AquaRank.com

FishProfiles.com Message Forums

faq | etiquette | register | my account | search | mailbox
# FishProfiles.com Message Forums
L# Freshwater Aquaria
 L# Planted Aquaria
  L#  Countryfish 240g Tank log
   L# Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58
 Post Reply  New Topic
Subscribe Countryfish 240g Tank log
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A few Fishies , firstly showing some facinating Angel Breeding behaviour .
First the Female Angel depositing eggs

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 13:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Another of the Female Angel at work

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 13:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Male following up

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 13:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Male in full flight protecting the breeding site

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 13:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
One of the other Males who doesn't have a partner . Looks a little sad to me .??!!!!

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 13:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Gold Female from the other pair protecting the other end of the tank

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 13:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The SAE's showing off again

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 13:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
An Otto working over the Unknown plant . Still have 10 out of 14 of these little fellas . They all have fat bellys!

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 13:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Last shot for this week of the Female Angel looking a little forlorn after lossing all of her second lot of eggs.

Next week will see some more trimming of the fast growers as well as moving of the Hairgrass .
I will probably introduce some more residents from the other tank .

Thanks again .

Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 13:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
As always, great pictures, Garry. What happened t othe second batch of eggs? Got eaten by the other inhabitants?
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 15:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Garry,

Looks like your plants are filling in really well. Quite fast for not doing any CO2. Though I know you are doing Excel which I have seen help the growth factor a lot myself.

Wonderful pictures too! I think you are giving LF a run for his money!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 30-Jul-2007 16:35Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Garry,

All seems to be ok with the tank, that is good news.

Just two quick comments:

- Your fish shots are really nice, in particular the one with the Oto seems very 3 dimensional, great. Also, having caught the Angels while laying eggs is very special (to me, at least).

- Somehow I am a little uncertain about the plant you call Pennywort. Mine for sure looks different, larger leaves and growing up towards the surface much faster. Pennywort is in the family of Hydrocotyle and I have seen it labeled as Hydrocotyle ranunculoides and Hydrocotyle leucocephyla. Your plant though seems to me more like some form of Bacopa, or am I looking at the wrong plant?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 31-Jul-2007 15:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia

What happened t othe second batch of eggs? Got eaten by the other inhabitants?
Cat ,Just dissappeared overnight . Not sure that the others could get near the way both pairs were defending their areas . So it may have been the parents . Who knows ?
Wonderful pictures too! I think you are giving LF a run for his money!
Thanks Wings , not sure I'll ever be in that class.

Somehow I am a little uncertain about the plant you call Pennywort,Your plant though seems to me more like some form of Bacopa, or am I looking at the wrong plant?
Ingo , you are looking at the right plant and you could be right . It's not the plant I ordered (substituted by the plant supplier) but it came labeled as "Green Pennywort"
That was one of the reasons I asked about the plants at the back corner of your tank as your Pennywort seemed to have much bigger leaves than mine .
LFS's around here are lucky to know if they are aquatic plants let alone the name ??????
When I look on line some Pennyworts and Bacopa look very similar ,Not sure myself ????

Thanks everyone for the compliments on the photo's .
We seem to have got the white balance & exposure pretty right now .
Just going to try to improve the depth of field with some tips Cassielia gave the other night .

Enjoy
Garry
Post InfoPosted 02-Aug-2007 02:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
*******
----------
Big Fish
Oh My Heck!
Posts: 329
Kudos: 88
Votes: 73
Registered: 11-Apr-2007
male usa
Garry

Im in shock, that is a beautiful tank you have there. I cant believe how far it has come along. I hope that my 35 gallon will get looking like that at some point. Wow again.

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html
Post InfoPosted 02-Aug-2007 06:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fandan
******
----------
Hobbyist
Posts: 130
Kudos: 43
Registered: 24-Mar-2007
male australia
beautiful photos mate- especially the angels. i love the river!
Post InfoPosted 02-Aug-2007 07:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
----------
Fish Master
* * *Fish Slave* * *
Posts: 1947
Kudos: 278
Votes: 338
Registered: 14-Jan-2006
female australia au-newsouthwales
As always, enjoyed the pics. Agree with Ingo, the parents laying eggs is a special shot indeed.

Better luck next time wiht survivors.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 02-Aug-2007 13:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Thanks folks for the nice comments .
Week 8 Update
This week as per my comments last week , I trimmed the Water Sprite , Wisteria &
Hygro quite hard. I also pulled most of the hairgrass out from under the Tennulus .
This left me the problem of where to put it .
I decided to let the Ceratopteris Pteroides just exist as a floater and replaced it in
the substrate at the front left with the hairgrass .
I placed some of the trimmed Giant Hygro Stems at the rear under the equipment .
All of the other plants continue to perform as expected except for the Amazons
whose new leaves are not getting the same height as the original leaves which are
all showing signs of rotting away .
I will probably trim a lot of the taller leaves in the next week or two.

As far as the Algae is concerned , there has been quite a lot of green spot
which I have mostly wiped off the glass and a little black algae on some of the plants .
Nothing that I'm overly concerned about at this stage .It does not seem to be growing
at an increased rate .I'm still interested in adjusting my Fert Schedule
( I posted it last week)if anyone has any ideas on anything that I haven't got quite right .


As I said last week, I introduced some new residents this week , most transfered from
the 60g .They are 2 Rainbows , 3 Golden Barbs and 2 Sharks . I also happened on
some Dwarf Loaches at one of my LFS's and I couldn't resist . They are such cute little guys .

The only sad news is we lost another Otto and still have not seen the BN ,he maybe gone as well .

On to the photos , the Full Tank as of last week .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 12:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Full Tank this week

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 12:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Some detail shots of the plants , Firstly the Annubia Barteri which has some new leaves and looks to be coming on nicely .
But you can see some black algae .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 12:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
One of the Annubias on at the base of the Driftwood , also showing some black algae .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 12:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
THe Chain Sword field which looks pretty disturbed , the unavoidable result of removing the Hairgrass.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 12:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Giant Hygro Stems planted to hide the Equipment for the time being

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 12:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
The Giant Hygro reaching the surface again , I swear this stuff grows in the dark

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 12:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The New Hairgrass Area

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Trimmed Wisteria

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
The Water Sprite trimmed and showing the Bacopia/ Pennywort ?? and Ovalis growing nicely

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Just realised that I didn't post the Right and left side shots .
So here they are : Right Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Left Side .
Thats it for the plants this week , next a few shots of the new residents .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A few Fishy Photo's , The New Dwarf Loaches

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
One of the Golden Barbs

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Rainbow Shark

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Red Tail Shark

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Lastly a couple of shots of the Rainbows , First one taken with the flash .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
This shot showing their more normal colours .

Thats it for this week , Thanks to everyone for the comments and if anyone has any ideas or suggestions please don't hesitate to let me know .

Enjoy
Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:21Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
RNJ_Punk
*****
---------------
Big Fish
Cory Fanatic
Posts: 395
Kudos: 114
Votes: 137
Registered: 12-Nov-2006
male usa
EditedEdited by RNJ_Punk
Garry,

Sorry I havent visited in a while. I have been busy. But I am back to admire your log and work on my panda log

Anyway, the tank seems to be doing great, not sure what your algae problem is, seems the hairgrass is being affected the worst by it?

You have some great fish shots there! The barb shot was my favorite. Congrats on the loaches too, I want some.
What kind of camera do you have?(Lol you knwo how much I ned a new one, just seeing the kinds I like)

You arent afraid the floating plants will be shading the plants below it?

Any other plans for fish other than the ones in your 60? Or do you think they will just be a suprise like the loaches?

The chain sword seems to be proving itself a nice groundcover, I have been looking for a groundcover for my tank. Hairgrass is nice too.

Congrats on the angel spawns! Great pics of them too!

Looks great! Keep up the good work./:'
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 13:38Profile AIM Yahoo PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Ryan , Thanks for stopping by.

not sure what your algae problem is, seems the hairgrass is being affected the worst by it?

Yes well it appears so , not sure its a major issue as yet as that bit of Hairgrass is spreading well . We will see in time .
What kind of camera do you have?
Its a Cannon EOS 350D Digitial SLR.

You arent afraid the floating plants will be shading the plants below it?
I thought about that and did some pretty serious culling tonight actually . Will just have to keep on top of it I guess .
The Gourami's love to hide under it. So its good for them to feel safe
Any other plans for fish other than the ones in your 60?
No not at this stage . Once I get the Tigers , Big shark & George the Cockoo Cat out of the 60g I plan to redo the 60 as a small fish haven with a couple of big schools in a revised scape .
So I'll probably just let the big tank sit and settle for a few months .
We will see if I can do that though

Thanks for all your compliments , (I like the Goldy shot as well , looks like he's checking me out )

Garry
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 14:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
Spectacular, Garry! Are you still running this tank w/o CO2 injection? I am amazed by the healthy growth of the plants (despite the height of the tank and the initial concerns about enough light reaching down). The fish provide colorful contrasts and I like the Rainbow shark. how did you get the tenellus to form such a nice carpet?
Post InfoPosted 06-Aug-2007 15:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
Are you still running this tank w/o CO2 injection?
Cat Thats correct , I'm using Excel as my carbon source .
how did you get the tenellus to form such a nice carpet?
Well , thats what it did. All I did was plant it on the second tier on top of about 4 inches of Gravel with Florite as a middle layer and it just took off .
12 of them were planted about 4in apart .
I've had so many babies that I've started a carpet of them in the other tank .

I like my Sharks as well , even if they can be a bit crancky with each other at times , they never really hurt each other .

Thanks for dropping by

Garry
Post InfoPosted 07-Aug-2007 01:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
*******
----------
Big Fish
Oh My Heck!
Posts: 329
Kudos: 88
Votes: 73
Registered: 11-Apr-2007
male usa
Garry

I use a Cannon XTI Rebel, i cant get those kind of shots out of my Tank. I dont know if its the light or what. However you have some beautiful specimens in your tank. I love how much your tank has to offer. I wish i could get the same kind of difference in my tank. Having a 35 Gallon is a bit restrictive.

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html
Post InfoPosted 07-Aug-2007 05:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
coop
-----
Enthusiast
Posts: 168
Kudos: 60
Votes: 2
Registered: 25-Jan-2006
male australia

you gotta get some snakeskin gouramis!

theyre the best looking gouramis you can get n you got enough room for them!!

otherwise your tank n fish are mad.
Post InfoPosted 07-Aug-2007 10:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Fishmonster , Well thats a pretty good camera , but once you take your shot
it comes down to the software you use to manage the Jpeg file .
You want to go for an 800x 800 pic size and you need to get it under 98kb .
The way to do that is to increase the file compression . There should be an
option to reduce the quality of the file with the save as option thru jpeg
compression in the software's options .
I've found that these things as well as the Exposure & Colour corrections
in the photo program make all the difference .

Anyway you can take good shots no matter what size the tank is ,
have a look at the shots that Tetra & Ingo take of their small tanks.
A little research and you'll be a great photographer before you know it .

Coop, Never seen any Snakeskins in my area . Love to have some though .
Thanks for the compliment ( I think )

Garry
Post InfoPosted 08-Aug-2007 16:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Week 9 Update .
Not much to report this week so only a short update.
Trimmed the Giant Hygro once again as well as the Water Sprite .
Growth continues Ok .
Algae continues to be a problem , still have not made any changes .
Just trying to wait it out .

