davemonkey

The Davemonkey Monk

Front View - CAUTION!! I don't know the actual dpi or pixels of these photos. Remember that the rules state you must submit in jpg format and the main photo entry is limited to 72 dpi and 1100 x 800 pixels maximum, with optional additional photos of 600 x 400 pixels.



Side View


Davemonkey Monk uses warm tones of R. rotundifolia and L. brevipes that are enhanced by yellow-spectrum lighting. That tone is offset by bright green sweeping down and over, and further off-set by a cool, dark green foreground. A backdrop of an old (1920's) photograph cover gives a deep, rich tarnished-bronze to the blank space, giving the 'scape an over-all "warm" feeling.

The tank is left fish-less to provide a sense of calm and relaxation, and hardscape is absent for the same purpose. All elements within the 'scape are soft and supple for an end-of-a-hard-day's longing gaze.

Maintenance:
The plants are trimmed weekly for shaping and height control. Algae is controlled by a few small snails, shrimp, and by hand (when present on glass). Keeping the green Rotala shorter than the Ludwigia is tricky since the Rotala grows twice as fast. Keeping GSA off the Anubias leaves is also a matter of very careful dosing since they are in direct light.

Basic Specs:
3 gallon JBJ picotope
ADA Aquasoil
2 x 9watt CLF
DIY CO2
DIY Liquid Ferts EI method
Tap Water

Flora:
Rotala rotundifolia
Ludwigia brevipes
Rotala sp. 'green'

Anubias nana 'petite'
Crypt. willisii x lucens 'bronze'
Fissidens fontanus

Fuana:
Blue Pearl Shrimp
SNAILS!!!