FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Cups pretty much summed it up. It's a breeze to grow , about the easiest plant out there, doesn't need much of anything, not even big amounts of light.

I have some growing up a storm in a small 5 gal, even without any Co2 supplementation it pearls like crazy most of the day.

Some 'scapers can create beautiful scenes with particular plants, like Riccia and Glosso, people assume the plant is difficult to grow. In most cases the plant itself is pretty easy to grow, but as Cups said, the maintaining and scuplting can be a chore or at best something that requires a good deal of patience. But it's that kind of attention to the little details that sorts out the reaaly good aquascapers from the rest of us who have "tanks with plants in 'em"

---

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.

Riccia is actually a relatively low light plant. It's quite easy to care for in regards to aquarium specifics and will grow extensively under 2 wpg. However, it is a royal pain in the to aquascape and needs to be retied and trimmed every so often.

Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 09-Aug-2005 20:23

LittleFish:
2wpg was an education guess based on the tank being 5ft.

Bensaf:
I might be wrong, but the tank looks like it's at least 18inches deep, how does he get the riccia to pearl like that with that light, etc.

I guess I should read more about riccia, I always thought that was a high light plant, especially since hobbyist use it as a carpet.

Last edited by tetratech at 09-Aug-2005 11:47

My Scapes

I am aware of the site. It's legit. Asian hobbyist use far less light then US hobbyists. Look carefully at the types of plants he's growing. Good plant selection allows him to do this.

As far the Co2 system. While a solenoid is nice it's far from neccessary - I've never used one. Do withourt and you can save some money.

Shop around for regulators. The Asian manufacturers as well as established companies like Dannerle are making stripped down regulators specifically for aquarium use, whereas previously you had to buy from the beverage industry. They have preset pressure outlets and built in needle valves. I got mine for about $30 here. Does the job very nicely once you get over the twiddly set up.

Forget the carbo plus.Nothing overs the long term value or stability and control of pressurised Co2. You'll love it.

---

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.

Tetra,

I took at look at this website quite a few times already, it is just amazing. He, without a doubt, is a pro and I am convinced that he doesn’t just stand in front of his tank and takes a snapshot. All the pics are well prepared and as such I wouldn’t be surprised if some “pre-shooting” maintenance occurred.

Nevertheless, the tanks are gorgeous. I cannot find on that page how you conclude that he has 2 wpg, I find the info on 144w but no volume or dimensions other than the length of 5’ . When I looked at the image of his empty tank I seem to identify that this tank is actually pretty low and deep. Lower tanks don’t need as much light to create a satisfactory environment for plant growth. In addition, he uses a reactor to combine his CO2 with the water which gives him a much better mixture.

I bet you that if I would create the same set-up I would not get even close to his results as he for sure knows all the tricks of the trade, like fertilization, lighting periods, signs of weaknesses etc.

Hope this helps,

Ingo

---

Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Not to play devils advocate, but is anyone familiar with this website. http://www.nature-aquarium.com

If you go to tank setup he has what appears to be a beautiful healthy planted tank with diy yeast and only 2wpg. Is this legitate?

My Scapes

Bob,

Thank you so much for this information. I had the exact same unit in mind. I sometimes tend to assume that “cheap” means “not good” and as such I am pleased that someone else thinks this unit is good as well.

Thanks again,

Ingo

---

Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

After doing some haphazard research, I like the Milwaukee unit. It can be found at http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/electronics_milwaukee.html]http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/electronics_milwaukee.html[/link][link=http://null]http://null[/link] Automated Aquarium Systems has the SMS122 for $90 at [link=http://www.automatedaquariums.com/mw_s122.htm

You can see other pricing at CO2.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.aquarium-supply.biz/ordering/CO2.html

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

Bob,

Thanks for the link. I can't believe these things I still so pricey. I'm also concerned about space for all that equipment. Does anyone use or know anyone that has used the CarboPlus unit on a big tank. It looks like the cost is about $10 per month for the replacement blocks. I know it's probably not going to cut it but I just want to rule it out.

My Scapes

Bob and Tetra,

I also started off (my CO2 system analysis) with the system Bob described at the doctors website. I still have not made up my mind if a semi-automatic (no ph regulator) would be sufficient or not, I guess it is a question of available funds.

Bob - I have seen ph regulators that vary greatly in price. Do you know which reasonably priced unit would be good? I guess the price difference is based on accuracy, right?

Ingo

Last edited by Little_Fish at 09-Aug-2005 07:04

---

Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Tet,

DIY CO2 is effective for tanks of 20G or less. If you stay on top of your solution, you might be able to extend the effects another 10G, but...

Take a look at Dr. Foster & Smith's catalog. They have a fully automated system at http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9933&N=2004+113779. Use it as a model for what you will need to purchase. I priced their components at an LFS and came away with a $500 quote so thier price is good. I do think you can put it together a bit cheaper.

I do like the pH Controller in the automatic system. Just think, no pH swings!

Last edited by bob wesolowski at 08-Aug-2005 20:38

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