50G – 5 Weeks
December 15th, 2008It’s been about 5 weeks since I first planted my 50G aquarium, and as you can see the plants are really starting to grow in. In some ways, I’m starting to think that this isn’t a good thing. I’m reconsidering all of the Blyxa japonica on the left side midground, as it just seems too imposing. I need to come up with a shorter plant there. Previously, I had just jammed the B. japonica down into the substrate prior to photos, but that’s not a great solution.
The Hemianthus callitrichoides has finally started to spread a little bit in the foreground, so I’m hopeful that it’ll soon really gain some momentum and fill in. I was also able to get some Fissidens fontanus moss from another GWAPA member, which I attached to the large root ball on the left side. The stems, especially the Rotala macrandra ‘green narrow’, are really growing fast right now. The only disappointment to this point is the Hemianthus micranthemoides in the right midground, which is growing more veritical than bushy. I’m also dealing with a little bit of hair algae, which I’m trying to rectify by starting a small dosing regimen of traces, iron, potassium, and Seachem Excel. Largely, I’m pleased with how things are proceeding, but recognise that a few adjustments will be in order. Comments welcome!
December 15th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
It looks great, but I agree with you on the japonica. Sometimes less is more. Are there any fish in there?
December 15th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I wish my pleco would let me keep things planted, your tanks are so beautiful!
Any suggestions for low light plants that like soft, acidic water, and don’t mind a 12 inch pleco digging them up nightly? Java ferns grow great in that one tank since they aren’t planted, but everything else seems to melt.
December 15th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Anubias tied to rocks are the other obvious choice, Kim. Crypts would be too, but you might need to let their roots gain hold first, and then put the pleco back in the tank to withstand your pleco. Of course, the real solution is to trade in the 12″ inch, for a dwarf variety, but I understand that those big guys can hold sentimental value. 🙂
December 15th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
M@, yes, I have some fish in there. I have Poecilocharax Weitzmani tetras and some baby bristlenose plecos.
December 16th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I’m thinking maybe M@ is hinting the s/he’d like to see pix of the inhabitants – I know I would (though the previous link to Aquahobby’s photo of the tatra species is indeed impressive)! I’m sure the baby Ancistrus are very cute.
For what it’s worth, I also agree with both of you that the Blyxa needs to take a hike to another tank. Maybe then the HC take off; that will indeed look cool!
December 16th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Pictures of fish: all in good time. First I have to get the pictures, which is hard as they’re still a bit timid.
Thanks for the comments!
December 16th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Great tank! As you said, shorter plant would to best. Post some more pics in a few weeks!
Regards