My Planted Tank Journey

[gadgetmonster]

I seem to have two logins - damm. Gadgetmonster = paulc = gadgetmonster

 

[paulc]

your sword isn't poorly, its just shedding its leaves and getting ready to grow new ones, once they get too rotten, snip them off to help new growth. I would certainly trim the sword on the left of its manky leaves right now.

1) swaying does no harm
2) perfect

Thanks Tizer, will give them a trim tomorrow.

Loving the shrek kitty by the way

 

[ian]

The sooner the better Paul, rotting leaves cause problems in planted tanks.

any chance of a closer pic of the plants in the middle, as well?

 

[paulc]

Hi Ian,
I will take detail pics tomorrow with a dslr and post them here.

 

[paulc]

As promised, here are some better pictures of the plants :





I have had both the plant in the foreground left (not sure what its called) and the anubias? on the right for 4-5 years so at least I've managed to keep something alive. The sword has been trimmed but it looks like it could do with a few more leaves removing. I just didn't want to hack it to much.

 

[ian]

hey Paul, as i thought, the plant in the middle with the variegated leaves is a Dracaena species (Spider plant), now these do OK for a month or so, but then tend to start to rot. They do OK as a potted plant, and as a marsh plant.

 

[paulc]

Solenoid Problem Update

In post #27 I mentioned an issue I was having with my solenoid closing at the end of the day. Well I can now report that last night it closed when the timer went off for the first time The problem seemed to be with the pressure (or lack off) so a simple change from 0.5 bar to 1 bar seems to have fixed it.

 

[paulc]

hey Paul, as i thought, the plant in the middle with the variegated leaves is a Dracaena species (Spider plant), now these do OK for a month or so, but then tend to start to rot. They do OK as a potted plant, and as a marsh plant.

Thanks again Ian for your help - I will leave this spider plant for a little longer but will keep a close eye on it. Any signs of deterioration - i'll whip it out and stick it in pot

I am currently compiling a list of plants that I would like for my final setup and will post this shortly. This is where I'm really going to need the help from the experts on this forum. The help I have received so far has been wonderful and I hope that someday I can help others.

 

[paulc]

Drop Checker Update

My drop checker has certainly turned green although a rather dark green. I'm currently running at 3bps - do you think I need to up this a bit more?



(I had to stick the drop checker to a window to take a photo)

 

[paulc]

My replacement ballast turned up today so finally I can have all three tubes running. Should be able to do this tomorrow morning.

 

[minnnt]

The Crypts are mega impressive, love love love them!!!

 

[paulc]

The Crypts are mega impressive, love love love them!!!

Thanks minnnt - Forgive my ignorance but are the crypts the left side foreground ones? If so I've had those for three years

 

[minnnt]

Yes mate.

A great advert for one of my very favouritest plants.

 

[paulc]

Yes mate.

A great advert for one of my very favouritest plants.

Cheers mate. Now and again they produce plantlets so if you want you can have them next time. Just got rid of some.

 

[minnnt]

Thats very kind of you mate. I already have a load though, but i am sure if you put them up in the swaps/donation thread someone would be very greatful for them.