Conundrum: new short plants & red eyes that need tall cover

[KribensisLover1]

I have the wood below, yet am wondering a purely subjective question—what wood do you all like? I like the spidery wood but it usually isn’t as large as the mopani. And I love mopani it’s just dark in a dark tank. The pieces below are what I currently have between the two tanks. I’ll have to try to fit the large mopani through and around the bracing. I am aware that my stocked tank (the one with the fish I am moving) looks like heck, but the water is clean. Im just ignoring scaping bc of the imminent move of the fish to the new tank. I have been running a filter on the new and it has nitrates but .25 ammonia with no source—aka my water. Ugh.
also: what do you all think of this idea (link). I worry I would get it or find one and it wouldn’t grow moss and would look awful. Thoughts? Driftwood for Aquarium Aquascape Bonsai Tree Driftwood for - Etsy

 

[TClare]

I think the chunkier pieces of Mopani are probably better. The spidery wood is nice, but I think its maybe too small for the tank, not very easy to tell from the photos though.

As for the bonsai trees, personally I prefer a more natural look. One of my local shops had some made up ones in that they were selling for ridiculous prices, when I returned to the shop a couple of weeks later the moss had partly gone brown and looked awful. I think these might be difficult to maintain in a low tech set up - not sure though.

 

[briangcc1997]

I tend to favor mopani as it sinks without any need for pre-soaking.

We also have, in a few tanks, some spider wood. Most of that I've had to screw to slate to hold it down - otherwise it floats. The only downside to the spider wood is that I've had a few fish get injured because of it. Now to be totally fair, its not the fault of the wood, rather its the 9.5" Featherfin catfish thinking its a 2" Tetra and can swim through it. Darn dufus!

As for the Bonsai...if you like it, go for it. I see a home for lots of anubias but that's what grows in my tanks. Moss may work for you so give it a go. Worst case is you'll put java fern or some sort of anubias on it instead right??

 

[BigManAquatics]

Mopani is what i tend to have. Usually have decent pieces i like at decent prices and most of those pieces are mounted to slate even.

 

[Wendybrass]

I think the chunky wood in your tank would look amazing. My next project is going to be sort of bonsai - I'm going to attempt a tree as the focal point but using all low tech friendly plants as the tree's canopy.

 

[KribensisLover1]

So I took apart the tank and am moving things around. I planted so randomly I have to uproot and plant again but that’s fine. I want to move the giant mopani into this tank but I’m scared to mess up the current tank bc it’s been in there so long. So I was also going to move the fish today and realized an issue: this tank is SO DEEP (for me) that I can barely plant at all, and when I do, the water needs to be like 2” deep. It’s insanely deep. Not sure how y’all do this! 24” and I know you all have tanks this deep or deeprr

 

[aquanata]

So I took apart the tank and am moving things around. I planted so randomly I have to uproot and plant again but that’s fine. I want to move the giant mopani into this tank but I’m scared to mess up the current tank bc it’s been in there so long. So I was also going to move the fish today and realized an issue: this tank is SO DEEP (for me) that I can barely plant at all, and when I do, the water needs to be like 2” deep. It’s insanely deep. Not sure how y’all do this! 24” and I know you all have tanks this deep or deeprr

I used to stand on tall stools to drop plants into the dirt & sand of my big tanks, haphazardly, with weights tied on. Now I act like a proper fish keeper with huge tongs, in only shallow longs & breeders, still planting haphazardly, still wet to the armpits.

Your aquascaping journey is inspiring & making me laugh at my own tank tribulations. Thank you!

 

[TClare]

Yes, I always have to stand on something to plant or trim the bigger tanks. A set of aquascaping tools would be very useful for you, the long tweezers and scissors are a great help.

 

[KribensisLover1]

I used to stand on tall stools to drop plants into the dirt & sand of my big tanks, haphazardly, with weights tied on. Now I act like a proper fish keeper with huge tongs, in only shallow longs & breeders, still planting haphazardly, still wet to the armpits.

Your aquascaping journey is inspiring & making me laugh at my own tank tribulations. Thank you!

well, I did it. Moved the fish, that is. Here are pics of the tank. A.) it looks so empty.
you can see I have many inches of sand so in reality it’s not THAT much taller than my 40 breeder (in terms of top to where I plant) but it feels it.
b.) it’s still a mess. I like PARTS of the right side. The wood I was able to move is nice bc it’s nice wood. I HATE the left side. I threw the fake left side plant in last min and it looks awful but I’m getting more real asap. I do like when people build little cages out of rocks but I HATE HATE HATE mine. So any thoughts on what to move and what to scrap? Edit; happy to post more detailed pics of the wood to show how it would look flipped etc. and 86 ssinit you called it! I couldn’t get that huge piece of wood in and I moved it back and forth up and down trying new ways and I got it!
Edit: how did I reseatch and my tank still looks like THAT^^
Edit again: in person it looks nicer bc the tank is so clear. So there’s that.

