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Journal SkaleyAquatics Re-attempted Dutch
- Thread starter SkaleyAquatics
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- Thread starter
- #182
It is! I feel that I normally have a good eye for it. I still have time to get this tank sorted so I will fix it. I thought it would be easier to avoid in a tank twice as long as my last one but that is not the case. Also maintaining a tank this size for dutch is a task. luckily I enough it and find it relaxing but it took alot out of me yesterday.
- Thread starter
- #183
Well I was able to redo my 180gal layout today and originally planned to post a picture of it but not sure if I should since the AGA opened today. 3 months to get it to grow in as I chopped everything down. I'll be at exactly 18 species once I put in the moss on the lava rock.
- Thread starter
- #184
Now that the competition has been announced its just a waiting game. I think i got the layout down for the tank, no moss walls yet again for me.
Onto actual pictures as I spent a majority of my water changes tidying up the much over due farm tanks.
The aponogetons are going absolutely nuts in these tanks. I have a dozen or so seedling from the crispus 'red' that are viable and I'll begin distributing them once they reach 5 or 6" such an awesome plant and a huge achievement for me even though its self pollinating. I was able to come across bylxa sp. Red though my aquarium society. And it seems to be doing okay unlike the last time I tried it.
These are 2 of the 6 tanks in the fishroom that will stay up while I redo the room. Finally going to be insulating it and will have ~25 tanks for breeding purposes and 3 tanks for farm purposes. Eventually most of the crypts will move into a 75gal tank that'll be known as the crypt garden and I would like to get a 120gal for the aponogeton, swords and other large plants that won't keep in a 40gal.
Onto actual pictures as I spent a majority of my water changes tidying up the much over due farm tanks.
The aponogetons are going absolutely nuts in these tanks. I have a dozen or so seedling from the crispus 'red' that are viable and I'll begin distributing them once they reach 5 or 6" such an awesome plant and a huge achievement for me even though its self pollinating. I was able to come across bylxa sp. Red though my aquarium society. And it seems to be doing okay unlike the last time I tried it.
These are 2 of the 6 tanks in the fishroom that will stay up while I redo the room. Finally going to be insulating it and will have ~25 tanks for breeding purposes and 3 tanks for farm purposes. Eventually most of the crypts will move into a 75gal tank that'll be known as the crypt garden and I would like to get a 120gal for the aponogeton, swords and other large plants that won't keep in a 40gal.
- Thread starter
- #185
Well I was able to get the temporary stand up this weekend. Ill move most the fish over tonight from the fishroom to these tanks. This coming weekend I'll ne moving the 2 farm tanks and am not looking forward to that as they will be some weight with the gravel. Im hoping to not have to remove any gravel or disturb the tanks too much to move them.
The 180 Dutch some of the new plants to it needed to adjust to its parameters and caused a bit of algae growth on the older growth. Nothing too serious but something I wasn't expecting. Other than that it is filling in nicely. Im only seeing one possible issue with the layout and that's rotala macrandra 'kochi' and limnophila aromatica 'mini' meet a little and they look almost exactly the same.
- Thread starter
- #186
Well the farm tanks are moved. Wasn't too bad only had to take out all the plants in the top tank since I had to take out some gravel to get it up to that shelf.
Then I opened up my emerged bin to find about 60 seedlings if aponogeton crispus 'red' which i dont even know what I did to get that many.
I wasnt going to let these go to waste so I ended up doing this which was not the plan.
Setup the old farm tank and planted a bunch of the seedlings. All of the emersed grown plants and some crypts and swords from the other farm tanks.
Tomorrow I will be tackling the 180 trimming good growth and replanting. Going to be a busy day. Also will get the rest of the tanks down in the fish room and start cleaning up that deep room to prep for the build. I plan to take plenty of pictures that I'll upload here.
Then I opened up my emerged bin to find about 60 seedlings if aponogeton crispus 'red' which i dont even know what I did to get that many.
I wasnt going to let these go to waste so I ended up doing this which was not the plan.
