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New member, my scape
- Thread starter Simes
- Start date
Nice shallow. My only recommendation is perhaps think about introducing more plants. The heavier you can plant from the outset the better, since it infers greater system stability, which in turn reduces the chances of algae, and increases your chances of success.
The Accidental Aquascaper
Member
Small thing, but the wire at the back could do with being hidden. Told you it was small!
Also, why is there a two tone thing going on in the background, is it the light?
Also, why is there a two tone thing going on in the background, is it the light?
Haha yes I noticed that and tidied it up . I think the two tone was caused by a shadow. I have more plants on the way to try and cover up a few eye sores. I’ve also put more water in and cleaned the glass. Going to put a few Pygmy corys in the tank in a few weeks
Keith GH
Member
The Accidental Aquascaper
Member
Cool, will be interesting to see what plants you add. Pygmy Corys aren’t a show stopper, but they’re on my list for the simple reason they’re super cute and very active.
They are nice little fish. If you haven't already, give some thought to introducing a clean up crew as well; otos and Amanos 
Hi all,
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a good plant for start-ups. You don’t often see it for sale, because you have to grow it submerged (although it doesn’t need to be planted), and it doesn’t travel very well, but once you’ve got it growing it is great.
Cheers Darrel
Floating plants are always a good idea, and mosses are great plants for long term scapes.
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a good plant for start-ups. You don’t often see it for sale, because you have to grow it submerged (although it doesn’t need to be planted), and it doesn’t travel very well, but once you’ve got it growing it is great.
Cheers Darrel
I’m a bit worried about over stocking. I’m currently waiting for the tank to be more established for the less hardy species. I currently have 5 zebra danios in my 80cm long shallow tank. 60 litres in total. What other fish do you reckon I could get away with? As suggested I’m adding another bunch of plants including floaters. Not switching my lights on until I feel there are enough plants in there to avoid algaeThey are nice little fish. If you haven't already, give some thought to introducing a clean up crew as well; otos and Amanos
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Most folk with planted tanks tend to under stock. It keeps organics relatively low which helps prevent algae. And because algae issues are usually foremost on our minds the clean up/algae crew is usually first on the list.
You need to switch your lights on, otherwise your plants will die and release organics and you will definitely get algae. Establish a regular photoperiod of around 5-6 hrs a day to start with, just be cautious regarding intensity. Every light is different but I usually set intensity to around 60%, maybe less over a low-energy tank, until the scape becomes biologically mature. A dimmer is a must, especially with a low-energy tank.
You need to switch your lights on, otherwise your plants will die and release organics and you will definitely get algae. Establish a regular photoperiod of around 5-6 hrs a day to start with, just be cautious regarding intensity. Every light is different but I usually set intensity to around 60%, maybe less over a low-energy tank, until the scape becomes biologically mature. A dimmer is a must, especially with a low-energy tank.
Righto. Lesson learned
Amanos are pretty much bullet proof...the internet can be a minefield of misinformation...do you have the ref or link for that info ?
I’m sorry I can’t remember where I read it. It was a few days ago now. Could have even been YouTube
That should be fine, so long as you maintain good tank husbandry etc...
Hi all,
If you don’t? You need to have them on for a short photoperiod every day.
Plants can only photosynthesise when light intensity exceeds “<light compensation point”>. When they don’t get high enough energy light they just slowly decline.
Cheers Darrel
Do you have the lights on at all?
If you don’t? You need to have them on for a short photoperiod every day.
Plants can only photosynthesise when light intensity exceeds “<light compensation point”>. When they don’t get high enough energy light they just slowly decline.
Cheers Darrel
The siesta period is a bit of a contentious issue. In a low-energy tank it's perhaps better to leave the light on and ensure decent surface agitation and flow to maintain a decent atmospheric gas exchange. That way not only do you increase 02 saturation but also a constant CO2 conc., which maybe better for plant growth and algae inhibition...https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/maxing-co2-in-low-techs.29856/ However if a split photoperiod suits your lifestyle or viewing time then I don't think it'd hurt...
