dennis

Well, its been about 5 1/2 months since I set this up. Where does the time go...?

I tend to be a bit neglectful of this tank, letting weeks or a month+ go by without water changes. The only issue that creates is a little diatom-like algae on the plants and glass. I have not dosed this tank with any fertilizer in months. CO2 ran out weeks ago and I have not refilled it. I think I will try more frequent, smaller wc's (like 25-30%) once every week or two.

As always, not the best photo, I apologize. This tank is the only one I have that could be entered in the ADA contest. There is obviously no way it would do well but I am debating really cleaning it up and entering (I somehow feel like I have to enter something) or making this the first time since I started in the hobby that I don't enter a contest. No one really has to worry about me beating them with this particular setup but I sort of feel it is my duty to enter just so that the contests are that much bigger.....

Anyway, what do you all think?

stepheus

wow i havent had an inkling that it ll turn out this way. its awesome. but i think you ll stand more chances in ADA if you have smaller fishes - part of the "fauna compatibility" requirement. i see a lot of potential in this tank now. more than previously. to meet those potential, maybe you could add some red vallis behind your narrow leaf have fern and some moss covered rocks along the white sand for depth. you might still make it for the may 31 dateline! good luck!

dennis

Thanks Stepheus, that means a lot. I'd really like to try more plants in this tank, and I may try some moss again, but the fish tend to eat it. I am at the point (right now in my life) where since I know I would not do that well in the ADA, I don't care and would simply enter for the "hobby's sake".

Still, I'm surprised I only got one response. I know its not fantastic work or anything but I don't think it sucks. I don't even want "good jobs", just a critique of any kind.

John N.

Looks great, and you managed to keep the foreground sand clean too! It could be the photograph, but everything appears "flat" and one dimensional. There doesn't seem to be any type of slope, lines, or definition from the plants and/or the layout. I have no doubt those qualities exist in the real life viewing of the tank, but in the photograph it doesn't show up.

-John N.

dennis

Thanks for the input John. I agree that it does seem flat. The entire problem is not photography, but the pic is not helping. I will try to take a photo tonight with a lighted background to see if that adds any depth. Right now, the photo is so dark in the back and at the bottom that the path effect is lost and I think that kills some of the depth.

In truth though, the only real "midground" is the hardscape and I think that leads to an off balanced, unfinished look.

Kelley

What beautiful bolbitus! It has really taken over. Is there a way to thin it a bit to expose a bit more of the hardscape. I really like the hardscape that you have and would like to see it more. Also, I think that perhaps a better photograph will help show more definition in the midground and more detail of the pretty pink fish. (You know how I love them!). Perhaps you could find a friend a friend or relative with a better camera and more skill to help you out. Sometimes I think that 3/4 of what goes into these contests is just the photograph. I often wonder if people are creating a tank to enjoy in their home or just for a pretty contest photo...

Steven_Chong

It's beautiul Dennis. I just can't help but feel it's small looking though. I have a 60cm in my own room after all, and th size just feels completely different

dennis

Kelly, do you think my photography sucks <single tear rolls down check>?

Kidding!!! Seriously, I wish I knew someone or had a nice new Nikon D-body with appropriate lens and remote flash. But allas, no.

Also, I have been thinking and slowly studying on thinning the Bolbitis. I will look at it for a long time, or over a day, and then trim one branch. I am afraid to remove to much as there is no going back then As to your photo/contest thought, I agree. However, while we all love having nice looking aquariums in our homes, I think the only way we really have to share our enjoyment or hobby is through photos. I also think that if you make a tank look its best in a photo, it will look that much better in real life. Photos are also the only way really to inspire new people or get our hobby out to the masses so contests and photos are a terrific "marketing" tool for the hobby. That's why I way I want to enter something, anything regardless of how good it is- its just more exposure for the hobby and more weight that manufacturers will see as the hobby grows.

Kelley

oh, Dennis! Don't cry. I like your photo just fine! But I'm not a judge.

You need to start making friends with art majors. They have access to very nice cameras. Also, perhaps journalism majors?

dennis

Does this look any better? The Bolbitis and Java on the left need some fluffing and trimming, but I'm working on that slowly. I may try some small moss rocks but I don;t hold out much hope for them 1) growing in time and 2) not being eaten.