Eleocharis with killies in biotope minitank
I am planing a nice mini biotope tank to house my pair of Austrolebias nigripinnis. I'll be using what is known here as a "#4 tank" that holds about 10 liters net volume.
I'm planning on using laterite and sand for most of the tank with the exception of a peat-filled spawning plastic container. I plan to grow Eleocharis minima rooted, Salvinia biloba or S. minima floating, and Ceratophyllum demersum all over the tank. Tank is to be kept at room temperature (ca. 20-25 Celsius, higher during the summer), and lighted with about 15-20 W fluorescent (just tri-phosforus). No CO2 addition after the first week or so (yeast method); I reckon peat decomposition will provide plenty of CO2. No filtration but perhaps some aireation to provide gentle water movement.
Animal population, besides Austrolebias nigripinnis: a trio of livebearing killie Cnesterodon decemmacultus (they nibble around and I hope they'll clear surface scum), and maybe 1 or 2 ghost shrimps Paleamonetes argentinus.
All species are native to the biotope (Pampasic flooded areas), except for the Eleocharis minima, but some other Eleocharis does occur---I rather stick to tried aquarium plants for now, I may try the native Eleocharis spp. later.
So, the plan is to use the Eleocharis minima as background and (sic, gasp! :P ) and middle ground plant. I have no experience growing this plant, and in fact, not much experience with plants at all. So... can it be done? Suggestions? Should I use another species of Eleocharis? Other changes?
Thanks!
Gustavo
Do not meddle in affairs of cichlids 4 they r subtle & quick 2 anger
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