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actually I just went back and read my first post and realized that I've miscalculated the days somewhere - I started my tank january 12 last year...so this would be day 360, 5 more days to the 1 year mark.

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 07-Jan-2006 12:48

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Yeah Matty,

Looking very green, although the picture makes it more yellow then it really is.

By now your growth has closed the gap towards the left and the focus there is lost. But I see a new one emerging, the rock (wood) with the fern on it.

Overall I can see that you spend way more time on the SW tank now as this one is barely changing and just growing out.

Any visions for plant changes?

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Thanks for the reply LF

Overall I can see that you spend way more time on the SW tank now as this one is barely changing and just growing out.

Not true...I spend an equally insufficient amount of time on both tanks. I've been working about 55 hrs a week at work and another 8-10hrs doing tank maintanance(other peoples' tanks) outside of work. I've been stretching to find time to make myself a meal here and there and to sleep. However it is true that it's just been growing out and I haven't been doing anything to it. Neither of my tanks have recieved water changes in the last month or more.

Any visions for plant changes?

Nope, I like the plants I have actually. It's taken me quite some time to get a number of plants that appear nice to me. They are all really common plants, but I like them. I think they need some shaping and a little tlc, but I think these plants will be my main ones for a while.

By now your growth has closed the gap towards the left and the focus there is lost. But I see a new one emerging, the rock (wood) with the fern on it.

I think this was my intention, the ferns on the wood just behind the tenellus(right square in the middle of the tank) need to grow out a bit, which they are doing slowly, and they will creat a nice upwawrd slope towards the right of the tank. As I said the bacopa, primarily, and the luwiggia need some shaping to give a little extra visual effect.

Any drawing you might do would help me with ideas though.

Looking very green, although the picture makes it more yellow then it really is.

I agree, so I took another:


mattyboombatty attached this image:


Last edited by mattyboombatty at 07-Jan-2006 21:43[/font]

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Matty,

Much greener

Generally speaking, what your tank, IMHO, is missing is mid sized plants as, besides the “center group” (marked in red), the entire tank goes from low straight to really tall. That can work, if you would build up some street on the left of the focus with shorter cuttings from the plants behind it (yellow) and maybe even similar to the right (white). You don’t need to add any new plants, just use the background ones for the respective triangles.

Hope this helps,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Guess it would have worked better if I had attached an image, silly me

LITTLE_FISH attached this image:

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Hmm...I've tried that, and that is exactly what I want my tank to look like with your triangles(mind reader). But my plants aren't responding the way I would like them to.

On the left with the yellow triangle is where I want the java fern to grow into to provide a middle area too. The java fern is responding well, but slowly. These I really want to be patient with and let them grow into the mid range.

The white triangle is where I put the green wendtii to grow into a mid range plant. So far it's stayed very short. Should I continue to be patient with these or find a new middle plant? Maybe a different shape/color stem plant that I can control it's height better? I'd really like to see those crypts get taller though, I really like them.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

If you like to see the crypts and the fern to get taller then:

Be Patient

Why wreck your vision? If it doesn't turn out the way you think it will then there is still time for change.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Actually I was just going through my pics to see this; the green wendtii has actually shrunken over the last few months....especially since I changed my light. I guess that leaves me no option but to replace it.

mattyboombatty attached this image:

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

it looks to me like it has just grown lower and more compact. looks happy to me. though for the sake of aquascaping it might be best to replace it with something taller for the look you want?

I agree megil - just a reaction to the increased lighting. hmm...If I didn't like those crypts so much this would be an easy decision. Maybe next time we get in some red myriophyllum I might try that there. It's been a while since I've tried a fluffy plant.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Nooooooooooooo



Myriophyllum will grow tall (and leggy under low light) and it is a master in the gunk collection department.

Not my favorite,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Well I was hoping that it would stay bushy under my light, but it might not agree with my algae, you are right about that.

I was trying to think of something either of different texture or color from the rest of the tank. Any ideas?

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

If you give it enough light,

Amano Pearl Grass

It doesn't grow tall too fast, is easy to trim (just take it out, cut off the bottom, stick the tops as groups of 5 to 10 stems together back in) and is bright green on the tops. Will for sure be visible in the white triangular area.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Now where am I going to find that?

Is baby's tears close?

