Why not some really big lava rock for the hardscape on the right? As for plants... I'm new to plants, so I'm no good there.. but rock would definitely give a big pop to this tank, dude!
I forgot I do have a Bolbitis heudelotii in there but it's not cooperating it's probably getting to much light because it's growing flat on the substrate. I did have C. balanse but it was over 30in and shading everything so I'm trying the C. spiralis. With Blyxa I've always been partial to aubertii I could never keep the japonica done and it frustrated me into submission. I will have to try to get my hands on pinnatifida it's an interesting plant.I replaced my Vals with C. Balanse because I am using a liquid carbon supplement that melts the Vals. I'm happy with the crypts and will probable get more. If your looking to do low maintenance, I'd look to incorporate as many rosette species as I could - blyxa, crypts, echinodorus sp., etc. maybe Bolbitis or hygro pinnatifida. I'd avoid Sag or Vals or E. Tenellus because they send out runners to quickly
Thank you for sharing my pain =) !Your tank is beautiful, and coming back nicely. I have had problems with hair algae too. It's one of those things if you get it, and let it slide for a little bit, you will have buckets of it. Great tank.
Yes definitely for both sides I'd like to give the petite height towards the back of the tank on the left as well. I've been shopping around for lava rock but I don't want the red which most LPS around me seem to have. I also need to get them in various sizes because this is one rock I don't like when you tank a sledge hammer to them.Why not some really big lava rock for the hardscape on the right? As for plants... I'm new to plants, so I'm no good there.. but rock would definitely give a big pop to this tank, dude!
Thank you, those are great ideas. I'll have to expand my search to landscaping places but they are out of season with winter. The big stone places with patio have shorter hours so I can never get to them on time. The large pet chains around here don't carry much of a selection and unfortunately the mom and pop shops are almost extinct or downsized. Online with weight shipping cost just doesn't make since especially need to hand pick my pieces. The sandy/light ones I did find were for reefs and were recommended for freshwater.I'm so jealous of your tanks... o-o I would give you hihh gives in person for both of these! Great job Well... what about some really dark grey rocks or some really light, sandy colored rocks? Either of those would give you a really earthy tone which seems to be what you really like in both of these tanks. Awesome job again!!
Thank. If I can some how blend it into the scape I would definitely consider leaving it in there but part of the problem is I need to remove all the leaves with the worst algae. I do have a lot of new growth but those algae areas are driving me nuts and since I've had this in the original scape for a couple of years it maybe time for a change.I say leave it untrimmed It looks awesome that way xD
I was a little impatient siphoning the substrate to rid it of the mineralized soil and now have a muddy mess that's going to take a couple of days to clear. At least I can see into the tank now... LOL The corner the driftwood is going to is still a mess.looking forward to seeing it with the new driftwood in it.