First aquascape...third attampt at plants. - Journals

wi_blue · 10-02-2009, 11:22 AM

Well I hope this one works. I restarted my 25g after a major algae infestation... fingers crossed.

After some research I desided to try and under layer of top soil 1 - 2inches with an inch of gravel over it. I have 2.75watts/gal compact floresant lighting (5500`k), and running DIY CO2.

Tex Gal · 10-02-2009, 12:40 PM

Just make sure you stuff it with plants this time. It will help you to perhaps avoid algae. Keep your photo period at a minimum and make adjustments as needed. Good luck.

wi_blue · 10-02-2009, 01:25 PM

I have put alot of stem plants (Ludwigia, Hydro., Wistiria) and Sag. Hoping that the faster growth of these plants will help me have a good start. I have it on a 10hr photo cycle as well.

wi_blue · 10-03-2009, 03:49 PM

this is a picture

wi_blue · 10-11-2009, 05:26 PM

New pic. Added some more plants to the mix.

-Ludwigia Repens (narrow leaf)

-Hygrophila difformis

-Microsorum pteropus

-Bacopa Caroliniana

-Sagittaria subulata - salveged from last tank

-Riccia fluitans - salveged from last tank

-TAXIPHYLLUM BARBIERI

-Rotala Rotundifolia

-Hygrophila sp. Roraima

-Anubias barteri var. nana - salveged from last tank

and what looks like - HYGROPHILA POLYSPERMA - salveged from last tank

Tex Gal · 10-12-2009, 08:37 AM

That's better, but it's still not STUFFED with plants. I meant that it should be almost totally covering the gravel. That way the algae won't be able to get a foothold as your plants are using up all the nutrients. It's just a way to speed cycle your tank and not have to contend with algae.

A 10 hour photoperiod is a lot. You might want to drop it down to 8 hours until you get a bigger plant mass in there.

wi_blue · 10-14-2009, 01:27 PM

Thank you. I did turn the cycle back to 8hrs. And will try to get some more plants in there.

wi_blue · 10-23-2009, 09:56 AM

So my CO2 recipe wasn't really yeilding good results. So I try this gelitan recipe posted by
anonapersona and... WOW!

I have never seen CO2 generated like this. I may use some baking soda on the next bottle if this one burns out fast, though WOW!

wi_blue · 11-02-2009, 04:11 PM

Just an update. A month in and things are going great. Little to no algae. The pleco is happy and I added some shrimp and Endler's livebreeders.

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davemonkey · 11-02-2009, 06:34 PM

Good growth and no algae, congrats! Near the powerhead in the first picture there is something with black and white stripes. What is that?

-Dave