Two 45Ps build: Now with Oto fry

[Jason K]

Just got this swag from AFA. Already have spent a small fortune, but still need to get all the guts:

Eheim 2213s, 5 lb CO2 cylinders, GLA regulators, inline GLA diffusers, Milwaukee MC 122 controllers, Aqualogic temp controllers for cooling fans (already have this), PVC in-line probe holders, Hydor in line heaters, and hong kong lily pipes.

Hoping all of this stuff will fit into the stand...

[Couesfanatic]

cha ching!, nice work. Do you have any closer pictures of the stands? What are you going to do for plants?

[Green_Flash]

Very nice! Just curious, how many pieces of horn wood you ordered and what is the largest size you bought?

[Bubba Shrimp]

looks great!

[pirayaman]

well if that isnt a perfect start idk what is

[PinkRasbora]

One wood one rock interesting

[fishboy199413]

Very cool. Gives you the opportunity to have two different scapes. Hope everything works out for you.

[Jason K]

Originally Posted by Couesfanatic

cha ching!, nice work. Do you have any closer pictures of the stands? What are you going to do for plants?

Here you go. It's not exactly top quality...it's got that cheap ikea-esque plastic laminate surface, but the price was good, relatively speaking, at under $200 a pop.

Haven't really decide on the plants yet.

[Jason K]

Originally Posted by Green_Flash

Very nice! Just curious, how many pieces of horn wood you ordered and what is the largest size you bought?

Umm...way too many. 10 in total: 2 M, 4 S, 4 XS. Unfortunately that's the way it goes when you live across the country, and you can't pick out your own pieces in person. At least I'll have plenty of rescape options down the road.

[Jason K]

Which iwagumi layout is better? Any input is appreciated.

[karatekid14]

hmm they are both awesome iwagumi, but I guess I prefer the second one if you could tweak it a bit. Slope the substrate a lot so that the rocks are up higher, and then slope it from left to right a bit so that the main rock is higher than the secondary one. For plants you could do the perspective style where you have stems against the front glass and small plants back farther. Maybe glosso in the front fading into HC so it would look like a mountain in the distance.

But if you do go with the first layout I recommend some kind stem plant in the back, maybe bylxa as it would radiate out like the rocks.

They are both great layouts and I can't wait to see what you do with them and the nature aquarium tank. It's not often we see NA style so I am especially interested in that tank. Have fun!

[Xalyx]

Kind of hard to judge since it's rock vs dwiftwood. I'd say your wood is fine but your rock needs work. Your pictures could also be a bit closer.

Do you have experience with pH controllers? I never liked mine is why I'm asking you. I'm trying to move away from using it completely.

[Jason K]

Originally Posted by karatekid14

hmm they are both awesome iwagumi, but I guess I prefer the second one if you could tweak it a bit. Slope the substrate a lot so that the rocks are up higher, and then slope it from left to right a bit so that the main rock is higher than the secondary one.

Thanks for the input...yes, kinda hard to envision final scape without substrate, but I agree with the sloping concept.

And thanks for the plant recs, definite possibilites.

[Jason K]

Originally Posted by Xalyx

Do you have experience with pH controllers? I never liked mine is why I'm asking you. I'm trying to move away from using it completely.

It's been many years since I've used a ph controller/pressurized co2, and I agree it's not necessary, especially if you keep the bubble rate low and have a solenoid/timer setup...but I'm doing it anyway!

[IWANNAGOFAST]

awesome!! I really liked the layout with the rocks more vertical. Lots of $$ in this build, super excited!