2.5g low-tech iwagumi - Journals

Church · 10-18-2009, 06:41 PM

I've decided I need to be more active on this forum.

I just recently purchased a standard 2.5g, and I've finally settled on a hardscape. Here's what I ended up with:

It's got one of those 27w Lights of America desk lamps over it. I don't plan on adding any CO2 to this tank, as it is time for me to finally try a low-tech tank, but I'll probably be adding Excel.

The rocks are Texas petrified wood. The substrate is 3M Color Quartz, T-grade. The plants are Marsilea minuta. It has a Red Sea nano-filter. I still haven't decided on livestock yet, but I'm open to suggestions.

Comments are always appreciated.

Tex Gal · 10-19-2009, 05:27 PM

I like it. I just wish you had one of your other rocks a little smaller than your big rock.

Church · 10-19-2009, 07:13 PM

I know.

I tried, really I did, but I ran out of room, and I just couldn't make it work. I think I just don't have the perfect sized rock to accomplish that. I had a thread over at TPT where I was experimenting with different sized rocks and placements, but I just couldn't make it perfect.

I'm definitely a noob when it comes to rock placement. I've so far found it to be an extremely intricate fine art. I'm learning as I go.

But thanks for commenting!

Church · 10-26-2009, 08:27 PM

Time for a few updated pics:

Riverboa · 10-27-2009, 05:28 AM

Nice setup! I like your main rock, it would look great once the carpet is fully formed.

-Riverboa

Church · 10-28-2009, 08:01 AM

Hey thanks, River! I look forward to that time...

Church · 11-05-2009, 08:31 AM

Time for this tank's weekly update!

There has been noticeable growth on the marsilea. Seriously, I didn't think I would be able to see the new growth happening on a weekly basis, but it's evident. Here are the pics:

A closeup of the marsilea, to show the new growth:

And a few parting shots:

Kamon · 11-05-2009, 10:01 PM

I really like the marsilea. Did it take very long to plant each individual node (I believe thats what you call it)? How long do you leave your lights on for?

Church · 11-06-2009, 12:28 PM

Yes, I have to admit it did take a long time to plant each individual node. But the majority of that time was not spent on the actual planting of the node... it was mostly the careful unravelling of each node from the mass of marsilea that was sent to me! Then I also made sure to plant them with tweezers BEFORE the tank was filled with water.

I leave the light on 10 hours a day. I also add dry ferts in very tiny amounts once a week. As soon as I see an overgrowth of algae (probably diatoms) then I will do a water change. But so far there have been no water changes.