No new fish intro's .

The Full Tank as of last week .



Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 13-Aug-2007 14:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Full Tank this week

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 13-Aug-2007 14:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Right Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 13-Aug-2007 14:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Left Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 13-Aug-2007 14:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Just a few Detail plant shots mostly to highlite the Black Algae which is becoming more of a problem .
Firstly the Water Sprite area. This area has great growth of all plant types.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 13-Aug-2007 14:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Amazon leaves showing the older leaves being badly affected by algae

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 13-Aug-2007 14:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Ludwigia on the left side is getting very sparse and not growing well . It may need to be trimmed and replanted .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 13-Aug-2007 14:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Tennulus Field getting very overgrown .

Thats it for this week , next week I will be Trimming the Tennulus field , Ludwigia and removing a lot of Amazon leaves that are degrading and being affected by algae.

I will also introduce my Tigers and the last of the Sharks .

Thanks for all the support and comments .

Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 13-Aug-2007 14:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
*******
----------
Big Fish
Oh My Heck!
Posts: 329
Kudos: 88
Votes: 73
Registered: 11-Apr-2007
male usa
Garry

You could try floating the ludwiga for a while, it worked for me, i got some nice new root structures from letting them float.

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html
Post InfoPosted 16-Aug-2007 05:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
The Amazon leaves showing the older leaves being badly affected by algae


Garry, you have no idea how 'badly affected' can be!

Sorry, I don't want to add salt to injury with my sarcasm, just speaking from experience

I had problems in the past and by no means will I claim that my tank is 'algae free', I guess it is a never ending struggle. (You might get rid of it for a while but the danger of a new outbreak is always around the corner in a tank with several big fish.) However, I can proudly claim that without any doubt the situation in my tank improved significantly and algae is losing the battle for now. The only change I made was to apply a different lighting schedule. One might argue that it is the otos, fast growers, the usual little helpers, but I don't think so.
Post InfoPosted 16-Aug-2007 06:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Shane
Thanks for that advice , I might try that . When I pulled it up it was well rooted down
so I'm not sure thats the problem . Could be the position under the filter so I moved it
slightly , will see how it goes .

Cat , I'm sure there are lots worse off than me ,what did you do with the lights ,
I assume you cut back to fewer hours ?

Thanks for stopping by .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 16-Aug-2007 12:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
Nope-

I introduced a midday break with the lights off. It is in my log and works extremely well. It is successfully used by some European aquarists, the idea is that algae unlike higher developed plants need much more prolonged periods of light for successful photosynthesis to generate energy (I remember something like that from plant physiology I had to take ages ago). By introducing a middday break you deprive the algae of their 'fuel', while plants get easily by with shorter periods for photosynthesis. Works also quite well with my schedule - I see the tank in the morning and the lights are on longer at night.

got to run
Post InfoPosted 16-Aug-2007 16:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Cat , Thanks for that,very interesting . I didn't pick up on that in your log ,
Dumb me , have to read more carefully
I think I might try that .

I emailed Seachem last night as Keith has said he's done, will see if they
have some thoughts as well.

Thanks again for the help .
Garry
Post InfoPosted 17-Aug-2007 03:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Week 10 Update.

Plants are all showing good growth, I had to trim the Water Sprite, Giant Hygro, Hygro
& Green Pennywort. I pulled up a lot of Tennulus as it was starting to get out of control.
Some of the runners have gone right around the back of the driftwood. The Ludwigia
was pulled up and cut back quite severely due to rotting of the under parts of the plant.
It was very well rooted down but did not appear to have been growing very well over
the last few weeks. I have repositioned a little to the right away from the filters to see if
it was a position problem.

Java Ferns seem to have got a bit of a kick along both on the top of the Driftwood and
behind in the substrate. Quite a lot of new growth as well as a couple of babies.
I must admit to ignoring it a bit over the last few weeks and when I had a close look I
was very surprised at how well they were doing.
All of the Annubias, Barteri and Nana's are doing well and the Crypts at the base of the
Driftwood are now powering. 2 of the Unknown plants in the river seemed to have
recovered well and are showing good leaf development, the smallest seems to be just
hanging on.

I had planned to take out a lot of the Amazon leaves that were decaying and being badly
affected by Algae. However 2 Female Angels decided to lay eggs just before and whilst
I was doing the Water Change. I got sick of being bitten so I gave up after about 5 minutes.
None of the eggs survived the night. One interesting thing that appears to have happened
is that the One male was fertilising both females eggs. The female who had partnered the
other male last time chased him away this time. Both females worked together to protect
the area, which I also found very interesting.

No new fish were added this week,time just got away.

Algae in the tank is still a problem. Phosphate levels dropped below 5ppm this week,
hard to tell from the test kit, but could have been as low as 2ppm.
I still had to take a lot of Green Algae of the Glass .

Lots of good photos this week so here we go with the shot of the tank as of last week


Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Full Tank this week .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Right side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Left Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The River at an angle

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A shot from the left end of the tank

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Now onto some detail shots of the plants .
Firstly the Amazons , showing the Good ( lots of babies and new leaves )
and the Bad ( Algae and rotting on older leaves)

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Anubia Barteri also showing new growth
but Algae on the older leaves.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Annubia Nana on the Driftwood, same issue's

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
The Java Fern on the Driftwood , Notice the Tennulus on the left side a long way from where its supposed to be .
Will be cut back next week

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
New Hairgrass field seems to be taking Ok . But the Wisteria is encroaching and will need to be cut away from the area this week .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Green Pennywort doing well and had its first trim this week

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Wisteria showing lots of different leaf shapes as it regrows from its heavy trim a couple of weeks ago .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
The Water Sprite keeps growing to fast for its position . May have to reconsider where it should be .?????

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Ludwigia or whats left of it .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Unknown plants in the River doing well .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The last plant shot for this week is Ctertopis Pteroides acting as a haven floating above the Gourami's . They love it . Had to remove a fair bit this week .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
On to some shots of the Fishies .
Firstly a couple of the New Dwarf Laoches . Love these guys they are so active racing up and down the tank . They wear the Otto's out trying to keep up .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 16:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Another Dwarf Loach at rest .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 17:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
A couple of Golden Barbs as usual checking me out as I take the Photos .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 17:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Red Tail Shark

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 17:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Rainbow Shark

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 17:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
One of the Aussie Rainbows, these guys have really coloured up since they have been in this tank

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 17:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
One of the Angels , my wife calls this one Stumpy because of his short fins . Bit of a loner this guy .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 17:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
A female Angel coming over to see if I've got any food .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 17:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
And now begging

Thats it for this week .

Next week will see some more trimming of the fast growers , maybe a move for the Water Sprite. Also some new residents if I get time .

Hope you enjoyed the update and thanks to everyone for contributing .

Enjoy

Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 17:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
Lovely shots as always, Garry!

I really enjoy pictures of your fish. Now to the plants. Is it possible that you have some nutrient defiency going on? You have a lot of fast growers there and the plants that show the worst algae problem are anuias and amazons which take a little bit more time. Some the leaves look also a bit pale, but that might be just the photo and misleading. These are my $0.02 and I am by no means an expert, rather a rookie...
I would not worry about the green algae on the glass (your little algae menchers need something to eat), it is the black algae that is worrisome, especially if it is spreading. Hope you get a handle on this soon. Did you get a response from Seachem?

P.S. Stumpy ... poor fish!
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 18:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
*******
----------
Big Fish
Oh My Heck!
Posts: 329
Kudos: 88
Votes: 73
Registered: 11-Apr-2007
male usa
Garry

I agree with CD, lovely shots of the plants and especially the fish. Love Stumpy btw hes the best out of the lot..hehehe

Anyways I was wondering if there might be deficiencies in the water colum. Anyways we would love to hear back on that.

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 22:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Budzilla
********
-----
Enthusiast
Posts: 288
Kudos: 197
Votes: 90
Registered: 18-Jul-2006
male usa
your fish pictures are excellent!
and your plants algae or not are filling in very nicely.


-Vincent
Post InfoPosted 19-Aug-2007 23:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Cat , I changed my lighting schedule as I mentioned in your log .
I was a bit old school just leaving my lights on for 10 to 12 hours a day .
So now I'm going to try the following
9am-11am 384w (2hrs)
11am-2pm 576w (3hrs)
2pm -5pm No Lights (3hrs)
5pm -7pm 384w (2hrs)
7pm-11pm 576w (4hrs)
A total of 11 hours all up .

Seachem has not replied as yet , been about 4 days .
I don't want to give the impression that I'm overly worried about Algae
or that its terrible or invasive . Its not that bad , you have to look pretty
hard to see it. I just want to stay on top of it and keep learning

Shane , Yes we love Stumpy as well , he's one of our favorites and
always comes running when we are near the tank.

Vincent , hello . Long time . Thanks for the nice comments ,
great to hear from you .

Thanks Again everyone for the nice comments

Garry
Post InfoPosted 22-Aug-2007 12:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
Hi Garry:

I think there is nothing wrong with being worried about algae. IMHO this pest is better dealt with right away. I am (again) impressed by the lighting, the sheer number of watts made me swallow, but your 240 G tank certainly needs it. I hope you see a positive effect due to the new lighting schedule soon! I certainly did rather quick but impatience made it still appear a long time

Let me know what Sachem suggests as well - finally I had to start with fertilizing applying the majority of their products (another splendid opportunity to make mistakes).

Good luck and keep posting!!
Post InfoPosted 22-Aug-2007 15:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:16
This post has been deleted
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
Week 11 Update
This week I pretty much left the plants alone. Only trimmed the Wisteria & Water Sprite
where it had started to shade the new Hairgrass field. Pulled out some more Amazon
leaves that were decaying. Lots of Amazon babys now getting quite big and sending
down roots from high up in the water column, so I intend to leave them alone to see
if they will pull down into the substrate. Also plenty of new leaves at the base of all the
Amazons. All other plants continue to grow well.

This week I introduced my Black Shark and the Tiger Barb crew (9).

Algae seems to have lessened this week (could be wishful thinking) but I seem to have
wiped less of the glass. Black Algae on the plants appears to be no worse. Hopefully
the new lighting schedule and phosphates being down to 1ppm are having an effect.
Time will tell. Seachem have not replied to my email as yet.
So onto the photo's, firstly the tank last week.


Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Full Tank This week

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:20Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Right Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:21Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Left Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
River Shot , Also showing part of the Tiger Barb herd in their favorite hang out .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A few Plant detail shots now , Firstly a couple of shots of the Crypts which were very small at the start and nearly melted away in the first couple of weeks . Its very hard to get good shots of this area so apologies for the quality of the shots . I'm really very happy about how well these are doing .
This one contains a good shot of an SAE .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A wider shot of the area around the crypts also showing the unknown plants in the river continuing to do well.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Another plant that was nearly dead in my other tank was rescued and put in this tank to see if would recover . I think the name was Stellata ????? or something similar . It appears to be making a recovery . Can anyone can identify it properly?

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A shot of the biggest of the Amazon Babys

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
The Old Hairgrass Area , showing it is still spreading well . You can clearly see the Algae affected clumps which is the site of the original plants .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Last plant shot , a close up of the Green Pennywort new growth ?

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Now a few Fish shots , Firstly the big boy himself , The Black Shark . Had to put him straight in as he was too big for my plastic bags . He's about 7 to 8 inches. I've never seen him swim about so much since he's been in this tank .He'd gotten to big for the 60g . He's has become very responsive to his adoring public .