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Here is the picture from day 1: note the cloudiness:





I dunno what happened up there:%)

Thanks bensaf for the info, glad I picked a good plant AND have a reliable plant guy at the lfs. That always helps!

The Wisteria is behind the rotala and you can't really make it out just yet, but should be popping up in a few days I hope. Any aquascaping ideas would be appreciated, I am going to try to head out to the lfs and look for some driftwood. The day 2 diary will be up later today.

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 13-Jan-2005 11:56[/font]

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 02-Jul-2005 17:06

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 16-Oct-2005 14:20

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Day 2: jan 13

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - slight reading <5ppm
PO4 - .5ppm
pH - 6.8ppm
KH - 5 degrees

Derived CO2 - 24ppm

Observations:
Water was much less cloudy, almost sompletely clear. No noticeable plant growth yet. Seems that my pleco is hungry without all the algea, as I've also noticed some bites from some plants.

Changes made:
Wiped more dust from plants, and did a small water change to vac out some of the dust that has settled so it doesn't stir up again. Trimmed some unhealthy leaves. Unplugged 1 co2 2L bottle from reactor.

I'm going to have to watch my pH as it seems to still be decreasing, maybe should have used the 1 old co2 mixture with a new one instead of 2 new ones. I measured my KH at 5 today instead of 6 like yesterday. I double checked to make sure, but it was still at 5.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Matty,

Looking real good mate

Got a shape and flow that was missing before.

That rear left section will fill out in no time. The Rotala is no slouch in the growing department. In good conditions gets lots of side shoots and becomes nice and bushy.

The tank will be a beaut in a few weeks.

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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.

Matt,

Thanks for posting a diary. Since you have experience, I thought that you might "lead" some of the new hobbyists through what they might expect when setting up their tank.

I think your cloudiness is due to the fluorite. I've always had a tough time getting it thoroughly rinsed. If I add water just a little too fast the cloudiness boils up. I decided that EcoComplete is a better choice for impatient people like me.

Last edited by Bob Wesolowski at 14-Jan-2005 10:42

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

When i get that kind of cloudiness, what really helps it to add some wool to the filter, and change it and rinse it every time you can, this will help get rid of the "dust".

Matt

Thank you for posting your tank photo. Sorry I did not answer sooner. The tank will look fantastic when it all settles down and commences to develop then take on its own style.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Thanks everybody!!

Sorry I missed a day there but here is day 4.

Day 4: jan 15

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - 5ppm
PO4 - .5ppm
pH - 7.0ppm
KH - 5 degrees

Derived CO2 - 15ppm

Observations:
Water is finally completely clear. My pleco really misses all the algea, I've been feeding him two algea wafers a day and he is still eating my plants, especially the green wendtii. The stem plants are starting to grow especially the myriophilia. No algea growth.

Changes made:
Trimmed more dead leaves from the green wendtii that my pleco is devouring. Added some driftwood and more chain swords.

I've been able to control the pH and CO2 by plugging in and unplugging my bottle at different times during the day.

This is a photo of day 2



Last edited by mattyboombatty at 02-Jul-2005 17:08[/font]

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 16-Oct-2005 14:20

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

A pic of some pearling done by the rubin sword (i had to look really closely) after the water change on day 2:



and a pic of day 3:

[img] http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v696/mattyboombatty/Tank%20Chronology/day3.jpg [/img]

Day 4 picture will be taken tonight(dark room, bright tank) so it will be up tonight or tomorrow.

bensaf - thanks for the confidince!

bob - It's my pleasure to share my process, I'm just glad people are interested. The cloudiness was definitely due to the flourite, but thankfully it has all cleared up now.

falstaf - Thanks!, I did clean my filter cartridge every few hours the first day and once a day since, and it has cleared up nicely.

keithgh - not a problem, and also, thanks for the confidence![/font][/font]

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 15-Jan-2005 16:17

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 02-Jul-2005 17:10

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 16-Oct-2005 14:21

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Wow the tank looks great matt. Im looking into planting my tank somewhat like yours. How big is the tank and how much watts per gallon do you have.??

==fish1
[hr width='90%'][hr width='40%'][hr width='20%']

Last edited by fish1 at 15-Jan-2005 16:21

Nice cleanup, Matt. When you started the tank did you use a "seeded" filter? If not, what do you expect to see for the cycle?

