10g Asian Theme (New Pics Sept 6)

Myka · 07-07-2008, 03:21 AM

Ok, here goes my first attempt at a planted tank!! I'm really "winging it" here...I have no idea what I'm doing!

I have read lots on here, but still...

Everything in the tank is "from Asia". The one unconfirmed plant was sold to me as Cyperus helferi, but it seems as though it is either Sagittaria subulata or Vallisneria americana both of which are from the Americas. If that's the case, my Asian theme goes to the wind! Gonna have to pull it, and find some more Asian plants.

10g tank (standard)
AquaClear 20
Visi-therm heater (75 degrees)
Fluorite substrate
15w T8 Phillips "warm white" (couldn't find a higher Kelvin in the right size bulb)
Tap water treated for chlorine

8 Harlequin Rasbora (I tried to get Trigonostigma espei, but couldn't find any locally)
1 yellow Betta (not introduced yet...waiting for the Rasboras to grow!)

Hygrophila difformis
Java Fern
Sagittaria subulata or Vallisneria americana (unconfirmed)

I need to add either a few rocks or some driftwood...I think I will go with rocks. I obviously need more plants, but there isn't much selection here. The LFS's haven't seen ANY mosses for several years. Interesting... I would REALLY like to add some Java moss to fill in space!

What testing should I be doing on the tank at this time? Should I be adding ferts? I'm going to add a Hagen CO2 unit to the tank as soon as I find one. Might have to mail order...

I am right in assuming my Betta would likely eat or harass the 1/2" (not including tail fin) baby Rasboras, right?

Comments and suggestions welcome!

The blurs in the photo are the Rasboras.

CL · 07-07-2008, 03:52 AM

I have always liked the idea of using bamboo poles. this should look beautiful when grown out. Your poles look like they have good placement to me

Oh, and does your java fern branch in three? I got some like it yesterday, and seems a bit of a mystery. Is it java fern sp. tropica? or is it java fern trident?

Myka · 07-07-2008, 04:37 AM

Thanks! I'm hoping it will look better when it grows out. Most tanks seem to look a little sad for the first month...so that gives me hope!

Uhm...I don't think my Java Fern branches into three...?

I'm not sure which variety it is.

A better pic of the Java Fern is here: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/pl...tml#post639447

**FrostyNYC** · 07-07-2008, 04:44 AM

I'm skeptical whether 15 watts of light over your 10 gallon is going to be enough to grow much. I probably wouldnt dose ferts initially, especially if you're going to have a high bioload once you get fish, since you're going to have slow growth with that lighting. If you do dose, I'd do it lightly with NPK and micros.

Make sure you didnt bury that java fern rhizome in the substrate. The rhizome should be above, with the roots below... I couldnt tell from that picture. Also, my guess is that that's dwarf sag, not vallisneria. I saw the close up pics in another post of yours.

Overall, I like it. It's really interesting and unique.

Nice and creative. It'd be nice to get a couple of interesting cryptocorne species, especially with some bronze leaves.

**ZooTycoonMaster** · 07-07-2008, 04:51 AM

Try getting some Cryptocorynes, they're from Asia and tolerate low light

Myka · 07-07-2008, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrostyNYC

I'm skeptical whether 15 watts of light over your 10 gallon is going to be enough to grow much. I probably wouldnt dose ferts initially, especially if you're going to have a high bioload once you get fish, since you're going to have slow growth with that lighting. If you do dose, I'd do it lightly with NPK and micros.

Make sure you didnt bury that java fern rhizome in the substrate. The rhizome should be above, with the roots below... I couldnt tell from that picture. Also, my guess is that that's dwarf sag, not vallisneria. I saw the close up pics in another post of yours.

Overall, I like it. It's really interesting and unique.

Nice and creative. It'd be nice to get a couple of interesting cryptocorne species, especially with some bronze leaves.

Ya, I'm not sure about the light either. I'm prepared to replace it if needed. I'm looking at the Nova Extreme 2x20w T5 strip. I tried Home Depot and the other hardware stores and couldn't find any suitable desk lamps or otherwise. Heck, I could hardly find a 20" T8 bulb of kinda suitable Kelvin!

There already are fish in the tank - 8 Harlequin Rasboras. A Betta soon to come...I don't think that is a high bio-load? Full, but not high?

Oh, thanks for the tip on the Java Fern...I have the rhizome buried! I'll go dig it out right now.

The problem with plants is that I can't find any!!! Of the 5 LFSs in the area, there is only about 20 different species of plants to choose from, and only one of the stores has semi-healthy looking plants.

