Aqua Garden - Mr G's 40ltr Oddball Tank Journal !

[lljdma06]

They are quality! Like a wole mini world inside a tank! Must give this a try when I get a chance

Sam

Wow, that is some setup. I am excited to see this develop. Many anubia species also appreciate growing outside the water line, including A. gracilis with it's lovely leaves.

Those tanks are gorgeous! If you have enough wood poking out, you can attach orchids and other epiphytes to the wood and create a similar effect. Ferns and mosses would also do very well.

 

[MoreCoffee]

Trying to do a tank something like that is really tempting, however I'm not really sure how to build up that bank at the back.

Do I build it from rocks and bogwood ?
As you suggest there are a few plants/moss that would look good, but would need things that dont need 'earth' to grow in, wouldnt want it getting into the tank.

Unless I have a clear idea how to go about this I may just got for a simpler layout ... but would hate to miss an opportunity to 'give it a go'.

I've been looking at a few websites about setting up terrariums but they mainly do a gentle slope rather than a bank/wall .

Any suggestions from anybody who has tried anything similar ?

 

[Graeme Edwards]

So I think I should I go for less water volume and more substrate, or do you think I should stick with what I've got as none of the plants are likely to be too big and have a large root mass ?

If i was you I would have the 1-1.5cm substrate depth at the front and then build it up to around 3-3.5cm maybe even high to the back of the tank.

The links to the bonsai aquarium are definately achievable just more work on the hardscaping and research into the type of plants is all thats needed.

 

[MoreCoffee]

If i was you I would have the 1-1.5cm substrate depth at the front and then build it up to around 3-3.5cm maybe even high to the back of the tank.

The links to the bonsai aquarium are definately achievable just more work on the hardscaping and research into the type of plants is all thats needed.

Thanks Moody,

Earlier today I decide to go for more depth of substrate and ordered another bag of Eco-complete. I
think I'll build it up from front to back pretty much as you describe ..... However I'm assuming you meant
'inches' rather than 'cm' for the depth !

 

[Graeme Edwards]

Errrr yeh soz!

 

[lljdma06]

As you suggest there are a few plants/moss that would look good, but would need things that dont need 'earth' to grow in, wouldnt want it getting into the tank.

That is what an epiphyte is. You don't need dirt, and many prefer to just be attached to a branch, where they absorb their nutrients from the water that runs off the wood. Orchids and some bromiliads often grow with roots exposed to the air. A popular orchid that can grow this way, if kept under humid conditions is the Dendrobium

 

[MoreCoffee]

Thanks, thats one less problem !

I think I'm going to do this tank with a much simpler setup than those pics and use what I learn from that to maybe try something more complicated in the future.
I'm still going to take some of the ideas used and also try getting some of those plants and moss to take on the bogwood and rocks above the waterline.

I'm going to try a first run at the hardscaping this weekend and will probably post a pic to get some feedback and extra advice/ideas.

Thanks everybody...

Mr G

 

[Luke_e]

Its probably best to start of simple and then once you've got that mastered move on to the ones like above.. They are truely amazing!
Good luck Mr G. When can we expect the next update?

 

[MoreCoffee]

I'm setting this tank up this weekend.

I have a question about the T5 tube that came with this tank.

It currently has a 35W T5 7100K (unbranded !). I know the luminaire will tanke interpet T5 compact tubes, as I've already tried one from my other 120cm interpet luminaire.

As this is going to be a heavily planted tank should I fit a tube with a better light spectrum.
I was thinking about an interpet 'Daylight' or possibly a 'Triplus'

Just for info (in case it helps), the water depth of this tank will only be between 6" and 7" max and
the light fitting is 10" above the water line. With this shallow depth will the specturm make a big difference
as there isn't much of a penetration issue.


A quick reply would be really appreciated as I'm out today at Birstall Garden centre looking at some of
their Tropica plants etc.


Regards
Mr G

 

[Themuleous]

I would replace if it were me, especially as you dont know what type it is. Chances are it'll be crap for plants and decent tubes are not expensive at around 10-15quid so you might as well, especailly if you're making the trip to the shop anyway

 

[simonbrown403]

Wow fantastic! a sort of mini rainforest, it gives you ideas

 

[MoreCoffee]

Themuleous;

I was thinking that's what I should do (hence the question), I'll have to order a tube as the all the local
shops seem to be out of compact T5's ! In the meantime I'll take one from my 120cm luminaire (currently not in use). Tomorrow I'm doing a first setup, no doubt changes will be made !

I've got the following plants available, but doubt I'll be using them all.
The HC, Glosso, nana and Xmas moss will be in there, I'll use some of the rest if I need them.

HC
Christmas moss & Java fern (attached to bogwood)
Glosso
Anubais Bart 'nana' petite
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Pellia
Java moss

I have some nice bits of bogwood (not mopani) and some 'serpentinite' rock that has a great dark grey/green colour when submerged.

Also have a couple of taller 'marginal' plants to grow out above the waterline against the back of the tank to give a little height.

I'll try post a couple of pics once it's done.


Mr G

 

[MoreCoffee]

Ok after much messing about my first attempt at this tank is done. Actually it's my fist attempt at
doing a planted tank from 'scratch' rather than setup a 'fish' tank and add plants as an afterthought !

It looks nothing like I expected and there are still a few things to tidy up, but the pics should give
you an idea.

The water is still a bit cloudy, (only just finnished planting)but hopefully should clear up soon,
I have a 9w UV steriliser that goes it the tank at night, and out when the lights are on.
The filter is an Eden 501 external filter (upto 60L)

Plants used:
Glosso = Rear right
Scirpus cernuus - Slender club rush = Rear left <- marginal plant (bit of an experiment !)
HC = Foreground, right and centre
Anubis bart v. nana 'petite' = Centre next to right bogwood
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis = Left fore/mid ground (also on right between rock and bogwood)
Christmas moss = left hand bogwood
Java fern = left hand bogwood
Hydrocotyle verticillata = Left foreground / centre rear
Water lettuce = floating plant

Whole tank:

Surface view:

I want the Glosso and HC to spread out and form carpets.
I'm a little stuck as to what to do between the two bogwoods, the left side of the gap gets a decent amount
of light and I'm trying to get the HC to spread into this, but the left side is quite dark.
I dont want to block off the gap totally as it gives some depth to the tank.

Appreciate any feedback !

Mr G

Note: The Aqua One sticker will be removed - I didnt realise I'd left it on .... spent all day looking 'into' the tank !!

 

[Luke_e]

That looks cracking. Didnt have a clue how it would turn out but that is stunning! What volume of water is in the tank?

 

[kennygater]

i think your tank is going to turn out really nice as soon as the plants start to grow. looks good now