[RipariumGuy]

Yep, I am starting a riparium! After looking at Hydrophyte's, Hoppy's and Sewingalot's, I just couldn't resist! I still have alot to learn, so please bear with me!

Tank's Stats'

Lighting: hydroponics T5HO flourecent strip light (as of 12\16\09)

Filteration: Mini-Jet 404 powerhead with DIY pre-filter (as of 4/10/10)

Fertilization: EI doseing with dry fertilizers. (As of 2/10)

Subtrate: Pool filter sand (As of 1/10)

Tank: 20g high

Fauna: None

Flora:
Dieffenbachia x2
Lost of Pileas
peace lilly (Spathiphyllum sp)
baby panda bamboo

Decor': driftwood, lots of slate

Recent problems: Brown algae

FTS 12/09

FTS 2/10

FTS 3/11/10

FTS 3/22/10

FTS 4/11/10
All comments and suggestions are welcome!

 

[RipariumGuy]

REALLY sorry about the bad pics!

 

[Hoppy]

Congratulations for taking the plunge into ripariums! You will very likely never regret it.

A few suggestions: If that heater is a standard one it will work fine turned on its side down near the bottom of the tank. And, I think I wouldn't use that filter - more filtration than you need for a riparium, in my opinion. Perhaps a smaller one, again turned on its side, or a powerhead with a sponge on the inlet would work better.

Just on general principles, I would never put a TV under an aquarium, because of possible water leaks. Could you wall mount the TV? I did that once with a bigger one, and it worked great.

 

[hydrophyte]

Another option for the heater and filter would be to hang them on one of the side panels. They will be less prominent there and also free up more real estate along the rear panel for plants.

 

[RipariumGuy]

I know I have to ditch the filter, but It works for right now. As for the heater, I hand'nt thought of that! I'll try it tonight. The TV, I plan to move to another shelf. once I get the extention cord.

Now, it does'nt look good with out plants. So, could I get the plants, and then the light?
Thanks,
Jake

 

[hydrophyte]

Plants would probably alright for a few days with just ambient room light, but you would want to get the fixture soon.

 

[RipariumGuy]

If I had my old flourecent tube over the tank, could the plants survive for longer?

 

[Hoppy]

You could try something like this:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/t...10-gallon-riparium-experiment.html#post932414
Even one of these clamp-on lights, with a 26 watt bulb could keep the plants going for a few weeks.

 

[hydrophyte]

Any little bit of light that you could give them while you wait to get the brighter fixture would be OK. The plants that I was going to send in your box are low/moderate light varieties.

 

[demonbreedr16]

Cool! Good luck...one of these days, my riparium will be started...but for now, I'm just going to order the starting supplies & plants and just have the plants in a sunny window.

 

[RipariumGuy]

Thanks Kenny, I need all the luck I can get!

The fish are getting their color back and swimming together again. Its probably pretty stressfull having half your living space gone, and every thing rearranged!
Regards,
Jake

 

[RipariumGuy]

I moved the TV last night, but other than that no progress. All I need now is some cash.

Thanks for looking,
Jake

 

[RipariumGuy]

Vacation.... Uh oh!

I just found out that I will be gone on vacation for about two and a half weeks, during christmass break. I will have someone watching the dog\tank, but since the person watching them has no planted aquarium knowledge, I am going to leave the tank "un-planted" untill I get back. Just to be safe!

I rearranged everthing, (like you guys suggested,) putting the filter on the right glass panel, submersing the heater sidways, and adding some more rockwork. My plan (not like you havent heard it a million times!) is to get the T5 light, then wait to get the planters from Riparium Supply and plants untill after I get back. Does that sound right? Also, how can I releave some of my fish's stress, without useing chemicals? A little black-out and more hiding places maybe?

Regards,
Jake

 

[Ariel301]

What kind of fish are they?

 

[RipariumGuy]

The tanks inhabitants are a breeding pair of Convict's. I know that is a little over crouded, but I am giving it a shot!

 

[RipariumGuy]

I will try and post more and better pictures today!

 

[sewingalot]

Haha! Looks like the bug has bitten you. Two and a half weeks of vacation? That's what I need!

 

[RipariumGuy]

Yep! I am really excited for the trip!!!! But mostly the tank!

Right now, I am messing around with the hardscape, and I have a few questions. First, how many riparium plants should I use? Riparium Supply has the "Beginers Package" with three nano trellis's and three planters. Is that enough for a start? Or should I get the "24in tank package" right from the get go? Second, I would like to have the partly emersed rock work one of the two back sides of the tank and plants over the rest. Does that sound good?

Thanks,
Jake

 

[Hoppy]

Jake, since I love the effect of massed plants so much I'm obviously going to tell you to get enough planters and rafts to cover the whole tank top. But, this is such a new way to use a big glass box, I suggest you try what you think will look good to you, and only change it if you decide it would look even better some other way. Also, it will make your riparium life much easier if you have a second, perhaps smaller tank set up for extra plants, just in case. I am finding that a 10 gallon tank works fine for that.

 

[RipariumGuy]

Good thing I have a 10g! Thanks Hoppy! If I only had rip' plants, in the 10g would It need a water heater? My theory behind getting the "Beginers Package" is that, with shipping, two of the small packages, would cost just about the same as getting the "24in tank package." So if I decied that three planters and three trelis rafts is enough, I would'nt have paid for stuff I dont need. But now that you mentioned that having another riparium plant storage tank is a good idea, I should probably get the big package.

Thanks,
Jake