i was really sadden to redo this tank after about 2 weeks into operation, but i hope this switch to a more fertile and nicer looking substrate would be worth it. i've been using inert sand all my life, and felt i should make a change and experience something new, especially when provoked by all the recent discussions on interesting substrate materials and experimentations. i've decided to join the onyx bandwagon.
much of the plants from the prior setup have been retained, although much trimmed down for the sake of aquascaping. there is an addition of some excellent giant hygros that i was lucky to find at my lfs. the stargrass is also new, trimmings from the 10g. as for the large driftwood, it was hard to let go. i really like its angle and shape, but it just required too large of a footprint on the substrate. livestock is also updated with a group of rainbowfish, joining the older residents of rummys, ottos, and shrimps.
the onyx, i like it a lot. the color is great and really contrasts well with the plants and fish. the sand is quite fine, and compacts a bit tighter than most other aquarium sand/gravel. i find this better in helping to anchor plant roots, especially smaller types such as glosso (did a lousy job in planing the glosso, by the way. it was past midnight and i was tired from washing the onyx.). the ph buffering is quite mild in my case... only about .5 to .7 difference.
over here if you like a peek. comments welcomed. oh, please excuse the back of the tank, i've neglected to clean off the accumulated algae from the previous weeks.
edit: onyx do provide iron, not much else.
much of the plants from the prior setup have been retained, although much trimmed down for the sake of aquascaping. there is an addition of some excellent giant hygros that i was lucky to find at my lfs. the stargrass is also new, trimmings from the 10g. as for the large driftwood, it was hard to let go. i really like its angle and shape, but it just required too large of a footprint on the substrate. livestock is also updated with a group of rainbowfish, joining the older residents of rummys, ottos, and shrimps.
the onyx, i like it a lot. the color is great and really contrasts well with the plants and fish. the sand is quite fine, and compacts a bit tighter than most other aquarium sand/gravel. i find this better in helping to anchor plant roots, especially smaller types such as glosso (did a lousy job in planing the glosso, by the way. it was past midnight and i was tired from washing the onyx.). the ph buffering is quite mild in my case... only about .5 to .7 difference.
over here if you like a peek. comments welcomed. oh, please excuse the back of the tank, i've neglected to clean off the accumulated algae from the previous weeks.
edit: onyx do provide iron, not much else.
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