[JDM]

In another thread I mentioned some brush algae that I have acquired, here are a couple of shots.

It is only appearing on the vals and only on spots that look like they are already dead, just small brown patches on the leaves and only one a very few leaves. I'm not overly concerned about it at this point, I can just cut off the offending parts as I get a moment as the vals are growing well and sending out runners.

Jeff.

 

[JDM]

This I thought was a "regular" hygrophila but it looks more like the polysperma variety with a red hue to it... although it looks far different than what I have previously, perhaps sub-species or something. I've been trying to keep the duckweed at bay over this corner of the tank as I like the red colouration particularly when the light plays directly over it.

I'm not sure what is up with the curling leaves.

Jeff.

 

[JDM]

I took this picture a couple of days ago while trying to get a decent shot of one of the largest trumpet snails in the tank, the dead leaf got in the road but I took it anyway.

Yesterday I noticed that there was no sign of the leaf or stem anywhere in the tank, it has completely broken down. Perhaps the snails helped it along but I like that it is now so low maintenance now that it is getting along being established.

Jeff.

 

[JDM]

Here is an updated shot. Not a lot happening in here now, plants growing along slowly, being crypts and no stems to speak of that is expected. The little plastic container is a floating oasis for the tiny shrimp that I brought home a couple of weeks ago. Just growing them out a bit bigger before releasing them.

Jeff.

 

[JDM]

Ordered new light fixture yesterday and expect it to arrive tomorrow.

I decided on the Marineland Aquatic Light System.... LED.

I've been growing the surface plants out and have some in other containers as this fixture is going to provide somewhere in the neighbourhood of 3 times the light of my current fixture. I've also reduced the fertilization and not replaced root tabs for the last month in anticipation of this change so I can add them at the same time as putting the new light in place. I figure that this may balance out light/nutrients to hopefully avoid having an algae problem. Basically, bump up the light, bump up the nutrients.

I didn't want to tinker with the photo period but, with the built in 4 stage timer, it will make adjusting it easier and consistent.

I'll post some pictures as I can.

Jeff.

 

[JDM]

OK, here's a shot of the tank with the new light. You can't actually see the fixture as it rests on the glass right now. I was getting a fair amount of glare when it was up on the legs, which only raise it 1/2" anyway, but this reduces it to next to nothing. The fixture is only 5/8" high, probably the lowest profile on the market short of putting something in the tank or a light strip.

Timer is set for a 12 hour photoperiod with a 1 hour low light at both ends. I used to have 14 or more hours so this is a 2 hour reduction.

I go from 12 LEDs to 27. The shots don't really show the difference (tried a before and after shot) due to the automatic light compensation "feature" So I didn't post anything. I prefer manual cameras but that's not an option right now. Maybe the iPad won't compensate so ill try that later.

Jeff.

 

[JDM]

Actually, three posts back is a shot that looks rather dark and the last post is bright, that is a not bad representation of the relative difference between the two fixtures. Here's a shot of the fixture sitting on top of the glass cover, I couldn't post it last post as the iPad doesn't let me attach multiple shots.

The timer is cool but has one problem, it does not retain the program over a power down, looses time and settings completely.

Jeff.

 

[JDM]

Here's a better shot of the top layer of plants. There is a ton of pennywort in there as well as a layer of duckweed covering almost all of the surface now. Mixed in are some stems of Hygrophila, some dwarf pennywort (I've forgotten it's name now) and some other assorted stems and pieces.

The whole mess is about 4" thick. Oscar seems to spend a lot of time in there.

I am looking to add hatchet fish and I think I have enough cover for them now.

Jeff.

 

[JDM]

Well, the hatchet fish did not pan out. The shop brought them in and lost the entire batch due to some poor shipping issues. I'll have to wait until next batch and they will have to re-source them I think.