 

[aquanata]

well, I did it. Moved the fish, that is. Here are pics of the tank. A.) it looks so empty.
you can see I have many inches of sand so in reality it’s not THAT much taller than my 40 breeder (in terms of top to where I plant) but it feels it.
b.) it’s still a mess. I like PARTS of the right side. The wood I was able to move is nice bc it’s nice wood. I HATE the left side. I threw the fake left side plant in last min and it looks awful but I’m getting more real asap. I do like when people build little cages out of rocks but I HATE HATE HATE mine. So any thoughts on what to move and what to scrap? Edit; happy to post more detailed pics of the wood to show how it would look flipped etc. and 86 ssinit you called it! I couldn’t get that huge piece of wood in and I moved it back and forth up and down trying new ways and I got it!
Edit: how did I reseatch and my tank still looks like THAT^^
Edit again: in person it looks nicer bc the tank is so clear. So there’s that.

You know what? That looks pretty good! I like the driftwood drawing the eye from left to right. I like the placement of the live plants along it. I like your beautiful rocks!

From a confessed klutz learning from your adventure, I'd plant vals in the back left a bit along the wall, maybe a few back right & dwarf swords or rush in the midground. The fakes - moved into the back left together until the vals take off. Then one, long rooted, hardy floater. Then I'd stop. (I swear I'll share pics of my next try where I actually stop too. Pinky promise.)

It looks like you're building a welcoming inukshuk with the rocks - just needs the round rock from the left for his head. Maybe move him slightly centre & back, tucked closer to the driftwood as the focal point for everything. Those rocks are going to draw the eye no matter where you put them. Might as well capitalize on their beauty with the complete inukshuk front & centre - arms spread wide greeting animals & observers. That's how I see what you've done anyway.

Now I'll scuttle off for the more successful aquascapers to comment. But I like what you're doing.

 

[KribensisLover1]

You know what? That looks pretty good! I like the driftwood drawing the eye from left to right. I like the placement of the live plants along it. I like your beautiful rocks!

From a confessed klutz learning from your adventure, I'd plant vals in the back left a bit along the wall & dwarf swords or rush in the midground. The fakes - moved into the back left together until the vals take off. Then one, long rooted, hardy floater. Then I'd stop. (I swear I'll share pics of my next try where I actually stop too. Pinky promise.)

It looks like you're building a welcoming inukshuk with the rocks - just needs the round rock from the left for his head. Maybe move him slightly centre & back, tucked closer to the driftwood as the focal point for everything. Those rocks are going to draw the eye no matter where you put them. Might as well capitalize on their beauty with the complete inukshuk front & centre - arms spread wide greeting animals & observers. That's how I see what you've done anyway.

Now I'll scuttle off for the more successful aquascapers to comment. But I like what you're doing.

THANK YOU! That’s SO HELPFUL! Seriously love how detailed it was! Seriously SUPER helpful! I’ll be arms deep in water for a little and will then repost! I actually might wait until tomorrow WHICH I DO NOT WANT TO DO but I just moved these guys so I probably should not harass them yet. Dang it! But I will post new asap!
also, it is blowing my mind how empty the tank looks. The larger size combined with black fish doesn’t help I’m going to up my red eye tetra count and then either some bosemanis or maybe a bright schooling fish that won’t bug the others. Maybe a middle line fish as the red eyes are all top!!
Edit: also I cycled with ac 70 sponges put into my ac 50. Then I took that off and put on my marineland which is def cycled. Hope that’s ok??

 

[aquanata]

THANK YOU! That’s SO HELPFUL! Seriously love how detailed it was! Seriously SUPER helpful! I’ll be arms deep in water for a little and will then repost! I actually might wait until tomorrow WHICH I DO NOT WANT TO DO but I just moved these guys so I probably should not harass them yet. Dang it! But I will post new asap!
also, it is blowing my mind how empty the tank looks. The larger size combined with black fish doesn’t help I’m going to up my red eye tetra count and then either some bosemanis or maybe a bright schooling fish that won’t bug the others. Maybe a middle line fish as the red eyes are all top!!
Edit: also I cycled with ac 70 sponges put into my ac 50. Then I took that off and put on my marineland which is def cycled. Hope that’s ok??

Yes. That's all sounds right! I have a weird question tho ... you know about using super glue gel for the rocks if you complete the inukshuk right? Don't want any tumbling onto fish & at least in my experience, it can be scraped off if the rocks are used for something else down the line. Just a thought.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Yes. That's all sounds right! I have a weird question tho ... you know about using super glue gel for the rocks if you complete the inukshuk right? Don't want any tumbling onto fish & at least in my experience, it can be scraped off if the rocks are used for something else down the line. Just a thought.

Happy to do it! That will be much easier than trying to balance them while the fish are in there and I can barely reach even with a step ladder. I always thought I had long arms! Hahahahha.
Funny story
I kept the heat running in my old black sand tank just in case bc I had a sneaking suspicion
Yup
Found a cory in there just now.
Note: moved this one piece from sticking through the top to inside for the angels yo spawn. Only showing this to show the wood I have more clearly!

 

[KribensisLover1]

Ok sort of old repeat issue. Third time I’ve had to clean off. I have an AC 100 that came with the tank, an AC 70 that I can fix up (it’s loud now), an AC 50 that’s currently running alongside for my later QT tank. I only mention all those bc they are easier to get pre spinge filters for. I know somebody mentioned a pre sponge for the marineland BUT I heard that can really slow down the filter processing. Any thoughts? It was suggested I get an odyssea 250 power head so I’m getting that too. I asked if I could do just the ac 50 and the odyssea but was told insufficient. I love the marineland but the pre spinge might be tough AND it’s so huge to add another power head. At least the smaller ac would look better maybe? I don’t care what I use I do care about being unable to have floaters!