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Nice that looks great. To use the img tags you have to load the pic to a diffrent site. and then use [ instead of { around the img and that should do it. Great looking tank i love the angels.


==fish1[hr width='90%'][hr width='40%'][hr width='20%']

Bob, this was a tank that I already had planted, but was overrun wih algea despite my efforts to change that. The filter was already cycled, I just bleached out the tank due to the algea on the glass, threw out the old plants, and changed the gravel.

Fish1, the tank is a 38G with 80W of flourescent light above it. Good luck with the plant tank, I hope this helps your efforts. As for the img tags, I hosted on yahoo, and used the tags correctly, maybe yahoo doesn't work?

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Day 5: jan 16

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - 5ppm
PO4 - .5ppm
pH - 7.0ppm
KH - 5 degrees

Derived CO2 - 15ppm

Observations:
The pleco is still chomping on the plant leaves, not sure what to do to stop him, I might have to put him into another tank. Stem plants are continuing to show some growth. No algea growth.

Changes made:
None.


Day 5 pic:

mattyboombatty attached this image:


Last edited by mattyboombatty at 02-Jul-2005 17:11[/font]

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 03-Oct-2005 21:47

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Day 7: jan 18

One week and still no algea!!

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - 5ppm
PO4 - .5ppm
pH - 7.0ppm
KH - 5 degrees

Derived CO2 - 15ppm

Observations:
Lots of growth from stem plants since my last post. The myriophilia is really taking off and will need trimming soon, and the rotala is finally starting to grow to its potential, I believe. As for actual lengths, I'd say that the myriophilia has grown 2 inches in the last few days, but some shoots have grown even more than that. The rotala has grown almost an inch since my last post. Still no visible algea.


Changes made:
Did a 15% water change today as the plants seem to LOVE new water (the fish too!) and pearl for hours afterwards.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Day 9: jan 20

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - very slight reading < 5ppm
PO4 - .25ppm
pH - 7.0ppm
KH - 5 degrees

Derived CO2 - 15ppm

Observations:
More growth since last post, no algea. Very small readings of Nitrate and PO4 since last water change. I'm thinking that I may need to dose nitrate in the future, along with possible liquid ferts, though plants show no signs of lack of health yet.

Changes made:
Moved CO2 reactor to the right side of tank so the wisteria is in more direct light. Took weights off rotala, and replanted in less dense bunches as the middle stalks were dying, showing improved root structure since I purchased them.

Pic of day 9:



mattyboombatty attached this image:


Last edited by mattyboombatty at 02-Jul-2005 17:11[/font]

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 03-Oct-2005 21:48

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Day 13: jan 24

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - 5ppm
PO4 - .5ppm
pH - 6.8 ppm
KH - 5 degrees

Derived CO2 - 24ppm

Observations:
Still no algea, more growth from all plants. The chain swords are living up to their name, as they are all giving off runners(pic included). Looks like PO4 and NO3 levels will continue to stay balanced. Rotala looks a lot healthier, with more growth since I removed the weights and thinned them out a bit.

Changes made:
Trimmed a few dead leaves from plants.

Runners:



mattyboombatty attached this image:


Last edited by mattyboombatty at 02-Jul-2005 17:13[/font]

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Day 13 pic:

mattyboombatty attached this image:


Last edited by mattyboombatty at 02-Jul-2005 17:13[/font]

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 03-Oct-2005 21:49

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Hi Matt!

Good job! looks very good, the Sword is also looking better, and i think it won't be long till you are going to be forced to make it a background plant, they can get quite big.

The myrophilum is also looking great, and a lot of growth., maybe you want to prune the tops and replant it so you have even growth.

Thanks falstaf! Sorry for the delay on the reply I didn't think anyone was still reading this thread....

I haven't done any trimming on good growth yet(just dead stuff), I just wanted everything to get settled in. I definitely will have to trim it back over by the "high light" section of the tank (the far left).

As for the sword, it's getting chewed up. You can see in the last picture with the leaf that's just a couple inches off the gravel. I'm not sure it's going to make it to be a backround plant. I'm not sure what else I can do than to feed the zucchini and algae wafers to my pleco. He just likes the taste of the sword.

The best news is that the wendtii is starting to show some growth again, after the heavy pruning I did, I wasn't sure they would come back. I cut one down to the base without any leaves left because it all had algae on it. I planted it just to see if it would grow, and sure enough, there are about 7 leaves popping out that are about the size of my pinky fingernail. Cute little leaves.

matt

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 03-Oct-2005 21:49

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

My Pleco does the same thing, but the sword grows faster that what he can handle in fact I stopped when I started feeding him algae wafers.

Good news about the crypts! that I one of the few plants that still keeps surprising me, it has like a mind of it's own! mine sometimes grow like crazy and then they stun for a while, it's very weird, I'm not sure I haven't had them long enough to know enough, but they have strange behavior.

What they do well is sprout once they are moved or pruned, so that's good news!

Keep us posted

Day 34: Feb 3

Well it's been quite a while, so I thought I'd update.

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - 5ppm
PO4 - .5ppm
pH - 7.0 ppm
KH - 5 degrees

Derived CO2 - 15ppm

Observations:
Noticed a little bit of algea forming on the front glass and the leaves. I think the algae on the leaves forms from settled dust from the substrate. I've just been busy with class to keep going in there and wiping it off. Plant growth has slowed somewhat, maybe due to them running out of their natural stores. I'm thinking that I may start dosing some ferts to keep it up, since everything else has stayed the same. It could be that the plants are still getting settled into my tank conditions:light, CO2 levels....etc. (transition time). On the bright side, my anubias nana has put out a flower yay !


Changes made:
Water change day, some trimmings

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Day 42: Feb 11

All readings from after the water change.

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - 5-10ppm
PO4 - .2ppm
pH - 7.0 ppm
KH - 5 degrees

Derived CO2 - 15ppm

Observations:
Much pearling after water change. Stem plants rotting at base, but still growing. Might have planted too many together in a bunch.


Changes made:
Another water change. Lots of trimmings.

mattyboombatty attached this image:


Last edited by mattyboombatty at 02-Jul-2005 17:15[/font]

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 03-Oct-2005 21:50

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

The Angels finally left the corner!


It's growing in nicely, particularly the chain swords.

Last edited by LittleMousling at 11-Feb-2005 15:43

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

LM -

The Angels finally left the corner!

I had wondered if anyone else had noticed that! It's weird because they are never over there normally. They like to hang out around the taller plants.


The Chain swords are really taking off, even the driftwood barrier couldn't stop them. Oh well, It's rare for me to find plants that really grow well in my tank, so it's definitely a good thing.

Also, though not noticeable, the wendtii in the back behind the driftwood is really growing, even though I cut off ALL their leaves.

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 12-Feb-2005 23:18

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Trim the stem plants on the left side and replant the tops, spread them out a bit and keep them trimmed/groomed. You can top the Myriophyllum and it will branch out and replant the top to add more density.

I'd trim off the old leaves of the chain sword as the new ones grow in with scissors.
You will want to ainm for a CO2 of 6.8/KH 5, 15ppm is okay but your tank will do better with more, 20-30ppm is a better range.

Doesn't matter what light level you are at. This will help the tank keep the algae away more than 15ppm.

Also, you will want to add some KNO3/KH2PO4/traces more as the tank grows in.

These things will keep the tank at optimal conditions for a long peroid of time.

Another things.........larger water changes......
50% is good, you said it yourself, the plants liked the water change, tap has good CO2 levels. This will help the plants especially if you add the nutrients back afterwards.


Regards,
Tom Barr

Nice tank,

I noticed you have similiar fish to me. Angels, rams, cards.
Are the angels doing any plant damage.

Does anyone know if you could grow Sagittaria Patyphylla
at 2wpg and no C02.

My Scapes

looking good, please keep up with the pic updates. I'm interested in how your lawn fills in.

Day 49: Feb 18

All readings from one day after the water change.

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - 10 ppm
PO4 - 1.0 ppm
pH - 6.8 ppm
KH - 5 degrees

Derived CO2 - 24 ppm

Changes made:
Another water change. Trimmed the rotala and replanted it in groups of 2. Took out the wisteria that wasn't doing anything and the myriophilia that was rotting. I bought some green hygro to put in the place of the myriophilia, thinking that it is a hardier plant, and one that I can handle. I like the look of leafy plants better anyhow and was going to buy green hygro when I set up the tank, but the lfs didn't have any. I really simplified the tank, which I think will be better in the long run. I also brought the pH down to 6.8 as Planbrain suggested. Started adding a potassium supplement along with occasional trace dosing.

