'The Un-Amazon' tetra haven - Page 2

BlueAbyss · #11 05-08-2009, 02:06 AM

I wasn't sure if I should be bothering with FW again, but I love tetras and couldn't resist. I'm glad I did

bignose · #12 05-09-2009, 04:47 PM

Updates?

BlueAbyss · #13 05-12-2009, 09:10 PM

Building a plant and tank stand this week, so these guys will be moving into a fancy rimless 20 gallon.

bignose · #14 05-14-2009, 04:03 AM

I feel like taking the trim off my 5.5G tank. It looks better rimless.

Leah · #15 06-04-2009, 08:56 PM

Any updates on solar amazonia

BlueAbyss · #16 06-05-2009, 04:52 AM

Oh yes, I should update this. A couple days ago, the tank temperature reached 28 C. I lost 2 neons, and 2 Otos. I have decided to ditch the sunlit idea for the summer, and the tetras, otos, and corys have moved into a semi-temporary home in a 15 gallon tank. I really like the new aquascaping, but I need to look at getting a dark bottom for these guys... their colors have washed out since losing the cover of the emerged growth.

FWIW, since I like the new aquascaping I may just keep the setup the way it is. I'll snap a few pics tomorrow to show how it looks. The 15 gallon has some scratches in it since it is one of my old tanks (and it also still has the trim), but it looks good anyhow and the fish seem to be enjoying the extra swimming space. There is some driftwood in there now that I may remove, we'll see how it looks in the morning.

BlueAbyss · #17 06-08-2009, 02:53 AM

So, I had some ammonia issues with this tank after the changeover... just enough ammonia to slightly tint the test, around .25 ppm. A 25% water change was performed that day (2 days ago), reducing the ammonia to almost negligible. No fish losses, the glowlights have gotten their color back (though not fully, I suspect they feel a little exposed in the open aquascape), everyone looks happy now. The tank is clear today, so I thought I'd snap a few photos.

I now am in need of some plants. I wonder what I can grow with only indirect light? Though the tank is probably as well lit on a bright day as the saltwater tank (with 2 x 18 watt T8s), with reflected light (and sky light). I think I will probably attempt a large stand of stem plants in the mound of sand to the front left of the rock, and a low rosette center stage.

I should have bought some plants while I was in Prince Albert. Anyone in Saskatchewan or Manitoba want to send me some plants on the bus?

EDIT: Before anyone says anything, no the tank is not level.

Keri · #18 06-08-2009, 05:27 AM

Java fern will grow in almost any light, is hard to kill and will root to your rock if you tie it temporarily with dental floss.

BlueAbyss · #19 06-08-2009, 05:31 AM

I've considered that but I refuse to buy single leaves in a store, to wait for plants to grow. I hated doing that years ago and won't do it now.

I am, however, considering planting a 'moss garden', since I don't want to add lights. We'll see, the tank has to stabilize somewhat before I do anything further to the poor fish. The move was somewhat traumatic for them, with the ammonia and all. I'll never again move a sandbed without rinsing the sand well first... that was my mistake, I'm sure.

Keri · #20 06-08-2009, 05:42 AM

single leaves? the java fern I've ever purchased was in whole plant form, usually for around 6-10$ for a good sized clump but if you know anyone with any in their tanks they are usually MORE than willing to give big clumps away. In my 55g tank I throw out a 5g bucket worth of plant clippings every couple of months, much of it is javafern and java moss.
This little runner shouldn't cost more than 5$ or so at a pet store