Another interesting insight is that all 4 sharks seem to be much happier in this tank and so far there is very little trouble between them . Only the Redtail seems to get cranky now and again . But he does little but chase the Redfin and Albino occasionaly.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Another shot with his top fin up .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
And being a good boy saying hello to me .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Now a couple of shots of the Tigers, First a group shot . A bit out of focus , they never stay still long enough to get them all in focus This is about the best shot of a big group of them out of about 200 I've taken so far .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Heres a couple in close up .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
And one by it's self

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Now a few shots of some of the other fish . An SAE with an interesting resting place

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
An Otto working on the Tennulus

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Our Hitchhiking Molly getting bigger every week

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Albino Redfin Shark looking as colourfull as I've ever seen him .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 11:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Lastly , an interesting close up of one of the Angels .

Next week will probably see me having to do some more trimming . Both ludwigia's seem not to be doing very well and may get the flick for some other red plants . Have to see whats available .
Only 2 fish left to transfer over. The Cuckoo Catfish and a CAE . Not sure I want the CAE in this tank , he's got a bit crancky and unpredictable . I might give him away to the LFS .
Once that has been done that will clear the way for a makeover of the 60g and another log

Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 27-Aug-2007 12:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
*******
----------
Big Fish
Oh My Heck!
Posts: 329
Kudos: 88
Votes: 73
Registered: 11-Apr-2007
male usa
Garry

This tank is getting better and better everyweek. Wish ya were in the US so you could send me some cuttings LOL...Anyways So can you tell me more about your Co2 Setup and your lighting setup?

Also I would like to know about some of the fish like the albino shark and red tail shark..

Shane





Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html
Post InfoPosted 31-Aug-2007 04:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
Hi Garry!

The tiger barbs look remarkably well nourished . Are the other fish getting enough food? What about the algae issue, did you introduce a 'siesta'? I am getting concerned about my otos, not enough to eat...
Post InfoPosted 31-Aug-2007 15:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Countryfish,

Your tank is growing in extremely well. I am quite impressed. You have really proven that you are able to grow many plants well.

Do you plan on messing with the scape much?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 01-Sep-2007 16:21Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
lysaer
----------
Hobbyist
Posts: 117
Kudos: 57
Votes: 2
Registered: 07-Apr-2007
male usa
Here's a random "from the grave" post. Sorry I haven't been around much, work has been kicking my butt!

Just wanted to comment on one pic - your tiger barb by itself - looks like you've got at least one female in the tank! So if you'd like to try breeding them, you've got a chance!

And all in all, tank looks great!

Listen! Do you smell that?
Post InfoPosted 05-Sep-2007 05:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Hey folks , sorry I've taken so long to reply . We've been away in a very cold Melbourne for a week . Had a family wedding to attend .

Firstly Ly , welcome back , sorry to hear your working so hard . I sympathise . Used to work lots of long hours before I retired . You are right I think, got a few of females , my problem has always been keeping the males alive as the harem like to pick on the boys . As I've mentioned before I plan to build a breeding room next year so I will definately be trying to breed them .

Great to hear from you again mate .

Shane , I'm not doing C02 . I've tried to show thru this log that what you can grow without it .I am however using Seachem ferts ( only ones readily available in my neck of the woods ). So far I've learned a couple of things: like if you want to grow red plants ( at least the 2 I've tried so far ) you will probably need C02 . I'm going to try some other red plants as I think the scape needs some more focus .

Your other question regarding the sharks is a little harder to answer . I'm a big fan , but they do come with some problems . All of mine are now over 5 inches and they are a somewhat aggressive fish . The Albino and Normal Redfins I have are the least aggressive and don't bother anyone else . The Redtail is a pain , he will chase most of the smaller fish and bother the other sharks a fair bit .
Its a bit of pot luck with sharks ,some individuals are worse than others .Mine are ok but I wouldn't keep them with small or sensitive fish . Hope that helps .

Cat yes I did introduce a siesta , and a blackout this week simply because I've been away . I think it was working a little before I went away . However there is a lot less Algae after 2 days of no light followed by an hour a day of light for 3 days while my son was home for lunch. Will see how it goes now I'm back on the new lighting schedule that I started a couple of weeks ago . Oh and I feed Algae wafers to make sure the algae eaters are getting enough food .

Wings , Yes its getting close to the time when the scape must change . Its not what I planned at the start and thats mainly because I took alot of advice from all of you about getting enough fast growers in there . Having done that and now the tank has been going for 3 months , I feel its about time to make some changes in the coming weeks .

Thanks to everone for your interest , I'm just editing some photos now for a quick update . Will post shortly .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 06-Sep-2007 13:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
Week 12 Update .

Just a short update this week ( a little over due) . As I mentioned above I've been away for 6 days .
Very little light , no ferts ,2 days of no feeding and no water change . So what happened thru all this .
Well suprisingly a lot of growth ( interesting I hear you say) .But before we jump to too many
conclusions , I should say that I gave the tank a good dose of ferts before I went away . The tank
gets very little natural light so I'm still suprised at the growth. Algae seems to have receded quite
a bit , which of course is great and was in my mind when I decided to leave the lights off whilst
away rather than use timers .

Anyway is was an interesting experiment which seems to back up others experiences, that
blackouts are bad for algae but do not damage plants , in fact I seemed to get about as much
growth as a normal week .

One interesting thing to note . The Crypts all stood up during this period . Up untill now they had
recovered and were growing well , but were fairly flat on the substrate . You will notice in the
river shot that they are all standing to attention .

Thats it for this week , I will be doing a water change tomorrow and another update on the weekend .

Just a few photos this week , Firstly the tank as of last week .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Sep-2007 13:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Full Tank this week.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Sep-2007 13:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Right Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Sep-2007 13:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Left Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Sep-2007 13:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
River Shot , showing the Crypts in the bottom left .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Sep-2007 13:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Just a couple of detail shots this week . Firstly the Hairgrass showing a lot less Black Algae .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Sep-2007 13:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Stellata ??? grew amazingly considering very little light .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Sep-2007 13:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Lastly just 1 fishy shot this week . The Tigers doing the Tiger Barb Dance


Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 06-Sep-2007 14:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fish patty
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 539
Kudos: 223
Votes: 255
Registered: 04-Oct-2006
female usa

Just catching up on your thread. You've come a long way from that big empty tank! Beautiful tank now! Cute shot of that SAE on the thermometer. What ever happened to your other tank? Did I miss it in your pages back?
Post InfoPosted 06-Sep-2007 19:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Hello Patty, Thanks for the compliment . The other Tank is still there and running .
It has my small fish , Tetras mainly . I'm doing a bit of a running redo at the
moment , just trying different ideas and plants . Its been going for 2 years
this Dec and I'm going to do a major revamp when I decide on the look I want .
Probably do a log when I do that . At this stage will be a Tetra/ Rasbora only tank with
a couple of big schools .

This is a photo of how it looks today.

Thanks for dropping by .


Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 08-Sep-2007 11:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
**********
---------------
---------------
Moderator
Posts: 5108
Kudos: 5263
Votes: 1690
Registered: 28-Dec-2002
male usa us-colorado
Thats a beautiful tank too Gary!
I actually like the way the (in the picture) the background
blends into the foreground plants and rocks.
IMO, just a bit of pruning to expose the lava rock a little
more, would do the charm for the "look" that you have now.
From the angle of the picture, it looks like you have
two rocks on the left and another either in the back of
the tank against the glass, or its a part of the
background.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Post InfoPosted 08-Sep-2007 15:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fish patty
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 539
Kudos: 223
Votes: 255
Registered: 04-Oct-2006
female usa

I agree with Frank Country.....everything he said! But if you don't like the look & are going for something different, well, then have at it. What is that long brownish plant in the middle & off to the left also?

Thanks for the pic.! I love that smaller tank of yours!
Post InfoPosted 08-Sep-2007 17:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
What is that long brownish plant in the middle & off to the left also?
Look like crypts to me.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 09-Sep-2007 14:02Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Hello Frank , Thanks for the compliment . I've been changing the scape quite a lot ,
ditching plants and introducing lots of babys from the big tank . The rocks you refer
to is a group of about 7 rocks which used to be more prominent untill I wacked in a
Java Fern from the back of the big tank . Just stuck it in the middle of the rocks .
Not sure that is where it will finish up .But I like the darker colour of the leaves for
the contrast .
I think I'm happy with both ends of the tank and I just need to sort out
the position and prominence of the rocks and see if I can get some of the other
plants in the centre into some order .

Long answer , but thanks for the interest and the suggestion .

Patty Thanks for that, I'm still playing as per the above , hopefully in the next couple
of months it will look very different again .

Wings is right they are both Crypts that were very small untill I increased the light
and started fertilising . Now they have taken off . They were labelled Wendti
( one brown , one green ) in the LFS . I have my doubts as I got Brown Wendti
direct from a Plant supplier for the big tank and they look very different .
Oh well I still like them a lot .

Thanks for dropping by .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 11:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Wings is right they are both Crypts that were very small untill I increased the light
and started fertilising . Now they have taken off . They were labelled Wendti
( one brown , one green ) in the LFS . I have my doubts as I got Brown Wendti
direct from a Plant supplier for the big tank and they look very different .
Oh well I still like them a lot .
I have had crypts in one tank, then moved them to another tank and they grew in completely different.

This is the same plant in my old 55G set up with >1wpg
http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/40%20gallon%20part%20XVI/?action=view&current=cryptflower-1.jpg
This is the plant with 3+ wpg.
http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/40%20gallon%20part%20%20XIV/?action=view&current=Whole1.jpg

the funny thing is, it flowered in the 55G.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 12:08Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Wings , Interesting . Crypts IME are very queer plants and your experience seems to back
that up .

Week 13 Update .

As I said at the last update the Water change was late this week and then Wings asked
me if I was going to make any changes to the scape . Which of course got me
thinking and you know what that means ..

So lots of changes this week , some intentional , some instinctive and some accidential
Accidential I hear you say ????? . Will get to that shortly .

The Water Sprite had been bothering me for some time as it was closing down the river
,blocking the light for the hairgrass and covering up the rocks on the right . So I started
trimming and just decided it had to go ( instinctive ). I left one small piece .
I will probably regret that later .

Next the Ovalis had been doing poorly and I had planned to move it out into an area where
it would get full light and the benefit of the Flourite layer ( intentional ) . So it was moved
( probably temporarily) to the middle of the Tennulus field . Will see how it goes there .
As both of my Red plants are not doing well I also decided to up my Iron from 3 to 5 times
a week to see if that improves them . Probably too many changes at once but what the
heck .

I pulled up the Pennywort in the process of removing the Water Sprite and that had to be
regrouped and replanted ( accidential ).
The Wisteria was trimmed lightly at the front around the Hairgrass , but the plant in the
middle was getting in the road of the Amazons and so was cut back very hard .
While all this was happening I knocked the Driftwood and it fell over . I tried
several times to reposition it without success. Then I took a break and decided I
liked the fact that the Javas and Annubias had been forced forward and the Driftwood
had formed a bridge over the river . . So the biggest accident of the day had
worked out quite well .
In the end all the changes have opened up the river , exposed the rock group and made
a feature out of the plants on the Driftwood. A good result . I think ???

What do you folks think

All other plants except the Ludwigia on the left are doing well.

