45cm Iwagumi Journal

[Mizu World]

Dear Hobbyists,

Sharing with you a new set up of a custom Opti-white tank (45x35x35cm, 55L). This will be a high-tech CO2 set up, with about 2.5WPG.

Main Externals
- 45x35x35cm (55L) Custom Opti-white tank
- Illummax - Compact 1.5ft (1x36W PL)
- DAZS - Hang-on Cooling Fan

What Goes Inside
- Kurokinryu Stones
- ANS Planta Soil




I layer the base of the aquarium with mulm from an old filter. Instant bacteria gives me the benefit of an instantly cycled tank, and best of all, it's free!


I pour just slightly over half the bag of Planta Soil (about 5L) to create a base. The rest of the soil will be used to top up the back later.


Using a Sand Flattener to push the soil into place.




I used a total of 4 main Kurokinryu Stones near the front, to create a barrier from the front and back. The rest of the remaining soil is topped up at the back, creating a slope.

[Mizu World]

Spray the substrate and keep it moist. This prevents any loose soil particle from floating up when filling the aquarium with water.



I use the lid of a plastic tub for cushioning the impact when filling up with water. I fill up the aquarium with just enough water for planting the foreground.

[Mizu World]

Planting the foreground with Marsilea crenata (submersed).




Cut them just like you would do with Glosso - 2 leaves per intersection. You will end up with something like this.



Planting them into the foreground with a sharp pair of tweezers. There's only 1 rule. Fill up as much space as you can!

[reveru]

this is so exciting. keep the updates coming!

anyway, any more info about the marsila crenata? it seems like a really interesting alternative to glosso, HC.

[Mizu World]

this is so exciting. keep the updates coming!

anyway, any more info about the marsila crenata? it seems like a really interesting alternative to glosso, HC.

Yes, it is a suitable alternative to Glosso. The emersed form looks nothing like the submersed form. You can click on Marsilea crenata for more information.

It is naturally slow growing and does not require high lighting. It can also thrive well in the shade. The main condition is that it requires an acidic pH and soft water (easily achievable with our water and Planta Soil).

The spoon-shaped leaves are leathery and thicker compared to Glosso. The green hue is also usually darker. Size of the leaves may vary, depending on how much light and nutrients it receives.

As such, it is a highly adaptable foreground plant.


Ben

[Mizu World]

Cryptocoryne wendtii "Green Gecko" is utilized behind the stones for contrast (from left side of the tank to the right).
Fissidens fontanus (US Fissidens) has also been tied to small pieces of lava rocks and placed at the joints of the different stones.



Will be updated with a full tank shot soon!

[argonmt]

looks promising

[ajax_84]

wish i could emulate that!

[Saiberg]

nice... keep em coming.

[Jimmy]

I'm thinking of setting up one similar tank in my office. This thread is good for me! Thanks!

[Mizu World]

One little tip for our Singapore water (too soft), especially when we use pH lowering substrate like Aqua Soil, GEX Soil, Planta Soil, etc.

Often, pH is reduced to drastically low levels when these substrates are used, especially when CO2 is supplemented. This affects the amount of minerals available for the uptake of plants.

I raised the carbonate & general hardness of this setup to around 3dkh with EIHO - Plant GH Plus (250ml/180g) and EIHO - Plant KH Plus (250ml /380g).

[fireblade]

waiting eagerly for the full tank shot!!
long time never see such thread already

[Pipewort]

Great layout and detailed explanations with pics. Thank you.

[Mizu World]

Update of background plants: Heteranthera zosterifolia (Stargrass) and Rotala macrandra "Green"


I might change out the Stargrass, depending on how they grow. For now, they will do as they grow very fast and will fill out fast.

[Mizu World]

It's been about 1 week since I started the journal.

Marsilea crenata has adjusted and begun to grow new leaves (bright green shoots). That's faster than I thought! Cryptocoryne wendtii "Green Gecko" has also started to melt a little and I can see new, small submersed leaves forming.

[fireblade]

no Full Tank shoot?

[Mizu World]

no Full Tank shoot?

Next week! Right after the adjustments are complete.

[ubaca]

Hi,
The stones appear to me very small for the size of the urn .. maybe it's just the photo ..
Regards

[Mizu World]

The filtration:

I'm using a JEBAO - Cannister Filter 503 (750L/H) for this setup. It was chosen due to it's compact size and it comes with three trays!



Filter Material of choice: ANS - Bacter Rio 9000 and ANS - Mini Bacteria House.

[popon]

look forward to see the finish set up