GLA 6g Rimless 36-L - My First Iwagumi Inspired Scape Journal

[beedee]

The last time I started growing HC, I did a DSM for about a month, mainly to get the roots really rooted, I flooded it after 31 days....I noticed it seemed to really take off after flooding it. Looks like yours is doing that as well, very good stuff!

[Brian_Cali77]

Beedee... I was really concerned too about the HC just uprooting from the Stratum substrate since I didn't do a DSM. I did get a few very small floaters within the first few days but I just replanted them with no issues. I took great care when flooding the tank to not disturb the substrate and the ability to reduce the flow on the Fluval 106 all helped a great deal I think.

[Brian_Cali77]

Small update...

Anyway... got my heater in the mail today. It's a Hydor Theo 25w. I'm confident that I'll be able to conceal in the the back-right by laying it down horizontal to the substrate. If all goes well and thanks to some plants providing the cover, you won't be able to notice it's there. Just wanted to take a pic to show its size in relation to the GLA 36-L. I will be working on covering the filter intake strainer with some netting and installing the heater tonight. Going to place an order for Red Rili Shrimp in a day or two.

[HunterX]

Wow I really love your tank. Very nice job. I must say that your video was done very well. Nice camera work and editing. You really tied the footage together well. (Hands Clapping)

How is the regulator doing? I have a 46g Bow Front that I think it would work well on. I have a regulator on it now but it doesn't hold it's bubble rate very well and it doesn't have solenoid. Pain in the butt to say the least.

Have you had the Pogostemon erectus before? I have some in my 55. I ei dose and have CO2 in it. That plant grows amazingly in my tank. Super green and super think. It may just be the photo, but it looks a little yellow in your tank.

Tank is looking great! Can't wait for more updates.

[HunterX]

Oh and let me know when you're ready to get rid of some that red ludwigia. I'd love to take some off your hangs!

[Brian_Cali77]

Thanks Hunter on the compliments! The Aquatek regulator is still running strong. It's been actually running 24/7 since I planted the tank. I'll probably start using the solenoid valve timed with my photo-period when the first paintball tank runs out.

I think for the 46g bowfront, you should probably get the full sized Aquatek regulator and a 5lbs or 10lbs cylinder. I think the paintball might run out too fast on you.

The P. Erectus certainly grows like a beast, given the right conditions. I think it just looks a bit yellow because of the lighting and the way the pic was taken.

Here's a pic of it with the fixture light on.


As for the Ludwigia Red... I'll let you know. You have any good plants to trade? I'm interested in some P. Helferi (Downoi)... got any by any chance? LOL

[HunterX]

That picture looks much better. Looking gooood!

Sorry I do not have any Downoi.

[Brian_Cali77]

Update time: Hit the 1+ Month mark...

I've been getting some yellow spots in the HC. I believe it to either be a nitrate or iron deficiency problem... I'll look in to trying to address that or start a more comprehensive fertilizing regimen (i.e. EI or PPS-Pro). For the meantime, I added a heft dose of API Leaf Zone for Iron and Potash.

I added in the Hydor Theo heater in the back right corner. Thanks to my wannabe (black) lily pipes, the heater looks almost non-existent. I think in the early part of next year, I'll get the Cal Aqua Nano Pipes.. Anyway, the Pogostemon Erectus has grown pretty tall as I planned. My goal is to have it block my view of the filter equipment and heater. I think I'll be trimming the Ludwigia sp. Red and the Rotala Colorata soon to give it more of a bushy look.

Looks like it's all starting to come together nicely. Just need to order some shrimp already! LOL

It's been over a month since the initial planting... and here's how the tank looks today





And... FLAME ON!!!

[Brian_Cali77]

Update: Dry Ferts Mixed - PPS-Pro Lets Go!

So I finally mixed the ferts (only 250ml each for now). After getting some advice from some people, it was determined that I do not have to mix in MgSO4 in the macros--despite seeing that in the PPS-Pro recipe calculator. I suppose the Magnesium sulfate would be needed if your tank is filled with just RO/DI water or your tap is really soft. In Arizona, the tap is quite the opposite and I don't think it gets any harder than our tap. I don't have a test kit for GH and KH but I googled up the water quality from the city and I can see that Magnesium is plentiful in the city water. So I'm going to start doing a 50/50 mix of tap and RO/DI water in my PWC's moving forward--I need to get this tank ready for shrimp

So I was a little bored and created some labels for my dispenser bottles

More pics...

[Green_Flash]

wow cool, could you PM me those designs? they look great!

[Brian_Cali77]

PM me your email address so I can attach the file. Are you dosing PPS-Pro too?

[bitFUUL]

Originally Posted by Brian_Cali77

PM me your email address so I can attach the file. Are you dosing PPS-Pro too?

Sweet design, hit me with the design too! (or post it, I'm sure people would love it)

[Barbgirl]

Flame moss is looking awesome!! Love how it acts as kind of a divider between plant colors.

[Green_Flash]

Originally Posted by Brian_Cali77

PM me your email address so I can attach the file. Are you dosing PPS-Pro too?

thank you!

[Brian_Cali77]

Thanks everyone! I really like how the flame moss is growing in on the manzanita branch. You're right Barbgirl, it does create a nice divide between colors and textures.