Algae seems about the same with some signs of the Black Algae browning off but green
spots on the glass still appearing .

On to the Photos : the tank last week ( sort of )

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Full tank this week . Let me know what you think

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Right side , where most of the changes happened .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
The Left side , pretty much unchanged

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
A different shot taken by accident . The tank at an angle looking down the river .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A few Detail shots , firstly a couple of shots of the Driftwood area . The Driftwood front on .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Driftwood from above

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Main Java Fern Group

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Whats left of the Water Sprite and Pennywort

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Rock Group exposed

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Amazons now visable with multiple babies . The lower parts of the main plants are very healthy and very thick with new leaves .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Ovalis in its new position

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Stelatta ??? growing even more and getting a pink tip on one branch.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Close up of the Crypts at the base of the Driftwood

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A shot of the Annubia B. showing an old leaf covered in BBA which is browned off . Also showing a new leaf with no algae . Fingers crossed this continues ..

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 13:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Thats it for the plants this week . Just a couple of fishy shots to finish . An SAE having a rest .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 14:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Big Black Shark .

Thats it for this week . Probably be very little done in the tank next week .
Have done enough for the moment .

Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 14:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
----------
Fish Master
* * *Fish Slave* * *
Posts: 1947
Kudos: 278
Votes: 338
Registered: 14-Jan-2006
female australia au-newsouthwales
Enjoyed all your pics, and like everyone else, also liked being able to sneak a peak at your smaller tank. Very nice tank, that. My fav shot this week is the one I think you said was an accidental shot, being the tank at an angle looking down the river.

Good that you seem to have beaten the algae - fingers crossed that continues.

There is nothing to complain about in any of your tanks & you've shown that you can grow plants so well. If I was going to wish for anything to change, it would be if you could find some way to hide the equipment that stands out so strongly on the left side of the tank.

Otherwise, everything is beautiful.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 15:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
Garry,

beautiful pics, as always. I particularly like the accidental shot of the tank! Your plants look gorgeous. Please be patient with the algae issue - the lighting regimen works. I hardly noticed until one day I looked at the filter intake and saw that it was completely clean. That was when I realized that almost all algae had vanished. I would not worry about little green spos, otos need something to eat as well algae are part of our hobby

BTW, your black shark looks close up a bit frightening, if I might say so. Beautiful animal, nevertheless

Claudia
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 16:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
**********
---------------
---------------
Moderator
Posts: 5108
Kudos: 5263
Votes: 1690
Registered: 28-Dec-2002
male usa us-colorado
Hi,
Cut off and discard that anubis leaf with the black
spot. I'd remove every leaf that has that stuff growing
on it as well as any that are yellowing.
Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Post InfoPosted 11-Sep-2007 23:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Hi,
Cut off and discard that anubis leaf with the black
spot. I'd remove every leaf that has that stuff growing
on it as well as any that are yellowing.
Frank
I second this.

For the green spot I would up for phosphates. That seems to do the trick for me and others here at FP. I think I had my phosphates up to about 3.something ppm 3x a week.

As for the scape. I would try and trim the back plants on the right to make them a bit more bushy. Other than that I don't know what else to say.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 12-Sep-2007 01:36Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
coop
-----
Enthusiast
Posts: 168
Kudos: 60
Votes: 2
Registered: 25-Jan-2006
male australia

love the big bushy polysperma.still say you need snakeskin gouramis. i actually saw some festivus cichlids in the lfs. they where beutiful. im pretty sure they wll get along with most of your fish. they where in a 55g with angels and gouramis at the lfs.
Post InfoPosted 12-Sep-2007 01:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
If I was going to wish for anything to change, it would be if you could find some way to hide the equipment that stands out so strongly on the left side of the tank.

Robyn , Yes I've been a bit slack about coming up with a better solution for the UV .
The Fluval FX5 doesn't lend itself to adding a UV to the output unfortunately.
I've been looking at Resun Cannisters with internal UV . Not sure if they are ok or not .
But I must do something as that stuff bothers me as well .
Thanks for the compliments BTW.

Cut off and discard that anubis leaf with the black
spot.

Thanks for that Frank , I've been a bit reluctant to trim these guys untill they establish
themselves . I do trim that sort of stuff off in my other tank . Do you think its ok to do
that now? , they are only now just starting to send out new leaves . I don't want to
knock them about too much . Anyway appreciate your thoughts .

I think I had my phosphates up to about 3.something ppm 3x a week

Wings , Another thing I've been avoiding doing is adding to much Phosphate . I had
readings of over 10ppm because I used Neutral 7 . It's now down to 1 or 2 ppm .
SO if I understand you right you think I should up the Phosphate to get it to 3ppm .
I currently dosing twice a week btw. Interested in your thoughts ?

Coop Thanks for dropping by , Don't get many unusual fish up here unfortunately .
But thanks for the suggestions & compliments .


Garry
Post InfoPosted 12-Sep-2007 14:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Claudi , Thanks for that , I'm not that worried about algae. Just trying to be patient
Not easy .

The Black Shark is a pussycat . He's gone back to hiding again . It's really funny to watch
the Redtail chase him , Its like I'm the Boss opps your a bit big .
Blackie hardly seems to notice .

Thanks for helping with the lights thing , I'm sure it will work

Garry
Post InfoPosted 12-Sep-2007 14:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
----------
Fish Master
* * *Fish Slave* * *
Posts: 1947
Kudos: 278
Votes: 338
Registered: 14-Jan-2006
female australia au-newsouthwales
EditedEdited by TW
I've been a bit slack about coming up with a better solution for the UV.
So is that equipment an internal UV, or is it a pump running the UV? If the later, why not get yourself one of the Eheim external pumps. I'm going to set up the UV in my African tank that way (the filter will have too high flow rate to attach UV to it). I have a spare Eheim in-flow & out-flow (the grey coloured version - not green)that I'll use to draw water from the tank, to the pump, to the UV & then back into the tank again.

If you have a black background in the tank, you don't even notices the filter pipes at all.

Just a thought.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 12-Sep-2007 15:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fish patty
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 539
Kudos: 223
Votes: 255
Registered: 04-Oct-2006
female usa

I like the tank better after the trim. And I think I agree with you, that I like the driftwood better over the river.

Post InfoPosted 12-Sep-2007 22:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
EditedEdited by wingsdlc

Wings , Another thing I've been avoiding doing is adding to much Phosphate . I had
readings of over 10ppm because I used Neutral 7 . It's now down to 1 or 2 ppm .
SO if I understand you right you think I should up the Phosphate to get it to 3ppm .
I currently dosing twice a week btw. Interested in your thoughts ?


This is what I was dosing in my 40G with 5WPG and high CO2 (around 70ppm)

40-60 Gallons (152-227 litres)
30ml solution or 1/2 tsp KNO3(11.37 ppm Nitrate) (7.69 ppm ppm Potassium) 3x a week
18ml solution or 1/8 tsp KH2PO4 (2.87 ppm Phosphates) 3x a week
8ml solution or 1/8 tsp K2SO4 (1.84 ppm Potassium) 3x a week
10ml or 1/8 tsp traces 3x a week (in the form of Flourish) + Iron

The only thing I ever did test was the Nitrates. I ended up with about 10ppm at the end of the week before the water change. I really don't know what my Phosphates ended up being. I am guessing you can dose a bit more though.

This link might give you some more insight to what I was doing.

EI Explained

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 13-Sep-2007 02:51Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
or is it a pump running the UV? If the later, why not get yourself one of the Eheim external pumps
Robyn , Yep thats what its for , and was a temp solution running off the powerhead filter.
I like your idea , but shouldn't you have a filter on the intake of the UV? , thats what
everone advised me to do. As if the water is dirty the Uv isn't as effective . Which is one
of the reasons I was looking at the Resun Cannisters . Might be over kill but it would
also allow me to get rid of the Powerhead filter as well .

Anyway given me more to think about , thanks for the idea .

Patty Thanks for that nice to have our opinion backed up .
appreciate it
40-60 Gallons (152-227 litres)
30ml solution or 1/2 tsp KNO3(11.37 ppm Nitrate) (7.69 ppm ppm Potassium) 3x a week
18ml solution or 1/8 tsp KH2PO4 (2.87 ppm Phosphates) 3x a week
8ml solution or 1/8 tsp K2SO4 (1.84 ppm Potassium) 3x a week
10ml or 1/8 tsp traces 3x a week (in the form of Flourish) + Iron
Wings , I've read the EI stuff and seen lots of references in Ingo's and Jeffs logs about it .
The problem for me is we don get dry ferts around here and the only stuff I can get my
hands on that resembles it in any way is the Seachem liquid .So I've been following
( almost) their recomendations.
Ok I'll give you my 60g dosing,to keep it relative . I dose the same proportionally for the big tank .
5ml Nitrogen 2x week
5ml Phosphate 2x week
10ml Pottasium 2x week
5ml Iron 6x week
5ml Flourish 2x week
15ml Traces 1x week
Now based on what you're doing I should probably increase the Macros to 3 times a week,
and maybe up the dosages of the Phosphate and Nitrogen.
The tank tests at 10ppm for Phosphate ( neutral 7 again which I'm not using any more )
and 20ppm Nitrate .The big tank tests at 1-2ppm Phosphate & 5ppm Nitrate.

So what are your thoughts ???? I appreciate any input on this subject as its all a major
learning curve for me . I can't say that I've been unsuccesful in growing plants , but
there are plants that are not growing as well as I think they should .So any help and
suggestions would be greatly appreciated .
Oh and for those who asked Seachem did not reply to my email , I will try again .

Garry

PS i've just gone to 3.7wpg on the 60g and plan to do something similar on the big tank . And of course I use Excel instead of C02.
Garry
Post InfoPosted 13-Sep-2007 13:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
PS i've just gone to 3.7wpg on the 60g and plan to do something similar on the big tank . And of course I use Excel instead of C02.
Garry


Garry,

I would be careful increasing to that kind of wattage especially on the big tank. I haven't seen that really work without pressurized co2. The co2 will be the limiting factor for the plants and you have issues and issues in a 260g are big issues. Excel just can't fill the void. You might want to find out for yourself, but I would be surprised if it worked.





My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 13-Sep-2007 13:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
----------
Fish Master
* * *Fish Slave* * *
Posts: 1947
Kudos: 278
Votes: 338
Registered: 14-Jan-2006
female australia au-newsouthwales
EditedEdited by TW
I like your idea , but shouldn't you have a filter on the intake of the UV?
That's probably best, but my filter runs far too fast for this particular UV. The pump I'm going to use is the next best thing. It sits outside the tank & has a sponge filter inside of it. Hope these pics show you what I mean.

Eheim Universal Pump Model 1046


Pump opened up, showing the internal blue filter sponge


These pumps are a little pricey. If you buy one, make sure you buy them on-line, as they will be a bit cheaper that way. They come in various flow rate sizes. I got one with a fairly low flow rate, to suit my UV's max flow rate. I use a more powerful version of the same pump for my water changes.

The problem for me is we don't get dry ferts around here
Garry, I'm fairly certain this place will ship to you, if you're interested. http://www.simplegrow.com.au/ In fact, it was FP forum member from QLD that gave me the name in the 1st place. I spent less than $5 per fert, more than 18 months ago. You can see by the pic I have heaps left. Of course, I don't know what shipping would cost, as I drove to pick it up. You are sure to have a hydroponics place somewhere in QLD, if shipping from this place is too costly.



