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That was yesterday and today I finally found the time to hang up the new Tek Light. Not really a "job-well-done" as it was rather sloppy DIY just to see it in action.

That should answer all the questions between this series and last weeks update.

Thanks folks for showing interest!

As you can see here, the image is a little green. That is because I only run the 2 6,500K bulbs in this shot.

Attached Image:

With 6,500K lights on

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

You can also see that I don't require any additional lighting in the room anymore as the unit shines about everywhere. This is why you see the wall behind it soo much better now.

Here is the tank with the 10,000K bulbs turned on as well, you may note that it is a little bluer in the coloration. The camera compensates for the extra light so you cannot really see the brightness increase.

Attached Image:

With All Lights On

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Now I wanna see the HC take off, just like it did in tetratech's tank,

Last but not least, a shot of the setup including the new light unit.

That's it, have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Full Setup

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

It's pretty bright huh? What do you think, 2-3 X as bright as pc watt for watt?

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Ingo,

Thats a great looking setup my friend, love the light and the way you have your filters. How did you fit the filter pipes in the tank like that if you dont mind me asking?

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html

Now I wanna see the HC take off, just like it did in tetratech's tank,

I like the light, but why on this tank? Isn't "Bob" going to go ballastic. Your so busy you might not look at your tank for a few days and you'll come home and find Bob has taken over the basement.

My Scapes

Ingo , nothing like a new bit of gear is there . Love the Light it certainly gives a different
perspective to the tank . Hope the HC takes over the tank for you

Garry

Wow, for the longest time I thought you had a black background on this tank! Couldn't tell it was clear on both sides. Those lights make quite a difference.

tetra,

Yup, one day Ingo is going to walk down to his basement and the scene will look like this:

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Back in the saddle!

Yup, one day Ingo is going to walk down to his basement and the scene will look like this:

hehe, That's pretty much what I was thinking or Bob will extend to every tank.

P.S. Nowher where's your little setup?

My Scapes

- Darn Bob

In order of requests:

Matty - I don't know how bright it is, it for sure lights up the whole room though (height over tank related).

fishmonster - Thanks. The filter hoses are coming up on the right back corner in the picture, actually nothing special there.

Tetratech - Why this tank? Well, it is the one that seems the most show case like, from the overall setup. Currently I don't like the plants one little bit, but things may change.

Garry - yeah, new gear always makes my day

NowherMan6 - I assume you don't remember that this is a walk-around tank. A background is not possible as one side would not be viewable anymore. And bob has not yet licked blood, LOL.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

LF,

I like the new light. I hope it grows your HC well too!

Have you thought about going to a single mound with a ground cover around it?



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

How long would you expect it to take, before the light has it's impact on the HC?

Cheers
TW

Hi Robyn,
Depending upon the tank conditions (nutrients),
and the health of the new plants, I would expect to
see some change within a week, two at the outside.

Frank


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

very nice tank, especially love the bolbitus huedelotti

Weekly Tank Update - Week 68

Thanks folks for the input.

I am still thinking about design options and I am in no particular rush to do something about it right now (no time anyway).

The HC is already showing signs of change Robyn, I think it has grown a little larger with regards to leaves and stem length and diameter. Overall, it looks healthier. This is probably a result of the new light, but it may include the trimming of the Bolbitis that I performed last weekend.

Not much new happened otherwise, I added today the second set of light rows (center rows) for 1h midday.

Here is the tank this morning:

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 68

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Weekly Tank Update - Week 69

Almost no trimming during this weekend, but I had to remove a load of duckweed that now, with the new light, grows much faster.

The HC is weird, it seems like the old growth (original planting site in Nov last year) is coming all out and the new growth since the last two weeks stays put. Maybe the old growth was done anyway, I don't know.

Here is the tank,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 69

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Ingo , Did you back the new lights off a fraction , the last shot seems a little darker .
Or is that just the Fern needing a trim . The HC thing is very interesting , wonder
what will happen next ?
Still love Bob ( even if everyone loves poking fun at him )

Garry

Garry,

Thanks for the input

The lightness of the image greatly depends on where the camera focus hits the tank, if on a leaf in the shade then the image is brighter, if on a leaf in the light then darker.

The HC is confusing me as well, I don't know if it comes or goes!

Bob - tetratech came up with that name, I sure had nothing to do with it - might have to go at some point, too big.

I don't have a great vision on what to do with this tank yet, so no major changes are performed on it these days.

