Unirdna's 46g Bowfront - Terminated - 03/2004 - 03/2007

[Thooshe]

Looking good Ted. I have gotten my 46 set up now same amount of lighting but I used Flourate instead.

How do you like the Ecco? I am looking at going with a 2215 classic as soon as I get the cash because my 46 blew a hole in my wallet too.

[unirdna]

Hi Thooshe,

I'm feelin ya, man. Took me 2 months to get all the knickknacks together ($$$). The eco-complete is fantastic (so far). The size and density is perfect. Easy to push in fragile stems, but it still holds them very well. Also, there is absolutely no dust to worry about. The tanks had a whiteish haze for an hour or so, but it quickly turned clear.

I was torn between the 2215 (classic) and the 2235 (ECCO). Wound up getting the ECCO because the price was very right. I think that the pump rates are similar, but the 2215 has a bit more media area. The current the 2235 has created seems about perfect. I had to cut down the spray bar to make it fit on the side of the tank. Since I cut off 2-3 spray holes, I widened the remaining holes with my dremel (just to make sure I wasn't restricting flow). I aim the spraybar down and towards the glass (for now). The creates a gentle current that sweeps the bottom of the tank.

[Wasserpest]

Originally Posted by unirdna

Also, the ambulia has shown significant growth in just one day :? . Is this normal (see photo )?

Yep, that's normal. Ambulia is among the fastest growing stem plants. With lots of light and CO2, it will require pruning twice a week or more often. Unless you're okay with it floating along the surface.

It's an ideal plant for a new tank, since it eats up so many nutrients, overwhelming any algae in the process

I have started to plant it in little pots, because I got tired of pulling the roots out of the substrate each week (clouding the water). Now I just pull them out of the pot, cut them in half, and stick them back in.

[trenac]

Amano shrimp...Love them...Great fun to watch.

[unirdna]

Got it all planted!

Also added a small chunk of microsword and some sag.

In addition to the 2 amanos, I now have 2 SAE's and 4 ottos. After watching my amanos crawl all over the driftwood, I'm now sure that I am going to go 'shrimp crazy' with this tank. I love em! I especially want a couple of those big suckers, with the 'feather' claws. But to keep those would mean that I probably shouldn't ever get a UV sterilizer, since they eat drifting algae. I think I'd be willing to sacrifice a bit of clarity to be able to keep a couple of those .

[corigan]

Looks good, can't wait to see it grow in.

Matt

[unirdna]

So, it's about 10 days now since the first plants went in the tank. And a few days since I've arranged the tank. Nitrates and phosphates have been at 0 ppm since the start. In the last few days I noticed that growth was slowing and a bit of hair algae and bga was starting to grow on the hairgrass. So I've started dosing ferts. Just nitrate and flourish (so far). I added enough KNO3 to bring the tank to 5ppm. I'm scared to add phosphate ops: , but will bring the tank up a couple tenths ppm in the coming days (so long as the nitrate dosing goes ok). I also plan to dose K for the first time this weekend when I do a water change.

Here's a shot taken right after adding NO3 for the first time. I'm thoroughly documenting this, so you'll all be up to speed if my tank 'explodes'.

Ted

[rumples riot]

Looking good and nice design, will look great once it grows in.

Paul

[unirdna]

Finally added some fish that weren't required to do any cleaning. I love the way these guys school. They don't look frightened, just 'clicky'. Like freshman walking to a house party during the first month of college . This brings my current fish count to:

2 SAE's
4 Ottos
4 Amanos
8 Rasboras

[unirdna]

- Updated photo of whole tank.

A little bit of haze in the water column and some staghorn on the hairgrass, but things seem to be balancing out. You can see an Apotomogeton crispus leaf sprouting from near the small piece of wood. That bulb has been buried in my girlfriends 15 gal (presumably dead) for 3 years. It only took 6 hours to 'wake up'. Overall, The tank is taking on a softer look. I like the shadowing created by a bit of the ambulia resting on top.....still, I have to trim it twice a week.

[unirdna]

...and a view from the couch. (I thought I would post a 'day' photo, to give a better idea of how I see the tank). Please ignore the pH probe ops: . - And note the addition of an A. crispus leaf overnight! The more I look at that plant, the more I love it.

[pixelcrayon]

im just started my first planted tank. still in the planning/scaping stage. hope mine turns out as good as yours. nice job!!

[corigan]

Loving the layout uni, keep us updated with pics. I love the contrast between the left side and the right side.

Matt

[unirdna]

Sorry to post a new photo so soon, but I needed a way to show Tonyd how my tank is looking. I'm attempting to acquire some of his clippings and need to show him what I have to offer (trade).

But now that you're here....might as well take a look .

Please excuse the wicked glare on the tank. Our living room has skylights and three walls of windows. It is all but impossible to get a clean shot during the day.

[Raul-7]

Awesome, I really like it! Is that H.micranthemoides, I like the foreground effect.