Geniusdudekiran's ADA Mini S Iwagumi "Treeless Mountain" Updated 12.02.12

[freph]

HC is looking gooooooood. I'll post mine from the 20g and Mini in another week or so just to bug you with growth rate

Any plans to let it grow down the topmost rock and give it a weeping effect?

[bluestems]

Originally Posted by Geniusdudekiran

Thanks! The tank has been up for about eight months, but I completely replanted the HC back in early August (it was actually the 1st of August if I recall correctly). It didn't take long to fill back in at all.

Ok thanks for the info. I'm on my iPhone so it's harder to go back to find it in your journal. I think finding the right balance of lighting and ferts is the most challenging part of a nano setup. Looks like you've found a good balance

Do you have any fish? I see the cherries!

[Geniusdudekiran]

Originally Posted by freph

HC is looking gooooooood. I'll post mine from the 20g and Mini in another week or so just to bug you with growth rate

Any plans to let it grow down the topmost rock and give it a weeping effect?

Thanks man! Sure, I want to see it! Lol

Not really, as the rocks are already blending in -- I want the HC to sort of frame the rocks rather than partially cover them, if that makes sense.

Originally Posted by bluestems

Ok thanks for the info. I'm on my iPhone so it's harder to go back to find it in your journal. I think finding the right balance of lighting and ferts is the most challenging part of a nano setup. Looks like you've found a good balance

Do you have any fish? I see the cherries!

No problem. You're most definitely correct here. A key aspect to this issue is plant density and choice of plants. I was having algae issues before I added the blyxa and rotala to the tank -- these plants are much better at utilizing excess ferts than just HC and Eriocaulon species on their own. Since the addition of these plants, algae has curbed to essentially nothing.

No, I need to get some, I know! Yeah, the PFR are really nice but I'm getting ready to sell some and get some fish too.

[@marko@]

looking really good bro.
love the way the HC looks all filled in and thick.

[ThatGuyWithTheFish]

How are the older leaves of your HC? I've noticed mine get green and darker, but I'm not running CO2 or excel anymore.

[Geniusdudekiran]

Originally Posted by @marko@

looking really good bro.
love the way the HC looks all filled in and thick.

Thanks Marko! Yeah, it's really nice and lush. DSLR pics soon.

Originally Posted by ThatGuyWithTheFish

How are the older leaves of your HC? I've noticed mine get green and darker, but I'm not running CO2 or excel anymore.

They're essentially the same coloration. They're smaller, as though they've shrunken almost, but basically the same. Comes in handy when you mow the carpet down. Nice and thick.

[bluestems]

Originally Posted by Geniusdudekiran

No problem. You're most definitely correct here. A key aspect to this issue is plant density and choice of plants. I was having algae issues before I added the blyxa and rotala to the tank -- these plants are much better at utilizing excess ferts than just HC and Eriocaulon species on their own. Since the addition of these plants, algae has curbed to essentially nothing.

No, I need to get some, I know! Yeah, the PFR are really nice but I'm getting ready to sell some and get some fish too.

I forgot patience... patience is definitely another requirement!! I so want my lush hc, like yesterday! I like the blyxa and rotala in your tank. It gives a nice variety of textures.

What is your dosing regime and photoperiod, if you don't mind me asking?

[somewhatshocked]

Looking great!

But dangit, buy a MagFox pipe cleaner.

And add about 10 billion more shrimp.

Originally Posted by Geniusdudekiran

I'm finally achieving the look I've been going for. Let me know how you guys feel about it!

[Geniusdudekiran]

Here's a DSLR shot.



I know it's a terrible photo, but I don't have access to my full array of software at this second because my PC is acting up . At least you can make out the general shape of the planting now, which is almost exactly how I want it!

[Geniusdudekiran]

Originally Posted by bluestems

I forgot patience... patience is definitely another requirement!! I so want my lush hc, like yesterday! I like the blyxa and rotala in your tank. It gives a nice variety of textures.

What is your dosing regime and photoperiod, if you don't mind me asking?

Yes, it absolutely is! Thanks, me too. My photoperiod is somewhere around 6:45 AM-8:00 AM (so it's on when I get up and leave for school in the morning on weekdays) and then 12:00 PM-10:00 PM for the afternoon and evening.

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Looking great!

But dangit, buy a MagFox pipe cleaner.

And add about 10 billion more shrimp.

Thanks Jake! I know, I know... I will...... Lol. And there are probably about that many by this point now -- or something close! Macros soon.

[@marko@]

why split up the photoperiod?
i never even considered doing that, is there a reason, or just so its on at times when you are there.

[Geniusdudekiran]

Originally Posted by @marko@

why split up the photoperiod?
i never even considered doing that, is there a reason, or just so its on at times when you are there.

Well, I used to have it on constantly through both those periods and in between, but that didn't last long because I had to shorten it due to algae issues. Splitting it allows for me to see it when I wake up and when I'm working at my desk in the afternoon and evening. So basically, it's only on when I'm here. Except for weekends, during which I must deal with looking at a dark tank for a few hours every once in a while!

[plantednano]

What timer are you using to have a split interval light cycle?

[Geniusdudekiran]

Originally Posted by plantednano

What timer are you using to have a split interval light cycle?

I'm using a timer from IKEA that's a little different from most other conventional timers, but almost all timers can handle a split interval -- just get a replacement pair of the little pegs/pins (usually red/green or red/black) and use four of them total on the timer.

[antbug]

That last FTS looks great! The hill, rocks and HC have come together nicely. The Blyxa on the left flows really nice as well, but the stems in the back are taking away the hill look IMO. Maybe it's the way they are cut or maybe it's just the stems. Some downoi crowns would look better IMO. Either way, nicely done!

How are your trees doing? My trident just started to change colors and is loosing a few leaves.