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Tetratech - You Jeffs are on the same page, and you are not, or when did you switch over to lean ferts?

Actually I always believed their was an acclimation period for plants before they really start to suck up ferts so more of the ferts would sit in the water column. That's why it's important to run carbon, limit waste, etc. until the plants and biofilter get established.

My Scapes

But wouldn't that be solved by the 2 to 3 water changes per week rather than by lean dosing?

And yeah, the carbon...
I really struggled this time on what to do with it. Use it or not? In the end, I determined that I would have to throw out some other media to make place for carbon and decided against it. Will it come back to haunt me? Maybe - time will tell.

Thanks tetratech,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

But wouldn't that be solved by the 2 to 3 water changes per week rather than by lean dosing?

Yes, but the tank needs all the help it could get to stay clean, especially with the plants acclimating and no biofilter. Don't you read your books, LF, That's how the master does it (and I don't mean the one ODing on Guiness during the World Cup)

No Carbon:

My Scapes

Yeah,

but the Master (not the one ODing on Guiness during the World Cup ) also has an ultra rich substrate, and tidy green (or whatever his ferts are called) I, II, and III .

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

OK,

I got some more pictures that I just took. Here is a closeup of a Wisteria, in case you floks have never seen this plant . I have to say that mine is at least as good looking than tetratech's , but I don't have a carpet of it:

Attached Image:

Wisteria

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Here is a close-up of some Star Grass. It pretty much still looks as good (if not better) then at the day when I added it. To me, this means that conditions in this tank are just as good

Attached Image:

Star Grass

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

And here is a close-up of the Hygro touching the water surface. Although the tank has for sure sufficient circulation, there is close to zero surface agitation. All the bubbles you see here are CO2. I wonder if I will have to look into getting a surface skimmer for the stuff that may accumulate there.

Attached Image:

Hygro on Surface

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Now here is a close-up of one part of the driftwood. I just love all the character that every inch of Jeff's wood contains. Little ripples here and there, a big hole to swim though, just lovely.

Attached Image:

Wood

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Ok, now on to the full tank shots. I think the tank is definately clearing up, there is only some light white cloud left. Here is the tank from the back main view, you can see the light unit of the 125G in the background. Soon I will start on creating a hang-on background for this tank to create less distraction from the objects that are visible on the other side.

Attached Image:

Tank from Back Main

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

And here is the main view shot. When compared to the last full shot it should be obvious that the cloudiness is going back. Good thing

Also, looking at the last one right now, I see that the Star Grass has been growing quite a bit (I think maybe 2 to 3 inches). At that pace I will have to trim on Saturday .

Ingo

Attached Image:

Front Main View

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

It looks amazing LF! What are your fish plans for the tank? (sorry if I missed it somewhere)

*Kristin*

I have to say that mine is at least as good looking than tetratech's

You knew this was coming. Your on your way Jersey Boy, but when you get your's dewy with pearls then give me a call.




Attached Image:


My Scapes

Kristin,

Thank you for the compliment. Help me by keeping your fingers crossed that it will stay that way (as in looking nice, but not the current plant layout). I am not sold on any specific fish for the tank yet. I think a school may look nice, for sure some Otos, maybe shrimp, and maybe a center fish, keyhole cichlids come to mind.

Tetratech,

I sure did see that coming . It is very interesting to me that I basically never see pearling. The big tank may have too many fish for it, this one probably has a light period that is currently too short for pearling (7h).

Isn't the structure of the Wisteria leaf dependent (besides other things) on light intensity? The finer the leaf the more light it gets? This would be a clear indicator then that my big tank, from which this clipping is, has quite more light than yours.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Stunning Ingo. I agree, seriously interesting wood.

Cheers
TW

Robyn,

Thanks for the compliment

It seems like the waiting to get the wood was certainly worthwhile. This are, in fact, not the best pieces one can get from ADG (and its originator ADA), but Jeff seriously ran out of stock and waiting for the next round of wood to come in didn't seem to be an option. Why? - because ADA seems to go on collection trips (to SA, btw) only once a year and Jeff told me that it may be 6 months until he gets the next load, as collection is done during the summer months (and SA has winter now).

What can I say, lucky me

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Isn't the structure of the Wisteria leaf dependent (besides other things) on light intensity? The finer the leaf the more light it gets? This would be a clear indicator then that my big tank, from which this clipping is, has quite more light than yours.