Hope this helps.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 13-Sep-2007 14:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
If I had your two tanks this is what I would do. And again it's just my opinion and you of course will do what makes you happy and everyone here I'm sure will help you just the same. I would switch tanks. What I mean by that is put your existing plants and fish in the 240g and use medium lighting. Maybe increase your schools some, etc.

In the 60g I would convert this one to your high light tank with all the bells and whistles.

Jeff
Thanks for that note of caution , I'm actually following your advice from some time ago ,
which was to experiment with the small tank rather than the big one . Up till now both
tanks have been on the same fert& light plan . So now that the small tank has very few
fish and I'm planning on redoing the scape , I'm going to have a go at a few changes
and see how it goes .

There will be no change to this tank untill I'm happy with whats going on in the other tank .

Thanks again for you advice , very much appreciated and remember you still have the
right to say I told you so when and if I decide to do C02 .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 14-Sep-2007 02:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Robyn
Thanks for both of those things . I have a fair bit of Seachem stuff at the minute ,
but I've saved the website and if I decide to go all the way with C02 and EI then
it will come in handy . Certainly very cheap !

You use a pump for your Water change , what a good idea never thought of that !!!!!.
Do you do a gravel vac at the same time ? I suppose you wouldn't bother with the filter
material if you did?
I look into these at the online shops .

Thanks again for the help .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 14-Sep-2007 02:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
----------
Fish Master
* * *Fish Slave* * *
Posts: 1947
Kudos: 278
Votes: 338
Registered: 14-Jan-2006
female australia au-newsouthwales
You use a pump for your Water change .....Do you do a gravel vac at the same time?
Better clarify that. I do gravel vac, so I don't use the pump for emptying tanks themselves. On water change night, I have a trolley with a 120L tub & I gravel vac into that. I have a (fairly) high capacity pump sitting in that tub with a hose long enough to reach outside. As my tub gets too full to hold more water (which it does with 3 tanks to change) the pump goes on & the water pumps outside onto the garden or into a larger container for use later on.

I have another trolley, holding another tub filled with fresh conditioned water to go into the tank. In this one I have a less powerful pump (still must be able to lift the water), a much shorter hose & an attached gravel vac with a diffuser on it. The reason for the less powerful pump & diffuser is so that the fresh water is pumped gently into the tank.

I've just purchased on ebay a 220L food grade plastic drum, which I'll use for fresh water for water changes. That way I won't have to wheel to & from the kitchen sink so many times for refills.

Hope that explains the pumps involvement in water changes a little more clearly.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 14-Sep-2007 09:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Week 14 Update .

After last weeks major changes , I was determined not to make too many changes
to the tank this week . Ah well the best laid plans etc

Robyn got me thinking that I'd been a bit slack in fixing my equipment problems
( thanks for motivating me Robyn )
SO off I went to the LFS and you know what happens when you do that .
Yes Yes , I know sucked in by Fishies again !!!!!

I saw some good size Corydora's Sterbai . I've been wanting some for a long time
but they are always too small for my tastes . So I bought 6 ( all they had unfortunatly ) .
As well I've been thinking about having a large school of something a bit smaller.
And of course there was a big bunch of Lemon Tetras ( I bought 20 ) which fitted the
bill nicely .

So I had fun , and as an aside , I did decide to add another Cannister to the tank to
run the UV on . This time a smaller Fluval 305 with and adjustable flow rate so I
can keep optimise the the dwell time of the water thru the UV .

As far as the plants are concerned , I trimmed the Wisteria back quite hard . The
Algae covered leaves of the Annubia B, and Amazons were removed . The Ludwigia
( or whats left of it) was pulled out of the left corner and put in an open spot at the
front of the tank to see if I can get it to recover . Also Trimmed the Tennulus out of
areas it should not be in .

So as you can see not much happening .
I haven't had much time to take photo's this week , so only a few . Lets start with the tank last week .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Full Tank this week , As you can see most of that ugly equipment has gone . The new Cannister pipes are behind the Hygro and I've planted another stem of Giant Hygro to cover the Heater & FX5 intake ( in time ). You can also see that the Wisteria is now shaped to allow light at the bottom of the stems. Hopefully that will encourage some leaf growth rather than just ugly stems !

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
THe Right Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Left Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The River at an angle

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
Just a couple of detail plant shots this week . First the remainder of the Ludwigia

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Annubia B. area looking a bit better .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
So just a few shots of the Fishies . The Cory's have been a bit shy so far . This is the only half way decent shot I've managed to get .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Lemon Tetras.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A shot of one the Rainbows now displaying even more colour.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
Last shot for this week , My mate watching me process the photos for this update . The Tank is right next to the computer and he likes to lie in the corner and watch me

Next week will be a quiet week as far as changes , I promise

Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 13:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
EditedEdited by catdancer
Garry:

I have to give it to you: best fish shots on FP! The last picture is priceless. So you dared to get my most favorite Cory next to the quite similar looking C. haraldschultzi. They are pricey here and not easy to come by. I am looking forward to see more photos of these cute little guys. The plants are looking spectacular as well, love the thicket to the right but I agree with Robyn that the 'technical hardware' is taking some viewing pleasure away.
Of course, can't wait to see what you will do with your tank next week!

Claudia
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 16:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
**********
---------------
---------------
Moderator
Posts: 5108
Kudos: 5263
Votes: 1690
Registered: 28-Dec-2002
male usa us-colorado
EditedEdited by FRANK
Hi Gary
Er.... MOST OF US, I dare say, think of "small tanks" in
the capacities of 30G and DOWN. Very few of us are
fortunate enough to think of a 60G tank as "small."

To maintain the carbon requirements of the plants in either
of those two tanks, particularly the 240G tank, you may
find you need to purchase some of those nutrients from
SeaChem in the GALLON or larger size bottles!
Were I you, I would also consider automating the
dosing with dosing pumps that we chatted about earlier.

Terrific Pictures and a great looking tank!

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 16:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
you may
find you need to purchase some of those nutrients from
SeaChem in the GALLON
I do that and my big tank is only a 55G

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 18-Sep-2007 23:24Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
*******
----------
Big Fish
Oh My Heck!
Posts: 329
Kudos: 88
Votes: 73
Registered: 11-Apr-2007
male usa
Garry

Sorry i havent replied on your posts for a while, kinda got lost there for a while, tank is looking good my friend i love the fishy shots.

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html
Post InfoPosted 19-Sep-2007 07:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Hi Claudia , thanks for the compliment , I don't think my photography is up to scratch yet ,
the Wife is the photographer in the family . She just bought me 2 Camera Magazines
( hint hint ) , oh well I can only get better . I'm certainly trying lots of different settings
hence the different colours and exposures from time to time .

It's funny you should mention that part of the tank , its not on the top of my favourite
areas in the tank . The Wisteria was an after thought and it needs to move IMO. I've
just bought some new plants with that area in mind (so much for no changes this week ) .
Also I have so many baby Amazons they are begining to block the light of the parents ,
so between the 2 lots I fell a makeover of that part of the tank coming on .


Frank , Sorry didn't mean to sound cocky ( not sure thats the word I'm searching for )
I've finaly decided not to redo the 60g as I'm really happy with how its going in general .
Thanks for the compliments , still lots of work to do in this tank as it has diverged from
my original vision quite a lot . Now its settled I'm going to start making some alterations
back towards that original . May never reach that as I've probably changed my ideas a
bit , but we will see.

BTW , I buy my ferts in 2 ltr containers already . But Robyn showed me where to by Dry
ferts very cheaply so I may go over to them for the Macro's. Which of course still leaves
Excel and Flourish etc .

Wings and Frank Thanks for your support .

Shane , long time man , thanks for that . How goes your tank , I'll have to check you log ,
good to hear from you .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 19-Sep-2007 12:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
**********
---------------
---------------
Moderator
Posts: 5108
Kudos: 5263
Votes: 1690
Registered: 28-Dec-2002
male usa us-colorado
EditedEdited by FRANK
Hi Gary,
I did not interpret your post as "Cocky."
Your "small" tank just happens to be twice as big as my
big tank, and I thought I'd tease you a bit.

Robyn has been using the dry, powdered, ferts for a while
now and should pretty much have that tucked under her wing.
I'd go with what she suggests.

My only caution is that I've read that some of them should
not be premixed too far out from use, and that some of them
interact so you would not want to put them all together in
one container too far ahead of time.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Post InfoPosted 19-Sep-2007 16:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
----------
Fish Master
* * *Fish Slave* * *
Posts: 1947
Kudos: 278
Votes: 338
Registered: 14-Jan-2006
female australia au-newsouthwales
EditedEdited by TW
My only caution is that I've read that some of them should not be premixed too far out from use, and that some of them interact so you would not want to put them all together in one container too far ahead of time
Wel, I didn't know that. But I mix them on the day I use them, so that's ok anyway. But how far in advance is too long? I was considering pre-mixing (a bottle for each day) when I go on holidays, to make dosing the tank easy for my daughter.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 20-Sep-2007 13:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
EditedEdited by tetratech
I pretty much do what Robyn does. Most fertilize micros 3 days and macros 3 days, For example.

Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday: Macros (I use Greg Watson kno3,po4)
Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Micros (I use Flourish)
That's it. I don't dose so4(potassium) in my tanks that I'm dosing kno3 and po4). And of course there's no Excel dosing since there's Co2.
Saturday: Nothing

I take some tank water and mix the dry ferts in a cup and pull it in.

I might have missed this, but why no pressurized co2?

P.S. Tank looks nice and lush, but the co2 will help with some issues and fuller growth in some other plants.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 21-Sep-2007 14:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
I did not interpret your post as "Cocky."
Your "small" tank just happens to be twice as big as my
big tank, and I thought I'd tease you a bit.

Thanks Frank , I said I didn't think it was the right word , glad to hear you were just teasing!!!!!

Jeff, Thanks for the compliment , means a lot coming from a " Guru " like yourself .
I might have missed this, but why no pressurized co2?


We had this discussion somewhere in this thread a couple of months ago , I think .
Not sure if I ever gave reasons .

Firstly , This was always meant to be a journey for me to explore and learn . One can
just take all advice and go with it or you can try things . I've read every log on this site
and many others including Tom Barrs and whilst its very obvious that using C02 is
successful , I found that nowhere could I find a lot about how to grow plants well
without it . This intrigued me and I wondered why . Was it just impossible or too hard ?.
I decided to find out by doing it myself and learning as I went . Probably a bit of bloody
mindedness on my part as well.

Secondly , as you yourself noted in an earlier post here , I'm an aggressive Fish stockist
as well as highly interested in plants . I'm reluctant to subject my charges to
conditions that are less than ideal . This may bring howls of protest from Plant Guru's
but this is my own feeling , I've no experience to back it up .

Lastly , I've an aversion to pressuried gas in any setting . I've seen first hand what
damage exploding gas bottles can do first hand and I reluctant to have them in the house .

So thats not to say I won't ever do it , I may . But I will have to be very convinced that
there is no other way to do the things I want to do before I relent.

Jeff , these are my opinions only , I don't mean to offend anyone or to cast aspertions
at other peoples way of doing things. This is the way I want to proceed for the moment .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 12:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Week 15 Update

This week again started with a promise to do very little . Well didn't work again .
I always was lousy and New Years Resolutions.

