Jake's Got A New High-Tech Ebi

[somewhatshocked]

chubbyone: This particular type of rock (typically dubbed "Lace Rock") is usually used in marine setups and is usually harvested from marine environments. So it's always best to clean them well in boiling water and to let the soak for several days.

Each piece is different, really, since the critters that grew on them when they were submerged weren't always the same. Also depends on the amount and type of sediment that's caked on the rock, as it's quite porous.

Not worried about pH fluctuations because I've used this type of rock for years. If anything, it buffers my pH a bit. I also use substrates that lower/buffer pH for shrimp. Neocaridina heteropoda are hardy and I've never really worried much about parameters with them.

If you're concerned about it? Clean it really well. Boil it. Soak it for a week in a bucket. Ditch that water, clean it again, soak it for another week. Then test the water parameters. That'll let you know if there's anything to worry about.

[somewhatshocked]

Dangit. Hit post before I was finished. Need to stop that habit.

My big question:

Anyone have thoughts on background plants? The Val. nana I had didn't survive the month-long wait in another tank so I'm on the hunt.

Thoughts on Vallisneria americana var. biwaensis? Val. spiralis? Blyxa auberti? Maybe a Bacopa of some sort?

[somewhatshocked]

Time for an update!

The S. repens has grown a bit and I've trimmed and replanted some. UG has grown in really well on the lower portion of the slop and I'm quite happy with it.

A look at the front:



From the top:



Ordered some Bacopa monnieri that should arrive this week. Plan to put it in the back of the tank to get some extra height.

Yep, some of the S. repens is gaining height behind the rocks but I thing it really works for purposes of scale.

Hoping to flood and kickstart the cycle once the Bacopa arrives so I can order some PFRs.

Any thoughts on the lighting? Currently have three of the 13w Fluval lamps running but think I'll probably have to cut it down to to once I flood. Will that be enough? Am I still overdoing it? Opinions are definitely requested.

Thanks for checking it out!

Jake

[Geniusdudekiran]

Amazing work. When do you plan on filling it?

[somewhatshocked]

Thanks!

As soon as the Bacopa arrives - hopefully Wednesday/Thursday.

[somewhatshocked]

Got some great Bacopa monnieri from the SnS a couple weeks ago and it's growing in quite nicely as a background plant. Think it's going to easily grow out the top of the tank, which would be a welcome sight in my opinion.

A couple shots (note: the images are hosted on my own server and we're doing upgrades this weekend, so have patience if they disappear for a bit):





To the left in that first picture, you'll see some rigid plastic tubing. Had originally hoped to use lily pipes on this tank but work keeps getting in the way of ordering and making it happen. It's also tough to locate pipes that will work for a tank with these dimensions that don't cost $125. So I plan on trying to use a dremel to craft a spray bar and intake from the rigid tubing (also have clear hose from the HD). Anyone had success making their own spray bars? Just can't stomach the ugly green Eheim garb in a tank I've spent so much time trying to make beautiful.

A few friends have been over to check the tank out the past few days and they're all giving me grief over having a 10lb CO2 cylinder just for this tank. Overkill? Maybe.

Still toying with the lighting. Not sure what to do. Leave all three lights on? Just use two? Use two and have the third as a mid-day burst?

Thanks for following me on this latest tank nerd journey.

Jake

[atom]

I love lace rock. I've used it in my freshwater nano with no problems. It's got a lot of character.

Love your setup. Can't wait to see it filled!

[somewhatshocked]

Decided to flood it tonight:



Not the prettiest thing right now, for sure. But it'll improve as things stabilize.

Ordering lily pipes from a TPT member this week and will replace the hideous green crap with those.

Relieved to have it filled!

[orchidman]

this looks great jake! that bacopa will definitely be poking out of the tank in no time!

[somewhatshocked]

Thanks! I think it's going to be a crazy grower. Has grown at least an inch dry. Was pearling like crazy as I tested out the CO2 rig before lights out.

Really looking forward to see how it looks once it grows out of the tank. Hoping for flowers.

[orchidman]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Thanks! I think it's going to be a crazy grower. Has grown at least an inch dry. Was pearling like crazy as I tested out the CO2 rig before lights out.

Really looking forward to see how it looks once it grows out of the tank. Hoping for flowers.

there ya go! ive never gotten it to flower, even when it was pressed right up against my lights, im not sure what the trick is.

[somewhatshocked]

Wow - the transition from emersed to submerged with this Bacopa? Amazing. It's now standing straight up and looking amazing.

[orchidman]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Wow - the transition from emersed to submerged with this Bacopa? Amazing. It's now standing straight up and looking amazing.

[somewhatshocked]

Yes, this is another bad cell phone pic but look how much the Bacopa has grown in just two days:



Crazy, right?

[orchidman]

love that plant!