[Fish Em]

Nice tank. I am interested in sts as substrate for my 10 gallon as well. So, you did about 20 rinses and how much baking soda altogether? Can you load it too much with ferts?

 

[Fish Em]

Did you have CO2 running? I believe hygrophilias do much better with CO2. I have found almost all my plants (pennywort, water wisteria, etc) will develop pin holes and die except ones in the tank with a huge collection of humus and mulm/little water changes/mostly distilled water since decaying things give off more co2. You could try any number of these. Humus also gives off a lot of ammonia, which is not good for fish, so upping co2 or adding might be better.

 

[Fish Em]

Not a failure. Most people are too afraid to try stuff, so at least you are experimenting to see how things work by your own eyes.

 

[Fish Em]

It's sad losing a betta. Last time I lost one, I did not get another until 3 years after. They seem to always be sick or get sick.

I like your new Island scape. Looking at your journal makes me want anubias in my tank. Also, my duckweed looks bad too in mu aquarium. It loves really dirty water though! I had some in a pond paludarium and it was nearly flawless. Tons of dirt in that tank.