Ingo

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Weekly Tank Update - Week 70

Well, as I was trimming one or the other leaf of Bob (ok, I declare defeat and accept the name for it, gee - thanks tetratech) I decided to give it a major haircut. The goal was to remove any bad leaf as well as any leaf that reaches the surface. And about 50 leaves later I was done

Here is the balding Bob,

Have fun,

Ingo

PS: Otherwise, no news

Attached Image:

Week 70

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That really changed the lighting in this tank! I wouldn't really call bob balding either. More of a buzzed bob.

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

Well, as I was trimming one or the other leaf of Bob (ok, I declare defeat and accept the name for it, gee - thanks tetratech)

Oh, your very welcome Now that it's official, please consult me before Bob's next haircut, I know how he likes it. Bob would also like to be moved alittle to the right (You know that ego of his)and he has requested a pair of sunglasses That's it for now.



My Scapes

Well done Tetra .!!!!

I think Bob should have a stylist , what do you think , someone with Hollywood experience maybe ?


Garry

You guys are weird

Seriously, I love the lines and flow of this tank.

Well done - it's just lovely.

Weekly Tank Update - Week 71

You guys are weird

They/We sure are, but we are proud of it

Thanks for the input Jay, much appreciated

On to the tank:

Not much to report, Bob is growing again, if that is his hair then I really envy him, I need some of that, LOL.

The one thing I threw out in the NJAGC forum that bugs me is the HC. It keeps on floating up bits by bits. I think though we have identified why: The pesky elephant sized Amanos are running over the patch and their stompede causes the uprooting of the HC. Any believers? I sure think it is the most logical explanation at this time and found people that have similar experiences, including a case where HC was all well and as soon as Amanos were added to the tank it started to float up. I guess it just doesn't work well with both together.

Here is the tank this week, the male Apisto gave me the honor to pose in the shot,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 71

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I like this scape, especially after the trim.

Here is the tank this week, the male Apisto gave me the honor to pose in the shot,

He is looking pretty nice too! How are the females doing?

You got really nice photos of this tank and the 125 this week. Did I get that you are playing with the camera settings?

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

The one thing I threw out in the NJAGC forum that bugs me is the HC. It keeps on floating up bits by bits. I think though we have identified why: The pesky elephant sized Amanos are running over the patch and their stompede causes the uprooting of the HC

I would have to respectively disagree with the members of the NJAGC on that one. Are you referring to the original HC planted some time ago or additinal pieces? I have the HC growing in my 72g now without a problem and there are amanos, cherries and kuli loaches in there. If it's still floating up then the root system isn't developing enough. Do you trim it? Remember this is a stem plant. Trim the top and what happens to most stems plants. You get several new headers. Same with HC, this will help spread a more elaborate root system and it will keep the plant anchored.

Also it's far easier to plant HC just like any other stem. just replant the tops. Push it into the eco and then pull up slightly and let the eco fall in around the stem.

My Scapes

Thanks folks for the input

Wings - yes, I am playing with camera settings and post-picture-taking image manipulations of the simple form, like sharpness, midtones, and the like.

The females died months ago, never found even one dead one (thanks to the shrimp, I assume).

Tetratech - I do see the Amanos rumble over the HC field, and I do see individual strands come out at that time (although I don't see when it all happens). Are your Amanos grown up? Mine are huge. I have not trimmed the HC, maybe I should give that a try though. I am just afraid that having only such a small patch the rest of the field will be destroyed in a heart-beat.

patty - Thanks

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Tetratech - I do see the Amanos rumble over the HC field, and I do see individual strands come out at that time (although I don't see when it all happens). Are your Amanos grown up? Mine are huge. I have not trimmed the HC, maybe I should give that a try though. I am just afraid that having only such a small patch the rest of the field will be destroyed in a heart-beat.

I've had some of my Amanos for like two years, they are big, bigger than most of the fish in the tank. I see them walking on it too and of course some will be pulled up before the roots grow, but if it's still coming up then the root system isn't developed enough. I have the loaches as well and they are much worse than the shrimp. Trust me on this one, keep trimming the tops of the tallest pieces.

I'll be interested in your picture results, since I plan on buying an SLR camera shortly. I would give my Canon S2 to Wings, but I think my kid has already called it his own. Sorry Wings.

My Scapes

Weekly Tank Update - Week 72

Thanks Tetratech for the tip, I will keep it in mind. I heard others that swear that trimming is not required, they instead wanna sell me on AquaSoil and even offer me a little bit for a container to submerse in the tank and just see what happens (sounds like an interesting test as well).

