Virc003

This is the start. I still have to reseal the tank. It's a slate bottom so I'm waiting on the glass to go on the bottom. I got the wood from a dead butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) my mom has been asking me to dig up in the back yard for a while now. I unintentionally waited so long that it just pulled right up with one hand. It still needs to be debarked and cleaned, but I think it's perfect for a low tech shrimp tank with something like this with cfl's for lighting and a glass top.

Don't mind the black lines. That's where I marked scratches to better determine which side will be the front.

Potential plant list:
Christmas moss wall (or fissidens if I can find enough)
Java fern
Hygro 'compact'
HC
Valisneria

I'm also wanting to weave in some java fern into the moss wall so that it looks something like the other attached picture.

What do you all think? Any suggestions?

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cableguy69846

I think you are off to a good start. And the weaving java fern into a moss wall is sheer brilliance. You have me along for the ride.

Virc003

Thanks. I forgot where, but I had seen the java fern idea online somewhere a few years ago. I can't seem to find any one doing it now, so it must have gone out of style or something.

cableguy69846

I look forward to seeing that. I wouldn't mind trying it myself at some point. Seems like it would work great.

Virc003

I will certainly let you know how it turns out and with pictures of course.

The glass came in today with an extra piece, so I got to work resealing the tank. Now to watch it dry... Turns out that extra piece is the perfect size for a top and at no extra charge.

I've been soaking the wood for a few days now, and it's like trying to hold a life jacket underwater. I hope it sinks soon.

cableguy69846

Boiling the wood for about 20 min then dunking it in cold water helps. Just keep doing it until the wood sinks.

aquaman555

Keep us updated with pics, interested to see it all setup and running. Like cableguy said just keep boiling the wood.

Virc003

It's too big to boil unfortunately. About the best I can do is use the hot water from the faucet. I do work for an industrial heat treater though...I only see bad things happening from that. I was thinking forcing water through the vascular system with a hose attached to a cut end or maybe a pressure chamber should theoretically work, but I don't have the energy to put into that.

Is there a specific soak time for hot then cold? I can do warm then cold.

cableguy69846

I did 20 min of a rolling boil, give or take, then cold water for a few. I changed out the water every time too and turned over the wood to boil the other end if I had to.

Virc003

I guess I can do hot water in my bath tub and cold in a large bucket and go between the two.