Setup the old farm tank and planted a bunch of the seedlings. All of the emersed grown plants and some crypts and swords from the other farm tanks.
Tomorrow I will be tackling the 180 trimming good growth and replanting. Going to be a busy day. Also will get the rest of the tanks down in the fish room and start cleaning up that deep room to prep for the build. I plan to take plenty of pictures that I'll upload here.
- Thread starter
- #187
The past few days I have began to question if I want to enter the AGA contest this year. Personally I do not think the tank is super stable currently and I am missing some plants and haven't nailed the layout. Also with my time currently extremely divided between the house, the fishroom rebuild and school to name a few things. It has kinda fallen to the maintain and do not change category currently. The same can be said for the farm tanks. However, the one I pulled everything and replanted so I can move it is currently battling some thread algae that I need to take care of but again, time is a factor here so I am just leaving it be.
I know I still have 7 weeks until the deadline. So we will have to see how it grows in. I will post a picture later this afternoon in its current state. With my observations on the tank. I'm currently working on the water changes for these tanks and lights done come on for another 5 hours.
I know I still have 7 weeks until the deadline. So we will have to see how it grows in. I will post a picture later this afternoon in its current state. With my observations on the tank. I'm currently working on the water changes for these tanks and lights done come on for another 5 hours.
- Thread starter
- #188
Here is the 180gal today. Below are the issues I have dealt with/known issues I see.
- One of the hardest things I have found to do in this tank is avoiding symmetry. I did not have this issue in a 3ft/90cm tank.
- example: The ludwigia 'super red' and the lotus are dang near in the same spot.
- There is a huge hole behind the limnophilia aromatica 'mini' and lotus needs some kinda plant but I cannot figure out what.
- In front of the siamensis 53b the plan is still to use a moss tied to lava rock.
- I hadn't added it due to a bit of a hair algae outburst recently, after dialing in my co2.
- I have no idea what is going on with the Aponogeton longiplumulosus, it hasn't developed any new leaves and some tops of leaves are browning.
- Lobelia cardinalis 'mini' this plant is more finnicky in my experience than the non-mini variety. All of it was cut at the same time and the plants in the front are much smaller than behind it. I remember seeing the 2024 first place AGA winner, Timothy Gross, and one of my complaints with his was the lobelia being different sizes well he had used mini as well. The plant does not act the same as true lobelia.
- Plants that have not grown in 3-4 weeks:
- Mayaca fluviatilis
- its the right curtain plant but is stunted.
- Pogostemon deccansis
- was trimmed 3 weeks ago and has not grown.
- Gratiola viscidula
- Its very possible this is just growing extremely slow.
- Rotala macrandra 'kochi'
- Trimmed 3 weeks ago and is now stunting. I've never had an issue with this plant
- Trimmed 3 weeks ago and is now stunting. I've never had an issue with this plant
- Mayaca fluviatilis
The viscidula is a painfully slow grower, for what it’s worth. Almost as bad as ramosa. I have noticed that once it gets a healthy root stock it starts to pick up noticeable speed.
- Thread starter
- #190
Farm Tank 1:
This has been the most problematic tank since moving it. Luckily I know the causes of the algae outburst.
Does anyone know what the red Bylxa is on the right is? I received it as bylxa sp. red and thats the reddest and tallest its gotten probably about 14"?
Farm Tank 2:
For the most part this tank is just chugging along. There is some debris at the substrate level that needs cleaned. I nearly lost the flamingo but it has come back thankfully. The Madagascar lace have some algae ridden leaves that need removed but overall I cannot complain about this tank.
The Aponogeton's desperately need a larger tank though. They are so massive.
Farm Tank 3:
This tank has not been a problem since setting it up. The emersed plants have converted perfectly fine and are due to trim the new growth.
I may have mentioned this but in case I haven't all these tanks are getting switched to canister filters and yugang reactors. I absolutely hate in tank diffusers. Mostly because they get clogged with algae and need cleaning. Which causes worst output over time. The other thing I have noticed is the ones with replaceable ceramic discs, the base break extremely easily which is a huge inconvenience when you just want to replace it.
