AQUAMX

Part 2.

For the next phase of my journal it is the hardscape. It has always been a favour of mine to do IWAGUMI using stem plants and dense foreground.

First i had my available stones placed on a mat so i could work easier. The main stone L and R was chosen for their structure and size . Sub and side stone were chosen accordingly.2 IWAGUMI groups were created for this layout. Japanese stone was also used in this layout.



I started with main stone left followed by main stone right. Sub and main stones were then placed. I spent much time trying to make sure the inclines and flow of the stones were correct so that it presents a whole balance and seems in place. Some foam was used to protect the glass and support the rock. I wanted to emphasise the rock coming from the earth and chose to structure the stone then place the soil around it.



For the substrate i am using ADA substrate system. Powersand special was laid first. I used approx 9L covering 2/3 of the floor area. It is a beautiful looking material for those who have not seen it. I did not want to overdo it with the special sand and risk massive algae due to excess nutrients.





Finishing the substrate system, i used ADA aquasoil amazonia. It was sloped outward and back to create depth and help with emphasis of a natural feeling. I debated on using bright sand to create river chanels through a section. Looking at the layout with my partner i decided to leave out this part of the layout. More soil has been added since this photo and i created more depth and height at the back. I will update this photo on sunday.



Plants included in the next part of the layout are-

Didiplis diandra, Hemianthus callitrichoides, Hemianthus micranthemoides, Glossostigma diandrum, Rotala sp.green, Rotala rotundifolia, Eleocharis acicularis, Echinodorus tennelus and Christmas moss.

Brad

..

zQ.

Nice journal ! Im gonna make one too !

arowanaman

Good Idea with the Foam supports I like the choice of rocks did you find those locally? or did you purchase them?

HoustonFishFanatic

Looking Good!!!!!!!!!!!

AQUAMX

Hi guys

Thank you.

The rocks were sourced from a local bonsai nursery. The were identified to me by the owner as ' japanese stone'. To me it looks like japanese stone and it cut like stone and the weight is very heavy. He said some time ago he imported a large amount but it was a one of due to the cost involved.

The foam was necessary for me while i worked with the stone and to not damage the glass. It is deceiving in photographs, stones here are very large when you realise this is a 4x2x2 or 120cmx60cmx60cm aquarium.

AQUAMX

Part 3.

The next stage of my journal of course is the planting. This took me around 4 hrs if I exclude the coffee breaks with Tim Tams.
The plants used were Blyxa Japonica, Didiplis diandra, Eleocharis acicularis, Glossostigma diandrum, Hemianthus callitrichoides, Hemianthus micranthemoides, Ludwigia arcuata, Marsilea drummondii and Marsilea hirsuta.

I started by planting the glosso, this was painstaking and took up the most amount of time. I spread it out approx 5cm apart covering the whole foreground. I am unsure if I am happy with this plant; if it does come together thick then I will replace it with normal glosso or may even simply add it and let it take over the diandrum. I added Marsilea species just in very small amounts. I think it will present a more natural look when grown in.



Next I planted the mid ground which included Eleocharis, Blyxa and HC. The Blyxa was used mainly to fill in the rear areas of the rockwork. I am hoping it will go UN noticed for the most part. The Eleocharis was planted at the base of the rocks in the front and mid areas .The idea with the hairgrass is to give the rocks a more natural appearance. I want them to appear as though they belong. I finally placed some HC in the front openings of the IWAGUMI. As this grows I am going to manipulate the growth so it moves down toward the front.



The final stage of planting was the background using Didiplis diandra, Ludwigia arcuata and Hemianthus micranthemoides. The idea is to blend the red from left and right into a green in the centre. If this becomes to off putting I will remove it and have 2 clean sections without a join. I am trying to create a valley type effect but I will have to adjust as I go. Stem by stem I planted the Didiplis and it sure took a while I had a ton (thanks Justin). The small amount of Lud was placed in the left and right corners. I’m hoping to form a couple of small patches just to throw the diff reds a little.

Anyway here is the tank in its first day of setup. The water of course will clear in a few days. I will be paying particular attention to W/C of 40% every 3 days for the first week or 2. No fertilisers are being added atm and I will begin to dose slowly after 2 weeks. I have added bacteria and with the ammonia content already I will plan to cycle the tank fairly quickly. Shrimp will be added once the NH4, No2 and No3 do their thing.

Pictures unfortunately are not showing a lot at this stage which is expected but I am planning to update every 2 or 3 weeks. Weekly would probably get a little boring for you guys.

I hope you are enjoying my Journal

AQUAMX

Hello again

Its been 3 weeks now and time for an update before i trim. I still have some small amounts of algea yet to clear up but the nutrient explosion has been hard to contain.

I replaced the diandrum with elatinoides as i did not like the look of the diandrum. It was simply to small in size under the halides and the color did not suit, i am much happier with the change. After only 2 weeks since planting i am happy with the growth.

I only recently added some more didiplis between the front rocks, this is why you will notice shorter growth at the front. The rear right hand side also has a large section of ludwigia arcuata, you may see perhaps 1 stem only as it was added later but when it comes up to height i hope it to make a dramatic effect.

The blank section hard left has rotala sp. and some limnophila sp. in the mid section. The rotala was originaly emersed so the growth has taken some time but is coming along strong now.

In front of the right IWAGUMI you will notice a large patch of Hemianthus callitrichoides coming from between the 2 front rocks (pic2). This has been my favourite part of the tank. It's growth has been incredible. In previous conditions i had the usual small and under developed growth that has been commonly seen. It has been very rewarding to finally have it reach it's proper potential in the high light conditions and with proper fertilizing.

The last thing i have found to be interesting is the amazing snails(pic3) which i would like to think came from the powersand. While this may be a fairytale they amaze me none the less.

It is very much a work in progress, i am getting closer to what i picture. The trimming will produce thicker regrowth of the didiplis and allow me to shape it correctly. The plants have been left to growout until now while the tank settled. Aside from some algea to clear up i am happy with the 3-4 week stage.

Flora and fauna are as follows

Flora

Limnophila Aromatica, Didiplis diandra, Ludwigia arcuata, Ludwigia repens, Hemianthus callitrichoides, Hemianthus micranthemoides, Micranthemum Umbrosum, Glossostigma elatinoides, Eleocharis acicularis, Marsilea hirsuata, Ranunculus inudatus, Rotala rotundifolia, Hygrophyla polysperma, Vesicularia ferriei (weeping moss) and Nesea pendicillata.

Fauna

Ottocinclus x 10, Caridina sp. x 40?


Full tank shot




HC




Snail sp?

FelixAvery

you might want to adjust the color balances on thoose photos so the plants are green?
but other than that looking nice

AQUAMX

Thanks Felix

My photoshop and photography skills are very fresh so still a ways to go.

gas

looking good
good plants and rocks