I'm sure light is one factor affecting the leaf look. Your leaves are looking good but I don't know if they have fully acclimated and absorbed all ferts to make them full and lush. The fact that my wisteria crawls without too much coaching is tellimg me that the light is more than sufficient.

BTW-The tank does look nice. Aren't you enjoying the growing plants in the dark "Dark Background,Dark Substrate, etc.)

My Scapes

Aren't you enjoying the growing plants in the dark "Dark Background,Dark Substrate, etc.

Yeah, I sure am. I am still amazed how nice the Eco looks like, to the point where I am worried that it will become ugly because of algae or what not. The dark background is actually not all that dark, the camera just captures it darker as it is focussed on the light in the tank. The one thing that I don't like about it is that the dark branches to the back (from whichever side you look at the tank) of the tank, behind the light center, seem almost invisible, in particular in pictures.

About the Wisteria: I am not bragging about this, but my wisteria is crawling in my big tank as well, when it is not planted in an area where the only light comes from above (crowded). I find that brader leaves are usually found towards to bottom of this plant and the close it gets to the light the narrower the structure becomes.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Yeah, I sure am. I am still amazed how nice the Eco looks like, to the point where I am worried that it will become ugly because of algae or what not. The dark background is actually not all that dark, the camera just captures it darker as it is focussed on the light in the tank. The one thing that I don't like about it is that the dark branches to the back (from whichever side you look at the tank) of the tank, behind the light center, seem almost invisible, in particular in pictures.

Well look at my pics, yes you are right the dark dw with a dark background is one drawback. You have to have some green behind the dw in the pics to really have it standout.

Overtime you might get some bba on pieces of eco, I do. I simply take them out during my regular maintenance. It's never been overwhelming.

Glad to hear your wisteria is crawling. It's the only way to go. I would say I have half a dozen different leaf shapes on my wistera from some that have no ridges to ones that look like yours. Maybe I'll post a series of pics about the different shapes of difformis. Now that's exciting isn't it.

My Scapes

Now that's exciting isn't it

As a matter of fact, it is to me. Such a series would allow comparison to the shapes that I have. If we do that then I believe it would be interesting to identify the estimated light intensity (like as in gets lots of light, slightly shaded, side of tank, and what not), even if it would be only to disproof the theory (that I have) about light and shape relationship.

Oh, btw, I ordered another 40lbs of Eco, and I still have about 30lbs of it left, so keep an eye open for the 29G overhaul log, coming soon to a forum near you

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Oh, btw, I ordered another 40lbs of Eco, and I still have about 30lbs of it left, so keep an eye open for the 29G overhaul log, coming soon to a forum near you

Glad you see the power of the darkside.

My Scapes

Glad you see the power of the darkside.

I sure do, as long as the dark side is still painted green and not actinic

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Update:

I did a 50% water change last night, although the water looked pretty clean to me. I decided on yesterday as it fell on a better day within the fertilizing routine. I finished two rounds of macros and micros by Tuesday so yesterday was a the start for the 3rd round, just like it would be on the weekly change. Friday, as usual, will be a fert rest day, and Saturday will see the next water change.

The plants are still growing strong, but I begin to see some white slime algae on the driftwood. I know that this is common and I am not too worried about it, and I remember Jeff telling me that it will either go away by itself within a few weeks or I could add shrimp or Otos and they would take care of it. But I assume at this point I should not add any animals and simply wait it out.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

but I begin to see some white slime algae

Well the good news is it's not algae. It's just some fungus from decomposing matter in the wood. Harmless. It may get quite fuzzy for a while then it will disappear.

Don't try to treat it, it will just return anyway. Just let it do it's thing and it will go away by itself in time.

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

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

Thanks Bensaf,

I actually knew that (believe it or not), but I am so used on reporting about all forms of algae that grow in my tank(s) that I just cannot seem to shake the habbit of calling everything that is not plant/fish/hardscape algae

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

LF,
Maybe you should go to AA (Algae Addicts). They might be able to help you there!

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

Wings, I hope that this will not have to happen

Anyway, following my 125G tradition, here is the first:

Weekly Tank Update - Week 1

The first week seems to have gone rather well with this tank and I cannot see any signs of algae yet . Actually, the one I expected, brown slime aka diatoms, is not here yet. The tank has received a 50% water change on Wednesday and I will keep these in-between changes up for the next few weeks. Of course it also received its weekly water change yesterday.