This has been the most problematic tank since moving it. Luckily I know the causes of the algae outburst.
- The co2 was decreased a bit due to a smaller diffuser put into this tank.
- This tank gets more ambient light then all the other tanks. There is a east facing window and the light comes in through the top of the tank and the glass attracts a bunch of algae as this tank has quite a few scratches in it.
Does anyone know what the red Bylxa is on the right is? I received it as bylxa sp. red and thats the reddest and tallest its gotten probably about 14"?
Farm Tank 2:
For the most part this tank is just chugging along. There is some debris at the substrate level that needs cleaned. I nearly lost the flamingo but it has come back thankfully. The Madagascar lace have some algae ridden leaves that need removed but overall I cannot complain about this tank.
The Aponogeton's desperately need a larger tank though. They are so massive.
Farm Tank 3:
This tank has not been a problem since setting it up. The emersed plants have converted perfectly fine and are due to trim the new growth.
I may have mentioned this but in case I haven't all these tanks are getting switched to canister filters and yugang reactors. I absolutely hate in tank diffusers. Mostly because they get clogged with algae and need cleaning. Which causes worst output over time. The other thing I have noticed is the ones with replaceable ceramic discs, the base break extremely easily which is a huge inconvenience when you just want to replace it.
- Thread starter
- #191
This was my thought as well but I had never trimmed it until I put it in this tank. It was just going wild in the farm tank.
- Thread starter
- #192
The 180:
While some things are very dutch this has also become a catch all tank for some of my larger growing plants. This has been the Aponogeton's, they were over growing the 40's and really need a dedicated grow out tank. This tank is looking pretty good, all it really need is some background height. The past two weeks have allowed it to grow in really nice, in my opinion. At some point I ran out of co2 this past week and did not realize it until Friday evening. Hopefully I come out of this without any algae flare up. I reduced the light from 70% to 50% until I could get another co2 tank on Monday.
While some things are very dutch this has also become a catch all tank for some of my larger growing plants. This has been the Aponogeton's, they were over growing the 40's and really need a dedicated grow out tank. This tank is looking pretty good, all it really need is some background height. The past two weeks have allowed it to grow in really nice, in my opinion. At some point I ran out of co2 this past week and did not realize it until Friday evening. Hopefully I come out of this without any algae flare up. I reduced the light from 70% to 50% until I could get another co2 tank on Monday.
- Thread starter
- #193
40gal Farm Tank #1:
This tank has not really had any problem's the Aponogeton crispus 'Red' seeds are doing great in here and some should be sellable size very soon. Nymphaea potamophila "Peru Puerto Maldonado" is steadily coming along finally for me. This tank eventually will more than likely house my tricky species of plants when everything gets said and done as this will be the only farm tank with aquasoil.
40gal Farm Tank #2:
Massive trimming and rearrangement of plants in this tank last week after algae was beginning to get out of hand. So fair I have seen very positive signs even without co2 for 3 days.
40 Gal Farm Tank #3:
Same result as farm tank #2.
Since #2 and #3 received the same treatment I will talk to them together. I removed all the plants. Vacuumed the gravel and drain almost all the water. Then let the tank sit 24 hours before I did a 50% water cahnge and replanted the healthy portion of plants. Each plant I individually cut or removed algae covered leaves and replanted them both. Did normal fertlizer numbers for the week, at a slightly different routine as this was a shorter week as these got done in the middle of the week due to a busier than normal Saturday that cause me to only be available for a few hours on Sunday which is typical tank maintenance days.
This tank has not really had any problem's the Aponogeton crispus 'Red' seeds are doing great in here and some should be sellable size very soon. Nymphaea potamophila "Peru Puerto Maldonado" is steadily coming along finally for me. This tank eventually will more than likely house my tricky species of plants when everything gets said and done as this will be the only farm tank with aquasoil.
40gal Farm Tank #2:
Massive trimming and rearrangement of plants in this tank last week after algae was beginning to get out of hand. So fair I have seen very positive signs even without co2 for 3 days.