As I stated in the 125G log, I had very little time this weekend and DID NOT DO A WATER CHANGE

Here is the tank anyway,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 72

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Nice tank, Love the Bolbitis

Thanks Tetratech for the tip, I will keep it in mind. I heard others that swear that trimming is not required, they instead wanna sell me on AquaSoil and even offer me a little bit for a container to submerse in the tank and just see what happens (sounds like an interesting test as well).

Interesting you should say that. I actually did this in my 72g. I took a small area in my foreground and replaced the Eco with AS. I found no difference in the way it grows or the speed (see pic below). I will conclude that the HC in ny AS-based 46g grow much faster then it did in my 72g with Eco or AS. Although the tanks have different lighting etc, my unscientific conclusion was that it grows better in AS not based on what it derives directly from the AS, but rather what the AS leaches into the water colum.

Eco/AS



My Scapes

Weekly Tank Update - Weeks 73 and 74

Didn't have much time/patience last week to update the log, so here are the shots for both weeks:

Here is week 73 (somehow not so good of a shot)

Attached Image:

Week 73

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And here is week 74, this weekend.

It appears that the HC is spreading faster than usual, at least whatever can be considered usual in my tank. I also have taken a look at the tank a few weeks back and can now see that the HC for sure is no longer static.

Tetratech - nice comparison shot, seems to grow just as well in both.

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 74

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Ingo , HC looks to be on the move for you at last and it seems that Bob needs his hairdresser in attendance .

Garry

Bob needs his hairdresser in attendance

That Java fern looks like its about out of control too!

HC is looking much better. Do you think its the new light?

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

Weekly Tank Update - Week 75 and Week 76

Yes Wings, I think it is the light, and maybe the fact that I layed off on adding Excel as a spot treatment right over the HC (as I have heard it likes Excel, but maybe not in my tank).

Anyway, more of overgrowing Bolbitis and giant Narrow Leaf Fern, mixed with Anubias Nana and a spot of HC.

The tank in week 75:

Attached Image:

Week 75

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And just because I got fed up with the comments about BOB (I don't like that guy, whoever he is, LOL), here is the tank today.

Yup, an Ingo-Style Make-Over

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 76

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LF,

That looks really sharp! You did a really nice job with the sand.

What are your plans for plants?

Did you take the filter-out off the 29G or did you get one for this tank too?

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

little fish,

Where do you get your plants? I am looking for the Bolbitis fern but cant seam to find it online. Not sure if my LFS has it or not so i will have to check.

I do like the new look. Do you ever get memorseful after such a change? Even when I give my plants a little trim down and thin out I wonder if I've done the right thing.
I definitely love the new look though.

Wow, what a change. Now that the plants are really
thinned out, the two vertical rocks remind me of Easter
Island statues, and I'm not sure they "fit" in the new
scape. Maybe if partially obscured by plants again they
will look more like they "belong."

Great Tank!
Frank


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

Ingo, Unbelieveable !!!!!!!!!, Stunning ( Again! ), Brillant , Wonderful, Spectacular ....hmmm can't think of any other superlatives Great look etc perhaps you could find the time to describe the plants and give us a closer look ?


Garry

Weekly Tank Update - Week 77

Thanks all for the input, much appreciated. Some answers:

Wings - Plants are HC and maybe some larger plants (Blyxa and such) within the rock groups. There is further also only the outflow of the CalAqua glass ware in this tank (for now).

lotec25 - I got my Bolbitis at the LFS, it was rather small (see much earlier entries in this log). Sometimes I buy plants online (not in quite a while) but most of the time I trade them in my local club (see signature)

Brengun - I have done so many make-overs that I am over feeling remorse for a previous scape, even if that one was maybe better. What is done is done and always worth the learning

Countryfish - Thanks, but you are way way way too kind. Granted, I like the look too, but it is just my first attempt at this kind of scape (ok, the second if you count my mess in the 20G, LOL). Plants - well only HC for now.

Frank - Frank, Frank, Frank!!! I have to say that it is obvious that you didn't get it . It's an Iwagumi. There will be no plants on the left and right when all is said and done. They are only here to help the tank to settle. The rocks will be fully exposed when all is settled.

This few from the backside during the setup a week ago may give you some idea:

Attached Image:

Last Week - Back Side

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Anyway, here is a shot of the full tank from this weekend. The plants seem to grow just fine.

There have been 3 water changes during this week, each with at least 50% water replacement.

Attached Image:

Tank This Weekend

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Here are some impressions:

The diffuser, LOL. Ok, it is not all that pretty, but I point it out as it is going with about 5bps, a lot for the 40G, but with no fish etc I can blast that baby.