I decided to address the other plant in the tank that was shoved in as an afterthought
to up the Fast Grower count: the Wisteria . As well I wanted to address the Amazons
which had been producing a prodigious amount of babies on spikes .
I went to the LFS (again) to look for some plants . I was mainly disappointed again
at the poor selection . However I bought a couple of small Crypts , some very small
Annubia Nana and a large Annubia Nana as well as what I think is a Sagittaria.

So in I went and first pulled up all of the Wisteria at the front right . I then cut all of
the baby spikes and removed all of the babies, a staggering 32 plants from 6 parents . .
I set about planting the babies in order of size at the front left and the new plants in
and around the rock group . I also trimmed of most of the old Amazon leaves leaving only
the quite prolific new growth . I then planted the Wisteria at the rear of the Amazons
to hopefully go wild and provide a backdrop for the Amazons .

So on to the Photos ,
Full Tank as of last week




Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Full Tank this week

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Left Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A shot from the left end of the Tank showing the depth of the rear plants . Also some good reflections of the fish on the front panel .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:10Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The right side , will show some closer shots of the replanted area in the next shots .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Replanted area wide shot

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:13
This post has been deleted
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Replanted Area High Shot

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Amazon Babies

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Rock Group with the new plants

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A few other detail plant shots , The Ovalis recovering and showing some nice Red .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Ludwigia doing the same , just !?

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:20Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Small Crypts continuing to power on . Can now be seen over the rocks on the river border.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:21Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
The Stellata now sending out 2 more stems at the base of the plant.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Annubia B. all flowering .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
New growth on the Annubia Nana on the Driftwood .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Java Fern Area

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
Last Plant shot for this week is of the Unknown Sword? in the river . Just keeps powering on . This is the favorite spot for Dwarf Loach conferences .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A few fishey photos now , one of the Corys .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A lemon Tetra starting to colour up .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A close up of A Dwarf Loach

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Angels ometimes we forget just what magnificent Animals these guys are

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
Last shot for this week is another Angel shot . This one is very interesting . We've just noticed that this angel has a glowing blue spot under her chin . We've also noticed that when this spot is glowing , her feelers also take on a definate blue tinge as well. I've never seen this before .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Thats it for this week , next week will be a quiet week with a bit of trimming of the
Hygros and some of the Algae affected Annubia leaves .
I have finally given up on getting some Red plants from the LFS's around here . I
ordered some plants online for the first time . Will probably take a week or so to
arrive . Will see how it goes getting plants delivered outside a capital city .


Garry
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 14:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Garry,

Sorry it has been such a long time since I posted last in your thread, all the time I had available I spent on just reading the gazillion posts .

I recently would have added a comment saying something like "reduction of the fast growers on the right to create a more permanent scape" but I see now that this has already happened.

One thing that always comes to mind when looking at your tank, and don't take this the wrong way, is that it seems really small for its size. The large fish and the environment being all filled up with plants make it look more like a 72 than a 240G. Not that I can think of one thing in particular that can alter this, but if it were possible to add something that allows a size evaluation of the overall tank then this might help.

Gotta go,

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 24-Sep-2007 15:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Sorry it has been such a long time since I posted last in your thread, all the time I had available I spent on just reading the gazillion posts .

Don't worry Ingo ,I know you are busy with life ATM . Thanks for the thoughts they are
always welcome .

The large fish and the environment being all filled up with plants make it look more like a 72 than a 240G.

Yes I've thought this my self at times , I think its because the tank gets its volume from
Height and Width rather than lenght . Have to work out some way to get the size accross
as the full tank shots reduce it to looking like any 6ft er .
If only I had room for the 8-10fter I really wanted .

Oh well will keep trying to think of something as well as researching more on Photography .

Thanks for dropping by

Garry
Post InfoPosted 25-Sep-2007 02:17Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Jeff, Thanks for the compliment , means a lot coming from a " Guru " like yourself

Well here I'm a "Fish Guru" which isn't really true. Planted Tank Guru, yeah maybe a junior one.

It's funny that Ingo said your tank looks like a 72g, because he used to say my 72g looked like a 20g sometimes.

I completely understand your views about the co2 thing and you should do it your way. Nothing wrong with having a none co2 tank. I'm just sharing some of my experience with you. If you do go to high light the carbon will be the limiting factor in terms of the plants using all that light and they won't grow correctly. This will cause algae to move in. All the Excel in the world won't make a difference. And of course too much wouldn't be good for the fish.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 25-Sep-2007 03:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
Garry,

Fantastic shots of the fish as always (I know I keep repeatingmyself, but what can I do seeing your pictures )

I agree with Ingo (Little_Fish) re size and impression of the tank. It does look much smaller but you are certainly right as the width of the tank does not show well i pictures. Didn't ypu mention soething about hiding/changing the technical hardware or did I get that all wrong?

Red plants would be great in your tank! I hope your mail orders will arrive in good shape, I finally gave up hope to see some of the not so common plants at the 3 LFS I visit and will place an Internet order as well.

Claudia
Post InfoPosted 25-Sep-2007 05:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Jeff . I appreciate your advice , and I do take a lot of notice of it , believe me , you
in particular have given me some of the best and most important tips in my
learning experience .
I always listen , there are some things I want to experience for myself .

As always thanks for the candid advice !

Claudia , I did replace a lot of the intank equipment and the rest has had plants put
in front , it will be hidden in time .

6ft wide is 6ft wide I think , its the depth thats hard to get accross in the full tank shots.
As far as the red plants go , we will see . I'm trying very hard to get some success in
that area , I'm experimenting with higher light in the 60g tank , only early days ,
time will tell . Its probably the one thing that might convince me to do C02.

Lets hope the plants arrive in good shape , They only have to come from Brisbane ,
150ks away so should be ok .

Thanks for the compliments

Lastly a bit of bad news , we lost one of our Angels today. No obvious reason , no
disease that I can determine . Simply got worse from last night untill this evening .
Sad but thats life , probably suffered from the strife of the Breeding wars that break
out amongst the Angel group once a month or so . Will never know I guess.

Oh well life goes on .


Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 25-Sep-2007 13:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fish patty
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 539
Kudos: 223
Votes: 255
Registered: 04-Oct-2006
female usa

Awwww..........sorry for your loss Country! Don't tell me it was the one with the blue light!?
That "lighted fish" has to be the strangest thing I have ever heard of or seen in relation to FW aquarium fish! I can't believe no one else has commented on it! It's like something out of science fiction!
Post InfoPosted 29-Sep-2007 19:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
What a pretty body,

I am sorry for your loss. You are probably right with the assumption that the fish succumbed to the stress of breeding in a community tank. I experienced similar myself, eg the big angel had a girl friend (and a very pretty one). I found her hainging snout first in the tenellus one evening with absolutely no signs of reduced health prior to her demise. How many angels do you have left?
Post InfoPosted 30-Sep-2007 06:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
----------
Fish Master
* * *Fish Slave* * *
Posts: 1947
Kudos: 278
Votes: 338
Registered: 14-Jan-2006
female australia au-newsouthwales
Oh, Garry, that's too bad. Sorry for your loss.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 01-Oct-2007 01:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
truestar
 
*********
-----
Enthusiast
Young Pup
Posts: 233
Kudos: 92
Votes: 147
Registered: 23-Aug-2007
male usa us-indiana
I'm sorry for your loss. I have yet to experience the loss of a fish as I have only been keeping them for about 3-4 months, but I know it is tough to lose any pet.

On a brighter note, you have been an inspiration to me. The beauty of your tank has convinced me to attempt to plant my new 55 gallon. It will never rival the astonishing tank that you have but I hope it will brighten up the tank.

I noticed that you have some sharks in this tank and was wondering if you have any problems between the rainbow and red-tailed sharks. I am assuming you don't but was curious because those are two of my favorite fish.

Anyways, I hope that your success continues and you keep posting these beautiful photos for our viewing pleasure.
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 02:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Don't tell me it was the one with the blue light!?

Patty , Unfortunatley you hit the nail on the head . That indeed was the one .
How many angels do you have left?

Claudia , 5 originals all about the same size . I'm currently growing a couple of
Black ones in the 60g . Hopefully to join the group in time .
I noticed that you have some sharks in this tank and was wondering if you have any problems between the rainbow and red-tailed sharks. I am assuming you don't but was curious because those are two of my favorite fish.
Truestar , I love them as well . But it is a bit of a risk . I got them very young and grew
them up togeather . The Redtail in my group is the bully and does do a bit of chasing ,
they tend to be the most bad tempered IME. But of course they are the most beautifull
of all the sharks . In a 55 I would probably go with an Albino and A normal Redfin if I
were you . Be prepared though because there can be great variation in temper between
individuals .
On a brighter note, you have been an inspiration to me.
Why thank you , you've made my day I fell very humble .


Thank you Patty , Claudia , Robyn and Truestar for you sympathy , much appreciated


Garry
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Week 16 Update .
Well I finally did it I did nothing this week except mainaince . The new
plants haven't arrived as yet. Next couple of days I hope

So very boring as far as an update ,I will throw in a few more fish photos this week .
One point that I would make is that there is a definate improvement in the Algae
situation , especially the Black stuff . Claudia's system seems to be working well .
Thanks for the tip Claudia.
Ok on to the photo's , the tank last week .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Full Tank this week

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Right side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Left side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
Just a couple of plant shots , first one the Unknown plants in the river is flowering . Heres a shot of the 2 plants . Notice the stalk coming towards the front.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A close up of the flower stalk

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A shot of the Ovalis which is starting to power on , but is still not colouring up as I would wish .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
And the other problem plant , the Ludwiga , still looking a long way from full recovery

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Not much else on the plants this week . On to the Fishies . A shot of the Albino Redfin Shark for Truestar . Beautifull fish

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A couple of shots of the Angels .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Another shot this time the dominant Male Angel in the foreground. He's mean , he bites me if I put my hand into his territory

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A few Shots now of the Lemon Tetras now , they are showing some really nice colours

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Another

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
And Another slightly out of focus but have a look at the colours .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Last Tetra shot of one eyeballing me .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A few now of the older residents , a Golden Barb

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A Gold Tiger Barb

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A close up of a couple of Dwarf Loaches , These guys have done a good job keeping the snail population under control. I actually saw one of them eating a snail the other day , very efficent .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
One of the Sterbai Corys

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 12:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 02-Oct-2007 13:03
This post has been deleted
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Well thats it for this week , hopefully the new plants will arrive SOON , and I'll have lots of decisions to make about the scape . We will see

And remember he's always watching ( Blackie that is )

Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 13:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
----------
Fish Master
* * *Fish Slave* * *
Posts: 1947
Kudos: 278
Votes: 338
Registered: 14-Jan-2006
female australia au-newsouthwales
Thanks once again Garry, for sharing your beautiful pictures.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 13:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fish patty
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 539
Kudos: 223
Votes: 255
Registered: 04-Oct-2006
female usa

I couldn't find dwarf loaches on our site, so I looked them up. They are critically endangered in Thailand where they come from. No new hauls have been made recently. It didn't make any mention of them eating snails, but apparently they do.