40 Gal Farm Tank #3:
Same result as farm tank #2.
Since #2 and #3 received the same treatment I will talk to them together. I removed all the plants. Vacuumed the gravel and drain almost all the water. Then let the tank sit 24 hours before I did a 50% water cahnge and replanted the healthy portion of plants. Each plant I individually cut or removed algae covered leaves and replanted them both. Did normal fertlizer numbers for the week, at a slightly different routine as this was a shorter week as these got done in the middle of the week due to a busier than normal Saturday that cause me to only be available for a few hours on Sunday which is typical tank maintenance days.
- Thread starter
- #194
While the skimmer has helped tremendously with this issue. I also brainstormed another possible cause for this I did not consider before. This tank has extremely tight fitting lids. There is not really any gaps in the lids. This is mostly to keep the cat hair out of the tank as much as possible and to limit the evaporation. One thing I did not consider is that it is much more difficult for air to move between the tank and the basement atmosphere. This was never and issue in the 40gallon when I had it setup for the Dutch as there was an 1" - 1.5" gap in the back.
your tanks are nice man. Do you sell just locally or like etsy or something as well?
I LOVE madagascar lace. I had one in a 55g years ago. That's one reason I can't wait to set up a large tank again.
I LOVE madagascar lace. I had one in a 55g years ago. That's one reason I can't wait to set up a large tank again.
- Thread starter
- #196
Thank you!! That is much appreciated.
I primarily sell locally but I have sold plants on The Facebook auction group and if I have a bunch I'll post on here. I have no issues shipping but haven't setup shop yet for selling online. This will have to happen at some point as I will be close in tank numbers to @Burr740 when its all said and done.With all that said. If you are looking for something just ask.
This is the first time I've kept it and could not be happier with it. The one I have I believe is self pollinating as it did develop seeds but I do not think any of those propagated from seed. I will be devoting a 120 gallon to mostly Aponogeton's and larger swords. I like to keep plants so that I can rotate them for competition.
- Thread starter
- #197
The 180:
Did a massive trimming on the display tank on Sunday. It was over due. Also move things around some. Really the only plants that stayed in the same spot is the H. difformis, Monte Carlo, Gratiola viscidula and the Lysumachia parviflorus. Somehow even the lily gets too big for this tank. It was massive before I trimmed it back. The crypt crispulata var. tonkinensis went from 3 plants to probably 20+. The pogo, deccanensis is just a place holder for now as are the aponogeton's for the most part(Madagascarensis may stay). You cannot see it currently as I really trimmed it down but there are 2 groups of rotala macrandra 'Kochi' hiding in here. 1 of those groups is going to auction in a week and a half. This was much needed and look forward to my continued growth in developing this tank for dutch aquascaping contests.
Farm tank#1:
This tank keeps chugging along with almost no intervention from me. I pulled some crypt alibda 'costa' and some aponogeton crispus to sell at an auction this past weekend. I plan to take more aponogeton next week and then in 2 more weeks my club will be getting a good bundle from me. The hydrocotyle needs a trimming and the orisis sword is becoming too large for this tank.
Farm tank#2:
This tank did not receive to much attention this week. Lightly vacuumed the substrate and pulled some dead/decaying leaves. The glossostigma is starting to develop a nice carpet even though that was not my intention. Some plants are just in here until I can sell them in a few weeks. I sold a few bags of bylxa japonica this past weekend and it sold extremely well so I am hoping to get the same result at the next auction. The aponogeton longiplumulosos was struggling in the 180 so I moved it over to a tank without aquasoil as thats the best I had grown it previously, I am hoping it recovers in here.
Farm tank#3:
This tank was a bit messy this week. Some of the crypts are/were melting back and had to pull pretty much all of the leaves off them. Also had a bit of diatom/brown algae in here, nothing major. I added crypt affinis to the middle right of this tank that I got for 10 bucks from the auction.
I ordered plants from Joe, because I can never stay away. Some things I ordered again that I lost when I nuked the farm tank with aquasoil a while back. Ordered some new stuff that I havent tried before as well.