How is it going with the tank. Well you be the judge . Here is the tank right after setup.

Attached Image:

After Setup

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Now this picture has been taken 3 days later and one can see that the white bacterial cloud is almost gone and that plant growth appears pretty strong.

Attached Image:

After 3 Days

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

And this is the tank yesterday just before the water change. The Star Grass sure seems to be happy, even the Wisteria shows some measurable growth (plus a few additional stems from trimmings of the 125G). The tank is completely clear by now as well. The fungus on the wood is still there.

So, basically this means that the Star Grass has grown somewhere between 6 and 10 inches during one week. BTW, in the evening the plants had grown another 1" at least.

Attached Image:

After 7 Days, Yesterday

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Here is a shot from one corner of the tank.It for sure looks already pretty full in there and maybe I will have to perform a mid-week unscheduled trimming to avoid shading.

Attached Image:

Corner Shot

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

And here is a shot from the other corner. You may see all the bubbles on the glass and plants, that is from the water change. But the star grass was actually bubbling like mad for the rest of the day as well.

Attached Image:

Other Corner Shot

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Here is a look at the tank from the main rear view. I notice that I will have to be carful not to neglect this side of the tank once I add the "real" plants to the tank. This side has a rather strong current generated by the spray bar, I will have to keep that in mind for the plants that will end up in the current.

Attached Image:

Main Back View

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There is one thing here that concerns me a little, may it be for the lack of knowledge I have in this area. There seens to be a thin film of stuff on the surface of the tank, and because I pretty much have zero agitation it does not go away. I have heard of people using skimmers for their planted tanks, would that be the reason why? Who has some info on this?

Attached Image:

Stuff On Surface

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Oh, actually 3 of the more permanent residents of this tank have already moved in. No, not fish, but Blyxa . Two of them came lose in the big tank and the third one was beginning to be shaded by the Wisteria, so I decided to see how they would do in the new tank. This is why I got them in the first place. So far so good

Attached Image:

Blyxa

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

And here is the last picture for now, showing my current solution for the "bad" glass top situation. You may remember me mentioning that the AGA top cannot be used as it has the dark hinge pretty much in the middle of the top and as such it would generate shade in the tank with the light over the hinge). I took one of the two glass plates off the top (wasn't all that easy to pull it out of the hinge) and use it now to cover the middle of the tank only. This way I hope there will not be too much condensation that would reach the light unit above the glass.

I have to say that I was a little worried about the heat, but after a few hours the glass was still cold (cool). Also, there is a possibility that the narrow resting part on each end of the glass, and the glass being 35" long, that it may collapse from its own weight. Time will tell. I still may opt for a more permanent solution with a custon glass top.

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Temp Glass Top

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Oh, and I almost forgot:

Last weeks light times were from noon to 7pm, means 7 hours only. I went ahead after this weekend and increased that duration to 7.5 hours and I plan on continuing this process weekly (increase by 0.5 hours) until I have reached 10 hours.

Sounds good?

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

That is quite a lot of growth in a week. You must be doing everything right. I'll be interested to see the answers you get about skimmers. We've put one in hubby's marine tank, but as it's operated by an airstone, I assume that type wouldn't be possible. It creates a lot of surface agitation.

Cheers
TW

You must be doing everything right

I guess one week is not enough time for me to start to do something wrong yet

But don't worry, if the past is any indication then soon I will start to mess up things

Thanks Robyn,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

LF,

Very nice pictures as always. It seems as if things are growing quite well for you and I hope that it keeps that trend.

I am having some of the same film on the suface of my tank too. A skimmer would probaby help but I would worry about losing CO2 with the use of one and just having extra junk in the tank doesn't make me happy.

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

Instead of a skimmer, why don't you get one of those ADA lily pipes? You can position them so they swirl the water down eliminating surface film.

Give our ole buddy Jeff a call.



Rick
See all my pictures at Google Web Albums

A skimmer would be overkill.

Aim the spray bar at a slight upward angle, just enough to gently ripple the surface and that will keep it away.

A more low tech solution would be Mollies or Guppies

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

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

Thanks Guys,

I wish I had a chance to respond earlier, but my router in the house broke.

The last update was yesterday morning, but things happened afterwards:

First, take a look at the Star Grass group from around 5pm yesterday, just one day after the last pictures. It has grown some more yet again

Attached Image:

Loads of Star Grass

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

You may have noticed it in that picture already, but here is a little more obvious shot.