I really like your Golden Barbs. I didn't realize they got that colorful.
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 16:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
truestar
 
*********
-----
Enthusiast
Young Pup
Posts: 233
Kudos: 92
Votes: 147
Registered: 23-Aug-2007
male usa us-indiana
I don't plan on doing the Sharks in the 55, I'm going with a pair of Blue Rams instead. The tank shots look amazing. I have to say the picture of the Albino is my favorite though(so what if I'm biased). The plants are great too.
Post InfoPosted 02-Oct-2007 17:31Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
plankton
-----
Hobbyist
Posts: 64
Kudos: 22
Votes: 7
Registered: 17-Jul-2007
male canada
Wow, simply amazing photos. Your pics are so clear and crisp - you have real talent. Beautiful.


:jay

Post InfoPosted 06-Oct-2007 23:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Garry,

Glad to read that you didn't have too much to do with this tank for the last week, but I am certain it will bite you in the b*tt the next time you need to trim .

What I see is some very very healthy growth in your tank, always a good sign.

Hey, about your mystery plants in the river, didn't people already point out that they are swords? One looks somewhat like a Red Rubin.

Have fun,

Ingo

PS: sorry about the Angel loss, but we know that stuff like this happens.


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 07-Oct-2007 21:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Thanks folks for all of your interest .

Ingo , I think thats the first time anyone has given me a thought about what they might be .
Thanks , I'll do some research .

Week 17 Update .

The new plants arrived . So, I hear you say what did you get ??? Heres the list
Rotala Wallichii, Aponogeton Crispus Green & Red , Bacopa sp. ,Ludwigia Repens -
Narrow Leaf,Myriophyllum scabratum (Giant Milfoil),Rotala Macrandra - Narrow Leaf
(Magenta), Crypt. Balansae.
They were in pretty good nick , only a couple of the Magenta's were a bit mushy.
Most seem to have come thru alright so far.
I ordered some Didiplus Diandra ( Blood Stargrass) , but as usual with this plant it was
out of stock .
The idea was to order enough of these more difficult to grow plants for both tanks and
compare the results of the different conditions .So in the interest of completeness ,
I'll give you all a brief comparision of the 2 tanks regimes
240g: ( this tank )Light: 2.4 wpg , Ferts: Seachem ferts inc Excel based on Manufacturers
reccomendations .
60g: Light: 3.7wpg , Ferts: double Excel , Double Macros , same micro's .
The plants have been in for a few days and I'll show a pick of the 60 g as well so we can
compare the differences ( there are already some I think ) .

The next task was to decide where to put all of these new goodies . I confess here that
I had planned to do a major overhall , but I simply chickened out .
Not enough courage for that amount of risk ATM.
Oh well I may do something like that later

So I simply shoved them all in where they would fit .

A couple of things happened while I was doing this . Firstly I got the St;s with the
Hairgrass die off on the left of the river , so it had to go , just stuck a couple of Crypts
and an Annubia there for the moment . I will have to decide what i want to do with that
area .
The Tennulus had just run riot so it was time for a trim , and once I started ,I just kept
going . Amazing there were some rocks under there .

Ok enough words onto the photos . The tank last week .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Full tank this week . I will show detail shots for all the new additions .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Right Side .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Left Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A straight on River Shot

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
An Angled shot of the Tank

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
On to the detail shots of the new plants , First a shot of the Bacopa , Ludwigia , Crypt Balansae.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Rotala Wallichii

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Giant Milfoil and another R. Wallichii

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Magenta ,Rotala Macrandra on the right near the rock group

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:14Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
So that covers the right side plantings , her is a couple of shots of the Rock Group general area. Wide shot first.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Tall Shot

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
As you can see I have not copmpletely given up of the Hairgrass , But if I do I may plant some more of these small crypts in this area as well as the main ex- hairgrass area .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:20Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Ok on to other parts of the tank . The magenta and Ludwigia around the driftwood

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:21Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Aponogeton's are all over on the left with the Annubia B. and the Giant Hygro's . I'll probably remove the Hygro if these prove succesfull . Sorry for the poor shot not easy to get this area .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Heres another shot a lttle closer , notice the Barteri flowers BTW

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Thats it for the new plants . Doesn't seem that exciting looking at the photos .Its a big space and they will need to grow a lot to have an impact .
However when you look at them in the 60g ,the difference is startling . Heres a before shot which I posted alittle while ago .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
And now the 60 with its compliment of the new plants . Notice even after a few days that the R. Macrandra and R. Wallichii seem to be doing much better in here . Will keep you posted .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A couple more shots of this tank , firstly a close up of the ex Hairgrass area.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Tennulus trimmed

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Ovalis , really powering on .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Stelatta has divided into 3 heads as well as throwing out some extra stems from the base .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Last Plant shot for this week is the "Rubin Sword ?" flower.

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:42Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Just a couple of Fishy shots to finish this week. Firstly breeding for the Angels is just an impossibility these days . The Lemon Tetra school just goes crazy for Angel eggs . The Male doesn't even get a chance to fertilise . Oh well bring on the breeding room

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A couple of the Sterbai Cory's, they are like Puppys. Seems they wag their tails at you .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Its really hard to get a good shot of the Cory school , but here is about the best shot I've been able to get so far . The Golden Barbs love schooling with these guys , must be about the energy level's I think

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Last shot for this week is the best close up yet of one of the Lemons ( the wife took it .

Next week should again not see many changes other than a little trimming of the fast growers , but you never know .


Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 12:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Very nice Garry,

I think I am kind of happy that you just "dumped" the new plant arrivals wherever you found some space (although I can see that you for sure used better judgment than just random distribution). In this stage, an awesome scape is secondary and looking at which plants of the new batch work for you and which ones don't, and then deciding on a more permanent spot or even a dump (as in "I don't like this plant at all" or "this one does not do too well in my setup" ) is the right thing to do.

One thing though: My personal experience with R. Macandra, and words from other hobbyists confirm this, is rather shaky. It doesn't like shading at all and I think they way you have bunched them will be too tight for them. On top of it all, it loves a certain fert condition, high in this and low in that (whatever this and that may be) that is not in sink with most other plants in a tank. It is such a nice looking plant that people try to adjust their ferting routine to please this plant, with negative effects on all others.

With this plant I learned a lesson from my fellow hobbyists: "Do not adjust your conditions for a single plant species while risking all others".

Hey, for all I can see from your tank, it may just work well, one never knows. But if not then keep that in mind.

With regards to the pictures, very nice as usual

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 13:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Yes LF, you can't be all things to all fish and plants in one tank. Very true

Garry the tank looks good, I really like the pic of the two corys. Nice shot.

Rotala Wallichii
This will be a real challenge, sorry but I doubt it.

Didiplus Diandra ( Blood Stargrass)
I wouldn't bother.

See even if these plants survive they won't grow the way you invision them to. Sometimes people forget, plants not only grow faster with co2, they grow much fuller and lusher.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 22:47Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
catdancer
*********
----------
Big Fish
Mad Scientist
Posts: 471
Kudos: 138
Votes: 13
Registered: 15-Apr-2007
female usa us-massachusetts
EditedEdited by catdancer
They were in pretty good nick , only a couple of the Magenta's were a bit mushy


This is my experience with this plant! When I got home after my trip to the LFS 90% had already turned to mush. Your online dealer did a pretty good job getting them to you in such great shape.

I absolutely love the look of your tank. Would you mind coming by for the weekend to trim my underwater jungle?

I have didiplis diandra in my tank it is doing very well, however, my R. walichii looks constantly like it is on someones menu. Discus??? I am curious how yours turn out.

Oh, BTW, what is your water temperature? I am inquiring regarding the sterbai, they are my favorite cories

Claudia
Post InfoPosted 11-Oct-2007 05:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fishmonster
*******
----------
Big Fish
Oh My Heck!
Posts: 329
Kudos: 88
Votes: 73
Registered: 11-Apr-2007
male usa
Garry

Im sorry i havent been able to comment latley, my comments are few and far between because of my jobs. I love the pics of the tank and fish, you got some georgous plants there mate.

I would love for you to give me some tips on photograpy and how you do it. I cant get my pics to stop being blurry. I have a hard time. Anyways mate again your tank is georgous.

Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com/main.html
Post InfoPosted 11-Oct-2007 06:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fandan
******
----------
Hobbyist
Posts: 130
Kudos: 43
Registered: 24-Mar-2007
male australia
i love this tank mate- you have made it look so alive! great shots of the corys they look full of character!
Post InfoPosted 11-Oct-2007 08:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Ingo and Jeff , Thanks for that advice . I've been avoiding those sort of plants up to
now . But what the heck I thought I'd have a go . We will see what happens .

Claudia , thanks for that , I've noticed a bit of nibbling on my R. walichii in this tank as well
Oh, BTW, what is your water temperature? I am inquiring regarding the sterbai, they are my favorite cories
Temp in this tank Ranges from 26c to 28c in summer and a constant 24c in winter .

Shane , Well there are whole books written on how to with photography . I'm a bit lucky
that my wife is a photograpy nut and has been all our married life (30 years ). So we
have a great camera ( Cannon 350D SLR)but more importantly the wife has invested
in a couple of very expensive lens which make all the difference .
I also think even with the best equipment it comes down to how many shots you take .
I would take 500 at a sitting each week and from that I might get 30 really good ones .
One of the tricks I use when trying to catch the fish is to use manual focus , as the
automatic focus is just too slow for most fish . I only use auto on the tank shots and
even then it can be a problem if theres lots of movement .
Anyway I could go on , I would buy a photography how to book and do some reading
and experimenting .
BTW your last shots of your Rams were excellent so you can do it
Thanks for the compliment.

Fandan , Thanks Mate . The Corys are very much great characters , I think I said
some where else that they seem to wag their tails at you .

Thanks everone for your input .

Garry
Post InfoPosted 12-Oct-2007 12:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
But what the heck I thought I'd have a go. We will see what happens


That's the spirit, Garry

In the worst case you can at least report to others that you did not have a good experience with this or that plant. In the best case you have a beautiful tank

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 12-Oct-2007 13:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Thanks Ingo , appreciate the support .

Week 18 Update.

I managed another week with little interference in the tank . Very proud of myself .

The only thing I did have to do is trim the Water Sprite which was shading the very
little hairgrass I have left, which may not last much longer anyway
I also had to trim the Hygro.p as it was also shading some of the Magenta and Ludwigia .

Thats it , well on to the photos . The wife bought some new lenses for the camera
this week , so I've had to learn how to use them . So far not very well I'm afraid ,
I will need more practise . Ah well all part of the learning curve .
So all that means is the photos this week are not as good as I would like .
The Full Tank from last week .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 12:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Full Tank this week

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 12:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
The Right Side, BTW the Wisteria at the back right has not grown that much . The Shark does not like it in that spot and keeps uprooting it, so its floating in this shot. I will win this battle I hope

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 12:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Left side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 12:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A closer shot of the rock group on the right where most of the new plants are for the moment .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 12:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Some detail Plant shots now , firstly a couple of my favourite success's , The Ovalis :

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 12:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Stellata , now with 7 shoots Also show the Wendti Brown doing very well

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 12:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A close up of the Plantlet growing on a stalk from the Sword in the River .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 12:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Annubia 's on the Driftwood with new growth as well as roots winding around the wood .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 12:56Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Now onto the new plants , First the Aponogeton Crispus, which seem to be doing quite well .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 12:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Bacopa

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
Now as promised a couple of comparisons of the R. Wallichii and Magenta between this tank
and the 60g . Remember the 60 g has higher light and higher dosing of Macro's .
Couple of comments , The increased light & Macros in the 60g have been going for a month
now , in conjunction with Claudia's split lighting schedule . The result has been a complete
elimination of Black Algae as well as virtually no Green spot Algae .So Thanks again Claudia.
However in this Tank whilst the black algae has declined a bit ( no longer present on the
Tennulus for instance ) it's not completeley gone and the Green spot is still very evident as
you will see from one of the fish shots later .

