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I have kept emersed grow tanks since 2013 which have contained a variety of plants, including a large number of Cryptocoryne species. I've started this new tank journal as I started a new emersed tank and will be breaking down at least one of my original tanks.
My original tanks, a 55 & a 20L, took a dive in 2014 after a cross country move when I lost the majority of my Crypts. Since then I have maintained a small number of species in the original two tanks but not worked to actively expand my collection. There is a ton of background and build info in my original emersed thread. Please feel free to check that thread out! It can be found here: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/1...n18s-emersed-tanks.html#/topics/291217?page=1
My new set up which will be documented here is going to consist of at least one 40 breeder, to start, along with at least one of my original tanks, probably the 20L. The main goal will be to grow, flower & propagate many species of the genus Cryptocoryne, as well as a number of other aquatic & semi-aquatic Aroids & a few select stem plants.
I will list specs of each tank below & continue to fill in as tanks are added or changed.
Tank: 40 breeder
Light: 36" BuildMyLED XB custom spectrum, which is a combo of 6500K LEDs plus a number of 660nm red LEDs per board. This light spectrum was originally developed & built to go over my riparium but was also then suggested by Cara to others for orchids. After further discussion with her we decided it would also work well for emersed Crypt growth, so I had this second fixture built.
Planters: each plant/species is separated into a 4" terra cotta pot. The substrate's surface will be covered with finely chopped Peacock moss to help avoid issues with algae, fungi & the like.
Substrates: a mixture of ADA Amazonia, Seachem Flourite, along with a few other things. The goal is to make a substrate which will be slightly on the lower side of the pH scale & have a high CEC.
Water: I started the tank with RO water that had IAL and Alder cones soaking in it for almost a week. Going forward I will probably use a combo of RO water and water change tank water from my other tanks as available/needed.
Tank: 20L - my original emersed tank
Light 30" dual lamp T5HO- has 6000/6500K bulbs which I don't remember the manufacturer. Sadly, the selection of 30" T5HO bulbs kinda sucks. I'll have to look again, it's been a few years since I really shopped bulbs for this fixture.
This tank is currently a mess. It has a variety of stems, a couple basic Crypts & a semi-aquatic orchid which I don't know the name of but received from Aaron T. as a gift. It will be redone sometime in the next few months.
Pics and plant species lists will follow in the next couple posts.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My original tanks, a 55 & a 20L, took a dive in 2014 after a cross country move when I lost the majority of my Crypts. Since then I have maintained a small number of species in the original two tanks but not worked to actively expand my collection. There is a ton of background and build info in my original emersed thread. Please feel free to check that thread out! It can be found here: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/1...n18s-emersed-tanks.html#/topics/291217?page=1
My new set up which will be documented here is going to consist of at least one 40 breeder, to start, along with at least one of my original tanks, probably the 20L. The main goal will be to grow, flower & propagate many species of the genus Cryptocoryne, as well as a number of other aquatic & semi-aquatic Aroids & a few select stem plants.
I will list specs of each tank below & continue to fill in as tanks are added or changed.
Tank: 40 breeder
Light: 36" BuildMyLED XB custom spectrum, which is a combo of 6500K LEDs plus a number of 660nm red LEDs per board. This light spectrum was originally developed & built to go over my riparium but was also then suggested by Cara to others for orchids. After further discussion with her we decided it would also work well for emersed Crypt growth, so I had this second fixture built.
Planters: each plant/species is separated into a 4" terra cotta pot. The substrate's surface will be covered with finely chopped Peacock moss to help avoid issues with algae, fungi & the like.
Substrates: a mixture of ADA Amazonia, Seachem Flourite, along with a few other things. The goal is to make a substrate which will be slightly on the lower side of the pH scale & have a high CEC.
Water: I started the tank with RO water that had IAL and Alder cones soaking in it for almost a week. Going forward I will probably use a combo of RO water and water change tank water from my other tanks as available/needed.
Tank: 20L - my original emersed tank
Light 30" dual lamp T5HO- has 6000/6500K bulbs which I don't remember the manufacturer. Sadly, the selection of 30" T5HO bulbs kinda sucks. I'll have to look again, it's been a few years since I really shopped bulbs for this fixture.
This tank is currently a mess. It has a variety of stems, a couple basic Crypts & a semi-aquatic orchid which I don't know the name of but received from Aaron T. as a gift. It will be redone sometime in the next few months.
Pics and plant species lists will follow in the next couple posts.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk