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07-03-2011, 11:01 PM | #71 | |
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07-03-2011, 11:06 PM | #72 | ||
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I do forsee algae issues when flooding a DSM tank due to the leeching of the soil - without the plant mass to soak up all the ammonia? In any case, wish me luck again when that happens! Quote:
Last edited by Alvin Koh; 07-03-2011 at 11:07 PM. |
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08-03-2011, 12:06 AM | #73 | |
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21-03-2011, 12:46 AM | #74 |
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Week 8 (18-20 March 2011)
The progress from the DSM was somewhat beginning to stagnate in some areas. The HC was growing very fast and it's almost a full carpet in the background but the spread of UG and Lilaeopsis brasiliensis was much slower in the back where the soil is much dryer. Increasing the humidity did not show significant differences in growth rates in the dryer areas in the past 2 weeks; whereas the lower portions of UG can be seen to be growing faster where it's wetter. I finally decided to flood the tank on the 18th (2 months old). -------------------------- The Flooding As I have a very fine mist spray head, I filled up the tank without covering the plants with any protective layer. I drained the tank once at the halfway mark to remove excess nutrients and re-filled it again. It took about 1 hour to fill it up the entire tank - midway through I sprayed full blast at a submerged takeaway plastic to avoid any disturbance to the soil. Goodbye DSM - Week 2 versus week 8 1 hour after flooding - Water had a light-brown tinge. I took out all my glassware and setup the necessary plumbing and installed the Up Aqua inline atomizer and cut all the necessary hoses to size. 3rd Day - I have been doing 50% water changes daily and the water clarity is about 90-95% now with a slight haze possibly due to bacteria bloom. There is mild presense of ammonia despite the filter running off a pail for 4 months now (wow, it's been that long??). Lighting: 39w x 2 for about 8 hours daily CO2 injection: 3bps during day (aeration with airstone at night to promote cycling) Hemianthus callitrichoides 'cuba' Chiller - set at 26.5 DegC ------------------------- What's next? I find the way the UG contrasts in color with the background plants to be distracting as the UG is lighter in color. I will need to find a way to smooth the transition. I may also add some Blyxa Japonica behind the feature rock in time to come. I'm definitely looking forward to adding fishes to the tank and I have more or less shortlisted the fishes but will have to wait for the ammonia levels to subside. |
21-03-2011, 12:54 AM | #75 |
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finally flooded! you got to be realllllly patience with UG i guess, recently read about a guy's DSM tank which lasted quite a few months before he get a nice carpet, and after flooding, most of them melted away.. he waited another few months to get another nice carpet..
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21-03-2011, 01:18 AM | #76 |
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Yay! Another great update! Very nice to see the development going well dude. I'll like to copy your idea if i can
What kinda fauna will you be including? I'm guessing Cardinals and SAEs? |
21-03-2011, 01:54 AM | #77 | ||
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I notice something rather interesting about UG. It doesn't mind being mostly submerged in a DSM setup and seems to prefer it - and spreads wider (instead of clumping together in a tight bunch). Quote:
As for fauna, I am leaning towards 1-2 types of schooling fishes in addition to Otos, snails and Amano shrimps. 1) 10pcs - X-ray Tetras - if identified correctly? (pic below) 2) 30pcs - Ember Tetras I'm not sure if there are issues with this combination as yet. Will need to find out more. Last edited by Alvin Koh; 22-03-2011 at 09:31 AM. Reason: typo |
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24-03-2011, 02:16 AM | #78 |
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In my opinion, this is the best documented and prettiest journal in planted-Arofanatics. Looking forward to seeing more updates.
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24-03-2011, 09:37 AM | #79 |
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agree with JIG! beautiful tank it will be when it matures.. Oh btw bro, my UG all over taken by my E.tenellus and glosso till they totally disappeared!
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24-03-2011, 11:23 AM | #80 | ||
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Needless to say, UG's the most demanding amongst my plants. Everyday when I see a floating strands, I harvest them for emerse culture and if the strands are large enough, I plunge them deep into the substrate. Still keeping fingers crossed that they will show growth these upcoming weeks. |
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