Quick update then...
Seem to have sorted out the little algae problem I had after coming back from my hols. It was starting to accumulate in the Lilaeopsis, which was getting very thick and dense. So, as well as trying to work out a way to rid myself of it, I also wanted to think about how I manage a grass foreground.
Getting the CO2 back on-line properly and dosing a normal Excel dose daily did the trick. I also basically gave the Liliaeopsis a haircut. Within a week or so the algae had gone. I also added a dozen ottos, although I think the CO2, Excel, trim did the trick.
I was thinking about how to manage the grass foreground for sometime, as it has grown very thick, and in some cases is too tall. I'd read you could just trim certain grass-like plants just as you'd do with a lawn, and so I figured I'd give it a go. Having got at it with the scissors, it didn't look great (still some algae in it), but after a week or so new growth was clealy evident, and this, coulped with the algae disappearing was encouraging. So, it seems that giving it a good trim is an alternative to pulling the whole section and re-planting, at least in the medium term.
I think this is pretty interesting, because a lot of folk have moved away from conventional foreground planting recently (including myself) becuase they are either tricky to grow sufficiently well to give a really nice result, or when they do get going (as this has) they kind of run-away with themselves, and you end up having to do a lot of messy re-planting.
Ferns are growing well, just doing their thing. It always takes time in my tanks (or so it seems) for Java ferns to really get going, and mine look nice and healthy, but seems to be putting a lot of energy into developing adventitous plantlets on the leaves (with attendant not so great looking hairy roots!). Occasionally, I remove a large Congo water-fern leaf too.
The crypts are also doing pretty well, and I would describe their growth a very good. That said, they are still not where my best Crypts were in my ADA Aquasoil Malaya tank. Those things were the best I've ever grown. Interesting becuase I'd read that ADA recommend Malaya in particular for Crypts (which is kind of obvious I suppose).
Anyway, more photos soon...Just done another big trim of the stems, and I'm thinking that next time around, the cuttings might have to be re-planted.
Nick