I didn't see any Cryptos or mosses when I was out and about today.

Thanks for your comments!

SeaSerpant · 07-07-2008, 05:03 AM

I like it, i like it. So when are you getting more plants? jk. Thats the problem with stores these days, some just don't take care of anything.

CL · 07-07-2008, 05:03 AM

the leaf on the far left looks like in branches...

Myka · 07-07-2008, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaSerpant

I like it, i like it. So when are you getting more plants? jk. Thats the problem with stores these days, some just don't take care of anything.

Hey!! I bet you're the same SeaSerpant as on CanReef aren't ya?!

mysticalnet · 07-07-2008, 09:15 AM

Hmmm.. warm white bulb won't give much light for plants, you should change to a Philips Daylight 23W = 100W energy saving spiral bulb.

Myka · 07-07-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysticalnet

Hmmm.. warm white bulb won't give much light for plants, you should change to a Philips Daylight 23W = 100W energy saving spiral bulb.

Ya, that would be great, and I tried to, but I couldn't find any suitable fixtures in Home Depot.

@marko@ · 07-07-2008, 04:50 PM

has anybody suggested a moss carpet yet? it would do great in your tank and they look really nice. just attach it to flate rocks (slate works well) and lay them over the substrate.

Myka · 07-07-2008, 06:39 PM

Ya! I want to, I just can't find ANY mosses in town! I plan on doing a moss carpet when I can find some!

@marko@ · 07-07-2008, 07:36 PM

you could get plenty off of the swap and shop. or aquabid (most of the big exporters ship from asia anyway, so it doesnt matter if you are in canada. and im sure moss ships fine since i have done a 5 day blackout, and my moss didnt care at all.

emrextreme · 07-07-2008, 09:20 PM

It sure looks very nice. There is this video clip about using bamboo in a betta tank.

My Betta Tank

07-07-2008, 03:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
Myka Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 231	10g Asian Theme (New Pics Sept 6) Ok, here goes my first attempt at a planted tank!! I'm really "winging it" here...I have no idea what I'm doing! I have read lots on here, but still... Everything in the tank is "from Asia". The one unconfirmed plant was sold to me as Cyperus helferi, but it seems as though it is either Sagittaria subulata or Vallisneria americana both of which are from the Americas. If that's the case, my Asian theme goes to the wind! Gonna have to pull it, and find some more Asian plants. 10g tank (standard) AquaClear 20 Visi-therm heater (75 degrees) Fluorite substrate 15w T8 Phillips "warm white" (couldn't find a higher Kelvin in the right size bulb) Tap water treated for chlorine 8 Harlequin Rasbora (I tried to get Trigonostigma espei, but couldn't find any locally) 1 yellow Betta (not introduced yet...waiting for the Rasboras to grow!) Hygrophila difformis Java Fern Sagittaria subulata or Vallisneria americana (unconfirmed) I need to add either a few rocks or some driftwood...I think I will go with rocks. I obviously need more plants, but there isn't much selection here. The LFS's haven't seen ANY mosses for several years. Interesting... I would REALLY like to add some Java moss to fill in space! What testing should I be doing on the tank at this time? Should I be adding ferts? I'm going to add a Hagen CO2 unit to the tank as soon as I find one. Might have to mail order... I am right in assuming my Betta would likely eat or harass the 1/2" (not including tail fin) baby Rasboras, right? Comments and suggestions welcome! The blurs in the photo are the Rasboras. __________________ ~ 75g rimless cube (empty...discus?) ~ 55g w/ 11" Oscar & 10" Sailfin Pleco ~ 40g w/ 15g sump Bangaii breeding grounds (SW) ~ 33g sumpless LPS reef (SW) ~ 10g Asian theme planted Last edited by Myka; 09-06-2008 at 05:56 PM.

07-07-2008, 03:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
CL Aquascaper (View User Tanks) PTrader: (48/100%) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lexington, Ky Posts: 6,896	I have always liked the idea of using bamboo poles. this should look beautiful when grown out. Your poles look like they have good placement to me Oh, and does your java fern branch in three? I got some like it yesterday, and seems a bit of a mystery. Is it java fern sp. tropica? or is it java fern trident? __________________ GLA 48 Rimless \| 10 Reef \| 7.2 Rimless Cube \| 5.4 Rimless Nano \| Pimp→ GLA #1 - Victor #49 - Eheim #298

