Java Fern Tank

[spilopterus]

Well, my java fern tank is finally up. Just some specs first.

Lighting: Oceanus LED lighting 2X2ft light tubes (2 sets)
Just a side note, quite disappointed with this purchase. Just sent them an e-mail, waiting to see how they respond and I'll expound it on this in a new thread.

CO2: None
Dimensions: 965 X 340 X 500

An internal filter built in at the right corner behind. I'm hoping to add more java ferns. At the top left will add some windelov and at the foreground where the two pieces of driftwood, some more windelov. A big thanks to those who volunteered their java fern.

Think I should add peacock moss at the foreground? Hide the ugly stems or leave it? C&C welcomed.

Oh one more thing. There is no fish in this. Any recommendations will do. I'm deciding between White Clouds, Harlequins, Espae or some brownish red pencilfish. But there's a part of me that wants to put a pair of apisto in this tank and let nature take it's course.

[craftsman]

Nice and natural!! and Apistos would be GREAT!!!! Some more smaller pieces of drift wood with nanas to hide the stems perhaps?

[Shadow]

is it me or the tank is very dim?

You might want to add Anubias nana infront of the fern to hide those stem

[spilopterus]

Shadow
Yup, the tank is dim, that's the light from the LED lights I got. Just one set, the other hasn't been fixed up yet. Will talk more about the LED lights in the future, after Monday perhaps when they've got a chance to respond to my email.

Craftsmen
Well, after my first experience keeping nanas, I've avoided it cause it's really slow growing and a magnet for green spot algae. But that being said, it could add variance to the look. Thanks for the compliment.

Just wondering what apistos if that is the case. I'm tempted to try rams first but not too sure where to get good pairs though.

[k3nlim]

In my opinion, its better to have some dark areas in a tank. The colours of the fishes do shows up better.

[JadeIceGreen]

I actually do prefer the tank being dim. It enhances the java fern and driftwood giving this very emo feeling and dawn like feeling.

I love your tank in the wall! I bet your fish are going to feel right at home with this amount of java fern and not too bright lighting.

Great job!

[Abaddon]

I like variety but your layout do give a natural feel.

I also think your LED light is way too dim.
Nothing a nice T5 can't fix

Cheers

[iwishweallcouldwin]

Be it apistos or rams you can try Biotope if you're looking for quality. I'm sure Thio will be able to help you out.

[Loopy]

I personally love seeing wood features in the middle of no where. Adds that "fallen wood" look.

With that said, the Nana on that stem further in might look great, who knows -

The dim effect is so mysterious and I am actually looking into something like what you have done, I have 2 + 1 tanks (+1 belongs to the missus) and her dimmer tank from what I am use to is doing heaps better than both my tanks combined!

I asked about this green spot algae and apparently a hard working "off-the-shelf" Pleco or a L001 I think it is will do the job - apparently. But, like you I stay clear of Nana's as I run extremely high lights for both my tanks.

Shadow
Yup, the tank is dim, that's the light from the LED lights I got. Just one set, the other hasn't been fixed up yet. Will talk more about the LED lights in the future, after Monday perhaps when they've got a chance to respond to my email.

Craftsmen
Well, after my first experience keeping nanas, I've avoided it cause it's really slow growing and a magnet for green spot algae. But that being said, it could add variance to the look. Thanks for the compliment.

Just wondering what apistos if that is the case. I'm tempted to try rams first but not too sure where to get good pairs though.

[whiskerbreed]

What's that gravel you used, bro?


SuD

[spilopterus]

Well, it's called River Sand, got it from NA but it's made by Qianhu.