MARIMOBALL

This question is for Mike and Jeff I recently purchased an ADA 120P and have decided to do an Iwagumi scape. I have about 100lbs of seiryu stone and 100lbs of Chinese zebra rock. My question is, How do you maintain the slope from going flat? I have tried twice on my 60P but the substrate flattens out over time. I have used HC and it does not have deep roots, and maybe that is the problem. I would like to use glosso, UG, or micro sword instead. Would it be wise to add the power sand then a plastic crate like the ones found in Home Depot to diffuse light from a flourecent ceiling fixtures. Then adding the aquasoil, rock, and more soil? this way the weight of the rock would be evenly distributed to protect the glass bottom. What is your technique? Thanks in advance.

 

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MARIMOBALL

anyone have the same problem with iwagumi scape? any success? please chime in.

jsenske

I have never had it flatten over time bfore, so I don't understand how that is happening. I always do a pretty steep slope on my layouts. Maybe you did not have enough in front of it or something?

I would NOT put anything under the substrate like a plastic crate-- that is simply not necessary.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Paul Higashikawa

Like Jeff said, if there is an adequate amount of substrate(ie. Aquasoil), then the slope should not crumble. You could try also putting some rock underneath the ones you want shown as some sort of reinforcement. It will make the rocks show off more. And the soil along those rocks should not fall down. Once the plants take over, they will more than hold the soil in place. Just out of curiosity, how high are you planning on building your slope?

MARIMOBALL

I tried twice on my 60P the slope was 2inches on the front and 5 on the back. on the 120P the slope will be 3-4 inches in the front and 8 in the back. Im thinking if going with glosso b/c it has deeper roots and maybe some E. tenelus in the back. But I prefer an all glosso or micro sword scape. The reason for adding the plastic crate is to protect the glass bottom b/c the rocks have sharp edges. Jeff and Paul thanks for your input.

Paul Higashikawa

No probs If that is your concern, then instead of putting plastic, you could put some kind of inert cloth s it is softer and can wrap around the rocks. Also, I hope you weren't thinking of putting the bottom rocks directly on the bottom of the tank. You gotta put in some soil FIRST, then add the rocks for reinforcement. Don't put anything solid directly on the bottom. Too risky.

MARIMOBALL

I was thinking 3 inches of soil under the rock. The seiryu stone is sharp and the weight of the rock may concentrate in one or two points. One rock alone weighs 65lbs. I was thinking a crate might distribute the weight a little better.

 

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