06Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Who knows what tetra has done with his tank to win contest.


Come again

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Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 14:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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I am sure Wings was only kidding, right

But you know what I meant tetratech, right? Whenever there is a chance that something can be enhanced through tools (or doping, as we can see now in baseball and bicyclists) some people will not be able to resist.

Some of these tools have been permitted, or are at least tolerated, for example the removal of all tank hardware during the shoot (heaters and all), the "fresh" replant of trimmings for the shoot (as I have read an article about someone who was successful in competitions and he did just that, fresh trimmings stuck tightly together albeit the stems would never have enough light to grow like that), and the addition of a fan above the water line for the ripple effect.

This does not apply to you, of course, as you didn't enter a contest per se but have been selected because of the tank's natural beauty, and they have seen your tank in various stages a few times by now, right?


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Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 14:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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I am sure Wings was only kidding, right
Right I guess I should have added a to my comment. This time around I need one of these...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 15:04Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Right I guess I should have added a to my comment. This time around I need one of these...


I know your only kidding, cause I know you, but without the , you never know what someone's thinging through this medium.

BTW - Only kidding with the algae post in LF's log

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Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 15:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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This does not apply to you, of course, as you didn't enter a contest per se but have been selected because of the tank's natural beauty, and they have seen your tank in various stages a few times by now, right?

Yes, that is pretty much correct. There are certain allowable alterations and equipment usage guidelines for these scaping contests whether those alterations be pre or post picture. Certainly trimming, cleaning glass, removing equipment and cleaning sand is a given. I don't see an issue with that. But some are very skilled at using photoshop and will use layer, etc to bring out certain aspects of their tanks. Sometimes these aspects are what the tank does really look like in real-life and sometimes it's not. Certainly anyone can make their reds look more read, etc. I really haven't focused on this end of the hobby yet, since I'm still simply using my Canon S2 IS without any additional equipment.

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Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 15:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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I really haven't focused on this end of the hobby yet

yeah, me neither, but I am working on it (at least mentally). I am looking for better camera equipment, mostly in the direction of a flash, and working on some processing software, like photoshop. I have a few pages back in my 125G log an image of the Apisto that I took, followed by a shot that one user made with such a processing tool of the low res image from the fish. There is no comparison, it looks just so much better.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 18:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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I always think your pics look incredible

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 05-Jun-2007 09:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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I always think your pics look incredible

Well thanks Robyn,

That is very nice of you to say. But once you realize that all these super tankers (LOL) cook with water just like you do, you begin to wonder what makes their tanks look so much better. Sure, I am not the best scaper out there by far, but one cannot underestimate the importance of presentation for any product. Amano is the best example: I am sure he would be completely unknown had he taken his tank shots with a camera phone and didn't know what he does about photography,

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 05-Jun-2007 13:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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BTW - Only kidding with the algae post in LF's log
I knew you would get me back somewhere..

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 05-Jun-2007 14:15Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Just a quick update on this tank:

Not much has changes, there are still about 12 Amanos in there and their favorite hobbyist angering task seems to be to eat the Najas Indica. Every other week I have to trim the plant as the lower parts are all eaten up, side shoots are reduced to little stomps.

Here is a replanted top:

Attached Image:

Najas indica



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Post InfoPosted 17-Jun-2007 12:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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And, to my greatest surprise, the cory die-off stopped a while ago. Out of the original 7 I lost 3 in a rather fast succession. But the other 4 keep on going strong and show the typical cory behavior trades, like perusing the tank as a gang and such. I still have the one with the short barbels, but I assume my worries that the Eco was grinding them down does not seem right as the barbels of the other 3 are still as long as they always have been. Another batch, less imbred, maybe?

Anyway, here they are,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Cories



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Post InfoPosted 17-Jun-2007 12:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
RNJ_Punk
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EditedEdited by RNJ_Punk
Ingo,

About your concerns with the Eco causing barbel erosion. I have a group of breeding panda cories, and a while ago I switched to Eco for my planted tank where the pandas reside as I was seeing extreme barbel erosion on regular "pea" substrate. A few weeks later the barbels began to grow back and they are now back to thier normal size. Good luck with them. Are you planning to up their number at all? They would love that.

The tank looks great!
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LITTLE_FISH
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Ryan,

Thanks for the input and info on the cory barbels. It confirms my findings with the latest 3 cories that I got. There must have been something wrong with the first 4, as 3 of them died rather quickly (first one in 24h) and the sole survivor has much shorter barbels than the other group.

