FrankZ
Well-known Member
I haven’t tried it in a while. I think I’d do much better with it now. I’m sure you’ll do great with it. From what I’ve read it’s infinitely easier with zero alkalinity
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Journal My $12 Aqueon 10 gallon journey from nothing.
- Thread starter HardeeParty
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #62
Already getting new growth from a node.
5 gallon got a heavy cut and is looking stellar. Lots of poor old growth, so I’m considering cutting down everything subpar to grow fresh since the Thrive+ seems to be some magic juice for the tank.
The new light on the 5 gallon?
- Thread starter
- #64
To be perfectly honest, I think the colors on the old light look great compared to the new one. Could just be the camera messing with the image though, my Twinstar looks awful on camera.
Regardless, love them both just beautiful
Regardless, love them both just beautiful
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- Thread starter
- #66
I actually agree. The difference is definitely more exaggerated in photos. The M450 is an older light with the 2.0 Bluetooth module. I’ve read the newest 2023 P600’s with the updated module have updated boards and chips that have a more purple/blue hue resultant of tweaks to optimize plant growth, but who knows. It’s still new to me and I’m finding the right balance. I do notice the balance appears much more neutral when the light is at a low power level.
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- #67
So I’ve been exceptionally negligent on tank maintenance and water changes lately. The weeping moss that never seemed to weep was getting loaded with detritus and crap, evident from the large plume of particles every time it was touched while trimming. The rotala and ludwigia had grown through it and created a neat mountain/canopy but the underside was a mess of roots that isn’t salvageable. Time for it to go.
Pulled a big mess out and unveiled the anubias I almost forgot I had. Took a TDS sample…. Yikes.
Going to pull the most neglected filter and rinse it out, agitate the substrate surface to kick up the loose stuff, prune the tops that are starting to show poor growth (presumed toxicity, not deficiency), and dip into the grow out tub for some healthy plants while I shop for some new variety.
I’d like to more carefully plant some contrasting colors and textures to create a more defined look. I welcome any and all criticism, suggestions, and berating.
Despite all logic, the ammania golden had never looked better. That isn’t saying much though.
Pulled a big mess out and unveiled the anubias I almost forgot I had. Took a TDS sample…. Yikes.
Going to pull the most neglected filter and rinse it out, agitate the substrate surface to kick up the loose stuff, prune the tops that are starting to show poor growth (presumed toxicity, not deficiency), and dip into the grow out tub for some healthy plants while I shop for some new variety.
I’d like to more carefully plant some contrasting colors and textures to create a more defined look. I welcome any and all criticism, suggestions, and berating.
Despite all logic, the ammania golden had never looked better. That isn’t saying much though.
- Thread starter
- #68
Got brave today. Half way to the full reset. Swapped back the original inflow and outflow back onto the hang on canister. The lily pipes sacrificed too much flow and had dwindled down to near nothing. HUGE improvement, and less pipes and hoses are a cleaner look. Water change with 50/50 RO and tap mix. Decided to switch from seachem neutral regulator dechlorinator for WECO de-chlor as well. I wasn’t fond of the phosphates it was adding (from what I understand at least. If I’m wrong, please correct me).
Going to float the idea of picking up a 20 long (10 gallon replacement) this weekend to the wife. Wish me luck lol. I’ll be attempting to de-rim the full length of the front trim as well if everything goes as planned.
Took a stroll through a stormwater retention area next to my job in search of B. caroliniana. No dice, but some lovely emmersed growth regardless.
Going to float the idea of picking up a 20 long (10 gallon replacement) this weekend to the wife. Wish me luck lol. I’ll be attempting to de-rim the full length of the front trim as well if everything goes as planned.
Took a stroll through a stormwater retention area next to my job in search of B. caroliniana. No dice, but some lovely emmersed growth regardless.
- Thread starter
- #69
Getting somewhere…
FrankZ
Well-known Member
I like it!
FrankZ
Well-known Member
What kind of fish is this? It looks very neat, I like it!!
Did you grab that locally?
- Thread starter
- #73
That’s one of two Florida flagfish. Aka my secret weapon algae eaters. Those two will eat absolutely anything. Small, communal, adaptable to any water parameters, lots of personality, active, and I’ve observed them eat every type of algae I’ve ever seen in these tanks. Have never touched the plants (except one time they ate my rotala bonsai tissue cultures like they were celery sticks).
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- #74
FrankZ
Well-known Member
I think something light green and fuzzy would like nice there. Myrio something or limno aromatica (I think that’s the fuzzy one)
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- #76
Agree, but I have Limnophila hippuridoides right now and I love it, but it gets very big and overwhelms the tank very quickly. Was thinking of something smaller. Real estate is tight.
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- #77
I overlooked “Myro” in your comment. I think you’re right, and Myriophyllum aquaticum grows wild here. I’m on the hunt now.
- Thread starter
- #78
Also, I wanted to share a tool I use when searching for field collecting aquatic plants. The Global Biodiversity information Facility website has been an asset when searching for specific species.
www.gbif.org
It’s a GIS based database with an attribute searchable map function that displays a cluster map.
Some screenshots from a recent search of mine:
*Disclaimer*
I do not promote nor condone field collecting fauna without proper permits
GBIF
Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Free and Open Access to Biodiversity Data.
www.gbif.org
It’s a GIS based database with an attribute searchable map function that displays a cluster map.
Some screenshots from a recent search of mine:
*Disclaimer*
I do not promote nor condone field collecting fauna without proper permits
- Thread starter
- #79
Updates on the transition and growth.
Wild collected Limnophila sessiliflora is growing like, well, a weed.
Rotala wallichi is transitioning and throwing out new shoots as it adjusts to the tank. Ammannia golden won’t seem to adjust or grow, but doesn’t want to die either.
Rotala ramiosor ‘Florida’ is showing nice steady color, and the Lindernia has taken root and throwing out new shoots. Not entirely sure what the two wild collected pale green stems are. Bacopa maybe? It’s tops are turning orange/red from the stem out. What does it look like to you?
Rotala rotundifollia from the emmersed bin in the back.
Not sure what this is either. The leaves are classic ludwigia, but it’s tiny and has a low creeping growth pattern. Time will tell.
Wild collected Limnophila sessiliflora is growing like, well, a weed.
Rotala wallichi is transitioning and throwing out new shoots as it adjusts to the tank. Ammannia golden won’t seem to adjust or grow, but doesn’t want to die either.
Rotala ramiosor ‘Florida’ is showing nice steady color, and the Lindernia has taken root and throwing out new shoots. Not entirely sure what the two wild collected pale green stems are. Bacopa maybe? It’s tops are turning orange/red from the stem out. What does it look like to you?
Rotala rotundifollia from the emmersed bin in the back.
Not sure what this is either. The leaves are classic ludwigia, but it’s tiny and has a low creeping growth pattern. Time will tell.
Looking good on progress. Where did you pick up the Florida from?