Observations:
The phosphate and nitrate rose pretty quickly with the removal of the other plants. I'm hoping that the other plants will help catch up. Or I may have to start doing Biweekly water changes. Green wendtii exploded this week, it's looking really good. I'll try to get a pic in later today, because my batteries died when I was taking full tank shots.


Plantbrain - I dropped the pH down to 6.8, we'll see how that goes. Also added some K supplements as I don't really need to add any nitrate or phosphate yet, due to phosphate in my tap and plenty of waste from my angels.

tetratech - The angels don't do any harm to the plants, but my bristlenose has been terrorizing everything but the stem plants. I'm thinking of moving him/her to another tank(If I can catch it).

Here's a Pic:

mattyboombatty attached this image:


Last edited by mattyboombatty at 02-Jul-2005 17:17[/font]

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 03-Oct-2005 21:51

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Nice looking tank, good progression. Especially those chain swords!

Just wondering if you're planning on letting them take over the whole front of the tank? Or should I say not planning on stopping them?
It's a shame we can't see more of the crypts, hopefully they'll keep growing at that rate so they're more visible for the next pic.

Tank's gonna be sweet when everything fills in. Good Job

nice tank

how bigz the tank

Day 167: June 16 <---I think I counted the days right

Well it's been QUITE some time since I updated this thread(I broke my ankle the very night of my last post), but I'm planning on a few changes to the tank, and I'm still looking for advice [link=here]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Aquascaping/60669.html?200506161509 " style="COLOR: #FFFF00[/link] if you would like to help .


Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - 10 ppm
PO4 - .5 ppm
pH - 7.4 ppm
KH - 3 degrees

Derived CO2 - 3.6 ppm

Changes made:
Did a water change today, dosed kno3 due a 100% waterchange on move day two weeks ago. Also, I started regular dosing of ferts on a weekly basis. Haven't noticed much change in the plants, but there hasn't been an outbreak of algea either, so all is good. Cleaned out a bunch of the e. tenellus as it was choking it's own growth. Last post I added the hygro that is still doing well. I moved the anubias nana to the front right, but might move it again. I also moved the crypt wendtii to the front right, which got a little cut out of the pic.

Observations:
The pH is really high due to a massive clean out of the reactor, hopefully that is the only reason. The plants still seem to be growing rapidly, so the pH should bounce back soon. The KH seems a bit lower than it was at my old apartment, and I may have to add some crushed coral to the filter to avoid a crash.

Pic:


mattyboombatty attached this image:

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Day 176: June 25

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - 5-10 ppm
PO4 - .5 ppm
pH - 6.7 ppm
KH - 4 degrees

Derived CO2 - 24 ppm

Changes made:
I made a few changes to the aquascape and added four new plants; java fern on the driftwood, bacopa and L. repens in the back right corner, and c balansae in the front left corner. I also moved the anubias nana in fron of the driftwood.

Observations:
The pH stayed high (~6.8 - 7.0) until I refreshed a yeast mixture two days ago. The pH seemed to drop to 6.6 within about a day. I can already see some new growth in the L. Repens, though I only got it yesterday.

Pic:


mattyboombatty attached this image:

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Please excuse the flying reactor in the last post, it's the only place it will fit right now.

Here are some pics of the new plants:

L. Repens


Bacopa


Java fern


C. Balansae

[/font][/font][/font][/font]

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

I love it but it would be better if you made the rotala blend in with the aquascape at the moment it stands out like a sore thumb. Id spread it out more so it ends up basically merging with the hydro

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''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''

Dude, that is absolutely unreal...!!! are those plants all available in Australia?? i dont recall ever seeing them in the lfs

Alex - I'll try to blend them a little. I was going to, but I haven't been able to get any good clippings of the rotala yet due some algae at the surface which formed after I moved, but it seems to have almost completely cleared up now that it's been stable for a month.

Opiate - Thanks! As far as I know those plants should be available in Aus. but I'm definitely not knowledgeable about the goings on of import/export stuff in Aus. - you might want to order online if you can't find them at an lfs.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Could u please tell me all the names of the plants in ur tank and there characteristics <---if that's how u spell it! like caring for them, how large they grow, fish eat them?? etc....

Nice progress.

I am about to start adding more plants to my tank, currently have java ferns and melon swords.

I am going to add the following:
1 Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus) - for the side or background

2 Anubias nana - to place on my Lava rock and possibly 1 in the forground

5 Chain Swords (Echinodorus tennellus) - for the foreground. Looks like these plants grow rather quickly judging by your day 5/9 photo.

3 Pink Baby Tears (Rotala rotundifolia) - for the background. I was going to get Corkscrew Val but changed my mind.

I just re-organised my tank as I have alot of Lava Rock so can't wait to get some new plants.

Thanks for your progress matt.

Opiate: These are all the plants in my tank as of right now. None of my fish are herbivorous, so I wouldn't know if they get eaten by anything other than angels, cardinal tetras, or BN plecos(which they don't). I'll list height by back, mid, and foreground plants, as under different light conditions some plants will grow differrent lengths.

Anibias Nana - Low light, non demanding mid-foreground plant. Can be attached to wood or stone, or can be planted in the substrate, as long as the rhizome remains above the substrate. Slow growth.

Bacopa Caroliniana - I don't have much experience with this plant yet, I just picked up my first group a couple weeks ago. So far I do notice some new growth on this plant, and seems to keep it's color in medium lighting. It's a background plant - or midground depending on how you trim it. Doesn't seem to be very demanding. Shows medium growth speed in my conditions so far.

E. Tenellus - Foreground plant. Appreciates a source of iron near the roots like any echinodorus species I've experienced. Does pretty well in medium light - I couldn't amagine it in anything less than 2wpg, but I could amagine it doing really well in 3wpg. Medium growth speed in my conditions.

E. Rubin "narrow" - So far my experience shows me that this plant is a midground plant in tall tanks. However, it's possible that it could reach upwards a bit farther making it a background plant in my 2 ft tall tank. It also appreciates root tabs, and does really well in medium light, keeping it's namesake red color. If all nutrients are in place, this plant can grow pretty fast - medium to fast growth in my conditions.

Cryptocoryne balansae - I also do not have much experience with this plant yet. I haven't noticed any new leaves since I got them 2 weeks ago - but crypts are generally slow - medium growers anyways. Doesn't appear to be very demanding. Mid-Background plant.

Crypt. wendtii green - Mid-foreground plant. Low light and care required. Slow grower.

Hygrophilia Polysperma - Fast growing background plant. Easy to care for, except for all of the trimming. The leaves get a bit red as they reach the surface.

Ludwigia Repens - So far I haven't seen this plant grow much since I got it a couple weeks back. This is the only plant that I have doubts about being in my medium light setup. So I don't feel that I can give the specs acurately on this one. If it finally gets settled in I'll let you know.

Microsorum Pteropus - Java fern. easy care - can grow quite large, eventually. Slow growth, low light plant. Also attachable to the hardscape.

Rotala Rotundifola - Medium to high light plant. Produces red leaves in high light, and near the surface in my medium light setup. Fast grower, and not too demanding IME. Background plant.

As you can see I've tried to select plants that will do well in the conditions that I can provide. I've also chosen pretty easy plants too, because I don't like to worry too much about ferts and what not.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Opiate: if you would like to browse other plants, [link=tropica]http://www.tropica.com" style="COLOR: #FFFF00[/link] is the place to go. It has a searchable database too.

the_goldie - Thanks! Good luck with your plants let us know how it goes.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Thanks matty,

I can only dream of having a tank that's looks like urs!! mines so average compared to ppl's on this site!!! hehe urs and bensafs are simply amamzing!!! i will take that list of plants to my locals and see what they can do!

What are they like $ wise? expensive?

http://au.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/opiate_net/my_photos

Thanks! *blushes* and my tank is nowhere near as good as bensaf's but thanks for mentioning me in the same sentence - it made my day

The crypt balansae and E tenellus were the most expensive for me - but prices vary widely here in the states - so I have no idea if they would be similar in Aus.

Your tank has good potential - thats a nice looking peice of driftwood. I'd get some background stem type plants behind it and maybe populate the log itself with anubias nana or java fern(until it gets big). Use some crypts as midground if you like them, and you'd have a great looking easy plant tank.

good luck to ya.

