dwalstad

I think I finally solved a problem that has plagued me for years. I can get Water Sprite to grow well if it is rooted in soil and has aerial leaves. This is a perfect combination for maximal plant growth. Works great in a small tank that is 12 inches high. However, 55 gal tanks, which I like, are 22 inches high.

Before I set up my new 55 gal, I glued (epoxy) plexiglass supports for glass shelves. With the shelves, I can put containers with soil for Water Sprite. I've also added lava rocks with attached Java Fern.

This is similar to what the pond people do-- incorporate shallow areas in their ponds for emergent plants. In the past, I've stacked bricks to bring my Water Sprite closer to the water surface. The glass shelves are much better.

Attached Thumbnails

   

Forgotten Path

Very nice and clean looking... Great idea!

Kestrel

Wow, that is a really neat idea! And it looks awesome!

totziens

Below the shelves, I think I see some Crypts. Will they be getting sufficient light hidden below the shelves? It looks very dark in that area. Behind the tank it looks like a blind..if I see it correctly and if you keep the blind opened sometimes, maybe it's not a problem after all. Maybe you should tell me

I like this idea. In fact I was thinking of using similar idea to keep livebearer fry alive after seeing how they survive in a pond years ago.

dwalstad

Thanks everybody!
The tank gets quite a bit of window light. The Crypts underneathe seem to be holding their own.
The Water Sprite is doing outrageously well.