Attached Image:

Diffuser

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

And as a result, with even only 8 hours of light on the tank the HC is bubbling (on not water change days, on the water change days the tank is bubbles in itself).

Attached Image:

HC

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Another look at the HC pearling, I promise I will not repeat this every weekend though, LOL. I didn't have too many floaters of HC yet, maybe two or three after the water changes.

Attached Image:

More HC

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Last shot, the center area of the tank, having the HC growing on both sides.

Although I cannot be certain, it seems to settle nicely.

That's it,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Center

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

AH!
That answers it... Iwg who?
I keep forgetting that you are an avid proponent of
the "Nature Aquarium" vs the "Dutch."

Seriously, it's a beautiful tank, and my sincere complements.


Frank


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

Now that's a tank where the HC works wonderfully. Very nice rock work as well.

My Scapes

Nice change in the tank style. You will have a nice grove of hc once it grows out.

I have been checking my LFS for the Bolbitis but no one has it, still looking.

Tank looks good LIttle_Fish, Keep it up

Such neat arrangement of the border stones Whom are you trying to prevent from trespassing?

Ingo ,

Thanks, but you are way way way too kind

I don't think so , your an inspiration to us planted types here at FP . Well done mate . I never liked the black rock look before but this tank combines my favourite thing (River ) with the rock work and beaches leading to the river very very well . If the HC works for you this time then the Black rocks and the river are going to look fantastic .
Thanks for showing some more closeups Btw . Can't wait to see this tank develop . Are you going to put fish in or are you going to get the scape spot on first .

Anyway well done and keep those closeups coming .

Garry

LF,

Is the HC what you had from the last scape or did you get another batch? It looks like you have quite a bit more than you did before.

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

Gang,

Frank - Thank you!

Tetratech - Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

clownloachfan - Thank you as well!

lotec25 - Thanks, and with regards to the Bolbitis, try to ask the LFS if they place custom orders, maybe you get lucky.

catdancer - LOL, neat is the right word, and I promise it will not stay like that. But for the time being it appears to be a proper physical divide to assure that the individual substrates stay on their respective sides. I was toying with having shrimpsters in the tank that could mess up the substrates, but others have already assured me that my border will not help there either.

Countryfish - Thank you again for your kind compliments. The rock is actually not black at all as you will see in a little series of close-ups that will follow this entry (based on your request ). Someday there will be animals in the tank (besides the all-present snails anyway), but I will have to wait out the "wild" phase of the tank in order not to jeopardise the critters.

Wings - well observed, there is about twice as much HC in the tank than what I had in there before. I purchased the second batch at an auction held right during a Jeff Senske presentation in PA last month.

End of Entries, Onto Pictures

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These shots were taken on Monday.

As you all might know, this is a walk-around tank with no closed side.

Here is an angled shot from the lesser seen long side:

Attached Image:

Back

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And here is a similar shot from the main viewing area, the one I usually use for my weekly update pictures.

Attached Image:

Front

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A closer look at some of the HC, which btw is so far growing in nicely. I can see runners already, one has even breached the rock wall to the beach, LOL.

Attached Image:

HC

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Here is a look at one of the two rock areas, from the back side of the tank. I selected this side as it is currently allowing the best view up the slope into the rock group, showing the difference in height of the substrate.

Attached Image:

Rock I

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Last, but not least, here is a look from the same back side at the other rock group, not as high as the previous one.

That's it for now, back to work,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Wings - well observed, there is about twice as much HC in the tank than what I had in there before. I purchased the second batch at an auction held right during a Jeff Senske presentation in PA last month.

I guess my eye is still working well! Very nice shots. It looks like the HC is thickening up quite a bit even if you did get a second batch.

According do the latest couple of TFH, you need to get some HC up on the slopes.

How was the presentation? Learn anything fun and exciting?

If you haven't looked yet I added some pictures to my 55G log.

Some time down the road I want to plant my 20 long in this style but we don't quite have the cash flow right now.

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

nice, looks like the hc is starting to fill in for you./:'

Weekly Tank Update - Week 78

The tank has seen 3 water changes this week, the same than last week. Growth of the growout plants is fine, I had to give it a major trim to avoid shading of the HC and stagnation of surface agitation.

Here is the tank in its standard view:

Attached Image:

Week 78

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Here is a look in an angle that reveals the "not-so-great" issue that I have right now, check out the sand.

I also had some green spots on the glass, in particular in the area where the sand is and other lower open spots. When scraping that off I noticed it comes off easily in a slimy layer, making me believe it is Green Slime Algae, and that would be the one on the sand as well.

Oh well, whatever

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Angle

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

nice, i forgot to ask you earlier, what kind of rocks are those? Do they raise the hardness?