Last edited by mattyboombatty at 06-Jul-2005 00:10

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Matty, would it be ok if i saved one of ur tank kmages and got it printed out so i can show my lfs's what kinda look i'm after!! ?? please? I have written them all down! just want some visual for them! i need to update my pics...have no ship in there atm!

Not a problem with me

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Matt - I only have 80watts for my 50gall so that is only 1.6w/g -- do you think the Echinodorus tennellus and Rotala rotundifolia will be ok? Otherwise not sure what I will use as a background plant. I like the look of Rotala rotundifolia so anything similar would be good.

Opiate: local shops in my area do not have very good plants but I have stumbled across this site http://www.aquamail.com.au/plants.htm and I am hopefully going to get my plants from them. Prices seem to be ok. Will probably order the plants Thursday/Friday.

Ah Crap!!!

I have just come to the conclusion that i'm soooooo unhappy with the appearance of my tank! it's terrbile lol.....ok...i'm gonna be back with a vengeance! lol

Matty lead me in the right way dude! i was think of taking all the driftwood out and putting white marble looking rocks say 10 cms off the back wall..then putting a thick wall of plants behind those rocks...with java moss in the cracks of the rocks at the front! geez without pics of the rocks that's doesn't mean a real lot does it... umm...arg... u've seen my tank..any suggestions?? lol

the_goldie - I'm not sure it will work out. I'd search the tropica website I linked to above to find low light plants that you like.

Opiate - I'm no aquascape artist, you should post your question in the aquascaping forum. I've gotten help from them numerous times.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Thanks Matt. I just ordered my plants, so I will see how they go with 1.6w/g. If I notice they are not doing too well I might go and buy a single light fixture to go with my double light fixture to give me 2.4w/g

I also added a couple of photos of my tank before I re-aquascaped it. Will have to take some more before and after I add the new plants when I get them next week.

Photos are here under the Tropical Fish album
http://community.webshots.com/user/cambo05

goldie,

Where bouts are u in aus dude?? Vic? Cause i mentioned earlier that i have never seen such awesome looking plants in any of the lfs around! Aus really gets the   end of the stick when it comes to general aquarier!! can't have exotic fish or plants! it really peees me off!

Goldie my man!!

That plant site is nuts!!! thank you!!! is there any sites like this that actually sell fish???

opiate - I am in NSW. I know what you mean in regards to plants! I ordered my plants from the site I mentioned earlier http://www.aquamail.com.au/plants.htm I will have them next Thursday so I will post some photos after I put them in.

looking forward to it goldie...if it looks anything like matty's! i'll be jealous! hahaha...but...is there any shipping sites that actually sell fish??

opiate - if it looks 1/2 as good as Matts I will be happy. I will post some photos next weekend after I get the plants for you In regards to sites that ship fish, I don't know as I buy mine from my LFS.

Ok I have my plants, planted them tonight, so I will take some photos tomorrow and post

My E. Tennelus looks different to Mattys it has a long stem with little bulb looking things on it (will take a photo tomorrow) and my Rotala rotundafolia doesn't look like the pic on the site that I bought it from Will have to take a photo and ask them as it looks more like Bacopa monniera instead of Rotala rotundafolia. The Rotala (or whatever it might be) had hardly any roots so I hope they get some roots and take off. I have a root tablet near them so that should help.

I have 2 Anubias Nana on my Lava Rock 1 is tied with cotton the other I placed into the hole in the rock, so hopefully they attach. They are only small and I have 2 more in the gravel, 1 had hardly any roots so I buried what little roots it had and tried to leave the rhizome un-buried.

Anyway I will take some photos and get some advice on the layout and see what others think.

My E. Tennelus looks different to Mattys it has a long stem with little bulb looking things on it (will take a photo tomorrow)

That doesn`t sound like Tenellus but does sound like emmersed growth Dwarf Hairgrass.

If it is the hairgrass, the current leaves will die off and be replaced with new shoots. Plant the same way as tennellus and trim the existing leaves to about a third of current size, this will help speed up the new growth.

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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.

"Ok I have my plants, planted them tonight, so I will take some photos tomorrow and post"

No diss. Please start a new thread, rather than clog up this excellent log.

