TXLutzy
Seedling
Hi All!
Thanks for letting me join...even though, I'm from Texas! I am currently running 2 tanks, both planted - low tech. The first is a Fluval 15g with built in filtration, the second is a small 10g with an HOB. ( I started with an internal - but, it wasn't enough water movement)
I am returning to the hobby after 25 years of tank free life. Prior to children, I had a small saltwater reef tank and a 55g african cichlid tank. I stumbled upon "Aquascaping" and have been hooked. Very peaceful, a way to connect with nature. You tube is a fantastic resource that didn't exist my last go round.
I'm hoping to engage with folks here on discussions around what may work with my parameters, tips and techniques. here's what I've learned so far:
1. Substrate: I believe a "mix" of substrates will prove most successful for me. In my first tank (Fluval 15) - I used 100% Eco-Complete with root tabs. The look is OK. The planting experience is poor. The material itself is light, sharp and doesn't hold roots very well. I've had a number of roots severed as I've tried to move plants around. Doesn't seem "great" for the fish either. I tried Fluval Stratum (100%) in my 2nd tank and it is much better to plant in. NEXT TIME: I will likely do a small layer of Eco complete with tabs, followed by Fluval stratum, then black sand on top. I've found planting in sand is MUCH easier...particularly for small plants that lack large root structures.
Advice on Substrates? Thoughts?
2. Water: My water is maybe the hardest water on the planet. My test kits "max" at well over 350ppm. I suspect this will be limiting and frustrating as I don't really want to use anything other than tap water. I've had a few plants melt away already...but, that may not be completely down to hard water....hard to isolate.
3. Fish: I have: Amano shrimp, chili raspboras, celestial danios, one red shrimp, one blue, nerite snails and many ottocinclus. The danios have actually been pretty outgoing - they don't hide and have been out front a lot. I started with 10 chili raspboras...down to 5. I think a larger school would be much better - thinking >15.
4. Plants: first - and, this drives me crazy - I have the hardest time identifying plants. Mine never seem to look exactly like pictures.
- Pogostemmon Octopus does very well - it grows and grows - also takes to replanting well. Seems immune to the hard water.
- I *think* I have limnophilia aromatica - (bought at LFS without a name) - and...it too seems to do well in the hard water.
- Monewort - seems to be doing VERY well, I trim and replant and it keeps growing well
- Amazon Sword - has been in the tank for months - looks exactly the same as the day I put it in. No new growth, no melt.
- Java Fern - eh. also hasn't done much in the 3 weeks it has been in the tank.
I've had problems with bucephalandra both varieties I purchased melted away and aren't doing well.
I'm generally not having much luck with water column feeders. I've been dosing with an easy green 1-2 times per week. I get a lot of melt.
I look forward to being an active member here - I hope everyone is healthy and happy.
Thanks for letting me join...even though, I'm from Texas! I am currently running 2 tanks, both planted - low tech. The first is a Fluval 15g with built in filtration, the second is a small 10g with an HOB. ( I started with an internal - but, it wasn't enough water movement)
I am returning to the hobby after 25 years of tank free life. Prior to children, I had a small saltwater reef tank and a 55g african cichlid tank. I stumbled upon "Aquascaping" and have been hooked. Very peaceful, a way to connect with nature. You tube is a fantastic resource that didn't exist my last go round.
I'm hoping to engage with folks here on discussions around what may work with my parameters, tips and techniques. here's what I've learned so far:
1. Substrate: I believe a "mix" of substrates will prove most successful for me. In my first tank (Fluval 15) - I used 100% Eco-Complete with root tabs. The look is OK. The planting experience is poor. The material itself is light, sharp and doesn't hold roots very well. I've had a number of roots severed as I've tried to move plants around. Doesn't seem "great" for the fish either. I tried Fluval Stratum (100%) in my 2nd tank and it is much better to plant in. NEXT TIME: I will likely do a small layer of Eco complete with tabs, followed by Fluval stratum, then black sand on top. I've found planting in sand is MUCH easier...particularly for small plants that lack large root structures.
Advice on Substrates? Thoughts?
2. Water: My water is maybe the hardest water on the planet. My test kits "max" at well over 350ppm. I suspect this will be limiting and frustrating as I don't really want to use anything other than tap water. I've had a few plants melt away already...but, that may not be completely down to hard water....hard to isolate.
3. Fish: I have: Amano shrimp, chili raspboras, celestial danios, one red shrimp, one blue, nerite snails and many ottocinclus. The danios have actually been pretty outgoing - they don't hide and have been out front a lot. I started with 10 chili raspboras...down to 5. I think a larger school would be much better - thinking >15.
4. Plants: first - and, this drives me crazy - I have the hardest time identifying plants. Mine never seem to look exactly like pictures.
- Pogostemmon Octopus does very well - it grows and grows - also takes to replanting well. Seems immune to the hard water.
- I *think* I have limnophilia aromatica - (bought at LFS without a name) - and...it too seems to do well in the hard water.
- Monewort - seems to be doing VERY well, I trim and replant and it keeps growing well
- Amazon Sword - has been in the tank for months - looks exactly the same as the day I put it in. No new growth, no melt.
- Java Fern - eh. also hasn't done much in the 3 weeks it has been in the tank.
I've had problems with bucephalandra both varieties I purchased melted away and aren't doing well.
I'm generally not having much luck with water column feeders. I've been dosing with an easy green 1-2 times per week. I get a lot of melt.
I look forward to being an active member here - I hope everyone is healthy and happy.