Green Slime Algae

Sounds like a job for some otos

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

BTW your HC is really starting to look nice. Without Bob and the NL java fern it gets the light it needs.

How has your dosing been with this tank and low plant mass?

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

Ah! someone has got to keep me informed . I missed the makeover. I study for a few finals and look what happens.

Well I really like it LF. Way to utilize the 360ness factor. I bet that looks outstanding when you are walking around it. /:'

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Ingo , Love the shots from above , they give a very clear idea of the layout . Well done .
I agree with Matty , the design of the scape really emphasises the all around views of
this tank .
Green slime is a bit of a bummer but I'm sure you will handle it !
Thanks for the close ups btw , the rocks look to have a silver/ black thing going on
which didn't show up as well from a distance . Visually stunning though ...excellent choice
How long do you plan to leave the other plants in there ? Is it a HC growth thing , or do
you have a time frame in mind?

Garry

Weekly Tank Update - Week 79 and 80

Got a little busy in life again, so here is a 2 week update and answers to your questions. BTW, thank you all for the input.

In order:

clownloachfan - The rocks are either blue or black granit, the verdict is still out. In each case they do not raise hardness.

Wings - Yes, sounds like a job for Otos, but they may be too big for this tank . I will take my time before deciding on animal life.
I also do not dose anything in this tank yet, maybe in a few weeks I may add some micros and some P, but I will see how all grows before deciding on anything.

Matty - Thanks for the input, glad you like it so far.

Garry - I don't have a specific time frame in mind for how long the fast growers will stay in there, it all depends on how fast the tank will settle and become more stable. I still do 3 50% water changes each week to keep it stable.

Here is a look at the tank from last week:

Attached Image:

Week 79

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The last two weeks have seen some trimming of the Rotala, Wisteria, and the Pennywort. In addition, the green stuff has spread to the tops of the rocks, but I am not too concerned about it yet as it does not seem to spread onto plants. I will see what it does in the future before I consider removal.

Well, here is the tank this weekend, otherwise - Have Fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 80

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I might not have read it in previous posts, but i was wondering if no background was what you wanted? IMO, i think that a nice fading BG would make the path look better.

My Favorite shot, i would have to agree with Garry on this one. I love the top, as the rounded lily looking things are really beautiful. The only thing that i can say is the bubbles stuck on the glass. Its kind of distracting in a straight layer, and IMO it would look "Cleaner" with out them. In my tank, they are caused by filter blowing currents against my glass, carrying little microbubbles into/onto the glass.

Great Job!!!!

EDIT: Im sorry, i missed the fact that this is a 360 view tank. My bad...I guess you dont need a BG then...

><> ~=!Vote Today!=~ <><
-----> View My Dragons <-----

Weekly Tank Updates - Week 81 and 82

GobyFan - What you call bubbles stuck on the glass is most likely CO2 being pushed through the tank, although some shots (but not the last 2) may have been taken right after a water change when loads of bubbles are all over the place, including the glass.

Last week saw some of the usual trimming and nothing else.

Here is the shot:

Attached Image:

Week 81

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This week saw a little more action, mostly the removal of about 1 quarter of the fastgrowers in the left forward corner. Sure not because they were not growing but to start the transition into the Iwagumi that it is supposed to become.

Here is the shot:

Attached Image:

Week 82

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By accident I made a shot with one of the pre-set settings on the camera, I think it was flower or head (closeup or portrait). It shows the tank in different colors.

Here it is,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Other Settings

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

I am way impressed with the growth of your HC. It is filling it extremely well!

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

Ingo , I see the Algae has gone from the river , but it appears to be still on the rocks ....spoils the look a bit .
HC is developing really well considering the way it was before. You have gotta be happy with that !

Are you only going to have the HC once the tank settles or are you going to have a second plant around the rocks ?

Garry

Weekly Tank Updates - Weeks 83 and 84

The week 83 saw some minor removal and trimming of the fast growers, with minor extensions of the HC. Growth is still fine.

Wings and Garry, thanks for the input. The algae, or greenish brownish film on the rocks, does not bother me at all, makes it look more natural. Well, as long as it does not spread that is

Here is the tank, false colors again:

Attached Image:

Week 83

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

And here is the tank this week, quite some removal of fast growers and spreading of the HC has happened, not hard to see the difference. I did this in two stages, spread out by 4 days each since the previous trim.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 84

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Ingo ...So just HC then ? the growth of the HC is amazing. Like the look without the fast growers .

Can we see the shot from above again ..from the front it looks like the HC is overgrowing the river .

Garry

Wow, the HC is out of control. Nice progress LF.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

pretty amazing looking setup! I cannot get over the transformation that takes palce, looks like you have a green thumb for sure.

I came very late to the party... what sort of stocking will you have (fish, that is) and what size tank is this? I love the granite and the black sand against the vibrant green of the plants... awesome stuff!

Weekly Tank Updates - Week 85 and 86

Thanks for the input, here are my comments:

Garry - for the time being it will be HC only (once the rotala on the left is gone), I haven't made my mind up yet on what to do with the rock groups in regards of plants. Other angles will follow sometime soon .

Matty - thanks, yeah - the HC is in serious need of a trim.

ScottF - Thanks for the comments. I don't know what live stocking will get in here, I am not in a rush. Something small though, that is for sure. The tank size is mentioned in the thread title, a 40G Breeder. There is no black sand in the tank, just white sand. The black is the ADA AquaSoil substrate.

Well, I decided to give the tank a rest after removing the whole right group 2 weeks back, so no changes last week. Here is the tank, in wrong colors again:

Attached Image:

Week 85

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

I helpded the tank along by blasting the CO2 after the change, I would say something like 5bps.

I did no changes this weekend either, no time available, except for the water change on Thursday.

Here is the tank this weekend,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 86

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Wow, look at that HC go. Impressive growth indeed. Are you going to let the "river" disappear from sight completely?

Cheers
TW

LF

Just caught up on your changes which are very impressive indeed. I like the new look of the scape. Are you going to remove the other fast grower eventually thats on the leftside also???

I also have another question, I noticed on one of the pics you took from above that you had no cover on the tank at all. What are reasons behing not having a glass canopy. Does this increase the light into the tank? How much water loss do you have from this?

Thanks

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html

Weekly Tank Update - Weeks 87 and 88

Robyn and Shane, thanks for the input. Some of your questions will be answered in this update, so no mentioning of the solutions in this paragraph. Shane, yes, open top is more light, just think about condensation on the glass and the light needing to break through to even reach the tank water. Water loss is about 2 inches per week this time of the year, when all is very dry.

On to last week's update:

The tank had to have a major trim to avoid a die-off of lower HC layers and to maintain the river
It took quite a while to give all the HC a hair cut, and just as long to fish out all the loose pieces afterwards.

Eventually it was all done and here is the result:

Attached Image:

Week 87

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

This week it was time to remove the last remaining fast growers

That created quite a mess in the tank, the root system development in the AquaSoil was excellent and the rotala held on like it knew what was coming, LOL.

Anyway, after a major water change things cleared up and that is how the tank looks now:

That's it,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 88

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

looks awesome. I can't wait until you get some time for detailed shots of your tanks.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

LF

I think you have told me this before but i dont remember. I see the diffuser on the right side which is for the CO2, but what is the other glass peice for as I was under the impression that was for the CO2 also as it kept the CO2 in the water longer to dissipate.

Thanks

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html

Thanks guys for the input,

Here is a new angled shot, for Matty

fishmonster - the big glass orb is the outflow for the filter

Ingo

Attached Image:

Angled

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Woohoo!

That shot really shows off the tank well, IMO.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

great looking tank, and i love the meadow with a trail look!

IMo it needs a "tree" like plant to break up the meadow on one side...

i think it look almost unreal though! like it isnt a real aquarium!

are you ever gonna have a permanent livestock in there that consists of something from the animal kingdom? or will it stay a planted tank and that is it?

\\\\\\\"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure\\\\\\\"

That looks so nice & healthy, but IMO, what you need to add next are some nice little fishies to break it up Cardinals would look great & aren't so tough. I think you said in one of your other logs that Cardinals are sensitive & would mean extra work (or something like that). I have a whole bunch of them in with my discus. Maintenance routine didn't change at after I added them. 50% weekly, like always.

Your HC has done so well in there

Cheers
TW

Really nice work LF! I think this tank is crying to have some high grade shrimp in it. Just a very cool progression.

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

Ingo ...without a doubt this is some of your best work ...Absoultely stunning . The Top shot is a beauty .

So what now ..a couple of centre piece fishies or a single school of a small tetra ???????


Garry

Thanks folks for the input and overall positive comments!

With regards to accent fish, critters, and plants:

Patience, young grasshoppers

I am in no rush, just some things are for sure:

Any fish or critter that will enter this tank has to accomodate the scape. As such, anything around 2 inches in lenght is too big, and that would include Cardinals (not to mention that they need hiding places to feel secure, and this tank has none).

