Newt Tank Build

[Fishies_in_Philly]

I'd like to see some pics as well. Remember, we are first and foremost fish people. Aquascaping is cool and.all, but we're all fish folk at heart

[Fishies_in_Philly]

Oh, and um, grad students? Should we be calling you professor jake? Not that it matters, because i'll be calling you prof from now on.....lol

[Learner]

I work with a few grad students on various projects. I am definately not their professor. Just a regular old teacher with some connections at the local college. I used to teach night classes there. Now I just help out some old friends from time to time.

I am no aquascaping master (duh, thats obvious) but a bare tank with 250 coho just didnt suit me that much. I am just changing the paradigm now and shifting my experiments to more of an observation standpoint. This will fit my hobby as well as my career lol. I am curious to see if the aelvin will prefer a certain sized substrate, flow rate, or if their habits and preferences will change will growth. I am gonna add some manzi and see if they take to it or just hold to the bottom. LOwer level stuff, but I could use the ease for this last semester.

[Learner]

Well I think the tank was finally ready to start planting. The silicone smell is almost completely non-existent. I decided to plant the terrestrials first and work on the water section over the next few days. Maybe a bad call since planting my aquatic section will now be even more tight than it should be. I am a bit worried about the plants. The pots are a bit small, I hope I wont run into much of a problem with them getting root bound. TIme will tell I guess.

Well, let me know what you think.

[Wy Renegade]

Very nice! I've always wondered about the root bound issues with the small pots that are typically included in these types of scapes. Seems like it could become an issue with some of them, while others like the fern may simply spread their rhizomes out over the background.

[PaulG]

Originally Posted by Wy Renegade

Very nice! I've always wondered about the root bound issues with the small pots that are typically included in these types of scapes. Seems like it could become an issue with some of them, while others like the fern may simply spread their rhizomes out over the background.

I've had roots push through the pots and into the foam!

[Learner]

Originally Posted by PaulG

I've had roots push through the pots and into the foam!

I molded plastic pots into the tank to hold the plants. I didnt want any water draining into the aquatic section. we'll see how it goes. I have done this in the past and the plants lived well for 6 months or so before I had to change them. Thats about the time frame for a little overhaul anyways

[Learner]

I planted the water section this afternoon and think I need some more crypts spread out along the edges. I know that the growth in this tank will be slow because of the cold water. Some plants may not make it I suppose and fail to acclimate. The newts spend a great deal of time walking around on the substrate so I think I'll give it a week or two before putting them in. Hopefully they'll root a little bit and be able to withstand the trampling.

Any suggestions would be welcomed. Water is super cloudy becasue of the planting in the sand. HOpe the 2213 eheim will clear it up over night.

I managed to keep the water movement to a minimum and wonder how the plants will do on the left side of the tank away from the out flow??

[LyzzaRyzz]

WOW! 0.o
You have a gift! Your little guys are going to LOVE thier new home!

[Learner]

Originally Posted by LyzzaRyzz

WOW! 0.o
You have a gift! Your little guys are going to LOVE thier new home!

Wow, thank you so much for the kind words. I worked really hard on this one.

Best Fishes

JD

[PaulG]

Originally Posted by Learner

I molded plastic pots into the tank to hold the plants. I didnt want any water draining into the aquatic section. we'll see how it goes. I have done this in the past and the plants lived well for 6 months or so before I had to change them. Thats about the time frame for a little overhaul anyways

It didn't seem to bother the plants, they were two years old and still growing when I tore it down

[Learner]

Originally Posted by PaulG

It didn't seem to bother the plants, they were two years old and still growing when I tore it down

Well done, after 2 years! they were well taken care of thats for sure! I hope mine will bounce back, they're lookin a little droopy as of late. Darn acclimation and recovery after shocking the roots. thanks for lookin and chiming in. I fell better about the roots now.

cheers

[Learner]

well the water cleared up a bit and the plants will hopfully take root soon. Cant wait to see the newts in their new home!

[Lia]

Originally Posted by Learner

well the water cleared up a bit and the plants will hopfully take root soon. Cant wait to see the newts in their new home!

Wow amazing ,that looks like a zoo exhibit.

[Fishies_in_Philly]

that looks awesome Jake. Nce job!!! what's the treelike plant in the center/right?