In terms of the fishroom it has really been just on the back burner lately. I am hoping to get the first stand up this week along with the air supply pvc for the fish tanks. Life just gets busy sometimes. My wife and I adopted to more cats this past weekend and are accumulating them as well. So I have been wanting to spend time with my new furrr babies.
Did a massive trimming on the display tank on Sunday. It was over due. Also move things around some. Really the only plants that stayed in the same spot is the H. difformis, Monte Carlo, Gratiola viscidula and the Lysumachia parviflorus. Somehow even the lily gets too big for this tank. It was massive before I trimmed it back. The crypt crispulata var. tonkinensis went from 3 plants to probably 20+. The pogo, deccanensis is just a place holder for now as are the aponogeton's for the most part(Madagascarensis may stay). You cannot see it currently as I really trimmed it down but there are 2 groups of rotala macrandra 'Kochi' hiding in here. 1 of those groups is going to auction in a week and a half. This was much needed and look forward to my continued growth in developing this tank for dutch aquascaping contests.
Farm tank#1:
This tank keeps chugging along with almost no intervention from me. I pulled some crypt alibda 'costa' and some aponogeton crispus to sell at an auction this past weekend. I plan to take more aponogeton next week and then in 2 more weeks my club will be getting a good bundle from me. The hydrocotyle needs a trimming and the orisis sword is becoming too large for this tank.
Farm tank#2:
This tank did not receive to much attention this week. Lightly vacuumed the substrate and pulled some dead/decaying leaves. The glossostigma is starting to develop a nice carpet even though that was not my intention. Some plants are just in here until I can sell them in a few weeks. I sold a few bags of bylxa japonica this past weekend and it sold extremely well so I am hoping to get the same result at the next auction. The aponogeton longiplumulosos was struggling in the 180 so I moved it over to a tank without aquasoil as thats the best I had grown it previously, I am hoping it recovers in here.
Farm tank#3:
This tank was a bit messy this week. Some of the crypts are/were melting back and had to pull pretty much all of the leaves off them. Also had a bit of diatom/brown algae in here, nothing major. I added crypt affinis to the middle right of this tank that I got for 10 bucks from the auction.
I ordered plants from Joe, because I can never stay away. Some things I ordered again that I lost when I nuked the farm tank with aquasoil a while back. Ordered some new stuff that I havent tried before as well.
In terms of the fishroom it has really been just on the back burner lately. I am hoping to get the first stand up this week along with the air supply pvc for the fish tanks. Life just gets busy sometimes. My wife and I adopted to more cats this past weekend and are accumulating them as well. So I have been wanting to spend time with my new furrr babies.
- Thread starter
- #198
While not a plant update. I dont know the last time I got this excited to have gotten fish. I have a friend who's brother had a few of these and they were a literal steal and couldn't pass it up as they were bucket list for me. Super rare in the States still. Only probably have been in the states a couple years. Osteogaster hephaetus:
This addition really has me amped up to get the fish room done. These will be breeding project for me. I also need to get the room done as I am high in the list for some Osteogaster eques from another friend.
This addition really has me amped up to get the fish room done. These will be breeding project for me. I also need to get the room done as I am high in the list for some Osteogaster eques from another friend.
Fireballs! 
( "but wait, isn't that a cory?"
Yes and no
)
www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk
( "but wait, isn't that a cory?"
Yes and no
)
Corydoradinae revision changes names for hundreds of species
Taxonomic shake up in the armoured catfish world means that you’ll have to learn a lot of new (ex) Corydoras names.
www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #200
I mean technically they are still in the family or subfamily corydoradine. Yeah I know not a plant but such a awesome fish.Fireballs!
( "but wait, isn't that a cory?"
Yes and no
Corydoradinae revision changes names for hundreds of species
Taxonomic shake up in the armoured catfish world means that you’ll have to learn a lot of new (ex) Corydoras names.
I saw pictures of these for the first time earlier this year and they kinda just fell into my lap this past week. Like I said I got a deal on this pair. These are a bit over a year old so full grown. Already at spawning size.