So it appears that lighting control alone will not fix my algae problems in this tank .
I will probably let the experiment run for another couple of weeks , but I think that I will
move this tank over to the same high light and macros as the 60 g at that time .

The reason for not going yet is these new Red plants which I've been told a number of times
can not be grown without C02 . I want to settle that in my mind and if they do poorly in this
tank see if I can bring them back .

Bit long winded , but this is something that really interests me and I hope all of you as well .

So now for some photos , First the R. Wallichii in this tank .



Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
60g R. Wallichii , I think you can see the difference, the first shot is not the best but you get the idea .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
The Magenta in this tank

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
60g Magenta , the difference here is startling .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
So you can see ,I think, what I mean . Here is a close up of the top of one of the Magenta stalks in this tank . There is still growth in this tank and it is red . But nothing like in the other tank .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
A few fishy photo's to finish .These were taken with the Wifes new Macro lens A couple of good ones but thats out of the 500 or 600 I've taken so far .

First a Cory complete with Green spot Algae

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Red Tail Shark

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
A Dwarf Loach on the rock in the river, also showing some Black algae on the old leaves on the Sword in the river . There's none on the new leaves of this plant .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A great shot of one of the Rainbows , these guys are able to turn their colours on and off at will .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
A Female Tiger Barb giving me the Eye . Think she fancys me ?

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Thats it for this week , next week should again be see a couple of new plants.
I want a few crypts etc to fill up the old Hairgrass area . I have also ordered a
Bolbitis Fern cause I fell in love with "Bob" in Ingos 40g .
Not sure where its going to go yet ?

This last shot is my wife showing me how to use a macro lens.
I think its a fantastic study of a Kissers mouth .

Enjoy

Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 13:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
fish patty
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 539
Kudos: 223
Votes: 255
Registered: 04-Oct-2006
female usa

EWWWWWWW! A kissers mouth comes apart like that!?
Guess I don't know much about fish.
Great shot!

More plants?! Guess we have different planting styles.
They all look great though!
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 18:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
clownloachfan
*********
----------
Fish Addict
Posts: 660
Kudos: 850
Votes: 115
Registered: 10-Oct-2003
male usa us-pennsylvania
nice tank and a nice shot of the dwarf chained loach.
Post InfoPosted 18-Oct-2007 19:22Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Patty , here's another with his mouth open . and yes I like alot of plants , But a warning
I used to be like you a long time ago so watch out !!!!??

clownloachfan , Thanks for that , love those guys they are so active .

Garry

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 19-Oct-2007 11:59Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Patty - Don't worry, Garry will come around again and use quite a few less plant species in the long run - Wanna bet Garry?


Garry, what can I say?

- As usual, great shots, your wife for sure knows what she is doing as well.
- Plant growth is excellent, I like the fair comparison between your two tanks and the "red" plants. I know a guy with over 6wpg on a 125G and he had the reddest plants I have ever seen.


Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 19-Oct-2007 14:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
- Plant growth is excellent, I like the fair comparison between your two tanks and the "red" plants. I know a guy with over 6wpg on a 125G and he had the reddest plants I have ever seen.
I think the red is more due to nutrient levels than lighting. I think the higher light leads to a faster nutrient uptake by the plants resulting in more red. At least that is what Tom Barrs talks about.

Your red plants do look very nice by the way. Someday I might try my hand at a few of them.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 19-Oct-2007 22:50Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
Frank the tank looks really good. I like the left sides fullness and the swords on the river's edge. I think it would look even better if you tighten up the tall plants on the right.

Fish pics are amazing, that last one of the kisser reminds me of an old girlfriend

Wings, I agree that the nutrients have to be there, but the light I believe is needed to get the color. I mean most plants color up more as they near the light and the nutrients are available to the entire plant. Just my two cents.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 20-Oct-2007 01:11Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
plankton
-----
Hobbyist
Posts: 64
Kudos: 22
Votes: 7
Registered: 17-Jul-2007
male canada
Garry, I've got a similar thing happening with my rotala wallichi. It's got a fair amount of colour in my 80G, but not in my 33G. I've got a similar amount of WPG in both tanks, so I'd have to agree with wings and tetra in thinking that it's a nutrient issue. At least in my situation that's almost certainly the case.

Jay.
Post InfoPosted 21-Oct-2007 23:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Ha Jay,

I think you got Wings right but Tetratech wrong, or I am way off. Wings blames the nutrients, tetratech says its the light as nutrients are in the lower parts of the plants as well but they are further away from a light source. Sure thing though, these plants like any plants don't grow without nutrients.

As to your experience, Jay: Have you heard about the different wattage needed for different tank sizes to achieve the same results? The smaller the tank the more wattage (wpg) is needed. So, if you had the same wpg over 80 than you had over 33 then you essentially had much more "light" on the bigger tank, and that is why your red plants did better there. This for sure would be influenced by many other things that may be different between your two tanks, but basically that's it.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 00:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Folks , thanks for the compliments and the thoughts on ferts and light .

The 60g has got a lot more light (+1.3wpg) but also double the Macros so I'm not sure
which is responsible . Maybe I should have tried the increase's separately. But from
all I've read on all the other logs and plants sites one doesn't work without the other .
As Ingo says its about getting the right balance of Lights and Carbon for the particular
size tank to allow the plants to maximise the take up of the other available nutrients .
Then making sure that there are no deficencies in nutrients to limit growth .


I know that thats telling most of you how to suck eggs , but this is all a steep learning
curve for me and there is no better way to learn than experiencing it yourself .
Ask any teenager
Anyway I'm not going to let this run much longer as the R. Wallichi is not going to well
in this tank.
BTW I forgot to thank Wings in particular for helping with his fert regime which gave me
the ideas for the 60g .
Thanks Mate .
Ingo and Tetra thanks again for your insights and support .
Jay thanks for sharing always interesting to hear of others experiences .

Garry

PS Tetra , Hope the old girlfriend isn't a Fish person
G
Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 02:23Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
BTW I forgot to thank Wings in particular for helping with his fert regime which gave me
the ideas for the 60g .
Thanks Mate .
Don't thank me. Thank Tom Barrs and or Greg Watson. I took it from them!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 03:15Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
plankton
-----
Hobbyist
Posts: 64
Kudos: 22
Votes: 7
Registered: 17-Jul-2007
male canada
Heheh..oops!

Ingo, you got me there

You know, to get me out of this, I'll just say that I think you need both proper nutrients and lots of lighting. So I agree with both of them......sorta.

The need for more light in a smaller tank is a new one for me - My understanding was that for a taller tank you need more WPG as the light is diffused through the water of a tall tank spreading out the wavelength of the light, making it much less effective.

What is the thinking behind the need for more light in a small tank? Hmmm...very interesting.

At any rate, my smaller tank has a heap o' WPG's and the red plants aren't very red. The main differnece for me between the tanks is the substrate and the ferts.


:j
Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 05:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
Wings,

FWIW, his name is Tom Barr

Garry - "Ask any teenager"

Jay - How much wattage of what kind of light is on both of your tanks?

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 14:40Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
FWIW, his name is Tom Barr


55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 23:02Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
----------
Ultimate Fish Guru
Posts: 4241
Kudos: 1074
Registered: 04-Nov-2003
male usa
I think you got Wings right but Tetratech wrong

Yes LF is right. Wings you better stop misquoting me.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 22-Oct-2007 23:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
Wings you better stop misquoting me.
I misquoted you? where?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 23-Oct-2007 02:59Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Couple of things I forgot to comment on .
Don't worry, Garry will come around again and use quite a few less plant species in the long run - Wanna bet Garry?

Ingo , Maybe , but I doubt it . There are too many fantastic different types of plants that I haven't even seen in the flesh . So it will be a long time before I cut my selections down .
I think it would look even better if you tighten up the tall plants on the right.

Tetra , Spot on , plan for this week as well as some other suprises . Just finished actually . Will see what you think in this weeks review .


Garry
Post InfoPosted 23-Oct-2007 13:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
**********
---------------
----------
***** Little Fish *****
Master of Something
Posts: 7303
Kudos: 1997
Votes: 670
Registered: 20-May-2005
male usa
So it will be a long time before I cut my selections down .


Garry,

That's why I said "in the long run". But I give you a year max, probably much less, until you come around

This does not mean that you will not continue to add new species to your repertoire, but the overall number of different species at one point in the tank will decline.

You sure are doing the right thing now though as you learn a lot about all the different options that are out there, you see them grow and you learn about their needs, you see what goes and what doesn't, and that all in a short time span.

Ingo


Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club
Post InfoPosted 23-Oct-2007 14:25Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
*********
----------
Fish Guru
What is this?
Posts: 2332
Kudos: 799
Registered: 18-Jan-2005
male usa
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/photo-album/50456-zero-water-change-20-75-update-5.html

See post #75

Just so I don't misquote someone!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 26-Oct-2007 01:28Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Ingo , Yep your probably right . I've already tried and discarded a couple of plant types
( Val's Sag's etc ) not my cup of tea..

Wings : Interesting ......

Week 19 Update

Well , Tighten up the right side said the Plant Guru ( junior). So thats exactly what I did ,
however to do that the rock group which was mostly overgrown had to go . So out it came .
I also decided to move the driftwood over the river ( and the attached Java ferns ) back a bit.
The Plants that I had out in the tennulus fields(Ludwigia Ovalis& Stellata) for recovery
purposes were moved into this area as well as the other Magentas and Ludwigias on the left side
were also consolidated to the right in the jungle .
The majority of the Hairgrass in front of the jungle is gone , so I added some Lilaeopsis as
well as a plant my LFS wanted me to try ( yes Ingo I failed to get the name again ). I cut back
the Water sprite to make it more of a foreground plant .
Whew sounds like a big change , but I'm not finished yet .
As I said last week I had ordered some other new plants and they arrived . So I then
moved to the left side of the tank and added the Rock Group back in a slightly different
configuration . Then added a couple of pieces of driftwood with an Annubia Paco and ....
wait for it... a couple of Bolbitus Ferns who I've named Bill & Ben the illegitimate sons of Bob
( just to save Tetra the trouble ).
As well I added some more small Crypts to the old hairgrass area .

Big breath ...... The Annubia I bought and attched to the rock group a couple of weeks
ago also went with the rocks .
Thats about the size of it , T'was a big day to say the least .

On to the photos , the Tank as of last week .

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 26-Oct-2007 05:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
Full Tank this week

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 26-Oct-2007 05:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Right side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 26-Oct-2007 05:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
EditedEdited by countryfish
The Left Side

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 26-Oct-2007 05:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
**********
----------
Fish Addict
Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
Posts: 645
Kudos: 83
Votes: 242
Registered: 16-May-2007
male australia
The Centre of the Tank

Attached Image:
Post InfoPosted 26-Oct-2007 05:09Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
# Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58
Post Reply  New Topic
Jump to: 

The views expressed on this page are the implied opinions of their respective authors.
Under no circumstances do the comments on this page represent the opinions of the staff of FishProfiles.com.

FishProfiles.com Forums, version 11.0
Mazeguy Smilies