Aquascaping in existing aquarium?

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tara777

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Dec 14, 2010
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Is this possible? 55g with 19 cardinals, 9 serpaes and 6 redeye sweethearts doing well. Have a few plants, but would love to create a more interesting aquascape. It's a low tech tank. It's hard to find some nice looking driftwood.
What would be the best plant to attach to driftwood? Could I add to the existing substrate? All this without stressing the little community? :)
 

Vince G.

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Dec 27, 2010
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It's definitely possible. I'm in process of aquascaping my 92 Gal. Bowfront now. It has been running for 7 years. Luckily, I have lots of driftwood, but I have recently started attaching much of my planted java fern and anubis to it, and it has been growing well. Here are some pics of it so far:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243650

Java Ferns, Anubis, and African Ferns (Bolbitis heudelotii) grow well when attached to driftwood or rocks, and all are pretty undemanding when it comes to light requirements. Java Moss does well also, but it can need a little more light, and can even take over a tank if given the right conditions.
 

tara777

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Dec 14, 2010
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Thank you Vince, that is very helpful and your tank pics are quite stunning, I'm encouraged. :)
 

BettaFishMommy

finkids make me happy :-)
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Sherry N.
java fern and anubias would be my top picks for a low light/low maintenance tank.

you can superglue these plants to driftwood or rocks prior to putting them in the tank. just blot the roots/rhizomes of the plants dry and hold them down where you want on the wood or rock while dabbing superglue around the roots/rhizome. wait for the glue to dry (i wait ten minutes to be sure) and plunk in tank! if you find the leaves getting a little dry while waiting for the glue to set you can mist them with water.
 

jbradt

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May 9, 2008
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I. P. Daily
I would add java moss, crypts and vals to the list of possibilities for a low tech tank. They grow well in almost any light, and the java moss can be attached to driftwood or rock work.

Scaping an inhabited tank is definitely doable. Just work slowly and all should be well. I have gone though periods of rescaping once per week without any noticeable effects on my fish which are considered to be on the sensitive side.
 

BettaFishMommy

finkids make me happy :-)
Mar 17, 2008
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Sherry N.
with not having any cories or other bottom feeders in the tank it will be easier to re-scape with the fish in. when i'm moving plants or wood in my 55 i'm always on the lookout for wigglebutts 'underfoot'!
 

BettaFishMommy

finkids make me happy :-)
Mar 17, 2008
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Sherry N.
"Wigglebutt", R U talking about UR husband again?
lmao! no, talking about cories. they are the epitomy of 'wigglebutt', lol.

as for a husband, no thanks! i already have one kid....... :rofl:
 

Sigrid

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Jan 8, 2011
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both hands in fish tank
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Helllllllllo-ho,
I did aqua-scaping SAT + SUN, and I am beat. Combined 10g + 20G into a 30g. tank. I found all my beneficial snails in the gravel and mini Temminkii babies. Fatalities: 3 Guppies and 1 Temminkii dad - sad.

Tank looks nice, inmates smile and I am on a diet of Ibuprofen and wine.
Pics available soonish.
 
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