07-07-2008, 04:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
Myka Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 231	Thanks! I'm hoping it will look better when it grows out. Most tanks seem to look a little sad for the first month...so that gives me hope! Uhm...I don't think my Java Fern branches into three...? I'm not sure which variety it is. A better pic of the Java Fern is here: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/pl...tml#post639447 __________________ ~ 75g rimless cube (empty...discus?) ~ 55g w/ 11" Oscar & 10" Sailfin Pleco ~ 40g w/ 15g sump Bangaii breeding grounds (SW) ~ 33g sumpless LPS reef (SW) ~ 10g Asian theme planted

07-07-2008, 04:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
ZooTycoonMaster Just Do!(Aqua) It (View User Tanks) PTrader: (22/100%) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Santa Clara, California Posts: 3,185	Try getting some Cryptocorynes, they're from Asia and tolerate low light __________________ Eheim Pimp #341 Eheim Classic 2213 10 Gallon Tank

07-07-2008, 05:03 AM	#7 (permalink)
SeaSerpant Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada Posts: 1,279	I like it, i like it. So when are you getting more plants? jk. Thats the problem with stores these days, some just don't take care of anything. __________________ Thanks Jonathan/SeaSerpant __________________________

07-07-2008, 04:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
FrostyNYC Nano Tank Fiend (View User Tanks) PTrader: (12/100%) Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC & Long Island, NY Posts: 1,370	I'm skeptical whether 15 watts of light over your 10 gallon is going to be enough to grow much. I probably wouldnt dose ferts initially, especially if you're going to have a high bioload once you get fish, since you're going to have slow growth with that lighting. If you do dose, I'd do it lightly with NPK and micros. Make sure you didnt bury that java fern rhizome in the substrate. The rhizome should be above, with the roots below... I couldnt tell from that picture. Also, my guess is that that's dwarf sag, not vallisneria. I saw the close up pics in another post of yours. Overall, I like it. It's really interesting and unique. Nice and creative. It'd be nice to get a couple of interesting cryptocorne species, especially with some bronze leaves.

07-07-2008, 05:03 AM	#8 (permalink)
CL Aquascaper (View User Tanks) PTrader: (48/100%) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lexington, Ky Posts: 6,896	the leaf on the far left looks like in branches... __________________ GLA 48 Rimless \| 10 Reef \| 7.2 Rimless Cube \| 5.4 Rimless Nano \| Pimp→ GLA #1 - Victor #49 - Eheim #298

07-07-2008, 09:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
mysticalnet Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 99	Hmmm.. warm white bulb won't give much light for plants, you should change to a Philips Daylight 23W = 100W energy saving spiral bulb. __________________ 15G Planted Aquarium of Red Cherry Shrimps, Crystal Red, Black Shrimps & cute dwarf puffer. :p 50G Planted Aquarium of 6 Goldfishes, 2 Weather Loaches, 4 Silver Cories & 1 Pleco. 20G Planted Aquarium - Emerald Green , Tiger & Blue Pearl shrimp tank. 10G Office/Lab Planted Aquarium with Neons and Galaxy Rasboras 5G Hexagon Aquarium of baby Goldfishes.

07-07-2008, 04:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
@marko@ Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/100%) Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: livingston, nj Posts: 3,623	has anybody suggested a moss carpet yet? it would do great in your tank and they look really nice. just attach it to flate rocks (slate works well) and lay them over the substrate. __________________ Eheim Pimp #296 Eheim Ecco 2232 (x2), Eheim Ecco 2234 (x1) please grow my hatchling (click on it):

07-07-2008, 06:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
Myka Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 231	Ya! I want to, I just can't find ANY mosses in town! I plan on doing a moss carpet when I can find some! __________________ ~ 75g rimless cube (empty...discus?) ~ 55g w/ 11" Oscar & 10" Sailfin Pleco ~ 40g w/ 15g sump Bangaii breeding grounds (SW) ~ 33g sumpless LPS reef (SW) ~ 10g Asian theme planted

07-07-2008, 07:36 PM	#14 (permalink)
@marko@ Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/100%) Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: livingston, nj Posts: 3,623	you could get plenty off of the swap and shop. or aquabid (most of the big exporters ship from asia anyway, so it doesnt matter if you are in canada. and im sure moss ships fine since i have done a 5 day blackout, and my moss didnt care at all. __________________ Eheim Pimp #296 Eheim Ecco 2232 (x2), Eheim Ecco 2234 (x1) please grow my hatchling (click on it):

07-07-2008, 09:20 PM	#15 (permalink)
emrextreme Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Turkey Posts: 57	It sure looks very nice. There is this video clip about using bamboo in a betta tank. My Betta Tank

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