Journal Blue backed

[Edvet]

This is a journal for my new breeding tank for M. ramirezi. These are in a densly grown holding tank at the moment, fattening up and growing out. If a pair is obvious i will transfer them to this.
At the same time this is a tank to experiment a bit, see what happens if i stick plants in this foam. I know moss and ferns will attach to it, lets see what other plants can do.
There is one large matten filter covering sides and back and two small filters behind in the corners.

Apart from some moss and the Lomariopsis i've added Heteranthera zosterifolia (left front) and Ludwigia helminthorrizha (floating and stuck some pieces between foam and tank and i stuck some Tonina behind and in the foam.

 

[Edvet]

Oh and a Chihiros A601 .

 

[soggybongo]

cant fault the chihiros led. i have the a301 version. think black would look better and more natural background though.

 

[Edvet]

I got black ones too, just wanted to see how these turn color.

 

[tam]

Looks like a fun project. My first instinct building it would have been black foam, but actually I don't hate the blue and I wonder if it will turn a nice green/brown colour that looks very natural as it matures. Black is nice for making colours pop but it doesn't look very natural. Bet you will get some lovely emersed growth on the top edges too.

 

[DutchMuch]

maybe im the loner who never uses lids or backgrounds period.

 

[rebel]

In relation to tank size, has to be one of the largest filters ever.

 

[doylecolmdoyle]

Cool idea! will be watching it evolve!

 

[Edvet]

Ludwigia is going fast like the firedepartment:

It gets some beautifull floating devices:

and a lot of growth:

 

[zozo]

Interesting experiment.. I have a Bacopa growing on the filter pads in my open top sump and it roots like crazy all the way through the coarse and the fine sponge into the biomedia.

Actualy no idea how that will work verticaly and submersed, i guess like that the laws of gravity and plants will behave slightly different. But i would definitively start planting the emersed part of the sponge with some trailing plant sp. in your case. It'll absolutely root down and likely pop something out submersed.

Oh and it flowers too.

 

[Edvet]

Thx i am thinking about some plantgrowth there, just want to get it startted now and i will find something suitable.
This is the top of my black cube, this all spontaneously appeared.
.

 

[zozo]

Is that an emersed Java fern? Spontaniously? How long did it take?.. Absolutely stunning!!.. Been trying that for years now (forced) without any success.. Is that open top?? If so there still is hope..
Thanks for posting that..

 

[Edvet]

Aye i had some java fern added to the wall when had Betta's in it. It's changed to an SA tank now, still Javafern growing on the wall as is Lomariopsis. These appreared about a year ago i guess.
The tank is open, and i will leave them in place.

 

[zozo]

The tank is open, and i will leave them in place.

Awsome! That is something realy unique, not yet seen it before and did quite some searching on it. And trying the get java fern to addapt to lower humidity for years now without success outside a controled green house. Than in your case if that grew from spores, you might be one of very few growing this plant in this condition..
Enviable!!

 

[Edvet]

Weekly update:

 

[Edvet]

 

[zozo]

Ludwigia helminthorrizha

Have to keep an eye out for that one.. realy beautifull floater.. Not yet did setup that planted in tank sump filter. Worth a try to start it emersed from there.

 

[Edvet]

Quick update phone pic

and vid

 

[Edvet]

Getting all nice and jungly for the fish:

 

[Edvet]

Ram's will come from these: