Low tech 10 gallon (need feedback)

[Inka4040]

I've been playing with the wood scape for my future CRS tank, and so far this is what I've come up with. I've got a couple questions about it though, and would really appreciate any feedback y'all could give. First question involves planting this tank. I would really appreciate any suggestions for smaller/low growing plants that will do well in a low tech setting. Being a shrimp tank, I'd rather not mess with ferts and the like. The substrate will be a mix of black sand and flourite black. Beyond crypts, some narrowleaf java fern, mosses, and an anubias or two, I can't really think of plants that will do well and stay small enough not to outgrow/overpower the tank, so any help in that department would be greatly appreciated.

Secondly, the empty space in the right corner really bothers me. What do you suggest I do about it, if anything.

[DarkDH]

I would grow some form of moss there as a cover plant. Since you are having shrimp... Lowtech I would go with Java Moss.

[Virtuoso2K12]

like the wood design already,um maybe some java moss and anubuis.

[Que]

You could grow some Pellia and just remove some as it gets bigger. My shrimp love it.

Q

[DeeSeven]

hey inka

1. I'd go with some Pygmy crypt, Lace java fern, Anubias barteri v. 'nana narrow leaf', Cryptocoryne retrospiralis, & Anubias x. 'Frazeri'

2. Back right corner I'd throw down some retrospiralis like 10-15 or the Frazen

fyi I'd stay away from mosses and what not cause while they are good for low light or any light for that matter they can get quite crazy in a 10 gal tank

[Inka4040]

Thanks for the suggestions Dark and Aqua. I've got a few different mosses I'm gonna try out in this tank.

Q, I will definitely be including pellia in my plans. I hope it does half as well for me as it does in your tanks.

Dee, trust me, I have a pretty good idea of how quickly java moss can take over a tank (my 20L is choked with it). I'll be sticking with flame and weeping moss in this tank, maybe some fissidens. As far as the crypts go, I was thinking a red wendtii in the back corner, but am still apprehensive about it outgrowing the tank.

[DeeSeven]

then I'd skip crypts and go with vals in the right back or the Frazeri

[247Plants]

Dwarf hairgrass foreground, a little weeping moss on the wood and the crypt in the back corner. Maybe a nana petite tucked into a corner of wood here and there down low.

Make sure you let the wood work show and dont cover it too much!

[Inka4040]

Lol 247, that's the whole thing I'm sweating about... I wonder how much upkeep it would take to cover the whole foreground with dwarf hg. I always thought of it as kind of a high maintenance plant. What do you all think of a red wendtii for the back right corner, some small pellia bushes all the way to the left, and some nana petite or narrow for the front, moving to some narrow leaf java to fill in spots. I would draw it out but idk what program to use on my apple :drool:

What about a few small pebbles and an anubias or pellia bush for the right corner?

[Inka4040]

ack i thought i could delete too

[247Plants]

I think if you can keep the needle leaf java low enough it would be great. Go with the plant to fit 2 15w cfls in an incandescent hood and that should be plenty of light and even with minimal once weekly dosing for a 10, which would be a tiny amount, it would be fine with the flourite.

[Bk718]

Rick you can get a light for the tank at around $26 at petland discount. And then get some screw in cfl bulbs at homedepot. 9-14w (i would get 9w since you are keeping it low light/low tech)

[Inka4040]

ty for the tip Yuriy. What do you think about the back right corner? Just leave it bare?

[Bk718]

for the back right can always place a single crypt there.

[bluerat]

looking forward to the updates hun......nice wood:)

[Inka4040]

TY bluey... I'm glad you like it :grinyes: Thanks for the tips again Yuriy. Now... how hard is it to orchestrate a hairgrass lawn?

[Que]

Ricky... i have a crypt that stays low. I have no idea what it is but if you want a low crypt...3-4 in high... i have one for ya.

Q

[Star_Rider]

I have some green crypt that stays low.. take q up on it.

but I like the anubias petite idea on the wood too

[rsanz]

I think some weeping moss hanging from that wood would look awesome! Or flame moss for the reverse effect. :)

[calivivarium1]

Its gonna look hot when its done! Keep us updated

[Inka4040]

Thanks for all the encouragement yall. Ken, I think I'll take you up on that. I'll pm and see if we can't orchestrate some sort of trade. As far as mossing the wood goes, I think Im gonna limit it to weeping moss on a few branches, and some flame moss covered rocks amongst the other plants. still can't decide if I'm gonna go with the hairgrass, as it seems like a huge PITA, and nothing makes me feel clumsier or more all thumbs than planting tiny things with a pair of tweezers.