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http://justanothertank.com

Day 200: july 19

Ammonia - 0ppm
NitrIte - 0ppm
NitrAte - Very slight reading <5ppm
PO4 - .5ppm
pH - Tested high from water change
KH - 4 degrees

Observations/Changes Made:
Plants are doing well, even the new(er) ones are starting to grow well. I barely got a reading for nitrate, so I added a little bit from some stump remover I bought for this purpose. I think this is due to the fact that I am adding more trace nutrients and there is more growth and more plants in general. I also tested the nitrates AFTER I did a 50% water change today. I had a snail outbreak after I decided to feed my angels some frozen mysis shrimp - they must not have gotten it all. There is some visible damage to leaves near the bottom of the tank. I pulled about 2 dozen from the tank today while I was changing the water.

Pic:



mattyboombatty attached this image:

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

"No diss. Please start a new thread, rather than clog up this excellent log. "

Yes I am going to do that.

Tank is looking great Matt.

One last reply before I start my new thread. I found a photo of what my Echinodorus tenellus looks like here:

[link=http:// www. findfish.nl/waterplanten1/pages/Echinodorus_tenellus_jpg. htm]http:// www. findfish.nl/waterplanten1/pages/Echinodorus_tenellus_jpg. htm[/link]

Last edited by bensaf at 21-Jul-2005 16:46

Great job Matty,

I particularly like how you are using minimal hardscape and mostly plants.. It makes that nice driftwood piece stand out even more (although lotsa wood also looks great).. That Rotala and Hygro sure filled in nice ! Trystianity mentioned you fixed a sword, by chopping all the large leaves off, I'm thinking i need to try this with my new sword which has most of the large leaves damaged.. (I've dubbed it the mattyboombatty chop lol) Should I chop or wait till I upgrade the tank and observe for now ?

The Amazon Nut...

Thanks DaFishMan ,

I have done the chop but I wouldn't recommend it . The plant could possibly die. I stated that I had done it and was very surprised to see it come back. I would recommend cutting off a few damaged leaves at a time while new ones grow in. This method will give the plant the best chance to survive. I'd also try to find the reason the leaves are becoming so raggety and try to fix that.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

The plant is healthy but all the larger leaves ragged.
That was the way it came. Not too bad though so I think I can save it, I've started by removing the worst leaves as you suggested, thanks for the tip

The Amazon Nut...

Day 229: August 17th


Observations/Changes Made:
Hacked off the bottoms of the Rotala and replanted the tops since they were starting to look a bit raggety. Everything else has grown a bit rampant and needs a good trimming. I've also finished the exterior reactor that I've hooked up in-line with my new fluval 204. This project was 2 fold in its purpose. The fluval will decrease surface agitation as compared to my penguin 125 and the ugly old reactor will never be seen in the tank again . As soon as the new fluval cycles the only things in the tank will be the heater and the fluval input/output.

Pic:


Last edited by mattyboombatty at 03-Oct-2005 21:52[/font]

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

This post will be entirely for the external reactor process. The first thing I did was to buy the fluval 204 and get it up and running. Next I went to Home Depot to buy the fittings and pvc, etc. This is what I used:

(2) 1-1/2 x 3/4" male hose barbs:


(2) 3/4 x 1-1/2" adapter


(2) 1-1/2" female endcap


10" of 1-1/2" pvc pipe



The endcaps were mounted using clear pvc cement. I put a liberal coating on the inside of the endcap and the outside of the pvc, as any extra gets pushed out and can easily be wiped off. I held down the endcap on the pvc until the cement dried to prevent the endcap from pushing back up. I then let the cement set overnight, the directions said only a few hours were needed but I had to go to work and was tired when I got back, so the project waited until the next day for "safety" purposes . I threw in some plastic plants to break up the co2 bubbles then I used teflon(plumbers) tape on all the threads to prevent any leaks and made sure all fittings were real tight. I then drilled a hole for the air line coming from the CO2:




I'm still unsure as to whether I should keep the reactor at the input or switch to the output of the fluval. I have it at the input now as this requires the least amount of work, but if I find that there's not enough CO2 in the tank then I will switch it over to the output. This is the last pic of the reacter in-line with the Fluval:



This cost me $15 total, and this price can be less if you have some stuff hanging around, like pvc or the cement. I had to buy a 10 foot piece of pvc because that is all they sell it in. So the next one would run me about $10 instead.

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Last edited by mattyboombatty at 17-Aug-2005 11:26

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Aw, look it's all grown up

I'd put something in front of the Balansae in the left front corner just to hide the bottoms.

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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.