10G Low-tech Tank: Protrusion

[dj2005]

Yet another new scape for my trusty ten gallon tank. It took about twenty minutes to put it all together, and even though I would've liked a higher slope in the back-left (I'm currently out of Aqua Soil), I think the scape looks good. A black background will likely be added. Besides that, I think the scape is finished.

Fauna:
Nerites
RCS
Red Ramshorns

Flora:
Anubias nana petite
Fissidens fontanus
Mini micro sword
Needle Leaf Java Fern

Ferts:
Excel
Adjusted EI

Lighting:
2x 20w CFL spirals

Plant Layout:
The Fissidens is attached to plastic twisty ties to hold it in place. Once it grows in, the ties will be hidden. Anubias nana petite and Java Fern in the back, Fissidens in the crevices between the rocks (middle), and mini micro sword in the front. I still have a golfball of Fissidens leftover, as can be seen in the pictures.


Pictures - 12-28-10:
Water is cloudy, though I hope to clear the water by this weekend.

[GitMoe]

Tank looks great. Your shrimp look to be insanely active swimmers....

[dj2005]

Originally Posted by GitMoe

Tank looks great. Your shrimp look to be insanely active swimmers....

Thanks. The water parameters are likely off balance causing the shrimp to stress out. In a few days they'll calm down.

[sewingalot]

I can actually say I really like this layout. I am not a typical fan of the iwagumi look, but you actually make me believe this tank could be found in nature.

[Cottagewitch]

Love it!

[dj2005]

Originally Posted by sewingalot

I can actually say I really like this layout. I am not a typical fan of the iwagumi look, but you actually make me believe this tank could be found in nature.

Originally Posted by Cottagewitch

Love it!

Thanks gals.

12-29-10:
I did a 100% WC today and, for now, the annoying cloudy dust has been eliminated. I think the cause of the cloudiness is my filter so I am going to leave it off for the day and see how things progress.

[sewingalot]

Really loving the rocks now that the water has cleared up.

[dj2005]

Originally Posted by sewingalot

Really loving the rocks now that the water has cleared up.

The rocks have some nice textures and colors that should really pop with the black background.

And, as it so happens, the water became cloudy a few hours after taking the pictures. Since there was no disturbance in the water, I imagine I am dealing with an organic bloom rather than mere AS dust. A bloom that seemingly lasts indefinitely as I've been battling it for many months, as you already know.

Water parameters have been fine in my last scape so I am unsure what is causing it. The only time I managed to get rid of it was when I used some API carbon or new Purigen. I currently have neither, so I placed an order for both a few minutes ago.

[ddtran46]

Any updates? pics?

[dj2005]

Originally Posted by ddtran46

Any updates? pics?

I added belem and DIY CO2 a few days ago. Otherwise no changes. No pictures as I cannot remove the cloudiness even with fresh carbon and Purigen. I imagine UV would work but I'm not paying that much.

[ddtran46]

Originally Posted by dj2005

I added belem and DIY CO2 a few days ago. Otherwise no changes. No pictures as I cannot remove the cloudiness even with fresh carbon and Purigen. I imagine UV would work but I'm not paying that much.

Yeah I was about to ask about the belem because I remember reading your post on the swap and shop. lol.

I added some carbon to my 60p and its working wonders. My water is pretty clear now, kinda...At least my water isnt super yellow when I wake up. lol

[dj2005]

Originally Posted by ddtran46

Yeah I was about to ask about the belem because I remember reading your post on the swap and shop. lol.

I added some carbon to my 60p and its working wonders. My water is pretty clear now, kinda...At least my water isnt super yellow when I wake up. lol

Heh, I wish I only had tannins than whatever it is that I have now. At least the plants don't seem to mind.

[ddtran46]

Any updates? Its been over 2 month since your last pictures.

[dj2005]

Originally Posted by ddtran46

Any updates? Its been over 2 month since your last pictures.

Fissidens is fluffy and the carpet is getting full. Cloudiness still exists but perhaps it has lessened in intensity.

My camera already has trouble photographing aquariums that have clear water, so taking any worthwhile shots of this tank will have to wait until the water clears.

[dj2005]

3-19-11:
Haven't done a WC in a month. Water has been pretty clear, at least compared to what it was, for the past week.

I removed the Java Fern since they never do well for me with Excel. I'm not sure what to add back in that corner.