55g and all its changes.

I was looking at all the photos of my 55 gallon and thought I'd share the journey.
Empty (on floor)

 

And today.

 

Floor shot, tonight.

 

it's amazing what journey one tank can take! yours has evolved into a nice, natural one. I mean not that it didn't look natural all along...but just the placement of things. did you start using co2? those swords are pretty crazy!

 

it's amazing what journey one tank can take! yours has evolved into a nice, natural one. I mean not that it didn't look natural all along...but just the placement of things. did you start using co2? those swords are pretty crazy!

Yes. I have DIY CO2. I run 2 3L and a gallon jug, all full of yeast, sugar, and baking soda. I also make DIY fertcicles, osmocote frozen in ice. I shove them in the sand under the swords every other month.

I'm happy with the look, but feeling another change coming. Maybe rocks this time with the swords on each end. IDK?

 

I actually like the swords together on the one end. when they were split, it looked more 'on purpose' instead of random, like in nature. =]

 

I actually like the swords together on the one end. when they were split, it looked more 'on purpose' instead of random, like in nature. =]

It took me a long time to get a look I liked. I know I should leave alone. One BP has decided to nest right behind an amazon sword, exposing the roots.
But the fish are happy so I'll try to leave alone.LOL

 

it doesn't even look like BPs are in there lol. I didn't see a hint of one. hiding I guess. but I thought they would bother plants? maybe not too much....it's a nice look, you shouldn't change tooooo much. =]

 

it doesn't even look like BPs are in there lol. I didn't see a hint of one. hiding I guess. but I thought they would bother plants? maybe not too much....it's a nice look, you shouldn't change tooooo much. =]

I will take you're advise and leave be, for now. Hehe
The BPs hide amoung the plants, still very shy.

 

A little change. Can you tell what?

 

ooo ooo poo pick me!

The flower pot moved.

 

ooo ooo poo pick me!

The flower pot moved.

Yes and something else. I had to move Sunshine the BP and her pot. She was digging up the tank and terrorizing the fish. Since she moved to the corner everyone is much happier.

 

I'm really sick of these swords. I'm fighting the urge to take out. The fish love them, hide all the time.

I did remove some jungle val and ludwiga. Then put some back to re-hide filter.

 

Haha I can trim that down a little

 

AMAZING tank!

 

Why are you sick of the Swords? Cause fish hide?

 

Why are you sick of the Swords? Cause fish hide?

I don't know really. I've had them so long. The pearl's and BPs lay in them so they like them. I just want some type of change. I'm concerned about the driftwood hurting the BPs when they zip through the tank. I moved the wood forward, against the glass, to give the BPs more swim room in the back. I may just separate the swords, remove wood, and add rock caves. We'll see. The swords also cut the water movement down so I use 2 filters.

 

Your Swords look like they take up half your tank. Wow! They sure are pretty!

 

They do take half the tank. They're so tall they curl over.

 

the swords are my favorite part about the tank . maybe you could remove some of the sand to give them alittle more room

 

the swords are my favorite part about the tank . maybe you could remove some of the sand to give them alittle more room

Everyone loves those darn swords. LOL

 

yeah, no kidding psalm...Swords seem to be the "in" thing. lol

 

yeah, no kidding psalm...Swords seem to be the "in" thing. lol

I think I'm going to separate the swords so they aren't so massive.

 

I have a vision.
This cave/rock center.

With swords at each end of tank. Ludwiga and vals behind cave.
What do ya think?

 

Anyone have an opinion?

 

I like it.

 

I like it.

Which? New idea or old?

 

Which? New idea or old?

New idea.

 

I didn't buy the cave yet. I am however going to look at rocks tomorrow at a landscaping store. I want rocks for sure.

Funny, I'm surrounded by rocks, yet none of them are flat enough to be used. I want the rocks to be functional as caves.

 

So after a very stressful day w/ my son, I made it to the landscaping place.
I bought some nice rock pieces from the broken pile. I had one piece cut into 3, it was perfect.

The pieces are soaking now.

Hope to set up next weekend.

 

My idea.

 

So after soaking rocks and scrubbing well, they are in the tank. My BPs have each found their new homes. Here' the rock design.
(Ignore the stones in front, didn't use)

 

And my helper. LOL.

 

I like what you did with the rocks. Can't wait to see it in the tank. Love the swords, btw

 

Thanks. I placed the swords at each end of the rocks, in the corners of tank.
I fell in love w/ that bottom rock, but it was all in one piece at the scrap bin.
I had it cut into 3 pieces. Pretty cool, huh.

 

I like the rock formation and your helper

 

I love the look in tank already. I've been sitting in front of tank for awhile watching the fish explore their new home.

 

pics or it didnt happen.....

 

I'm impressed with how lovely the tank looks. I'm in the process of how I want to aquascape my tank.

 

pics or it didnt happen.....

Here it is.