ZERO SURFACE AGITATION AND MOVEMENT

I was shocked to find the whole surface to simply stand still, with loads of CO2 bubbles collection underneat.

Attached Image:

No Motion

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

I had to go ahead and trim the Star Grass group. Once completed the surface started to move again and things are going better.

To your comments:

A lily pipe, yeah - $$$
Mollies and Guppies - Have Platies, don't want any of these in that tank
Angle Spray Bar - have thought about it, will try to see if feasible

Here is the tank as of 6PM last night:

Attached Image:

Latest Shot

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

I have guppies in my tank and I still have this film. Not really too worried about it but its still there.

LF,
What are your plans for final plants in this tank?

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

LF,
I've had that happen in my tank alot, where there is no surface movement. It almost looks like a frozen lake. The water is still moving under it and I've never noted a problem, but I do from time to time move my spray bar above the surface sometimes just to be on the safe side.



My Scapes

Thanks Wings and tetratech,

Movement kicked in again nicely when the plants were trimmed. As the future plants will not be that massive I am not too worried in the long run. Thanks tetratech, I find the "frozen lake" comparison rather fitting. In particular when you actually can see CO2 bubbles gliding along under the surface, like air bubbles under the ice.

I will try to angle the spray bar a little, but it is not that easy as the joints that give it its current position are fixed 90 degrees.

About the long term plants: Some small leaved stems or such (like helferi) in the two islands surrounded by Anubias and/or crypts. A massive lawn of foreground plants for the majority of the tank, like hair grass or something (HC would be great, but I would require too much ( $$$ ) to form a lawn right away (and it grows slowly). Then maybe the occasional Blyxa or other taller plant.

When do you guys think I should get started on moving towards the final layout?

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

HC would be great, but I would require too much ( $$$ ) to form a lawn right away (and it grows slowly

Not only that, but if you think Blyxa is a PITA to keep from floating up, just wait until you try HC


If everything is there and ready, LF, then why not start on the final layout now, or your next free weekend?

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Back in the saddle!

then why not start on the final layout now

Well, first of all thanks for the input NowherMan6.

I thought the purpose of the fast growers was to ride in the tank, like a wild horse that needs to be tamed before you can put a saddle on it. So I was wondering if there is any timeline or other indicator when this horse would be ready.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Patience my young apprentice and you'll realize the power and beauty of the darkside.

My Scapes

So, after coming home last night I noticed that the surface agitation has almost come to a halt yet again. The little growth the plants did in that one day was enough. As I cannot continue to trim the plants on a daily base, I decided to angle the Spray bar a little:

Attached Image:

Angled Spray Bar

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

This got things going a little, and albeit I see the surface move at a nice pace, the CO2 bubble trapping beneath it is still the came. I am wondering if this has a negative effect on the light that reaches the plants

The upper parts of the Star Grass look like this, but given my tiny CO2 bubbles all over the tank I don't know if this is pearling or CO2.

BTW - Bensaf will be proud of me as I have yet to measure anything in that tank

Attached Image:

Star Grass Pearling ???

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

You haven't even tested your CO2? I guess it doesn't matter too much with having no fish there yet.

Can't wait to see the final product(on an after thought, is there ever a final product with this hobby?).

Thoughts for fish?

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

Nope Wings, never tested anything

I can't wait to see the final product (and I agree, final will never be achieved, but in this case I mean the more permanent scape and plants) either, but it will be a while.

About fish: at some point in this thread I stated this:
"Fishwise - for sure some Otos and maybe a school (espei come to mind, too many in the other tank) and a pair of cichlids, and some shrimpsters."

But I am not sure about anything anymore, I think I will keep it open for a while. As soon as the scape is more permanent I may add Otos and/or Shrimp though.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

As soon as the scape is more permanent I may add Otos and/or Shrimp though.

Good move, especially with the shrimp. They should be the first things you add once you start adding permanent plants. Once a bit of algae starts to pop up add a whole boat load of amanos. Amazing shrimp, great cleaners and algae eaters. In terms of stocking, work your way out from the otos and shrimp.

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Back in the saddle!

You have your spray bar vertically aligned in the water column while mine is horizontial at the waters surface. I guess there are advantages to either positioning. When I want a little surface agitation I simply pull mine up above the water surface.

