64 replies to this topic

[Mr_docfish]

Yeah.... Personally, Im not into pansy looking aquatic cottage gardens.... I like the more natural look

Thanks for bringing it up mate.

[Anka]

[fishking123]

holy crap!!! NICE TANK!!!!!
looks soo cool! thats how i want my tank lol

[Mr_docfish]

Took this pic before lights out...
Fine leaf watersprite pearling at the surface

[Mr_docfish]

some updated pics from today:

The Fine Leaf Water Sprite was an accidental addition from the kid's tank... it got stuck on the wood when I did a water change, and it has taken off with absolute gusto - I did not expect it to get this big (had to trim it to allow light through)....





The Tricolour lotus is trying to out compete itself..



Eichornia azurea is great as a an eye piece - it is so different in its growth and leaf structure that it always sticks out... and looks nice from above...



Some of my odd seedlings are popping back out now that the tank is in better heath: there's last years Aponogeton ulvaceus seedling, and one of my elusive, slow growing Red Aponogeton crispus.... this one is a cracker....

[Anka]

amazing!

[Westie]

that red aponogeton crispus sticks out nicely, and the tricolour lotus is on steroids!

[danotaylor]

looks the goods Doc...so amazing!!

[Mr_docfish]

UPDATE:
A few months ago, I have finally hard plumbed my tank to tap water - drilling a new hole through the wall, and bringing water down from another part of the house.
This has made it much easier than dragging a hose around for drainage and refilling.

Now the lower 19mm poly pipe will drain the tank (using the Eheim 2180 to pump it out) and the upper copper pipe brings in tap water - I have put a tap on the outside in case I want to change anything at a later date.... and to make it legal....



I have also designed a new Stainless steel plant pulling tongs..... Or should I say, Re-Designed a BBQ Tong - I bent the teeth in at 45 Degrees so I can get under and pull out corms - something a pair of tweezers cant do....





All I do is push it into the gravel, where it slowly comes together, then I pull it straight up and it take the corm and the surrounding gravel with it - less mess, and less damage to the corm and roots.... this was the only way to get the corms out.
Considering the tank is 80cm deep - I cant get my fingers under the corms, so it was desperation that lead to the design
Ill get a vid of how it goes next time I do a prune....

[Anka]

Will we see this (patented) invention in stores sometime I the future?

P.S why no pics of the tank?!

[Mr_docfish]

When I find a wholesaler with a similar bbq tong design - in REAL stainess steel) then ill sell it...

Here's a pic from a few months ago when I was mucking around with a fish eye lens attachment for my iPhone

[Mattymak]

Looking good ollie!

[dazzabozza]

Plumbing and drilling cost much Ollie?

Does the waste water get recycled to the garden?

When you fill your system does it overflow to the drain? Or do you have to drain first and then top up?

[Mr_docfish]

Drilling and plumbing done on the cheap - got a liscenced friend to help for beer
Water goes into soakwell - 500L plus is a bit much - ill pump that water back out with my bore....
I drain first using the filter to pump it out - then I know how much I have changed so I can redose my ferts.... But I still test the water the next day to confirm where my fert levels are at.

[ibm450]

very nice, well done

[Adam]

Hi Oliver must be time for some more photos...

[Graeme]

Yeh Ollie update pics

Especially that red crispus

[Mr_docfish]

You mean that red spatterdock that I waited a year for???

[Graeme]

Hey you got it and the price was right

[Adam]

Still no photo...