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- #181
Lastly, absolutely crystal clear water. Was it the extra 30ppi sponge I added?
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Journal 120 Dutch Ft. Yugang Reactor (Horizontal CO2 Reactor)
- Thread starter Unexpected
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Front curtains count as one species each
Whats on the wall typically doesnt count against the species number, at least with AGA. But you wouldnt want to mix it up too much with multiple species.
Moss + something would be OK, I did moss with Buces one year. Keep the plant choice to one. Front curtain plants wont count for the wall even they are on it, like your serpyllum
H trip can make a good curtain too. Dont use it with serpyllum on the other side tho, too similar
Whats on the wall typically doesnt count against the species number, at least with AGA. But you wouldnt want to mix it up too much with multiple species.
Moss + something would be OK, I did moss with Buces one year. Keep the plant choice to one. Front curtain plants wont count for the wall even they are on it, like your serpyllum
H trip can make a good curtain too. Dont use it with serpyllum on the other side tho, too similar
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- #183
Thank you, I’ll just keep pushing with this Serphyllum on the 1 side and see how it goes. Maybe by having this count towards species will open up more space in the tank!
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- #184
Oh, I forgot to mention an interesting observation. I'm noticing my Stellatus crowns are smaller and I'm wondering if it's the new substrate being immature. Any thoughts?
Finally, a FB post has been bothering me and as such I'm looking for a more challenging plant recommendation. Not something uber difficult, but something that would speak to "he can grow difficult plants." If you have a recommendation, I would greatly appreciate it. And if you have it, I would like to buy it from you. I'd prefer something brown or green, but anything would work.
Finally, a FB post has been bothering me and as such I'm looking for a more challenging plant recommendation. Not something uber difficult, but something that would speak to "he can grow difficult plants." If you have a recommendation, I would greatly appreciate it. And if you have it, I would like to buy it from you. I'd prefer something brown or green, but anything would work.
LOL right! When Im in a species pinch I just take it as a sign than I need to have bigger groups elsewhere
I get what your saying, Ive had the same feelings too. But here's the thing, most so-called "difficult species" arent really difficult they just have unique water or nutrient requirements. And usually it boils down to low KH and/or low nutrient levels. The only reason Lythracaea species are considered hard is because the hobby in general spent a decade frying them with EI level ferts. Im not knocking EI but the fact is certain plants simply dont like that much in the water column
And before you hang your head over what plants you use ask yourself what's harder, to simply adjust parameters so plant X will grow, or to create a top Dutch tank????
Also keep in mind judges dont give a flip about hard/easy or rare or expensive. Well placed Java fern will trump a poor use of something fancy every single time
Now dont get me wrong I like the idea of using more exotic and "hard-to-grow" stuff too. I usually try to work one or two in in the mix. But I dont let it dictate things and if it dont work out then screw it I'll plug something else in. Creating a good Dutch has enough challenges. There's plenty of colors and varieties out there to stick with things that arent going to fuss too much
Having said all that, as for harder species
I cant really think of anything brown that would be considered hard to grow. Hygro araguaia is pretty sweet, not exactly a beginner plant but not hard either. For greens Im also drawing a blank except for Syn/Tonina/Erio types, most of those just need low to zero KH, not sure what yours is
You could work more Rotalas in the mix. Roraima is a great Dutch plant because its so easy and fast and bold. But if you wanted to flex on the harder side you could go with wallichii/Vietnam/enie for a fine-leaved color plant. Tulunadensis would be a good yellow in the midground. like the other Rotalas it doesnt need anything special, just a very clean and well-run tank. Only thing nutrient-wise keep your micros under .4-.5/week and they should all do fine under a wide range of everything else. Inert sub or rich doesnt matter. Of course like most plants they'll be more forgiving in low KH but can do fine up in the 5-6 range. Thats what my tap is and they all do fine if everything else is on point
I do have a few of the above, not a lot atm. We'll talk more about species in your PM
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- #186
Thank you for this!
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- #187
So yeah, posted my updates to the wrong area, sorry @Yugang . Didn’t mean to throw a wrench on your thread.
But did some cleaning and more reduction.
But did some cleaning and more reduction.
Looking forward to that wall of tripartita growing in!
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- #189
Me too, so far it’s working well and easily managed. If my memory serves me, you recommended it right?
I did actually, and glad it’s panning out! Easier managed that way over planting, it’s an aggressive runner once it gets going.
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- #191
Very aggressive, that sheet on the right filled in quick.
What's you plan for creating contrast against the tripartita background? Darker / off-green background bushes?
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- #193
Great question. I’ve been noticing this problem and I’m not sure what or how I’m going to handle this. I’m open for suggestions.
I doubt your the first to attempt a similar wall style like this, I’d browse previous entries to get some ideas.
Also I know you can’t edit your pictures when submitting for contests, but is there a way maybe to play with the lighting so as to adjust how much the background stands out. I’d imagine the background you’d want to just notice the subtle color and texture and let the groupings take the show. But I’m not keen on the rules and guidance for Dutch, just spitballing
Also I know you can’t edit your pictures when submitting for contests, but is there a way maybe to play with the lighting so as to adjust how much the background stands out. I’d imagine the background you’d want to just notice the subtle color and texture and let the groupings take the show. But I’m not keen on the rules and guidance for Dutch, just spitballing
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- #195
When the plants get taller, I’ll take some photos to show what I’m seeing. Not every plant has a contrast issue, but I could probably try to shade it a bit more to have it look darker. I see why they go with darker mosses most of the time.
toofewfish
Community Member
What is the mesh you are using on the wall? I tried searching this thread but didn't find it. Thanks
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- #197
Plastic canvas mesh. I bought it at hobby lobby. A craft store if you aren’t familiar with them.
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- #198
Here’s one using H Trip, not a full wall but....
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- #199
I’m extremely happy with the goings on with the tank this week. Good solid growth and near 0 GDA. Water change tomorrow and I might get biblical with the layout. Go big or go home!
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- #200