Although I really like the shrimp I do find them to be more co2 sensititive. I've lost a few amanos in my 72g, but have not lost a single shrimp in my 12g since setting it up. Don't waste your time with Ghost shrimps they really are mostly used to feed fish on the darkside and do not live very long. The CRS would be beautiful in this setup but they are much smaller than the Amanos.

My Scapes

For decorative purposes later on cherries would be nice, but just for pure function you'd need 3X as many cherries as amanos = $$$

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Back in the saddle!

For decorative purposes later on cherries would be nice, but just for pure function you'd need 3X as many cherries as amanos = $$$
LF's next tank is going to be a CRS Breeder Setup. Actually the CRS have been alot cheaper lately for some reason. Not really much difference in price between those and the Amanos in my area.

My Scapes

LF,

I couldn't help but thing about your new tank when seeing this setup on APC.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/aquascaping/27799-evolution-of-my-144l-38g-tank.html

The tank is about your size and features two hills. Obviously the tank looks beautiful and I'm not knocking the scape at all, but I'm torn between wondering what is more outstanding the scape or the photography. In other words is the scape really that good or is the photography, lighting, etc making it look even better?



My Scapes

In other words is the scape really that good or is the photography, lighting, etc making it look even better?

No, its the wave maker .

Thanks tetratech for the link, I find the tank sure nice looking. I have to say that my growth in the end should be more like his was in the beginning, not so many tall plants. Also, my challenge is harder as he has a back and I have only fronts .

Speaking of growth, my Star Grass reached the top yet again and slowed down the surface movement to a creep. Look further up on this page for a picture from 2 days ago, then compare to this one.

Attached Image:

All Grown Up (Again)

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On the algae frontier, I begin to see small brownish areas on the Hygro leaves and on a few Star Grass leaves. I assume its diatoms or some for of nutrient defficiency, but most likely the first of these two options.

Attached Image:

Diatoms?

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

So while talking about CRS. I now have 6 in my tank. The most I have found at one time is 3. What are you guys paying for them out east? My store is selling them for 2.99 each. Don't have any left because I bought half and sold the other.

How good are they on eating algea and such in your tanks?

Here is a neat shrimp link

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

How good are they on eating algea and such in your tanks?

I'm sure they're good, but you'll have to ask someone else.

CRS are quite small so unless you have a nano you would probably need an army of them to have any kind of real impact.

My Scapes

How big are yours? Mine are only about 3/8 inch.

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

Hi LF,
Ottos will eat the gathering diatoms. Circulation,
light, and above all - the availability of silica (SiO2)
especially in a new tank, is what causes a diatom bloom.

Water changes, primarily, will cut back on the silica and
more light, more circulation will eliminate the diatoms.

I noticed in the pictures of the link, that the water
was riled in the center, but try as I might, I could not
discern the cause. The input/output of the filter must
be well disguised.

Frank


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

Bensaf will be proud of me as I have yet to measure anything in that tank

Always been proud of you, young Grasshopper

I see the problem now with the spray bar, you are misting a la Barr. The surface will have a hard time moving.

I have my spray bar horizontal at the top of the side glass, angled very slightly upwards, so the entire lenght of the surface gets getle movement. Never have any problems with film on the top.

But I do have my diffuser at the opposite side way down with a small powerhead with spray bar to circulate the co2 bubbles. This is almost invisible in my particular set up but would be an eyesore in yours where front and back are going to be visible.

Looks like pearling to me. The co2 bubbles won't stick to the top side of a leaf, they are oxtgen bubbles coming from the plant.

That also looks like diatoms, time for Ottos ! Better to introduce now to keep the diatoms at bay. That way they can eat it pretty much as it appears. Diatoms also excrete some silica so it becomes a viscious circle and the diatom bllom lasts longer if they are allowed to explode.

The tank tetra linked to is a beauty and pretty much what I had in mind with your wood and rocks. Lots of hardscape being very prominent. Notice how he has the rocks arranged as a platform for the wood.

BTW the rippling effect - easy. Use a hair dryer. That's what they do to create the affect in photo's.There wouldn't be that much movement normally.

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

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

time for Ottos

Thanks Bensaf, I will see what I can do.

My concern is that one thing is for sure: this tank will see an overhaul that at the least will include the removal of all plants (maybe in two phases) and most likely also some re-arrangement of the rocks and wood. In general, I would rather do this before any fish are added, but I also think that the time for this event is not here yet.

