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Going Dutch Tropica 1-2 Grow Style

They are weeds, so cut cut cut.

A few old methods,= uproot and replant tops only= more work.
But a clean consistent look.

Topping= easy as dirt, but need to wait for regrowth.
Over time, you will likely end up topping mostly, and uprooting only the few must have species.
Topping works best for making a nice shape. Over time though, you might need to eventually uproot and replant and start with a nice cleaner planting.
 
Also, I would suggest to test which plants respond best to various trim methods, then make a catalog (mentally or otherwise) of which methods are best suited to various species.
For example, I've found poor regrowth if you top R. wallichii, but if you uproot and replant the tops, it grows wonderfully.
Rotala mini butterfly does well either way.
Downoi, well, you can top, but if you uproot and replant, you get a nicer fuller carpet and more plants to sell off.
A common stem plant: likely best to treat just like you would a hedge outside next to the house.
Grass like plants: mow just like you do a lawn.
Most all foreground plants can be mowed like this without issues.
Cutting sod from dense thickets also is a viable method.
 
Small update time...Down to one 50% water change a week now, dosing 7 pumps of tropica specialised and 5 of premium on alternate days. I'm dosing a little more fe via seachem twice a week. Things are growing well, it's getting everything to grow at the same time to make it look good, if you get what I mean, With the different growth rate of certain plants.

Here's a couple of pics anyways...

How it started
9049957615_dfbbe407da_z.jpg
image by Ian Holdich, on Flickr

Now, 2 months on
jGxDx4r.jpg


In situ shot
Zlcqx6a.jpg
 
I <3 the insitu shot Ian ;) seriously though mate, that's some transformation, I can't believe its only 2 months old! It looks lush and has great impact within the room.
Marsilea is crazy, you have all that low foreground growth, an all of a sudden it starts randomly shooting up 15cm + leaves wherever it fancies :/
Cheerio,
Ady.
 
plantbrain said:
I like those lights. George has a pair.
Click to expand...

Not many people actually like the lighting...they are great though, you need to try em out Tom!

Ady34 said:
I <3 the insitu shot Ian ;) seriously though mate, that's some transformation, I can't believe its only 2 months old! It looks lush and has great impact within the room.
Marsilea is crazy, you have all that low foreground growth, an all of a sudden it starts randomly shooting up 15cm + leaves wherever it fancies :/
Cheerio,
Ady.
Click to expand...

Thank you Ady, I'm still not really into the stem thing anymore....lol. The marsilea has already started the random high bits!

Gary Nelson said:
It looks great Ian, fantastic growth comparing the first pic! Are you running the light on full power now?
Click to expand...

Cheers G, the lighting has always been on full power, as it was for the previous scape. With regular maintainence there shouldn't be a problem.
 
Looks good mate. Can't imagine a tank with no hardscape materials. It takes skill to shape the plants like you have to create depth and an interesting landscape to look at. No interesting natural structures to draw the eye.

Obviously you're enjoying this tank, and doing a good job. But do you miss hardscape?
 
We'd happily give them a try in the USA if there's an importer. They look sharp.

A well done tank without hardscaping is not an easy task.

Cut cut cut, trim trim trim.
 
Sorry guys missed these replies.

@ dan, yes I'm really missing hardscape in a tank. Really missing it!

@ Tom, I'm sure you could sort out TMC to send you some out?


Here's a couple from tonight, it's nearly ready for the final pics. Excuse the dirty Lily's, pics are taken from some different angles

ocp5vjy.jpg


iMyoRKj.jpg


MqFy2nu.jpg
 
I just watched this video on Youtube of a stunning Dutch tank. Notice how some plants are arranged in streets like Tom Barr's tank while others are shaped into beautiful bushes. That's how to get over hardscape withdrawl syndrome.

Note, the camera he uses has weird autofocus behaviour and results in blinking in and out of focus. If you start feeling sick, better stop the video!
 
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