A lonely Tree 4 gallon bowl, now with clown kilies,

[JeremyM]

looks quite promising once it grows out... as for the Cyano, my best advice is to just let it grow. Don't remove it by hand, don't reduce the lighting, and definitely don't do any water changes. It sounds somewhat brutal and counter-intuitive, but it's the process that has worked reliably for my innumerable times in the past. Just set the tank up and fill 'er up with water, and let it sit. The cyano should grow like crazy at first, then grow even more, densely coating everything in the tanks and forming a net over all the plants and substrate. But eventually it will have used up the available nutrients in the water column, or get to the point where it grows on top of itself and suffocates that which is underneath it. In other words, the bowl will have reached the maximum amount of cyanobacteria it can support. After this stage, let it sit for a couple weeks more and it will start to die off. You can tell when this happens if the sheet disintegrates when you poke at it. From then, use airline tubing to suck all of the algae off the plants, it should easily come off and be sucked into the siphon. But be sure to save your water- fold over a couple of paper towels and put them over a separate container to form a filter to catch all the bacteria, algae and nasties, then add your cycled water back in. I've set up many bowls in this method, and though nearly all have had outbreaks to begin with, after this cycling method i've never had a problem with any type of algae or bacteria again. Just remember that in such a small system, the most inconsequential-seeming amounts of water really count for a lot, and even a few cups changed may initiate a re-cycling spree. (this is why I only top off, no wc). Once balance is achieved, you must stick to it.

[Newman]

I've had pretty good luck with weekly water change, so i guess it can be done both ways. I always wanted to try to setup a bowl with no maintenance other than top offs. tried it once but never got it fully underway (had to take it down for an unrelated reason)

Sounds like an interesting way to get rid of cyano. It might work if it doesn't kill/starve a lot of the plants in the process.

[Kehy]

I had cyano in a 1/2 gallon bowl that somehow seems to have disappeared. A week after I had noticed it, I had to go on a 3 week vacation. I put plastic wrap over the top (help with evaporation) and took off for 3 weeks. The lights were on a timer, so they stayed constant. When I came back, the cyano was pretty much the same as it had been, little growth. I did a bit 80% water change, got rid of as much as I could. It did come back for 2 weeks, but I did weekly 50% water changes, and it's slowly gone away. No clue i this is normal or not, but it is nice

[stanzzzz]

Thanks JeremyM, Newman ,Kehy for your thoughts and input. will try that for sure. Also i am soooooooo inclined of pyulling everything out and redoing my scape. i have another DW so planing on putting 2 driftwoods on opposite sides and then replanting the same plants with adding more ada aqua soil on top of my existing soil.. what you guys think.. should i do it or just let this thing grow.

[Newman]

do what you want with it. if you think you can improve it then go for it

[stanzzzz]

lol that was quick newman. have to go home and see if my second driftwood can be fitted .

[stanzzzz]

So went with the plunge n rescaped everything ..some pics

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

[KFryman]

That scape must look trippy because of the distortion when looking the wood head on and with the sloping. It looks great though. Looking forwards to seeing it grow in.

[stanzzzz]

Originally Posted by KFryman

That scape must look trippy because of the distortion when looking the wood head on and with the sloping. It looks great though. Looking forwards to seeing it grow in.

Thanks fryman, trust me it is a steep slope, is exactly as you see, tied 3 stone s to the base,and then topped ot with heaps of soil,It's pretty nicely tucked in n won't move at all..hope this time I can get a carpet..

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

[theshadybird]

I LOVE the new scape, it challenges the mind and is really something that I think a lot of people will look at and think, "Wow, now that's something I haven't seen before!"

I'm excited to see it grow out!

[Newman]

looks perfect. if you do get a carpet, then it wont move, ever, unless the plants die. the root systems help a lot with stability.

[stanzzzz]

Thanks shadybird n Newman, hopefully I can get it carpet this time..anyways I am away from home n so don't know what's happening, hope by the time I get home its not full of algae, lights are set on timer for 7 hrs a day..

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

[Newman]

even if it gets algae it's no big deal. you will overcome it eventually. smooth sailing once that happens.

[stanzzzz]

Ok so third day went home n did my first 50% water change, n added some excel, no other fertz . Water looks better today. There is some dust on glass so pics r hazzy. Anyways let me know your thoughts,

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

[stanzzzz]

Here are some updated pics :-), got lot of diatom algae n some cyno showing up as well. What u guys think..



Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2