Why I like Cardinal Tetras

[George Farmer]

I took a couple of photos of my Cardinal Tetras. They always shoal better just before lights out for some reason, I guess it's a safety thing. The latest additions (20) have grown visibly already, They're fed on Aquarian Growth Flake, Nutrafin Micro-Granules and frozen Bloodworm. Since I traded my Angels they're a lot more confident, although my wife is still not happy with me. She doesn't understand the concept of the plants being the main feature, with the fish complimenting the aquascape or should I say she understands it but prefers to have bigger fish to look at. Down to personal taste really, pity we don't share it!

I'm anticipating entering my tank in this year's Aquatic Gardener's Association (AGA) Aquascaping Contest. Any constructive critisism would be welcomed. I don't expect to win by any stretch of the imagination but an "honourable mention" would be great. I've already received "Kudos Tank of the Month - February" on the Aqua Botanic All-Wet Thumb Forums, happy with that!!

 

[George Farmer]

Community shot

 

[gadazobe]

Absolutely amazing - beautiful.

 

[Snowie]

It looks much better than with the angelfish, cardinals are stunning.

 

[fufanu360]

there is no way you can make that better...

no critism needed

 

[George Farmer]

there is no way you can make that better...

no critism needed

Thanks, but if you see the other entrants then mine pales in comparison. I'm not too fussed though, I've only been in the hobby for two years. Some of those guys are real veterans with budgets to match.

http/showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2004...ategory=0&vol=1

 

[littlefishie]

It kills me how unbelievably gorgeous your tanks are.
Not fair.
I want my R. Indica to turn hot pink! It's light pink, kinda, but.. yours is gorgeous.

 

[Phantom Thief]

Fantastic

P.T.

 

[fufanu360]

crikey..... those are some nice tanks... i think you have a good chance though

 

[DannyBoy17]

Beaaaaautiful pics mate. *Looks over at fake plants. Sigh.*

DB

 

[Puffer_freak]

Well...I feel a bit evil now...cause I got some constuctive critisism...but...oh well.

I think it would look better with more red in it. Maybe up the left side, in the corner. I don't know, it probably just me, and it might spoil the effect, but maybe having some bogwood in there. Just a small peice, ot peek out from between the plants.

Now...onto the praise: OMG! I LOVE your tank!

 

[Nix]

I'm gunna go to your house, and throw in one neon tetra just to throw off your perfection

 

[houndour]

Wow, your tank is amazing. Thanks for the link too...I'm always looking for websites with planted tanks. I'm dreaming of having a tank as good as yours.

After reading some of the comments at the bottom of the pages (from the link you gave). I think yours stands a good chance. The plants look of lovely quality. How often do you prune/cut back? When I used to have a tank I never had much success with plants. The leaves tending to rot/dissintergrate Maybe I was too scared of cutting them back?

There's only one thing I would improve upon your tank and thats have the grass cover the whole floor of it. But I'm assuming that can only happen wih time?

 

[guppygirl]

Ok here's my advice. After reading every entrant in the last couple of AGA contests, I would fill in that dark space in the upper left corner. A red plant would be best, to balance the green out or even better, Vallis that points to the right to sort of frame the whole tank with the other bunch of vallis. Dritftwood would be good too, I would put a small peice in the lower right corner to sort of transition from the hairgrass to the big plants above it. You could use something else to transition, but I can't think of any right now.
Also, remember to take pics when the tank has matured from it's last pruning. The judges seem to hate it when it looks freshly pruned or overgrown.
Sorry to be critical, your tank is so totally awesome!!!
Best of luck in the contest!
Robin

 

[Discomafia]

Great tank as usual... But if it was me, I'd try to get more of the tank carpeted. But doing that might hide the a. nana on the left of the carpet, which is already not very clear. So try to display the anubias nana more, as it really does look overshadowed by the tiger lotus, I think it is... Or you could move it foward to a more prominent position. Also, more red plants, I'm sure yourtank has the right conditions for those kind of plants.

And once again, carpet the whole thing! JMO. You've got a great tank as it is, and whenever people come over and look at my planted 33 gal, I always tell them about your tank, which sets an example for me. Also, do you think that wood would fit your tank's style?

I have 2 angels too, and I was wondering how much wpg do you have, and did the angels seem to mind? Or did you get them when you tank was already set up for some time and the plants had time to grow out?... I think your 20 cardinal tetras look amazing, always wanted to get a really large school of tetras! If you're taking a pic for AGA, be sure to wait for when they school nicely, nothing looks better than a big school of such colourful fish.

edit - if I remember properly, your r. indica on the rightside in front used to be shorter, so you've stopped pruning it or.... And how did you get yours to look so pink in the back, or is that a diff. variety?