Tony's 2Ft low tech rescape

[Tony]

Hi All,

Just finished tearing down my goldfish tank and rescape it 2 days ago. This setup is still very much lacking proper plants to give it a "fuller" look. Still looking out for background and mid ground plants to complete the setup. Have not thought of what kind of hardy, small and colourful fishes to add-in(not bigger than 2 cm max). Any suggestions?

Using 2Ft 4 x 24W T5 light (4 tubes but only On 2 tubes to prevent algae) 4hrs On, 8hrs Off and 4hrs On in a day, total 8hrs On. 2 x external filter and I'm dosing excel as a substitue while hunting for 2nd hand C02 tank set.

All comments are welcome. Any bros with easy care plants to let go are also welcome to pm me . Thanks.

[illumnae]

Very nice Ap. sp "Rio Mamore" =) (I forgot its new scientific name)

[Tony]

Thanks Illumnae,

I have an all male apisto tank with a mamore red and a geyphra

[leonard57]

hi , nice setting you got there, did you spend alot just to have this nice settings?

[gcce]

Wow. You are using 2 x external filters for a 2 ft tank? What is the total flow rate you are getting?
Actually your tank looks quite full as it is now.... with the plants growing in within the next few weeks... it might be just right.

[Tony]

Hi leonard57,

Most of the plants I got from NA that is selling at 3 pots for $2 so very economical

Done some minor rescape today. Added another branchy wood on the left, changed the background plants and added a small lotus infront (got them from Colourful. Most expensive plant I have in the tank at the moment is the little lotus ). Finally setup my CO2 behind


Bro gcce,
This tank was previously serving my goldfish which explains the over-filtering. The rainbars directed into the wall with control taps to limit the flow has greatly reduced the flow rate, so no problem so far with crystal clear water. After today's change, I'll be leaving it to mature and hopefully figure out what small colourful fishes to buy that will scout the mid and upper part of the tank

[tripleJ]

Nice setup.

[Tony]

Thanks TripleJ,

Attached is a shot of the "new kids" in the block

[volley]

nice setup..i have those "kids" too.

[SCOPE]

Very nice setup....

[Tony]

Hi Bro volley,

These little fellas have striking colours and certainly brightens up the tank. A little too shy though, so I'm thinking of adding some small dithers; but still have not decided on what to get yet.


Bro Scope,
Thanks

[JadeIceGreen]

Its a nice dutch setup. I would suggest taking out those skinny pieces of wood and get a few more plants. It would look very good when all the plants contrast each other when they have matured.

[Tony]

Hi Bro JadeIceGreen,

Thanks for your suggestion. After some thoughts I've decided to keep it as is for the time being and wait for the plants to grow out instead. Will do an update in the next few weeks.

Cheers.

[Tony]

A quick update of the tank after 1 month. I've just done some trimming of the plants, especially the water sprite that has trapped lots of dirt and overshadow the java swords (trimmed away 50%). May consider replacing the water sprite if they get too messy (not sure what to use though, so all suggestions welcomed)

The foreground e.tenullus is slowly creeping. Growth of the red lotus at the front has been fast (so far trimmed twice) after root monster taps added.

[Tony]

Have finally decided to get rid of the water sprite and replaced them with bolbitis that I bought from a generous bro in AQ

I like the "willow" effect of the overhanging leaves and the fishes seem to like the shade as well.

Any suggestion on minor touch-ups to make the scape better? Pls advice.


Somehow, the rams don't seem to do too well in my tank. The total ram counter has been reduced to 2 x blue and 2 x golden (half population went to "report" upstairs). All other smaller fauna like ember and ruby tetra, corydoras are doing very well with no casualties since the setup of this tank... very puzzled.

[Salphur]

Hi Tony,
a very pleasant set-up!


Cheers!

[Tony]

Hi Bro Salphur,

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm still tweaking and experimenting on the dosing and lighting combination to find a good fit. Have noticed some BBA at the pipings... very scared.