 

[briangcc1997]

ALL of my Marineland filters - Emperor/Penguin Pros AND the straight Penguin - run sponge pre-filters. Marineland makes them - although they aren't directly marketed for the older Penguins they will fit. Just get the appropriately sized one as they make a couple different sizes. The one for the Penguin Pro 375 fits the smaller Penguin Pro 275 and Penguin 200 filters as well - personal experience.

It's really a non-issue....or to put it another way, you're overthinking the sponge issue for the Marineland filter.

 

[KribensisLover1]

ALL of my Marineland filters - Emperor/Penguin Pros AND the straight Penguin - run sponge pre-filters. Marineland makes them - although they aren't directly marketed for the older Penguins they will fit. Just get the appropriately sized one as they make a couple different sizes. The one for the Penguin Pro 375 fits the smaller Penguin Pro 275 and Penguin 200 filters as well - personal experience.
It's really a non-issue....or to put it another way, you're overthinking the sponge issue for the Marineland filter.

Ok cool. Mine is brand new so shouldn’t it have one? I saw a bunch but didn’t see the specific for marineland pro 350 with bio wheels. It’s like three months old tops. Just wondering if you did see a specific one. I think you said no before but just want to make sure. Just bc I need a large square basically. I’ve tried to cut others to fit other filters and they become kind of messy so if it’s out there hey why not ask. I think you answered but I’m not sure I said I had the 350 penguins! I stand corrected! Apparnely mine is an old model! I got it off Amazon.

 

[briangcc1997]

Not included at time of purchase, its sold separately. The sponge will conform to the square input, its a non-issue. Just take the strainer piece off the intake tube.

If it slides too far up the filter intake, use a zip tie on the intake at the spot you want the sponge to stop. I've found Harbor Freight sells them the cheapest and they have them in black but you can use any you have on hand.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Not included at time of purchase, its sold separately. The sponge will conform to the square input, its a non-issue. Just take the strainer piece off the intake tube.

If it slides too far up the filter intake, use a zip tie on the intake at the spot you want the sponge to stop. I've found Harbor Freight sells them the cheapest and they have them in black but you can use any you have on hand.

Well I used a pack of old ones I have. New but old. Also I got an odyssea 250 power head at the rec of 86 ssinit
Is this good filter floss to stick in? I also have AC media from the AC 50 I’m also running on the new tank (but will remove the AC tonight when I put the new powerhead on). I can put those AC sponges in my marineland, but I also have AC ceramic biomedia that is seeded. I can keep it in the AC 50 and run it in a hospital tank filter (but with no ammonia source so it’s a waste) or just use the AC ceramic balls in the current tank—in marineland or odyssea— but not sure where to put it? Thoughts on where to put the ceramic and if this filter floss is good? https://www.amazon.com/Seapora-4040-Filter-Floss-Aquarium/dp/B0765BK73V/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=IBOE685ZN8T3&keywords=filter+floss+for+fish+tank&qid=1676067715&sprefix=filter+floss,aps,87&sr=8-3

 

[aquanata]

Well I used a pack of old ones I have. New but old. Also I got an odyssea 250 power head at the rec of 86 ssinit
Is this good filter floss to stick in? I also have AC media from the AC 50 I’m also running on the new tank (but will remove the AC tonight when I put the new powerhead on). I can put those AC sponges in my marineland, but I also have AC ceramic biomedia that is seeded. I can keep it in the AC 50 and run it in a hospital tank filter (but with no ammonia source so it’s a waste) or just use the AC ceramic balls in the current tank—in marineland or odyssea— but not sure where to put it? Thoughts on where to put the ceramic and if this filter floss is good? https://www.amazon.com/Seapora-4040-Filter-Floss-Aquarium/dp/B0765BK73V/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=IBOE685ZN8T3&keywords=filter+floss+for+fish+tank&qid=1676067715&sprefix=filter+floss,aps,87&sr=8-3

Nothing about the filters but ... a photo of how the tank is shaping up? You hooked me on your journey. Please & thank you.

 

[briangcc1997]

Sorry not much help on the powerhead - not my thing. Thinking aloud I’d consider putting a sponge on/in the intake and call it good.

I run 100 micron filter media in mine (where I can) for clear water although this isn’t really necessary either. Just another spot for bb to hang out and multiply.

My Emperor Pro 450s are setup as follows…

2 filter cartridges- one each side
2 media containers w/single sheet of 100 micron filter media, cut to size - one each side
Small bag of Purigen in the media basket
Intake pre-filter sponge

With the 350 you could probably put the 100 micron filter media into the open slot. I’d cut open a spent filter cartridge and use a rubber band or binder clip to hold the media to the plastic. But that’s just me…ymmv.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Nothing about the filters but ... a photo of how the tank is shaping up? You hooked me on your journey. Please & thank you.

Hello! The last I posted was the last part of the journey bc I ran out of prime and got the stomach flu. So here’s it right now but I’m about to get in there and move stuff around! aquanata youve seen all this. About to empty to do your changes!

Sorry not much help on the powerhead - not my thing. Thinking aloud I’d consider putting a sponge on/in the intake and call it good.

I run 100 micron filter media in mine (where I can) for clear water although this isn’t really necessary either. Just another spot for bb to hang out and multiply.

My Emperor Pro 450s are setup as follows…

2 filter cartridges- one each side
2 media containers w/single sheet of 100 micron filter media, cut to size - one each side
Small bag of Purigen in the media basket
Intake pre-filter sponge

With the 350 you could probably put the 100 micron filter media into the open slot. I’d cut open a spent filter cartridge and use a rubber band or binder clip to hold the media to the plastic. But that’s just me…ymmv.

thank you so much! LOVE the details! That is so super helpful! Do you mind showing a pic of the media containers so I know what you mean?

 

[aquanata]

Looking good! Hope you're on the mend.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Ya know what’s funny? When I stTted keeping fish about 3–4 years ago I never quarantined. I had great Intentions but never did it. Now I wouldn’t DREAM of not even with the added annoyance of setting up a tank.
Edit: andddd point proven

just went to get some Mickey Mouse
Platys and saw this (this is obvi a Molly in the tank right next to and it just is more obvious than the platys). Ich!p

Ok so I redid the tank again. It looks kind of bare now and I loved it half empty. Hahahaha. But the bare areas are where I’ll be planting so it’s ok for now. Butttt these idiots—one jumped out the small area in the back (not sure when) so now I have to do this. Is this safe? Also I will send an updated pic as soon as the tank is more settled. It still is not so clear this long later! Bc of all the moving around likely. How bad is this to do?

 

[aquanata]

Ok so I redid the tank again. It looks kind of bare now and I loved it half empty. Hahahaha. But the bare areas are where I’ll be planting so it’s ok for now. Butttt these idiots—one jumped out the small area in the back (not sure when) so now I have to do this. Is this safe? Also I will send an updated pic as soon as the tank is more settled. It still is not so clear this long later! Bc of all the moving around likely. How bad is this to do? View attachment 873138

I don't think it's exactly bad in a pinch. It's plastic wrap stretched over the gap? I'd just watch for it dipping into the water & replace it with plastic mesh when possible. I've used craft mesh, screen door mesh & 'special' (read that as 'expensive') aquarium mesh to keep my long jumping kuhli loaches in tank.

Good for you moving on with the planting! I'm still searching for substrate I need to replace & watching kuhlis trying to find sand amidst the dwarf rush I need to uproot. If you were in Canada I'd ship you bagsful!

 

[KribensisLover1]

I don't think it's exactly bad in a pinch. It's plastic wrap stretched over the gap? I'd just watch for it dipping into the water & replace it with plastic mesh when possible. I've used craft mesh, screen door mesh & 'special' (read that as 'expensive') aquarium mesh to keep my long jumping kuhli loaches in tank.

Good for you moving on with the planting! I'm still searching for substrate I need to replace & watching kuhlis trying to find sand amidst the dwarf rush I need to uproot. If you were in Canada I'd ship you bagsful!

Oh wow! I can pay/pay shipping! Also good call. Is it stiff enough to just sit atop? I’ve used egg crates before and they’re so ugly. I have some acrylic I could cut but I don’t want a jagged piece atop and it will bow. Silly tetras. I am not in love with these as they jump a lot (as opposed to the Pristellas I had) and I see them swim in the open but when I’m there they stay at the top so I don’t see them much. But I still have 9 and so I’ll get a few more to keep them happy. I don’t want them to dwindle to numbers they won’t like. I had 16–lost a few to jumping at the beginning, one lost an eye and died a while later, one swam up into the glass and became paralyzed and died, and then this one—Alas! Maybe all or most tetras jump I have only had the two types!!

 

[aquanata]

Oh wow! I can pay/pay shipping! Also good call. Is it stiff enough to just sit atop? I’ve used egg crates before and they’re so ugly. I have some acrylic I could cut but I don’t want a jagged piece atop and it will bow. Silly tetras. I am not in love with these as they jump a lot (as opposed to the Pristellas I had) and I see them swim in the open but when I’m there they stay at the top so I don’t see them much. But I still have 9 and so I’ll get a few more to keep them happy. I don’t want them to dwindle to numbers they won’t like. I had 16–lost a few to jumping at the beginning, one lost an eye and died a while later, one swam up into the glass and became paralyzed and died, and then this one—Alas! Maybe all or most tetras jump I have only had the two types!!

I don't keep tetras now but did in a lot of tanks & they all jumped. The craft mesh is stiff enough to sit on top for a while but not permanently. I make thin frames to fit the gaps out of plastic foam board from the dollar store. Then cover with the mesh & glue it with a bit of super glue. I use this method to cover gaps, divide tanks & keep creatures out of submersible filters. If it's not loaches jumping, it's betta, shrimp, cory & in your case, tetra.

If I still lived in Baltimore or anywhere else in the US, I'd send plants tomorrow! But I'm in Ontario, Canada now & US customs would frown heavily on live plant importation. But ... there's always the buy, sell, trade, free forum on here.

 

[kimdawg]

Holy cannoli that does help! Just so cool to see a tank transform! Both nice but it’s still so cool! Also, love the aquarium idea—I’m in Baltimore and we have an amazing aquarium, so I’m going to kill two birds—take my nephews and look at some scapes! Love that! And I need to also find good sources for wood—the rocks came from a store in Kansas (I got them for Christmas from my sis in law) and they have lovely wood, there are also places locally, all very expensive though AND I have that darn acrylic bracing. So I’ll need to look at longer thinner pieces. If anybody knows great wood places let me know! The stone yard idea is grand; not sure if there is a wood equivalent! I also wonder what wood is ok versus not ok for a tank. I have a ton of trees in my yard—why couldn’t I use twigs and branches from those trees? I’m serious? Is there a reason? View attachment 872215

I ordered my wood off amazon, I got seven pieces for like 17.00. I loved it so much I got two more sets of the 5 larger pieces for 17.00. They all came in with very interesting branchy shapes. I glued several together and attached java fern and anubias to the glue spots.

 

[Wendybrass]

I ordered my wood off amazon, I got seven pieces for like 17.00. I loved it so much I got two more sets of the 5 larger pieces for 17.00. They all came in with very interesting branchy shapes. I glued several together and attached java fern and anubias to the glue spots.

Really? Do you mind sharing which ones you ordered? I've been looking at them but some apparently aren't great.

 

[KribensisLover1]

OKAY tank update. Loved it when empty. Darn it. I’ll show all the iterations of the tank thus far, 1 being the first you saw, 2 the second, three now. I think the number 3 pics are too empty but as you’ll see in the last pic I drew in the plants I will be putting in. EDIT I would like all critiques mean and nice what’s good what’s bad what to move PLEASE as I’m actually wanting to fly a Brit to America to help. aquanata I tried to do as you said but I didn’t know what you meant by using the extra rock as the head so I tried to incorporate somehow


@a





EDIT: the lights were low so you couldn’t see the nice wood. So here’s it now but with more light. I have to say I love the piece of wood I suctioned on the back. I kind of want to turn the large piece on the left that was on the right to show how big it is.
And I could move over the right pieces which I flipped to diff sides (like the wood is at a diff angle and on the other side) but the plants will make a huge diff.

 

[Blacksheep1]

This Brit is waiting for her plane ticket

you have some lovely pieces of wood here but they aren’t show cased. I feel Like iwagumi ( was that the style for this specific tank you wanted ?) won’t work with what you have and fish you’re keeping. It wouldn’t suit in my very humble opinion. Have you looked at jungle style tanks ? Or is the ‘clean’ iwagumi look the one you want? I’m just wondering because iwagumi is more rocks and carpet based, it suits nano fish and shrimp and is a lot of balancing and maintenance.

A jungle style tank is lots of plants , more relaxed , provides more cover for fish to show off natural behaviours. I think two islands would look great in this tank with the fish you keep and what hard scape you have available . Settle on a style you want and it’ll make input more relevant and helpful

 

[ruud]

Iwagumi will be a very big pain in tall tanks, due to the low plant biomass / large water volume and due to the distance between lights and plants. It will be an algae nightmare.

I just did a quick search on google images for iwagumi tall tank....which returned mostly shallow to very shallow tanks.

 

[aquanata]

OKAY tank update. Loved it when empty. Darn it. I’ll show all the iterations of the tank thus far, 1 being the first you saw, 2 the second, three now. I think the number 3 pics are too empty but as you’ll see in the last pic I drew in the plants I will be putting in. EDIT I would like all critiques mean and nice what’s good what’s bad what to move PLEASE as I’m actually wanting to fly a Brit to America to help. aquanata I tried to do as you said but I didn’t know what you meant by using the extra rock as the head so I tried to incorporate somehow


View attachment 873172@a




View attachment 873173View attachment 873174View attachment 873173View attachment 873175View attachment 873176View attachment 873177View attachment 873178View attachment 873179View attachment 873180View attachment 873181
EDIT: the lights were low so you couldn’t see the nice wood. So here’s it now but with more light. I have to say I love the piece of wood I suctioned on the back. I kind of want to turn the large piece on the left that was on the right to show how big it is. View attachment 873185View attachment 873186View attachment 873187
And I could move over the right pieces which I flipped to diff sides (like the wood is at a diff angle and on the other side) but the plants will make a huge diff.

I like it! Are the fake plants on either side being replaced by live - vals maybe? It looks properly & thoughtfully aquascaped. Can't quite see the large wood piece you want to flip, but if you'd love it flipped, try it & see. I think you're doing this very, very well & I'm impressed.

I really like your rocks as the focal point. They are beautiful pieces. Not to worry about a rock on top - it looks very temple & homage to underwater life as is. If you want to see an inukshuk tho, here's a link.

inukshuk images free - Google Search

Well done.

 

[Blacksheep1]

Fully agree. They are usually smaller , shallow tanks. It’s not a tank style for fish keeping , more a living piece of art work that needs constant maintenance ( but if it’s getting me a plane ticket to USA I’m in ) it’s more to show case the plants and look stunning.

something more relaxed would suit the hard scape and fish better . I don’t dislike what you have at all though, Just some tweaking and you have an amazing tank !!