Eventually, fish will enter the tank, even if only to show its true size as such a scape could be done in a 2.5G as well, but with fish one will be able to see that we have a rather large Iwagumi here.

Accent plants are already in my mind, but mostly to be used inn the openings between the rocks in the individual rock groups, not on the "plain".

The HC will at some point, rather sooner than later, require a replant as constant hair cuts are not really the best one can do. So I busy myself now with thinking up how I would approach this, like:

Section by Section
Half the tank at once
All the tank at once

You get the idea!

Thanks for the input again,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

i think an unusual and stunning tank requires an unusual and stunning inhabitant. a bunch of bumblebee gobies would add to the appeal definatly!

Patience, young grasshoppers

Was it Ben that used to say that?

Accent plants are already in my mind, but mostly to be used inn the openings between the rocks in the individual rock groups, not on the "plain".

Good thinking there. It will give the scape a little bit more height.

The HC will at some point, rather sooner than later, require a replant as constant hair cuts are not really the best one can do. So I busy myself now with thinking up how I would approach this, like:

I would vote half and half as it probably wont kill you by doing the whole thing at once and it will also keep some plant mass in the tank.

I am guessing that this will need to take place soon as the HC looks like it's getting rather thick.

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

lol i figured the rock groups would be the future homes for some plants... and i wast thinking maybe some anubias or some jave fern for said places.

good luck it the replant of the HC, that will be a booger.

and wings mr. miagi from the karate kid used patience young grasshopper(s).

when you say ben i assume you mean obi-wan kenobi from starwars...
unless there is a member named ben i haven't met that used to say that

\\\\\\\"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure\\\\\\\"

Wings ...I think you are right . brandeeno ..you need to read back in Ingos logs .

Ingo ... Has anyone heard from Ben.. I always enjoyed his entries in yours and Tetras logs


Garry

It has been a really long time since I have heard or seen anything from him or tetra.

As with anything time changes thing... Now we have some new members to pick on and the old ones do something else.

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

Thanks guys,

Here are some comments:

resle: I don't think a fish that requires mostly live or frozen food, that appreciates a ph above 7 (mine may be around 6.2, not tested though), and is timid is the right species for this tank. But it is a pretty one

Wings: I will talk to the guys in the club that have done it before. Obviously I will wait until after the next NJAGC meeting anyway. And the height of the HC is currently way over 2 inches meaning way too tall (full).
And yes, that's him, the Grand Master.

brandeeno: A Fern would be way too massive, leaf by leaf. The key is small leaved plants to keep the tank larger than life. As such, the only Anubias that would be an option would be petite, but it does not generate any height. As such, a no go.

Garry: You get an A+ for doing your homework

Wings again: Last time I "spoke" with Bensaf was about 6 months ago, and with tetratech maybe 6 weeks ago.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Really nice!

To trim the HC I would remove small patches a few weeks apart. You then replant stems in the small patch areas and they will start to regrow and then you start removing other small patches. This way you won't ruin the entire look. It will take a steady and patient hand, but if your midi-chlorians are as high as I think Skywalker, you shouldn't have a problem.

My Scapes

Speaking of tetra! He drops in. Maybe I will have to mention him in my thread... = )

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

Ingo

Im liking the changes mate. Looking good. I know I have to wait on the inhabitants but im impatiant....

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html

Weekly Tank Updates - Weeks 89 and 90

Thank you so much for your input, in particular tetratech's participation is appreciated

Removing small patches of HC and then waiting a few weeks before doing the next one is probably not going to work. If I were to divide the tank into 8 segments (and they would be rather large patches) and wait 3 weeks between removals, I would spent about half a year on one go-around. Yet, within 3 months, the tank is out of control easily.

Anyway, last weekend did not see any changes at all, just your standard EI maintenance and letting the grass (figuratively speaking) grow.

Here is the tank last week:

Attached Image:

Week 89

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

And this weekend has seem some trimming again, the last one I can afford before the replanting has to start. I probably should have replanted already but I don't want to ruin the scape before the next NJAGC meeting in two weeks.

I also added some, hm, goodies to the tank, I am just not yet settled on the location.

Here is the tank this week:

Attached Image:

Week 90

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Placing then new diffuser is a hassle as I try to get all dispersion from the flow in the water only, not needing the power head anymore. I currently don't see a good spot for it anywhere, but I will find something

Here is a shot showing the "utilities" side of the tank, giving you a better idea of what I am talking about. New are the Cal Aqua intake and the Pollen Glass diffuser.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Goodies

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Ingo ...seems such a shame to uproot the plant when you have got it looking so fantastic . Is there no other way ????


