Welcome to ScapeCrunch

We are ScapeCrunch, the place where planted aquarium hobbyists come to build relationships and support each other. When you're tired of doom scrolling, you've found your home here.

Journal 22 gallon long bookshelf

Basically, I have a ramshorn snail brothel at this point.

Good news though, the Pogostemon erectus has melted away entirely, but the snails have picked the Buce rhizome skeletons clean and look like they are going to start sprouting new leafs.

Alternanthera reineckii sure does look pretty when it’s transitioning to submersed.

IMG_2885.jpeg

IMG_2890.jpeg

IMG_2902.jpeg

IMG_2901.webp
 
Day 10. Now entering the ugly phase. Not sure I can go full @raj and just let the tank/algae sort itself out over, like, months. I’ll do my best to resist.

Unfortunately the pump on running my canister filter sounds like it’s crapping out. Considering upgrading to a saltwater DC return pump to run externally. Open to suggestions. I’ve done some initial searching and they all seem to have larger inlet/outlets than the 12/16 that I’m currently running. The Sicce Syncra 0.5/1.0 seem like a good bet, but they are AC and I’d lose the adjustment function.

Also, NilocG dry ferts came in today so I’m working on my DIY all in one solution.

IMG_2975.webp

IMG_2978.webp

IMG_2977.webp

IMG_2976.webp

I did harvest the HC Cuba growing out in my work terrarium to use for starting the carpet in this tank, so there’s that.

IMG_2973.webp
 
Jebao/Jecod pumps are popular since they are inexpensive, adjustable, and DC powered. Mine has been running nonstop since January 2020, I have a DCP-2500
That was my first thought, but after some research it looks like the minimum inlet/return size is 1” which would be more modifying than I can get into now. Landen has a new pump out which looks perfect, the Biosmo 700 which has a 1/2 outlet, but I can’t tell if the inlet is the same size slip fitting as the return. I can’t find any relevant posts about it either.
 
I like the way you've extended the flow of the hardscape to take advantage of the length of your tank and you get so many interesting angles to view it from. Love that.
Could you walk through what's underneath in your cabinet? Are the other devices timers for CO2?
 
I like the way you've extended the flow of the hardscape to take advantage of the length of your tank and you get so many interesting angles to view it from. Love that.
Could you walk through what's underneath in your cabinet? Are the other devices timers for CO2?
Thanks. I’ve had a vision for a long time. It’s satisfying to finally see it coming together. I’ve been meaning to make an equipment post. The only thing working via mechanical timer is the co2 solenoid. Still working out this Kamoer auto dosing pump app. Everyone complaining about the Week Aqua app has clearly never tried to sync and program a Kamoer autodoser. Surprising, as it’s not some up-and-coming brand trying to make a name for itself.

Also, I’m weak. Broke down and cleaned the front glass. Haven’t checked ammonia yet, but I feel like it’s getting close to fully cycled.

IMG_3012.jpeg

IMG_3010.jpeg

Mixed up a batch of JAMES’ GROWTH JUICE. Somewhere between PPS and EI (I know, wide range).

IMG_3013.jpeg

Adding daily:

N - 1.23 ppm
P - 0.14 ppm
K - 2.26 ppm
Fe - 0.1 ppm
Mg - 0.121 ppm

Still haven’t been able to find a guaranteed analysis of Kent liquid calcium. I’d like to add that to the mix, but I’m holding off until I know exactly what I’m adding.

I’ve seen both AR mini and Rosanervig show signs of ca deficiency before and want to avoid that. The ramoisor ‘Florida’ is a calcium hog too.

So far so good.

IMG_3006.webp

IMG_3005.webp
 
Somehow this tiny Ammania pedicellata ‘golden’ stem I picked out of the pond is growing better than I’ve ever been able to manage. It happens to be at the far end of the tank underneath the lily outflow and next to the inflow in a low light area. Different from other configurations I’ve tried. Interesting.

IMG_3105.webp

Added the HC Cuba I’ve been growing emersed. It’s in the foreground near the end of the hardscape to hopefully grow out and carpet the open area.

IMG_3109.webp

P. helfeiri is filling out the base of the hardscape transition as I was hoping it
would.

IMG_3107.webp
 
So, this pump is absolutely silent…

IMG_3216.webp

Added all the white cloud minnow adults and fry and they are loving it.

Still dialing in co2 as I’m still hanging on to a bunch of green thread algae. Hate this stuff.

IMG_3234.webp
Trying to get in the habit of aggressively trimming the stems so they fill out and don’t get all leggy as I’ve typically let them get.

I love the texture contrast dowoi brings to the foreground.

IMG_3239.webp

IMG_3238.webp

Installed some mini lily pipes while I was messing around with the canister. The regular size ones take up a lot of real estate in a relatively shallow tank.

IMG_3222.webp
 
So, this pump is absolutely silent…

View attachment 4577

Added all the white cloud minnow adults and fry and they are loving it.

Still dialing in co2 as I’m still hanging on to a bunch of green thread algae. Hate this stuff.

View attachment 4578
Trying to get in the habit of aggressively trimming the stems so they fill out and don’t get all leggy as I’ve typically let them get.

I love the texture contrast dowoi brings to the foreground.

View attachment 4579

View attachment 4580

Installed some mini lily pipes while I was messing around with the canister. The regular size ones take up a lot of real estate in a relatively shallow tank.

View attachment 4581
Looking great!

In my experience any of the ludwigia will branch like crazy if you just trim out the highest tip. Quick way to turn one stem into a bunch relatively quickly. They take well to mowing down flat to the substrate too if needed to remove a lot of ugly quickly. Just not to often since you need to replace the old bottoms with healthy tops. I generally only do one mowing then I trim and replant the tops before mowing again if needed.
 

Top 10 Trending Threads

Back
Top