Ct 5ft planted tank

[Verminator]

Ben is great Although my experience with him had some hiccups (on my part) the experience was very good and i shall certainly go back to him again for more...and i'm from the UK

[ct13]

Will be collecting my big DW, Pogostemon Gayi & Hygrophila Lacustris today.

Will update to seek for advise once done.

[Verminator]

Pogostemon Gayi simply amazing when fully grown.

Can't wait to see your update, and future updates in coming month(s). Truely a great plant.

[ct13]

Pogostemon Gayi simply amazing when fully grown.

Can't wait to see your update, and future updates in coming month(s). Truely a great plant.

Thanks for your recommentation for this plant, Had spent 5 hours scaping, planting &clearing all the melted crypt. And it is only the right side, left side leave it for tomorrow.

I will never want to do it with this size again in future. 4 x 2 x 2 will be good enough for me.

As this tank is converted from aro tank, I am using under sump fultering system. And I can't use external/internal reactor, unless I add on a cansister filter. Is it true that diffuser will waste lots of CO2 compare to reactor?

Reagards.

[Jervis]

Is it true that diffuser will waste lots of CO2 compare to reactor?

I can't be certain... in my opinion the wastage in small tanks are insignificant as we can easily pump in more CO2... but for a tank as big as yours... I will suggest you go with a reactor since you have plenty of room in your sump to store the reactor.

[ct13]

I can't be certain... in my opinion the wastage in small tanks are insignificant as we can easily pump in more CO2... but for a tank as big as yours... I will suggest you go with a reactor since you have plenty of room in your sump to store the reactor.

I only left with 2ft x 1/2ft space in the sump as the sump tank is 41/2ft. And it is use to place pH controller, CO2 tank. I don't left with much space to have a cansister to cater for reactor. The other problem face is the back of the hood does not allow me to run 2 pipes. Unfortunately, this tank is mend for Aro previously. Was somehow regret.....should sell & buy a new tank....

I will still try to see how I can do that.

Thanks again.

[ct13]

Was using diffuser for the last few days, pH still hovering around 7.34 range even with 6 bps.....

Was looking at the sump area and see whether I can do anything to cater for a reactor...


An idea came to me, I decided to give it a try. Go to Hardware shop to look for necessary parts.


Cut out the existing setting in the pump area, replace with addition T-joint to link to reactor


Job done on the water flowing parts, now just add in the reactor.


Job done, I just need to adjust the right amount of flow to flow through the reactor to mix with the CO2 and back to the main stream back to the tank. The flow is not strong so the tiny bubble will not force out to the tank & it is not wasted..


Will update it performance, I had tried many reactor & DIY reactor. The best for me so far is still the Dennerle Turbo Cyclo..

[ct13]

Had been trying out few plants, and re-scape couple of time. This is currently what it is. The space is still very empty

The lighting is insufficient at the moment I think, as I am only having 4 x 54W T5 set. So, maybe will do a rescape again to just go for low light requirement plants.

They backdrop plants are not growing fast, but stable. So, it is very bare at the back now.

Advise are most welcome to improve my scape!



Right side

[bryan]

C. Balanse grows really slowly so you'll need some fast growers to cover the background. Some Vals should do nicely. How about a centerpiece plant like a red tiger lotus or E.Rubin? Are there going to be feature fish?

[ct13]

C. Balanse grows really slowly so you'll need some fast growers to cover the background. Some Vals should do nicely. How about a centerpiece plant like a red tiger lotus or E.Rubin? Are there going to be feature fish?

I had couple of fast growing plant behind, but they grow slow too. I think due to insufficient light.

no particular feature fish, had around 100 rummy nose currently.

[zenscape]

ct13, from the layout of the pipes and fan, I think you are a handyman. Well done I thought I only see this sort of piping work in western forums and now we have one expert here .

[ct13]

ct13, from the layout of the pipes and fan, I think you are a handyman. Well done I thought I only see this sort of piping work in western forums and now we have one expert here .

Thank you for your compliment bro. Was sitting infornt of the tank last night. Still find lots of things missing or not right.


So, please comments to help me to improve it.

Thanks again.

Regards,
Ct

[Burnz]

Hi ct,

Looking at the tank i thought it might help if bigger pieces of wood are added on the sides to fill the edges and also help to anchor additional plants? I think the arrangment of wood in the centre portion is great. cheers

[zenscape]

Ok, back to your scape. I can't comment much as it seems you have get a hold in bringing the natural aspects and the layout is well proportioned. Although by itself will be good once the tank mature, consider adding Cyperus helferi or Vallisneria nana or some fast growing plants left and right background to complete the picture.

[zenscape]

To add on what Burnz had said, bigger woods will definitely create an impact.

[ct13]

Thanks all again, will source for bigger DW. The current DW on the right side is the biggest DW Ben can find in his warehouse.

[ukplanter]

I like this scape a lot! nice hardscape - the wood arrangement is perfect.

[ct13]

I like this scape a lot! nice hardscape - the wood arrangement is perfect.

Thanks!! Will update picture tomorrow, as did some minor changes in the center portion.


Regards,
Ct

[ct13]

Swift some Crypt to the edge of the 2 side slop.


Add the Crypt. bullosa & Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia.


Regards,
Ct

[Jervis]

I can see that you are really experimenting on many species of plant now... well done! Having difficulty maintaining the soil/sand bed? You have any shrimps inside now?