For now, I will just hold on to these 4, they are still in the QT and I have to decide where they should go permanently.

Thanks for the compliment on the tank,

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 17-Jun-2007 20:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo , Love the tank and Photos as always and the Corries are great looking . Sorry to hear that you lost some Oh well thats fishkeeping . I want some of these guys myself . Look forward to seeing how they go for you .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 18-Jun-2007 03:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Garry,

thanks for the input,

The cories are doing well for me (now), I don't remember how long they are in the QT already, but certainly way over the recommended stay. I just have to make up my mind where I would like to move them.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 18-Jun-2007 13:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Of course, now that I mentioned that the cories are fine, one of them died, all of a sudden. I didn't notice anything special until I got ready for yesterday's water change and I could find only 3.

Only after removing the lid did I see the remains of No. 4, just the armor was left, the approx. 12 Amanos must have taken care of the rest. Sad, but such is nature.

Ingo

Attached Image:

Cory Armor



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Post InfoPosted 01-Jul-2007 14:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo . Yes indeed fishkeeping is full of highs and lows , sorry for you loss .
Garry
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That sucks Ingo, like Garry said you loose some and gain some. Hope the others do well for you.
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Hope the others do well for you.

First off, thanks for the input and sympathy, much appreciated.

The others are still doing fine (3 left), I think that once I remove most of the pesky 12 Amanos in that tank then they will be even happier, less competition for the food.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 15-Jul-2007 14:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Just a quick update:

I lost another Cory, this means that the remaining two will spend the rest of their time in this tank as I don't think I will make them a permanent installment in any other tank. No more cories for me!

Growth in this tank is also really slow, almost non existent except for the Najas. The wisteria is just barely hanging in. As I am currently not in the mood to increase the ferts and excel treatment, that is how it is gonna be for a while.

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

8/6/2007



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Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Wow,

this is an almost bare-lookling Ingo tank! The rocks make a stronge statement, almost Iwagumi style (at least to me ..). Do you plan to add some really small plants to the foreground?
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Ingo

Im sorry you are getting frustrated with the cories and that you are having a hard time with your tank. Thanks for your input on my 10 Gallon tho. I hope you have had time to take alook at my 35 Gallon. Are you planning on increasing the plants at the rear of the tank? Why is the Wysteria having such a hard time do you think?

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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Ingo , I love the look of this tank just as it is. Don't think you need to do much more with it to tell the truth .
The rocks with the little bit of greenery around the front and the small amount of larger growth at the back is nearly perfect .
If I had any suggestions at all , it would be to concentrate the larger plants behind the big rock at the centre and keep everything else small .
Anyway still looks great .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 07-Aug-2007 01:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thanks all for the input,

As I have about 5 min to spare, here is a shot of the same tank 3 weeks later, with no maintenance in between (aka vacation).

The Najas indica grows even in this tank, with ferts added only once after the last water change, like mad. A TRUE WEED!!!

Ingo

Attached Image:

Overgrown Najas Indica



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Post InfoPosted 28-Aug-2007 01:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Long time no update, but I finally found the time to document the latest changes.

First of all, the last of the Cories in this tank died last week, none of them ever seemed to have grown at all and probably just hung in. I guess I am not made for Cories but I sure hope the Pygmies in the 29 will do better.

The Wisteria in this tank was also just hanging in and are in the process of being replaced by HM. So far, I probably have planted about 100 individual stems of it, I admire my own patience

As you see in the shot, the resident fish in the tank are some of the platies that used to be in the 29G, also there are at least 5 Amanos still left that I could not catch a while back.

Here is the tank,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

10-14-2007



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Post InfoPosted 15-Oct-2007 00:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fish patty
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I really like this set up. Simple, elegant, yet somewhat full & the rocks being good interest points.
Post InfoPosted 15-Oct-2007 00:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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First of all, the last of the Cories in this tank died last week, none of them ever seemed to have grown at all and probably just hung in. I guess I am not made for Cories but I sure hope the Pygmies in the 29 will do better.


Join the club, I had a hard time with corys when I had them in my 46g, but I always blamed it on the corrupted eco-complete.

