[cowboy]

Hey all,

OK, I'm not so good as an aqua artist just yet. I've finally got a hold on keeping things fairly balanced in the tank. I've had this for about 8 months and read everything I can find on this forum and others. The wood is finally staying put and I'm ready to go further. The only thing I'm dosing right now is nitrates. The plants are using it up at a rapid rate. Also, any help identifying plants would be a help. I sorta just bought a few a while back without really paying any mind. Mostly crypts. Any suggestions on layout and what type of plants to add maybe?

Mar 07



Thanks in advance
v/r
Alex

 

[cowboy]

Sorry, havent figured out how to get my sig to work until now!!

 

[mrbelvedere]

You need to get more plants in there. And start dosing other nutrients. Might as well pick up a CO2 system while you are at it. :icon_smil

Looks like you have C. wendtii, a red melon sword, another sword I can't identify, and a bunch of Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum).

 

[cowboy]

I was thinking of putting some java fern in on left over the rock. I think the rocks kinda scatter your focus from the right side. Opinions?

Im also trying to get the hornwort going just to cover up the intakes of the filters.

The hardest part has been trying to find a good foreground plant locally. Id like to fill in around the front of the wood and place something taller behind it. Unfortunately I had some Vals but the bloodfins seem to feel its a delicacy!

 

[mrbelvedere]

Edit: double post.

 

[Betowess]

Nice and clean tank. An easy and hardy foregrown plant is Marselia. I've seen it in Swap and Shop and the minuta is the smallest. I also agree, you will want some more plants. The good thing about the Crypts is they don't require a lot of maintenance and grow a little slower. But they are root feeders.

You could put in something like Cyperus helferi as a tall grass like plant, possibly Blyxa aubertii which is a larger version of B. japonica and is a nice background to make things more interesting. But I would consider keeping even more Crypts

Java fern is a good idea too. You might like the Wendlov variety.

Have you checked out one of our moderators Crypt tanks. Its by Bill Harada and is awesome.
http://www.bharada.com/aquaria_120.html