Here's a shot of the tank currently. Heavy dense mass of surface plants now reducing the light back to a little over what it was before the light was changed. Probably due for a trimming, I am sure that I have pennywort that is 10 feet long by now.

Jeff.

 

[beaslbob]

Well, the hatchet fish did not pan out. The shop brought them in and lost the entire batch due to some poor shipping issues. I'll have to wait until next batch and they will have to re-source them I think.

Here's a shot of the tank currently. Heavy dense mass of surface plants now reducing the light back to a little over what it was before the light was changed. Probably due for a trimming, I am sure that I have pennywort that is 10 feet long by now.

Jeff.

Jeff.

hatchetfish while cool are jumpers. But then you already know that.

I had to use egg crate to container the little buggers and keep an eye on them when I did maintenance. One always managed to "escape".

my .02

 

[JDM]

I actually didn't want hatchet fish, my daughter does... and yes, I know they're jumpers. I figure that with all the cover plants it won't be as much of an issue. Having said that, my maintenance is now down to water changing (the lid stays on and closed as i dont vacuum anymore) and the odd bit of planting or pruning... no stem plants to speak of... so it's probably a good quiet environment for these guys now.

Jeff.

 

[JDM]

Frogbit... Yay!

Finally, frogbit!

I was looking to add some of this to the aquarium very early on only to find that it is considered an invasive species and cannot be sold. Yesterday I happened to be driving past a lakeside park and asked my daughter if she wanted to wander about, it has some trails that meander along the shoreline.

Once we gave up on the inept driver (didn't know the first thing about trailering and was trying to back the boat trailer down to the launch.... between jackknifing the trailer, catching large rocks under the truck and not accepting any assistance.... if nothing else it was entertaining) we found some frogbit and decided to take some home for the aquarium. I usually have a bucket in the car for just such occasions... sure.

Here is a shot of one string. It appears to be either the european of the native north american variety.

I need to first remove a bunch of the floating mass that we already have in the tank so there is room for it, but I need to do some more rinsing to remove the native fauna from the plants before it gets added anyway.

Jeff.

 

[Chesh]

That's so cool! Congratulations on the find. Saving the wilds, and adding beauty to your tank! Win-win. I really like frogbit, the roots are gorgeous - but it does block a ton of light. . . I hope it thrives and grows for you!

 

[JDM]

I'm hoping it blocks the light well. The floating mass that I have in there now is 6" or more thick... I don't want to completely replace it but I want a good covering plant that has a decent root system. Once i actually get it in there I'll post some pics.

Jeff

 

[Chesh]

It blocks the light amazingly - too well, sometimes! It grows like duckweed, too - once it gets going. I have three dirted buckets of the stuff out back right now - they just keep growing and growing. . . just about to send some off to new homes. that tank will look gorgeous with the long roots (of course, I'm biased). Can't wait for pics when you get it in and growing!

 

[Boredomb]

If this is the native or European species you can expect a period of time were it might die off and come back. As this plant is use to cold periods in the winter and warm in the summer. It won't get this in the aquarium but will still try to go through the cycle. Byron has this issue with his Frogbit.

Still a nice plant and what a great plant to find.

 

[JDM]

Its european, so that's good to know.

Jeff.

 

[Boredomb]

Yeah I think I would expect to see some die off at certain times of the year and rapid growth at other times.

 

[JDM]

So, here is a shot of the frogbit roots hanging in the water, with Oscar in the foreground of course. I really like the hairy look, sort of a soft fuzzy bit. They act like filters as they capture tidbits and particles from the water. They caught a lot of the fish kibbles the first morning they were in the tank.

Also a shot of the frogbit floating on the top. The little buggy bites are leftover from these leaves that were in the river originally, eventually I expect that these leaves will be replaced by new growth.

The only thing missing are small frogs sitting on the frogbit leaves waiting for a passing flying insect to devour.

Jeff.

 

[FishyFishy89]

I wish my roots could keep their fuzz. My fish find them tasty -.-