40G – Wormstrate – 1 Month In
August 18th, 2008About a month ago, I tore down my 40G aquarium’s aquascape, and redid the entire thing using earthworm castings as a base substrate, with previously used ADA Amazonia as the top layer. Below, you can see how the tank has progressed over the period of 1 month.
40G - Setup for about 1 month using earthworm castings.
Since setting it up, I have been doing weekly water changes, removing about 30-40% of the water during each change. I have been doing this because the tank has been having a terrible bout with hair algae. In addition, over the last week, I’ve been treating the tank with hydrogen perioxide, both to combat the algae, and as a preventative measure in case any of the fish I recently collected have any parasites. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in algae, although the problem continues. Despite the algae, I have witnessed fantastic plant growth over the last month. In particular, Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata ‘Cuba’ has been particularly prolific. I trimmed right before this picture, otherwise it would be occupying the entire back right of the photo. Additionally, the Hygrophila sp. ‘Porto Velho’ and Ranalisma rostrata has been starting to fill across the foreground. I think I’m going to remove the Blyxa japonica from the right front entirely, as it looks out of place. Comments welcome!
August 19th, 2008 at 4:44 am
Looks good to me. I personally agree about the Blyxa and looks a bit ‘tall’ on the left compared to the right.
August 19th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I know this probably isn’t helpful, but now you have two conflicting opinions to choose from: I personally like the Blyxa up front in the corner – as long as there’s something in the back that’s even taller, and there’s a semi-open space to the left of it, I think it creates a sense of depth … but, then, such a thing is admitedly sometimes hard to judge from a photo. Just thought I’d toss in my two cents worth.
Incidentally, in addition to this tank, I really dig your site as a whole – the photography is excellent, and you’ve struck a nice balance of subject matter (aquariums, gardening, local ecosystems).
August 19th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Thanks for the comments guys! They’re both helpful, as they make me look at the tank from different angles — one of the benefits of posting pictures online for feedback! Mark, I appreciate the nice words — if you have any suggestions to make the site even better, don’t hesitate to let me know.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:44 am
Honestly, I’m in love with how lush the aquarium is, it’s hard to want to suggest changes. It is so full of life, it’s hard not to admire.
I wouldn’t change a thing. 🙂