 

[TClare]

I agree with the comments above, some iwagumi stye tanks can look very impressive, but I am sure those are all high tech, CO2, very strong lighting etc and lots of maintenance. But also I believe there are very few fish species that would feel at home or look their best in that type of tank, with no cover and bright light.

The tank is coming on, but to be honest I am not a fan of the rock structure, I would prefer an arrangement that looks more natural, but that may be just me. I also don't think a feature like that looks best in the middle, it would be better slightly off centre. I actually liked 1 and 2 better than 3. Sorry! But the most important thing is to take time, experiment and get it how you like it.

 

[Blacksheep1]

I agree with Tclare on the rock work. Do you have a photo of all the wood out of the tank? Maybe you can group the wood into two separate islands or one main island so it looks like one piece but you have a lot more of a feature . It’ll show the wood off a lot better, give planting areas , swimming areas and you can place the rocks around to compliment or support the wood.

This is the thing about tanks. Each person has a style they like. Some folk love neon gravel and plastic decor , some like iwagumi, some like stuffed with wild plants and some like Dutch. Nothing wrong with any style but you have to live with it ! Find your style and run with it. And if all else fails my passport is on my hand

 

[KribensisLover1]

I agree with Tclare on the rock work. Do you have a photo of all the wood out of the tank? Maybe you can group the wood into two separate islands or one main island so it looks like one piece but you have a lot more of a feature . It’ll show the wood off a lot better, give planting areas , swimming areas and you can place the rocks around to compliment or support the wood.

This is the thing about tanks. Each person has a style they like. Some folk love neon gravel and plastic decor , some like iwagumi, some like stuffed with wild plants and some like Dutch. Nothing wrong with any style but you have to live with it ! Find your style and run with it. And if all else fails my passport is on my hand

Thank you all! I posted a new thread bc I’m having a filter issue but I like where this is going. If you all would be game, I will take out every piece of rock and wood, take pics, and take a pic of the empty tank. Then perhaps somebody/people can screen shot it or number the wood and say where it could go? That would be huge! I am scared to take out the wood now bc it’s old and Seeded and my filter is a mess but I will do it tomorrow if I get my filter issues answered and fixed! I do agree two was better in some ways. I am planning to put corkscrew Val’s that I have already and are just in QT in the back so that does change things bc it won’t look so empty. I can flip the wood to each side again of course. And I am willing to do whatever with the rocks! So as soon as I am not all panicked I will get to this! Thank you all!

This Brit is waiting for her plane ticket

you have some lovely pieces of wood here but they aren’t show cased. I feel Like iwagumi ( was that the style for this specific tank you wanted ?) won’t work with what you have and fish you’re keeping. It wouldn’t suit in my very humble opinion. Have you looked at jungle style tanks ? Or is the ‘clean’ iwagumi look the one you want? I’m just wondering because iwagumi is more rocks and carpet based, it suits nano fish and shrimp and is a lot of balancing and maintenance.

A jungle style tank is lots of plants , more relaxed , provides more cover for fish to show off natural behaviours. I think two islands would look great in this tank with the fish you keep and what hard scape you have available . Settle on a style you want and it’ll make input more relevant and helpful

Oh and yes I agree. I feel like iwugami is more about the scape than the fish honestly. Which is stunning but not my goal. Am I all over the place? Yes. I had decided on jungle but iwugami is just so cool. But jungle suits my fish bettwr and is super awesome it ins own right!

 

[TClare]

I don't know if it would be helpful, but there is an aquascaping app (free) you can play around with called Scape it. You can choose your tank size and choose background colour, hardscape, plants etc. if you can find similar rocks and wood to those you have you could try out different arrangements on the computer first.

 

[KribensisLover1]

I don't know if it would be helpful, but there is an aquascaping app (free) you can play around with called Scape it. You can choose your tank size and choose background colour, hardscape, plants etc. if you can find similar rocks and wood to those you have you could try out different arrangements on the computer first. I’m

Is it for landscaping and has aquarium in it? Can’t find it and I would love that.

I don't know if it would be helpful, but there is an aquascaping app (free) you can play around with called Scape it. You can choose your tank size and choose background colour, hardscape, plants etc. if you can find similar rocks and wood to those you have you could try out different arrangements on the computer first.

dude that thing is cool. Here’s some pics just playing around. Also I am concerned about my plants. Eek!
I act like my scaping matters but without plants doing well? I have a chihiros slim I keep very very low for 6 hours a day like 10 percent. I have it higher now for pics. I have flourish no thrive yet.

 

[TClare]

The second one looks like it has potential. You could choose and put in some of the plants you are going to get, like the Vallisneria, and get a better idea of how it will look.

I think your plants probably need some fertilizer`with NPK, flourish only has micronutrients. Not sure about the light, maybe not enough at 10%?

 

[KribensisLover1]

The second one looks like it has potential. You could choose and put in some of the plants you are going to get, like the Vallisneria, and get a better idea of how it will look.

I think your plants probably need some fertilizer`with NPK, flourish only has micronutrients. Not sure about the light, maybe not enough at 10%?

