I'm Sceptical.... This Won't Work?

[lljdma06]

I'm going to steal your anubias. Can you get any small cryptocorynes? They would make a nice foreground plant for you.

Liz

 

[Biulu]

I love the anubias! And their small leaf size makes your tank look bigger. I agree with Liz, some small cryptocorynes like petchii would set your anubias off nicely and finish this scape.

 

[Ludwig Venter]

If I wish to "mow" the moss lawn, (using a scissors), what do I do with the clippings..... do I just leave them to float around the tank, and hopefully they'll get established somewhere else, or do I remove them from the tank?

 

[Verminator89]

Try and catch them in a net Ludwig. If you can get some 'gauze', or mesh as it were, you can trap them between two pieces and form another patch. I suspect they are growing upwards to reach for the light, nothing you can really do to stop that unless you up your WPG.

I find this tank improving all the time, its really coming along Ludwig. Its trial and error, as you've found out, to see which plants work for you and which don't. Keep the updates coming along

 

[Ludwig Venter]

Just an update of where my mediocre tank is heading…..

This plant is really growing well….. (on the right… can anyone remind me of the name

Do you see a difference???...... I do not!

 

[Biulu]

It looks like an anubia coffeefolia to me... I love your anubias! What about trying to get your moss to carpet in the front?

 

[lljdma06]

More crypts along the front, like I said before would be great. Or as Biulu said, utilize the moss more. Will say again, though, the anubias are great. Do you get those locally? They grow in West Africa, if memory serves. I know you live in SA, but I bet Africa treats anubias like Australia treats opals; they save the best for the locals.

 

[Ludwig Venter]

Well.... long time since update, but a major disaster occurred since last update in that the heater got stuck and killed all my (30) male guppies at 43 deg C..... and most of the plants were also cut back by this..... I now have only 5 red Zebra Danios in there and a Leopard... (trying to breed red Leopards - let's see what happens)

I have turned over the Moss sheet (to induce some spreading) and keep the Anubias trimmed.... but they seem to overtake the Javas..... and unlike their reputation..... the ferny thing and Vallis will not take off...... Below are updated pics as taken last night:..... Although I think it is deteriorating..... at least, there is less gravel visible in the foreground towards the glass)

 

[bae1994]

Looks good defiantly growth

 

[lljdma06]

Sorry about the fish loss. Happens.

Like Bae, though, I see some growth.

 

[Ludwig Venter]

Last Update was in July...... It is now mid October, and this is what we look like today...... very slow growth of some.... and total depletion of others..... I've had much more success in the past (without really trying)...... I'll have to do some positive fertilising or else change the lighting....

 

[Ludwig Venter]

3 Months later..... this is where I'm at:

To date, I have not added anything to enhance the plant growth....I now bought some very expensive liquid fertilizer and fertilizing tablets...... I'm adding this tomorrow..... Hope it does not affect the fish though.......

 

[minnnt]

Looking good mate. The Anubias is fantastic!!

 

[lljdma06]

I still covet your anubias...

 

[Ludwig Venter]

I still covet your anubias...

Since my previous update...... I've chucked in a lot of liquid fertilizer and it is almost 2 months down the line...... here is what it looks like today:

I see no (justifiable) improvement..... do You???..... (Be Honest)