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Hi all. If anyone could provide me some advice on my current dry start tank it would be much appreciated. This is only the second scape I have ever attempted and I am starting to get worried. I am 6 weeks into a dry start and luckily I have had no mold issues and only light algae growth. It’s a 75 gallon tank and due to its size I opted to use an organic potting mix instead of an aqua soil as my substrate, but I used an iron rich substrate and aqua soil from my last tank and capped it with the potting mix. I am aware of the challenges this comes with after filling the tank (cleaning, nutrient spikes, and floating debris), but I will cross that bridge when I get there. I have my tank covered with Saran Wrap with tiny holes poked in a grid formation, and a corned slightly peeled back. Humidity is high as the walls of the tank are constantly covered in condensation. The problem is I have experienced significantly less growth than most other dry starts I’ve read about. I am seeing runners in some places but relatively low amounts. Many other scapes have a full carpet after 2 ish months. Any ideas on what could be my issue? Also, around week 4 I experimented with trimming some of the grass to try and encourage runners as I’ve read that works for other people; however, I’m not sure if that is ideal for emersed conditions.

 

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Here are some pictures of the tank now. The moss is growing fine as well as the S repens. Have some mini swords on the right of the stump which don’t appear to be doin well either, but they are still alive. Tried throwing a couple rotala stems from my other tank in as well about two weeks in (didn’t expect them to survive but they’re doing better than expected and I’ve seen new growth). Am I just being impatient or am I making mistakes somewhere?

 

[mistergreen]

I grew DHG emersed with the help of sunlight. Yeah, it needs a good amount of light.

That sand looks like it'll be a problem. It's too fine? It'll cause compact anaerobic areas.