Dragon Forest II (Arowana Planted) Setup

[limz_777]

that stainless steel mesh overflow , was it diy or come ready-made with tank ?

[vinz]

DIY. Bought mesh meant for moss from C328. Planning to replace it with a properly sized piece.

[Donut the Donkey]

Amazing setup Mr Vinz! Great documentation too. Will Arowanas "accidentally" bump into the flora and hence destroy the aquascape once it gets bigger, or do they just gracefully glide on the mid to top parts of the tank? Different species type, different behaviour? I wouldn't be surprised if even the same species exhibit different characteristic behaviour (I heard they are known for being "fussy"), but I'm sure you already knew.

Also, may I please ask where you got your Narrow Leaf Java Fern from? Thanks!

[vinz]

The Java ferns, I was fortunate to buy from a friend who was re-scaping. Else I won't be able to find such large amount so quickly.

If the tank is big enough for the arowana to swim and turn, it shouldn't dump into and destroy anything normally. In the long run I may need to remove the wood that the Java fern are attached to and replace with other plants to make more space... that is something that won't happen for quite a few years yet.

[vinz]

Small update.

A few weeks ago, sudden major algae issues surfaced. BGA, Brown Algae and Hair Algae all in one go. At first I though it was my fertilisation routine, so I tweaked that to no avail... they persisted and got worse. Gave up and started anti-biotics for the BGA and that got eliminated. At the same time, I discovered that my CO2 levels had dropped although I have not messed with the needle valve. Now that CO2 is back to normal, the brown algae has stopped growing, but I had to do major trimming of the Sagittaria, Hygrophila and Java Fern to get rid of the unsightly dark brown leaves. The Staurogyne is just too fine for me to trim leaf by leaf, so waiting for new growth to cover the afflicted older leaves. Hair algae has slowed but still fairly rampant in low circulation areas.

This arowana is far more aggressive than my previous one. Although it eats pellets readily, it still tries to catch the algae crew. The algae crew is now limiting themselves to the areas near plants and dare not venture out to graze on the bare sand and glass... which could be why the hair algae is out of control.

Got to keep an eye on the CO2 levels. Although I have a CO2 indicator, things were fine earlier when it was bluish green. So when the CO2 levels dropped I had no idea as the colour was still the same to my eyes. Now I get green on the indicator without the fishes showing any reaction. Will also have to be more diligent at refilling the bubble counter and checking after weekly water change.

[hk75]

Very nice aro you have. Is this from BCA blood red?

[vinz]

Thanks hk75. Its a Gan Red+.

~ Sent from Nexus 5 via Tapatalk ~

[backspace]

This concept is great! Really like your photos and arowana.

The last image is my favorite, the arowana seems so at home with the beautiful planted background.

Thanks for sharing.

[barmby]

Ya. when pressure drop, the CO2 output also will drop

[zhou yuande]

Very nice colour of arowana. Thanks for sharing

[vinz]

Ya. when pressure drop, the CO2 output also will drop

I figured so. Oddly, I never had that issue with my previous regulators... so was caught off guard.

[vinz]

25.4 Degrees celcius in the morning, with just 2 fans, no chiller. One good thing about recent cold weather. Hopefully this means I can still maintain 28ish degrees celcius during the hot months.

[barmby]

That will mean topping water every other day : ) No chiller No chill

[chaq]

Very nice setup

[vinz]

That will mean topping water every other day : ) No chiller No chill

Top up Every 3rd day for this tank. IMO, small inconvenience for avoiding the extra cost, electrical usage, hot air and venting requirements.

Very nice setup

Thanks Chaq. Didn't you start your own planted arowana tank too? Is it still around, got photos?

[vinz]

Shot the tank. Hygrophilia corymbosa on the left was just moved from behind the Java ferns, so still sparse looking. Decided to remove the Sagittaria as they didn't seem to like that area of the tank and required more maintenance than the other plants. In other parts of the tank, they were a nuisance. The 18 SAEs conspicuously missing... all taking cover this arowana is much more aggressive than his predecessor, keeps trying to eat them. As far as I can tell, the SAEs are alert and cautious, but not stressed out. Once lights go out, the SAEs head for cover within minutes. As per their usual MO, they are most daring and swim in open water as soon as they get a whiff of arowana pellets. The arowana has learnt to keep them away from its food.

The L183 Starlights are also grazing under cover, even at night.


Bolbitis doing nicely... I am finally able to grow this plant. The original leaves died off when I got this plant from a friend, but new leaves have grown back nicely.


Staurogyne repens is thriving. This field is about 2 inches deep in the middle. Since this photo 2 weeks ago, it is now almost as tall as the Crypts. Planning to "mow" this lawn in the coming weeks. Will probably have lots to give away, let me know via PM if want some. I will try to keep the trimmings alive.

[mUAr_cHEe]

Gorgeous tank. No wonder he is the Boss.

[Ingen]

Very nice, love the lush growth of the ferns!

[vinz]

Gorgeous tank. No wonder he is the Boss.

Thank you.

[chaq]

Mine decommed sometime ago. Nice to see you doing this all over again, always inspiring