Also, I think I will have to measure at least my CO2 (ph and KH) before adding any fish as I assume I have a pretty high reading right now. So - there goes the no measuring

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

My concern is that one thing is for sure: this tank will see an overhaul that at the least will include the removal of all plants (maybe in two phases)

I would do this in many phases over an extended period of time. Try working one small section at a time. No big changes, just alot of smaller ones that add up to the eventual scape.

My Scapes

I hear you tetratech,

The thing is though that I may feel to urge to get more out of the radioactive wood, I am sure I don't have it arranged as good as it could be. This means that at least half of the tank at any point would be involved in the change.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Nothing much new to report.

I did my 50% half week water change last night. With the water level low I touched the brown spots on the Hygro leaves and they come off easily - meaning it is Diatoms. So maybe today or tomorrow I will head out and try to get some Otos, although the last time I was at the LFS they only had small ones, and we know what that means: high rate of death.

After the water change the Star Grass had huge bubbles of air sticking to them, sure more than ever before (including post water change). Meaning, plants seem to be doing well.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Ok,

So I went to the LFS tonight and came home with 6 Otos for the tank, they are in the middle of the acclimatisation process.

I pretty much ignored all the rules as I cannot see where else I would get any Otos soon (and we want to eat away the diatoms ):

- They are the smallest Otos on sale I have ever seen
- They were in the store since yesterday

I would say I am really lucky if 3 will survive, keep your fingers crossed.

I have one shot of them in the bag, now the lights are out and I am not going to turn them back on. Here they are:

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New Otos

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Good luck with the otos. I guess you've seen Cali's tips for helping otos survive? So far out of my 6 that I bought, I still have 5. Fingers crossed, for both our otos.

Cheers
TW

Sure did I see Cali's tips, a loooong time ago. I read his article with great interest and was rather touched when he wrote about losing one of his original batch many years later

You know that I have 6 Otos in my 125. They are the survivors of the initial meltdown after purchase when I got I think 13 or so

Thanks for keeping your fingers crossed with me (I will do the same for you ),

Ingo

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Ok,

When I came home from work today, all 6 Otos were still alive and kicking. They sure have a hard time swimming against the current on the side where the spray bar is, but they seem to enjoy doing so anyways.

I also believe to recognize a clear difference in the amount of brown stuff on the Hygro, much less today that yesterday. Now I begin to worry that they will run out of food.

Here is the only good shot of one of them that I got so far, compare its size to the tubing and size of the diffuser. It is tiny Tim

Ingo

Attached Image:

Tiny Oto

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Weekly Tank Update - Week 2

This week has seen additional growth in the tank, things seem to be going well. I maintained the mid-week water change to keep things going and on Thursday I added 6 tiny Otos to keep the diatoms at bay.

I know it may be a little bit early for a long photo review of the tanks development, but I find the growth of the Star Grass (in particular) so amazing that I am doing it anyway.

Here is the tank after setup, 2 weeks ago:

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After Setup

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Just 3 days later, the Star Grass has grown in already and the tank started to clear up. The wood became more visible and one can see that it is a beauty. Also, the Wisteria started to show signs of growth:

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After 3 Days

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After one week the Star Grass reached the top and a few stems needed to be cut back already to maintain the water flow on the surface (that problem has later been resolved with the adjustment of the spray bar). Also, the Wisteria and the Hygro are growing nicely and Blyxa has been added.

Attached Image:

After One Week

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After one and a half weeks the growh of the Hygro is pretty obvious. This group had not seen a trimming (and doesn't receive one so far at all).

Some more of the Star Grass stems were trimmed off and planted wherever I could find a spot in the tank, just to keep it filled up.

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After One and a Half Weeks

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And here is the tank now after 2 weeks, before a Star Grass trimming and the water change. As you can see, growth has been so well that the lower parts on the Star Grass side became all shaded.

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This Weekend - Before Trimming

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A major trim was in order. Almost all Star Grass stems were removed, the bottoms disposed off, and the tops replanted. The Hygro group has not been touched, but I assume that no later than the next weekend I will have to do some trimming there as well.

Just maybe I will order some "real" plants for the tank during this week and start to replace the temps. What do you think? Too early?

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Tank Now

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Here is a shot of the tank after the trimming from the back side. The current there is rather strong and all Star Grass is blown to the right side, around the right hand corner. I have to make sure that the final plants in that area are more solid so they don't bend over too much.

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Tank Back View

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