First Time Aquascape, First Time Post

[DarkCobra]

Actually, a former incarnation of that tank from years back had java moss growing in it quite well. A little too well, it was a pain to keep trimmed in any attractive shape, and bits would get loose and sprout up all over the place. So it was removed, and we swore off mosses, but we were still weeding out those wayward bits right up until the day Stef rebuilt it.

The Christmas moss is our first attempt to try mosses again, and it seems a lot nicer in growth pattern, though I'm sure it's probably equally invasive. It's currently in an Eclipse tank, with both fluorescent tubes in the front. With the island attached high up on the back glass, it isn't getting full lighting, so it's growing slowly - but it is growing, and maybe in a month or two, we should have enough to incorporate it into Stef's tank.

As the person in charge of water parameters for all our tanks, I should also mention that I haven't gotten Stef's tank stable yet. First I added DIY CO2. Then the brand new check value clogged after a few days, leaving the tank without CO2, and the bottle blown up like a balloon! Now CO2 is only partially restored, because the diffuser isn't working right, and I'm waiting on a replacement. I can tell the plants are wondering what the heck is going on. Oh well, I'll get it straight eventually!

[Art by Stef*]

Uh, yeah. What he said.
I admit I know very little of the chemical aspects. I'm just into the biology, zoology, and artsy-fartsy appeal. Math is not my strong suit.
I go to sleep sometimes watching the pretty fishies silently swimming in their Moonlit Garden with visions of CO2 bottles exploding in my head :0
-Stef*

[kamikazi]

very cool, I like the moon background ties in well with the aquascape.

[hotrodprincess]

I never thought to use rocks to looke like a path that would look so much better than what I tried to do

[Art by Stef*]

Pretty easy, hot rod p.
I just took a piece of natural slate, got a hammer and wedge, and went to town on the patio with it. Just rinse and stick the pieces in puzzle style. There are no rooting-type fish in the tank, or they could possibly re-mason the whole walkway. If you used larger, heavier pieces I believe you could, though.
Stef*

[hotrodprincess]

Originally Posted by Art by Stef*

Pretty easy, hot rod p.
I just took a piece of natural slate, got a hammer and wedge, and went to town on the patio with it. Just rinse and stick the pieces in puzzle style. There are no rooting-type fish in the tank, or they could possibly re-mason the whole walkway. If you used larger, heavier pieces I believe you could, though.
Stef*

We will look at homedepo for some natural slate the girls would have fun breaking it up.

[shift]

that is a sweet little path!

[Art by Stef*]

Thank You, shift!
hotrodprincess: Sure would be! Just stick in some "Easy Wind" by the Grateful Dead, and start slinging those hammers-a game the whole family can enjoy! Just be sure to wear safety goggles and be on good speaking terms with every one
-Stef*

[kamikazi]

not only would this type of path be less susceptible to destruction by fish, but also be more difficult for plants to spread into it and you dont have to worry about it mixing with the other substrate.

[hotrodprincess]

Originally Posted by Art by Stef*

Thank You, shift!
hotrodprincess: Sure would be! Just stick in some "Easy Wind" by the Grateful Dead, and start slinging those hammers-a game the whole family can enjoy! Just be sure to wear safety goggles and be on good speaking terms with every one
-Stef*

Whats that little red plant in the front on the right. And the one that right behind it by the drift wood looks like their are two of them.

[Mahlady]

Love the tank, and the holiday themes. Can't wait to see your Christmas tank next year,my fav holiday.

The path is great, what did you use to make it?

nevermind, missed it, slate....

[Art by Stef*]

The red plant is Alternanthera Reineckii. The tree on the left is Scarlet Temple (I thought it was Ludwigia). The "bushes" on the driftwood are Blixa. There's a few sprigs of other stuff that I add or subtract depending on what it looks like when it grows in. So far pretty low maintenance on the trimming. Mostly the arch and keeping the "tree leaves" under control.
Haven't had to mow the grass yet.

I hope to give it a theme each month.
Definitely Christmas. I put a string of twinkle lights on a twig wreath and hung it behind the 29 gallon Angelfish tank (it has no background) last year, much to DarkCobra's dismay. Maybe this year I'll build a snowman out of moss balls.
-Stef*

[Art by Stef*]

A halt on Operation Easter Decoration, I think we have a problem here.



Had to send the troops out in camouflage to survey the situation.



It's a jungle in there.



It's all around us man! Game over!



Oh. The horror... The horror.



Let the war on algae begin!

Stef*

[hunterlook]

Where did you find those slate type stones that you used as the pathway?! I love 'em!

[puopg]

This thread is hilarious. Love the army guys.