Yea agreed. Is npk thrive? Yes right? I will sob if they die. And I kind of agree. Im about to scape again but I kind of want to leave the back open as it is now and out the plants in first as it’ll be harder later to uproot to scape. But by that same token it could be harder to scape after—so should I scape around the plants or around the wood? Probably scape first? And I’m in QT with the plants just put in so it’ll be weeks ugh. I wonder if I need to feed the empty tank to see if snails pop up and to try to seed bacteria for when I get more fish so the filter isn’t dead
Edit I feel like we all liked this best so far? But will it hide plants!

 

[aquanata]

Yea agreed. Is npk thrive? Yes right? I will sob if they die. And I kind of agree. Im about to scape again but I kind of want to leave the back open as it is now and out the plants in first as it’ll be harder later to uproot to scape. But by that same token it could be harder to scape after—so should I scape around the plants or around the wood? Probably scape first? And I’m in QT with the plants just put in so it’ll be weeks ugh. I wonder if I need to feed the empty tank to see if snails pop up and to try to seed bacteria for when I get more fish so the filter isn’t dead
Edit I feel like we all liked this best so far? But will it hide plants! View attachment 873289

You know I'm no scaper, but even with my jungles, I find it better to hardscape 1st & then plant around wood & rock. Unless the tank is dirted, uprooting to replant is fairly easy if it's not been rooted for years. I do find it helpful to have two pairs of tongs available when working around tight areas of hardscape. I'd want somebody in there to maintain the cycle too, perhaps your thought of feeding & encouraging MTS/pest snails or introducing a bigger snail with a higher bioload.

 

[KribensisLover1]

You know I'm no scaper, but even with my jungles, I find it better to hardscape 1st & then plant around wood & rock. Unless the tank is dirted, uprooting to replant is fairly easy if it's not been rooted for years. I do find it helpful to have two pairs of tongs available when working around tight areas of hardscape. I'd want somebody in there to maintain the cycle too, perhaps your thought of feeding & encouraging MTS/pest snails or introducing a bigger snail with a higher bioload.

BAHAHAHAH you know how I feel about snails. I know I’ve asked a million times but what thrive do I need? I used too much flourish bc I kept moving plants and so I would put more in so I’m scared of algae.
I also have this stuff but it’s in a tank wirh snails so not sure what to do. Mainly showing for the rocks.

 

[aquanata]

BAHAHAHAH you know how I feel about snails. I know I’ve asked a million times but what thrive do I need? I used too much flourish bc I kept moving plants and so I would put more in so I’m scared of algae.
I also have this stuff but it’s in a tank wirh snails so not sure what to do. Mainly showing for the rocks.View attachment 873305View attachment 873306View attachment 873307

I hope a more learned plant keeper can answer about the thrive & the next bit may have already been asked & answered but...

Do you test for gh, kh, ph & ca? I ask because I suspect my very high-in-all-categories water accounts in part for my jungles. In sand only tanks I use root tabs, but no column fertilizers. Fluorish did nothing good in my tanks & the plants didn't miss it. Perhaps you have similar water quality & don't need a column fert?

As for the plants from the snail tank - another question. The plants you're currently quarantining ... are they from snail free tanks? Dipped? Dipped in what? How long are you quarantining them & if dipped, for what?

 

[KribensisLover1]

I hope a more learned plant keeper can answer about the thrive & the next bit may have already been asked & answered but...

Do you test for gh, kh, ph & ca? I ask because I suspect my very high-in-all-categories water accounts in part for my jungles. In sand only tanks I use root tabs, but no column fertilizers. Fluorish did nothing good in my tanks & the plants didn't miss it. Perhaps you have similar water quality & don't need a column fert?

As for the plants from the snail tank - another question. The plants you're currently quarantining ... are they from snail free tanks? Dipped? Dipped in what? How long are you quarantining them & if dipped, for what?

Hello! The plants are not snail free (for the most part, just one was). I dipped the current ones in bleach and then alum and let live in vases for maybe 6 weeks? The newer ones that def have snails I dipped On Sat in bleach (and I think I saw a dead snail in the water after). I put back in vases until Tuesday. The pic below shows the ones I’m talking about. Didn’t do alum on these but can. I didn’t leave in vases either as Apparently tnat doesn’t help (hahahah as you’ve told me!). So it’s only been a few short days. Also I searched for a test kit for all the stuff you mentioned and had a really hard time finding it. I did find info about some of it in a local water report below. So here’s all I have tested. This is tap I tested in November.

 

[aquanata]

Hello! The plants are not snail free (for the most part, just one was). I dipped the current ones in bleach and then alum and let live in vases for maybe 6 weeks? The newer ones that def have snails I dipped On Sat in bleach (and I think I saw a dead snail in the water after). I put back in vases until Tuesday. The pic below shows the ones I’m talking about. Didn’t do alum on these but can. I didn’t leave in vases either as Apparently tnat doesn’t help (hahahah as you’ve told me!). So it’s only been a few short days. Also I searched for a test kit for all the stuff you mentioned and had a really hard time finding it. I did find info about some of it in a local water report below. So here’s all I have tested. This is tap I tested in November. View attachment 873342View attachment 873343View attachment 873344View attachment 873345View attachment 873346View attachment 873347View attachment 873348View attachment 873349

You're gonna make a die-hard water quality expert cry with glee over thoroughness & put a plant dabbler like me to shame. The Baltimore WQ reports make me nostalgic tho. I used to live in Dickeyville.

