Sam's Nano Journal

[Themuleous]

Update pics as promised as of 31st December, 2 weeks in not 3 weeks as I had thought!
Full tank from top

Right side

Left side

Sam

 

[lljdma06]

I love the scape, Sam, but is the HC supposed to grow this slow? I'm the queen of slow growth, but this is slow even for me. I don't remember Tom's experiment going that slow, but he used soil, didn't he?

llj

 

[Themuleous]

In a word no its supposed to be quite fast! I'll try the NH3 which arrived today and see what happens.

When I PM'd Tom he said hes only used ADA AS so couldn't comment on how it would work in inert gravel, but I really think its the key having done this test. Any substrate that is better able to hold moisture would work I think, I have heard of people soaking the substrate (some people have used zeolite) in household plant fertiliser to get the NH3 into it, which the plants can then get though their roots.

We'll see what happens!

Cheers Llj

Sam

 

[chr15_8]

as said the scape looks nice.

but the growth is slow. how deep is the gravel?

chris

 

[Themuleous]

About 1cm at the front up to must be around 3" at the top of the largest 'hill'.

Sam

 

[chr15_8]

do you think thats what is causing the slow growth? even though your dosing fert though a spray?


chris

 

[Themuleous]

Sorry what bit is causing the slow growth? The shallow or deep substrate?

Sam

 

[chr15_8]

the deep substrate/stones. (stopping the roots getting to the soil(sorry carnt remember what you used under) or should it not matter?

chris

 

[Themuleous]

Its a good point and something I considered myself, however the HC is planted all over and I know for sure I planted some deep enough to reach the tropica base substrate under the gravel as there was of it on the tweezers when I took them out. As such I don't think it can be the gravel depth that is the issue, but its was certainly worth a thought, so cheers

Sam

 

[Themuleous]

Just thought I would log the fact that the emersged growth wasn't happening, I reckon because of the inert gravel not being able to supply enough nutrients. I'm going to try it again at some stage using bonsai gravel which is supposed to be very good and cheap

So as of tonight I've flooded the tank and will be running it EI to see if I can actually finish the scape as I like the rock placement and its worth a try for a few weeks as I'll not be able to re-scape it for a few weeks anyway due to a lack of funds (two new cats for the misses xmas present )

Will keep you posted on how it goes. I've not actually changed the fact the the gravel is inert so we'll see if a decent water column fert regime keeps the HC happy. I know people who've grow HC in sand so it is possible

Sam

 

[SuperColey1]

You are starting to get obsessed by HC Sam. I hope you crack it soon or you're gonna be a danger to the public. lol

Andy

 

[Themuleous]

Haha cheers Andy I know Ive not really yet succeeded with an EI tank yet but it is interesting to see how HC does in different situations. I reckon if I can crack HC then any other plant would be a doddle!

Sam

 

[chr15_8]

hows the tank going now sam?

 

[Themuleous]

Hi Chris,

Not very well TBH. I flooded the tank and have been running it EI. However the gravel substrate means the HC isn't getting enough nutrients so its not growing as fast as it should. Ive got some horrible thread algae in there too, which the nerites are keep in check for the most past bu it doesn't look very nice.

Im getting some ADA AS next week and so will strip it down and try again, if I can get some fresh HC. Ive not used AS yet so that will be an interesting experiment. I'll be keeping the scape as it is, as I like the rock position and overall look.

Thanks for asking, I will update after the strip down

Sam

 

[aaronnorth]

This tanks been through a hell of a lot!