Do!aqua Plant Glass Cube20: Quasi-Wabi

[hyphination]

This scape is stunning! keep up the good work.

[jarberg27]

Hey UG,
Can you say some things about your experience with MP? I'd like to work with it, but have had some bad times with Riccia (standard, not mini).

How do you initially attach your mini pellia to the stone/wood? I've heard that unlike riccia, the MP will eventually form a permanent attachment to its substrate. How long does this take and how strong is the bond?

I think lichen and I think of a rock that you can't scrape the green off...ever. Obviously MP is a more loose attachment.

What kind of growth do you see under optimal conditions? Hard to tell exactly from your journals because you're always moving batches of MP from one tank to another Does MP prefer a strong current?

Thanks.

[Ugly Genius]

You're welcome, fishy.

Thanks, hyph!

jar, MP initially grows slow no matter the light/CO2 conditions.

Here's a shot from January 25, 2009.

And here's roughly the same shot taken today.

This is about five months of growth of me doing no trimming on it at all. Suffice it to say, it grows relatively slowly.
It grew quicker in Source, which had more ideal CO2 to light ratios.
What's not noticeable in the photos, however, is that the MP covers almost the entire right-hand rock. So growth has been pretty good in the sense that it spreads evenly and does not require frequent manicuring to maintain aesthetic balance.
Don't let MP's slow growth deter you from using this plant, however. It's slow growth is something you will really appreciate later on in the tank's life.
I attach it with thread and it holds tighter than any moss once it attaches in about two to three weeks.
It grows better in areas of high flow, but not so much so that you should change your hardscape around to have it grow in the area of flow.
From the brief description of what you want, MP is the plant you've been looking for.

[CL]

Sure is beautiful!

[ZooTycoonMaster]

Woah I wonder what it would look like without all of that Riccia

[Thundaa]

You just inspired me to set up my tanks again! If you don't mind I have a few.. quick questions for you...I see you're using the hagen co2 system. Is there anything else you're using it with?? Are ytou suppose to turn it off at night?

[jarberg27]

Thanks UG -- I will definitely be giving it a try.

Hey, for someone who doesn't cook much I bet you'd be decent with a crockpot. You know, before going to work in the morning you have an "idea" how dinner should turn out, but you're still willing to be patient and to work with the flavors that develop.

And a crocker leaves room for another tank on that kitchen counter.

[Ugly Genius]

Thanks, Zoo. I'm going to be trimming the tank soonsih and I'll snap a photo afterwards to see what the Mini Pellia looks like with much of the Riccia out of the way.

Cool deal on setting back up your tanks, thundaa. Welcome back to the hobby!
I'm using just the canister from the Hagen system. I really would recommend it as you never have to worry about leaks and the sugar and water fill lines inside the canister allow for an easy preparation of the yeast and sugar mixture.
Once the packets run out, don't buy refills. Use a teaspoon of baking soda and a quarter teaspoon of yeast. Works just as well, is a lot cheaper, and you can get the ingredients at any supermarket.
You do not need to turn off the Hagens at night. You don't even need to raise the spraybar to oxygenate the water if you don't want to. Just pop 'em in and every three weeks or so, you replace the mixture.
I'd recommend that you get a glass diffuser. The ladder is an okay diffusion method but after the novelty of watching the bubbles make their way up the ladder wears off, it becomes more of an eyesore than anything else due to it's large size and position on the side or back of the tank.
And that's really all you'd need: they system and, optionally, a different diffusion method.
Look on Craigslist or ebay for a used one. Even if they just have the canister and nothing else, you can pick up tubing at any fish store and pick out the coolest diffuser you can find.
Remember: don't be afraid to double up on the DIY CO2. I've run three on a Mini-S to no ill effects.
Just know that you can get the same results as a Hagen system by making your own. I prefer the Hagen canisters simply for the convenience of it all.

Definately give MP a try, jar.
You know, once upon a time, in a different life, I used to cook quite a bit. Not very well, but I was able to eat it and not throw up afterwards. Slowly, however, the habit left me. I've really got to get back into it. It's gotten to the point where the people at the Chinese/Vietnamese/Pizza restaurants that I order from know my voice and what I'll order. (If it gets to the point where they ask me how my dogs are doing or if my tanks are going well, I'll cry.)
I'll try the crock pot. In a way, it's a lot like a planted tank. Plant your food, set the tech, and enjoy it later. Thanks for the idea.
If I suck at it, maybe I can use the pot as an art nouveau planted tank.

[ClPat]

Just saw the last picture and WOW-plant overload! Now the foreground looks amazing. Look forward to seeing a shot of the tank when it'll be pruned.

[lookin_around]

Hey UG, been a while since I've been able to check out your tanks...That foreground looks great, and its a good thing you picked slow growers.

I'm starting to think that slow growth = good stuff.

Now that I've got pressurized on my 2.5, my HC (and the Riccia that is still there that intwined itself in it) has taken off and I just trimmed it all up today.

I'm thinking I might start adding plants here and there to start diversifying my tank. Maybe all I need is a little wild-life...ehh who knows maybe both.

[sandiegoryu]

Hey I bet someone already asked this question but where did you get your Do!Aqua tanks? I'm going to SF this summer so if they're at Aqua Forest that would be awesome. Going to start one up for college I think.

[Ugly Genius]

Hey, sandiego. Yep, AFA has 'em.

[sandiegoryu]

Thanks UG. Your tanks are very inspiring.

[Craigthor]

UG I'll post in all your threads but I really like the Glosso/ Riccia Mix in this picture above.

[jose faria]

Hi ''UG'',
This is one of my first post's in this forum, since I've been recommended by a friend here in Portugal (believe it or not, your tank it's known in the other side of the World).

Why? Because I was planning on doing something similar like you did, with your tank, but in a 1ft tank.
If I keep with my idea (wich I will do), it will look like a cribb of a small perfect nano tank.

The only thing I need to do, it's take my hat off and bow to you.....

Btw, your mini microsword, do you know it's latin name? Is it Lilaeopsis mauritius?

Regards,
Joe Faria