457 replies to this topic

[Delapool]

^{Thought I'd post a before and after photo of re-planting. More change than I thought. Must clean some filters next week. The red alt doesn't look too pretty - I'm hoping that will get going better, it's still swapping over to life in this tank. The expensive new plants are behind the plane.}

 

 

Edited by Delapool, 07 August 2016 - 10:19 PM.

[Delapool]

Does Aponogeton Crispus flower? There is a long, needle like stem that is up to the water surface.

[Bostave]

Yes. It does flower like all aponogetons do. There will be more than one. Use a painting brush to pollinate.

[Delapool]

Thanks for the tips Not sure how it will go in high flow but fingers crossed. Least it is growing.

Bumped up CO2. Diffusers seem to be coping without a death rattle.

[Bostave]

The flower stalk will grow atleast three feet long and above the the water surface.

[Delapool]

Ok, thanks - it's staying above the water line now, trying to push through the covers. Thought it had broken off but seems ok.

[Bostave]

I let the flowering stalk through the gaps in the lid for the filter pipes.

[Delapool]

I was eyeing off the same but wasn't sure as not much light. Will have a look tonight on gaps. Thanks again.

[Bostave]

The flower stalk doesn't need light.

[Delapool]

It's tough being a yoyo loach - seems to involve a lot of sleeping to about 10am...

Edited by Delapool, 18 August 2016 - 08:26 AM.

[Delapool]

Did some more PAR readings today and ended up turning on the second bank of the LED lights (blue channel) to 50% power and will see what happens with BBA. One thing I did learn is that ideally PAR readings should be taken before ornaments and plants go in. This is also all relative as the PAR readings seem to bounce around a bit.

For information the tank depth is 30inches with a quad t5ho and medium-cost LED strip light (white channel 100% power). The lights sit on the tank rim. PAR readings are:

PAR at 1ft depth (4 weeks ago) - 89.
PAR at 1ft depth (now) - 56.
PAR at 1ft depth (now & no surface ripples from canister filters) - 57.
PAR at 1ft depth (now, filters off and no PERSPEX cover) - 59.

PAR at 1inch depth (filters off and no PERSPEX cover) - from 100 to 150 moving around.

PAR at ~ 1 and a half feet - 17 (off to side).

PAR at 1ft depth (re-test after PERSPEX covers on) - 65 (sigh, did wipe meter for this reading but had wiped it only 2 days prior so not sure what's going on).

PAR at 1ft depth (added blue channel of LEDs on at 50%) - 76.

So perhaps the readings may be out by 25% but in general was as expected. It was surprising that the PERSPEX covers on/off didn't make more of a difference as these can get quite coated on condensation.

A second flower stem has also popped up so fingers crossed on this one

Edited by Delapool, 24 August 2016 - 03:41 AM.

[Delapool]

Second flower stem is almost at surface now (determined plant!). Hoping it will bend through the gap in the tank covers. Not a lot of room but will see how it goes.

[Delapool]

Not much change.

http://i300.photobuc...uo.jpg~original

 

Flower stem I think running in front of black cord and behind canister filter outlets.

 

http://i300.photobuc...se.jpg~original

 

Tip is just in front of cord going into water. Bit hard to make out. I'm hoping in the next few days to get it through the gap in covers and get better photo.
 
http://i300.photobuc...ln.jpg~original

Edited by Delapool, 27 August 2016 - 09:27 PM.

[Delapool]

Not sure if this flower? is looking normal or not?

http://i300.photobuc...zpsdbmgwoxk.jpg

Edited by Delapool, 28 August 2016 - 10:13 PM.

[Bostave]

That is normal.

[Delapool]

Cool, many thanks.

[Delapool]

CO2 system still going well with two diffusers. On the weekend I'm going to reduce the injection time before lights on as this is now making a big difference and I think first time ever that that the low ph cutoff is really being useful to not gas fish.

[Delapool]

the flower is still doing OK:

[Delapool]

Erk, gassed a Congo Tetra it would appear. Had a dead fish Thursday morning. Last night ph controller was off but then noticed drop checker had gone yellow for first time ever.

Found manual on for control and new gas bottle had one diffuser too high. Reset a few things (more to check) and this morning the drop checker and ph looking more normal.

Totally sold on the use of ph controllers now.

[Delapool]

CO2 injection sorted and fish are more lively. Mainly noticeable in the tetras (more active?); the bottom dwellers and angelfish never seemed to notice.

 

If anyone knows the red stem plant on the top of the photos this would be much appreciated. I think it is called Rubra but not sure? It is doing much better than the red alt (lower in pic) and looking at gradually replacing it with this one. Slow growing but seems to be loving the spot up back of tank and I'm still taken with the idea of growing red stem plants between Java Fern on either side of tank.

 

If anyone has tips on growing red alt would be much appreciated   The red alt hangs in there but lower leaves get GSA and eventually curl (despite essentially EI dosing).