Garry

Ingo I do love this tank.

Its got style but it seems bare to me.... I love your scapes mate, you always seem to impress. Keep it up. Im not understanding what you are talking about with the diffuser tho



Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html

Oh, I had forgotten. Exact words Ingo. When I meant small sections you took my words very literally. I meant you can pull out small sections and replant, small sections replant. I mean sure some of the areas might get too tall but at least when you pull them out your not at ground zero, since the other sections would have started to grow already and your closer to having a lawn again. BTW I still can't get over people's obssession with flow and powerheads. I think it's BS. I have a 3 foot tank with a little Eheim 2213 I can clearly see the bubbles from my diffusor that are positioned right under my lily pipe making it all the way to the other side before surfacing. I can also see the hairgrass swaying in the current. Why would I need more flow than that.

My Scapes

Looking great Ingo

I'm with Garry - is there no other way, other than to replant the HC. I know trimming in the tank is messy & you have to net it out, but if that way is doable, a lazy bones like me would prefer it.

So, other than the mess, is there a problem with trimming in the tank?

I ask because I'll be using HC in my new tank. You might remember I have it growing in the waterless tank atm.

Cheers
TW

Weekly Tank Updates - Weeks 91 and 92

Gang, not much time here, so just to answer the questions quickly:

Garry - Nah, over time there is no other way
Shane - The diffuser needs to be in a place where the water can swush the CO2 bubbles around the tank, and not where it lets it get to the surface right away, and as such wasted
Tetratech - Nah, when placing it under the pipe outlet it sits in the tank, like in the picture below. I will continue to play with it. HC replanting will start within a week or two
Robyn - HC needs to be replanted from time to time, no other way. And it sure makes a huge mess, keep the filters turned off even during trimming so as much as possible floats right up rather than gunk up all the other plants.

Here is the tank last weekend

Attached Image:

Week 91

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

And no changes have been made for this weekend either, just some cleaning to have it shiny for yesterday's NJAGC meeting at my place.

That's it for now,

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Week 92

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Weekly Tank Update - Week 93

Well, this week saw the beginning of the replant of the HC. I took out maybe somewhere between a fourth to a fifth of the overall plant mass, cleaned the tank, replanted the tops, and did another water change. 3 HOURS LATER, I was done. That is painful

Here is the normal shot of the tank after all was done:

Attached Image:

Week 93

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

And here is an angled look to show the changed section a little better. BTW, the rocks that you see in the newly planted section have not been there before, and neither was the edge to the sand river that dominant. I am using this chance to play a little with the hardscape as well.

Have fun,

Ingo

Attached Image:

Angled

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

I like the more defined edged between sand & island now. IMO looks a lot better. Thanks for the HC information. Seems now it may not be plant for me, after all. I have a whole heap of it cultivating in my waterless tank, ready for the 7ft tank, but I thought I had picked a low growing, easy maintenance plant. I will use it first up anyway, but when time comes for replanting, I may not have the energy for a replant.

Cheers
TW

I am really quite amazed with the growth you have with your HC. Really thick stuff!

I like the new rocks added in on the replant though I think you will have to keep at the trimming to keep them visible.

Overall you have done a really great job with this tank. It has been a ton of fun to watch.

Do you have any plans to add other plants around the rocks? Maybe some downi?

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

Thanks for the comments, Robyn and Wings!

Yeah, all plants need trimming, no matter how slow they grow Except the ones that die of course, LOL.

No manifested plans for a second plant species yet, Wings.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

I think the new rocks add more interest. I have to say this is your best yet. Many times less is more....

And kudos for the replant. Whenever I've replanted HC I've always done it pretty much stem by stem, it's difficult to replant larger groups, but it looks like you've done it and the tank doesn't look recently redone.



My Scapes

Yeah, all plants need trimming, no matter how slow they grow

Thanks Ingo, it's not the trimming I object to, it's the fiddly replanting of a plant such as HC. It just doesn't sound like something I have time for, or want to have time for. I will probably use it first up (as I have it anyway) but will decide whether to ditch it when the time comes for replanting.

Have to admit, it looks great in your setup. Congratulations on the patience & perseverance to have replanted it all.

Cheers
TW

Ingo ... You amaze me with your patience ...and I agree with Tetra ...It dosen't look replanted . Well done .

I like the new rocks in the body of the plants ...but I must disagree with the others on the river border ...I always though that the no border look was one of the special things about this scape ...and you have reinforced that view for me .

Still a stunning scape of course ... and it might just benefit from one other plant behind some of the rocks .

Garry