ADA tank submission Journal

[Weirong]

Ok boys. I didn't actually want to get involved in the ADA competition this year. But after getting into an affair with a DSLR last week, it's just something I got to do! Well, just to get the catalogue too!

So I got this 2ft 5plan tank lying around. Well, Master Benny said it's good for taking photos due to it's clarity, so why not?


Using just black sand for substrate and no need for base fertilizer due to the choice of plants. But I have not decided on the background yet. Want something special instead of the usual black or white.


And of course, the hardscape. Will be adding other pieces later.


Plant choices (not decisions)

Green
Anubias nana/nana 'petite', Java ferns narrow/normal, Spiky moss, Potamogeton gayi, Blyxa japonica

Red
Rotala wallichii, rotala rotundifolia, Red tiger lotus, Crypt 'Mi Oya', Crypt 'Tropica', Lobelia cardinalis 'dwarf'

Will only start on the plants tomorrow. Today will be 100% hardscape day!

[benny]

Oh... looking good and the whole project sounds exciting!

Cheers,

[Weirong]

All your fault Benny! Teach me so many good camera tricks!
Now can't concentrate on work!

Well, I think it would be good to show the others how simple this project is going to be. And I think it will be great for those who are only thinking of submitting their tanks but have not done so.
It's all part of enjoying this great money sucking hobby!

[grey_fox]

Yo weirong, can't help but agree on the money sucking hobby portion Nonetheless, can't wait to see the final product

[benny]

er.. what has camera tricks got to do with starting another planted thank? You are just looking for excuses.

In any case, if you are considering something different for the background, I would suggest leaving it bare. Since it's a 2 ft tank, you can shift it forward during the shoot and at that point, decide if you want blue, black, white or graduated blue (this is not so common in Singapore). You can even shoot the same tank with different background if you desire. Very convenient, only if you have accessibility to swap the background and lighting it from behind.

Think about it.

Cheers,

[Weirong]

Yes, it's already thought of and done. There's actually enough space to place another 2ft tank behind this.

Yes, just have to get an excuse mah!

[Weirong]

I think the hardscape looks about complete.

[ZeroKhoo]

为什么没有种草的？？？

Translation service by benny:

Why are there no plants?

[valice]

You using different types of wood issit? Texture looks different...

[Weirong]

为什么没有种草的？？？

Tomorrow is planting day!

[Weirong]

You using different types of wood issit? Texture looks different...

Some of the wood is soaked with water. The others dry. All will be the same when filled with water tomorrow.

[ZeroKhoo]

Tomorrow is planting day!

期待期待～～～
加油哦～

Tranlsation:

Looking forward to it!
"Add oil"

[Weirong]

After looking through all the plants I have access to...well, just about everything actually...
I spent a few hours sorting out what I want for green.



I will be tying some moss on thin stripes of stainless steel meshes and fill the space under all the nana 'Petite'. I should be leaving the foreground bare and maybe mixing some normal lapis there for contrast.

Anyone has a good suggestion for the background? I'm thinking of using Potamogeton gayi.

Will sort out the red side tomorrow. Just need a little dash of red somewhere in the central area at the back. Maybe I will add a few very small Red Tiger Lotus I have been cultivating.
It's been a backbreaking day.

[Weirong]

A few close-up shots. Sorry for the crappy shots. Very shiong day and the water has not cleared.


Left side of the tank - branch



Middle of the tank - branch



Right side of the tank - corner

[richietay]

Thumbs up for your initial setup though backbreaking experience, !

Awaits for your tank overall completion!

[|squee|]

Looks good now! What are the background plants?

You have to work hard to keep those java fern small imho.

[ranmasatome]

no comments yet.. will wait till you plant everything.. mind taking shots of the corner WR??

[checkerboard]

Personally, I find the wood piece on the extreme right a bit too straight and kind of look out of place. Agree, that keep the Java fern small will be a challenge. Prune regularly, or use narrow leaf java fern might be slightly effective.

P. gayi in my experience can be a messy plant, as they do propagate by sending runners. I would go for red crypts to add a splash of colour.

[Weirong]

I have had these small Java ferns for years already! I actually starve them of light and nutrients, so I should have stunted them already.

I need something tall for the background, and messy plants will look natural and fit into my current jungle theme. So now deciding whether it will be Najas indica or Potomogeton gayi.

Thanks for the feedback, keep them coming!

[black17]

Hi Weirong. Your tank is getting interesting as you move along. Looking forward for more updates. Keep it up.