The tank looks much better with the HM in front. I like the hardscape with the exception of the tall rock on the right. It doesn't work IMMHO.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 15-Oct-2007 14:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thanks for the input folks,

Tetratech - I agree, the right rock is too large or not needed at all. I will soon remove the 2 Anubias from the 29G and add them to the one in here, maybe I do something in that rock area with them.

But it will take time as I still have to plant about 500 HM stems over the next few weeks/months

Thanks again,

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 00:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
plankton
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Ingo, in it's current state I would probably agree with tetra about the rock, but in your photo from 8/6/2007 - which I have to say is absolutly gorgeous - I think the rock on the right really works. It provides a wonderful contrast.

It's funny that as the plants grow in a tank, the aspect of the hardscape changes as well - without actually changing. For me the ability to visualize what a tank is going to look like after it has grown in is definatly a skill I'd love to work on.

At any rate, damned nice tank for a 20G!

:j
Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 06:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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For me the ability to visualize what a tank is going to look like after it has grown in is definatly a skill I'd love to work on.


Welcome to the club, Jay

We all have this problem, or at least most of us do. I for sure can say that somehow my tanks don't turn out (in the long run) like I envisioned they would. Close, but different

I appreciate your input with regards to the rock. I guess I will try sometime soon (weeks) to see how it looks without it or with a smaller one.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 14:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Just an updated picture of the tank, now that I have added more and more HMs to it. There must be about 200 stems all over the tank, and just for tetratech I went and replaced the large rock on the right with a smaller one. Now the HM has to grow out and then it can be trimmed into shape (which it isn't right now).

Ingo

Attached Image:

11/10/2007



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Post InfoPosted 11-Nov-2007 15:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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From where I sit, in terms of color, contrast, use of space is this your best setup at the moment now that you changed the rock on the right.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Nov-2007 15:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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As you mentioned, once the HM grows in and you can trim it, the tank will have much more shape. I can already see it peeking out behind the rock on the left and it looks good. Once it all grows in, gets a trim and gets that slope to it it'll be even better.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 14-Nov-2007 16:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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Neat look, LF .



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Post InfoPosted 16-Nov-2007 02:10Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thanks guys for the input and compliments, I had to work on getting you folks to say something negative so I decided to neglect the tank for a while, LOL.

Well, I didn't really do it because of that, it was rather based on a lack of time. But being my usual self I thought I show you the tank in an ugly state anyway:

Attached Image:

12/9/2007



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Post InfoPosted 09-Dec-2007 18:20Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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As you can see, there is a row of baby Nanas on the left front, coming from the original 40G layout and are here for storage only, and the rest has just grown to oversize dimensions, at least for this tank.

I further upped the light (96w) as I was not happy with the growth on the way left and right, these stems of HM were just hanging in instead of thriving. I may shorten the light period though, haven't made my mind up about that yet.

Here is the tank with the stronger light,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Also 12/9/2007



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Post InfoPosted 09-Dec-2007 18:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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oOooo Lush!

See I can still say something positive .



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Post InfoPosted 12-Dec-2007 22:59Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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LOL Matty,

Well, the tank got its first trim of the HM, looks ok. No photo of the tank though at this time. I will have to decide on what to do with the row of Nanas though very soon, they just cannot stay right there or in this tank at all.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 24-Dec-2007 15:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Time for a quick update on the tank.

I removed the 96w light after only a few days, I think it was too much of a jump from 40w to 96w. Nothing bad happened though.

I replaced the indica with rotundifolia, as I had loads of it from the 40G, and I put the baby nanas on a stick in the right back.

The HM has been trimmed a while back, don't remember if I posted that already.

Here is the tank,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

1/19/2008



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Post InfoPosted 21-Jan-2008 01:31Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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I like it a lot better without the weeds in the back



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Post InfoPosted 21-Jan-2008 16:22Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
ScottF
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I can see what Matty is saying about the "weeds' in back but, there was one shot where they were framing that large rock in the center very nicely,a nd I thought that was a great look. I guess the key with stuff like that is to keep up on trimming...