Looks like you have similarly 'hard' water. Until someone or a stem plant comes to correct me, I think root tabs would be the best option as you begin. They won't be feeding algae tucked deep & well spaced under the substrate but will encourage rooting & growth.

Yup. I have some persistent snails. I've even managed to kill plants, but not snails, with alum & peroxide both. I have had success with dilute beach tho, as it sounds like you have. I've bleach dipped, rinsed hard, soaked in conditioned water for 24 hours & planted, avoiding disease & snail transfer.

 

[TClare]

I suspect my very high-in-all-categories water accounts in part for my jungles.

I don't think so, I have jungles with very soft water (KH 0-1. GH 1-2, pH 6.6-6.8). It might depend on the type of plants though.

In sand only tanks I use root tabs, but no column fertilizers.

For me the reverse, though even column fertilizers not often. In some tanks I need to add nitrate and potassium occasionally.

Fluorish did nothing good in my tanks & the plants didn't miss it.

Agreed, I never had good results with Flourish, better without it, I just got algae the few times I tried it. One I like is Azoo Plant Premium, but not sure if it is sold in the US.

I think because the plants are in an empty tank they need the macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphate and potassium). Thrive is not sold here, but I looked on Amazon and they do one that contains both macro and micro nutrients. If you use this one don't use Flourish as well. I have found a Sera fertilizer that has just NPK and seems OK. I don't fertilize every week, it doesn't seem to be necessary, but it may help to get your plants started.


As for snails, I like them, they help to keep plants free of algae.

 

[aquanata]

I don't think so, I have jungles with very soft water (KH 0-1. GH 1-2, pH 6.6-6.8). It might depend on the type of plants though.

For me the reverse, though even column fertilizers not often. In some tanks I need to add nitrate and potassium occasionally.

Agreed, I never had good results with Flourish, better without it, I just got algae the few times I tried it. One I like is Azoo Plant Premium, but not sure if it is sold in the US.

I think because the plants are in an empty tank they need the macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphate and potassium). Thrive is not sold here, but I looked on Amazon and they do one that contains both macro and micro nutrients. If you use this one don't use Flourish as well. I have found a Sera fertilizer that has just NPK and seems OK. I don't fertilize every week, it doesn't seem to be necessary, but it may help to get your plants started.


As for snails, I like them, they help to keep plants free of algae.

You are without a doubt more expert than me on plants! I wouldn't be able to pin point a specific deficiency with a chart in front of me.

But snails ... I like 'em too, especially MTS for planted tanks. But KribensisLover1 doesn't. Different strokes....

 

[TClare]

You are without a doubt more expert than me on plants! I wouldn't be able to pin point a specific deficiency with a chart in front of me.

No, I am not at all an expert, but a couple of tanks that have a lot of water lettuce and only small fish usually read 0 for nitrates. if I see any yellowing leaves I think they need more. If I see pinprick holes in the leaves I think they need potassium, and I know that this is often necessary as it is not generally provided by fish wastes.

 

[KribensisLover1]

I don't think so, I have jungles with very soft water (KH 0-1. GH 1-2, pH 6.6-6.8). It might depend on the type of plants though.

For me the reverse, though even column fertilizers not often. In some tanks I need to add nitrate and potassium occasionally.

Agreed, I never had good results with Flourish, better without it, I just got algae the few times I tried it. One I like is Azoo Plant Premium, but not sure if it is sold in the US.

I think because the plants are in an empty tank they need the macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphate and potassium). Thrive is not sold here, but I looked on Amazon and they do one that contains both macro and micro nutrients. If you use this one don't use Flourish as well. I have found a Sera fertilizer that has just NPK and seems OK. I don't fertilize every week, it doesn't seem to be necessary, but it may help to get your plants started.


As for snails, I like them, they help to keep plants free of algae.

Thank you both! aquanata and TClare! I actually hope something WILL help (that I can buy lol) bc the plants looked good in the vases and not so much now. So I’m hoping TClare suggestion of macro and micro thrive could help? I would rather use nothing else than what I have already purchased (of course haha). Here’s the question: if I do use Thrive, what to do about the tons of flourish tabs already in? I won’t add more with the new plants but there are a lot in there. I was told to use less than rec but again that went by the wayside when I moved them around. I just don’t know what I’m doing wrong! It could DEF be my lighting and I should ask on a chihiros thread maybe for an exact set up? none of my old lights worked for plants so I hope this one will!! The room has a ton of ambient light—more light than the plants got in the vases! So I mean is it really the lighting? I’m having a conversation with myself at this point huh. Here are the current QT plants
Do you think current tank pics would work for a go fund me to get a certain Brit stateside? Bc look at the local scalers for hire. .

 

[briangcc1997]

Not a plant expert but lighting can definitely be a factor.

We tore down my existing 75 that had been running for a year or more that had a Fluval Aquasky 2.0 4' fixture on it. Left some water in the tank to keep the plants wet. Kept a 4' florescent light (aquarium bulb) on it for a whopping (4) days. I had significant plant melt. Replaced that 4' florescent with a Finnex Planted+ ALC 4' light on default 24/7 program. After some trimming of dead leaves the plants are finally bouncing back. It's remarkable as to what a simple change in lighting will do with plants.

So long winded way of saying...you may be onto something.