I am going to try liquid ferts with my planted 20g and the new 10g. My plants look ok, the hornwort seems to be dying due to high pH 8.2. So, I am going to go the way of liquid ferts and probably find a more potent light that the 15W I have in the 20g now.

anyhow, thanks for logging, very interesting!
Post InfoPosted 21-Jan-2008 17:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo ...I'm not one usually for throwing stones ...but this tank looked stunning after the redo ..IMO it has degenerated to having very little form or focus. I think the rotundifolia is a bad choice for this tank ( at least that much of it )
The stunning hardscape has lost its impact .
Just my 2cents worth ... sounds horrible when I read this but thats my honest opinion . No offense intended ..still love your work .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 22-Jan-2008 02:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fish patty
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Yeah, I love the first couple pics a lot better too.
Post InfoPosted 22-Jan-2008 19:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thank you very much for the input, here are some comments:

Matty - Thanks for the comment on the weeds

ScottF - ferts are good, in particular when used appropriately! Yeah, 15w over a 20G is rather little, and a ph of over 8 is not helping as well. How about a rock and anubias layout? That could work even in the low light and look amazing?

Garry - All comments are welcome, and you are so right anyway. The tank has been greatly neglected, you should see it this weekend (no photo available). A major trim is in order and will happen sometime in the next two weeks.

fish patty - ditto, no offense taken.

I actually like to show my tanks in all kinds of stages, and not only the good ones. It makes it less intimidating when newer hobbyists see that not all is shiny all the time

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 04-Feb-2008 01:21Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
brandeeno
 
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Ingo,
i think it is good that you are not afraid to show your tank in a bad stage... it shows some confidence and it also does help newer aquarists to feel less intimidated by a tank that may not be the most pristine... but pretty pics do the eye alot of good ...

i like the tank no matter how "bad" of shape it might be in.. every tank has its own character...

\\\\\\\"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure\\\\\\\"
Post InfoPosted 04-Feb-2008 05:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thanks brandeeno for the reinforcement

I spent some time last week and trimmed all the HM, actually I ripped it all out and replanted the tops. So right now it is really low.

Here is the tank this weekend:

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

2/18/2008



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Post InfoPosted 18-Feb-2008 14:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo ...Yep thats the look ..well done .Love the hardscape in this tank and the plants compliment it this way .


Garry
Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2008 14:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thanks Garry,

It sure looks better, but to be honest with you, I am getting bored of it

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2008 16:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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to be honest with you, I am getting bored of it


Uh oh, we all know what that means.



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Post InfoPosted 20-Feb-2008 17:17Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Yep ...indeed we do Matty .


Garry
Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2008 02:10Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
brandeeno
 
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lol i have that problem too ingo! i aquascape and get bored so i change it arround alot... but i dont have very many plants (and that is one reason why i get boreed/why i dont have very many plants)

hope you find something awesome to do with this tank! and if you decide to take out some of those plants ol' brandeeno would love some of them or you could sell them on ebay or aquabid

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Post InfoPosted 21-Feb-2008 04:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thanks guys for the input,

brandeeno - I am most often too lazy/busy to bother with selling plants, occasionally I trade them at the LFS or at our NJAGC meetings though.

BTW, the HM in this tank does not look all that healthy, I guess my limited water changes and almost no fert addition (and the same goes for Excel) shows by now.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 03-Mar-2008 02:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
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Ingo

I know what you are thinking but I do love the way this tank looks. This is my favorite tank I think. But Im interested to see what you have in mind. Please discuss. hehe

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html
Post InfoPosted 04-Mar-2008 08:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Shane,

I will never discuss changes to my 20 or 29 anymore, they are the "Surprise" tanks. But if one is careful and follows the things that I play around with then one may find a pattern.

Anyway, I felt like taking a shot of the tank with the flash on and here is the result, just for the fun of it.

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

20 In Flash Light



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Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2008 00:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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This tank is turning into quite the jungle again. It also looks like you have just a ton of fish in this tank. I guess with lower light you can play that game.

Interesting shot with the flash. It gives a different view of things.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2008 13:17Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Not that much of a jungle yet, Wings. That is why I posted the shot, it looks so different than the real tank. Plants are actually still rather low, with the exception of the Rotala stems in the back.

And lower light? I don't think 65W over a 20G are low

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 24-Mar-2008 14:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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And lower light? I don't think 65W over a 20G are low
Oh really? I thought you changed it back to 40W. I get lost every now and then.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 25-Mar-2008 03:14Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Ingo ....I like that shot with the flash ...gives a great idea of the rear plants in the tank ..which are hard to see in the normal shots .

It does look like you have a lot more fish in the tank as Wings noted.


We love the suprise value of these tanks BTW . Its great fun when you spring into action


Garry
Post InfoPosted 25-Apr-2008 13:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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