My first Iwagumi - The Skull

**samson** · 11th Jan 2013, 16:23

I have being away for a long time and is time to be back for new refreshment on this hobby. I have plan and saving money for this setup almost half a year if my memory is correct and would like to share my journal to u all.
THE SKULL
1. Lighting - GLO T5 HO Lighting - 24" Double System - 24 watt x 2
2. Benibachi Soil - BLACK SOIL FULVIC Normal 9L (1st time use)
3. Filter - Dophin A5000 Hang Filter
4. Tank Size :- 2f(L) x 1f(W & H)
Plant for my tank selection
1. HC
2. Staurogyne sp
3. Utricularia graminifolia
4. Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Below are my layout planning option. Please help to vote. I prefer OP4. How about u all. Please comment is any.
OP1

OP2

OP3

OP4

**samson** · 11th Jan 2013, 16:36

Part 1
So happy that MAC & ShrimpNow have participate in voting “The SKULL” tank selection. The vote results from both forum as show below
Tank OP1 – 3Vote
Tank OP2 – 3Vote
Tank OP3 – 1Vote
Tank OP4 – 6Vote
So Tank OP4 is the winner. I have made some minor changes on the layout as shown on below picture. Hope you are will like it. At the same time i have started planting HC to the tank. I have use 2 type of planting method for my HC. One using garden soil another using ADA soil. I just want to proof both soil work fine the only different is the HC leaf size and color. Grow using ADA soil will be more green compare to garden soil. For detail explanation please refer below picture.
OP4 – Final Layout

HC Plant

I will grow both HC either on one side to monitor their progress. HC grow using ADA soil you can just transfer them to the tank and the root is already secure compare to HC grow by garden soil. There is no worry because it take around 1 to 2 week time for them to secure the root. This method of planting is call dry method. After the HC root is secure to the soil i will add water for cycle. It take around 2 week i predict. I will keep updates time to time on the tank progress.
Left corner – HC grow using Garden Soil & Right Corner – HC grow using ADA soil

Do remember after planting the HC on the soil you need to made sure the soil is wet to prevent the HC dry out since the light is already open. Please take note. Currently my light setting and care condition as describe below.
Light & Care Method
1. Lighting – I have break 2 section – 1st section 6hrs (7am-1pm) , 2nd section 2hrs (8pm-10pm).
2. Care Method – Made sure the soil is always wet every morning. I just use tap water to spray. Do not necessary soak your HC with water. If you need to travel then soak with water is your solution. I just worry green algae. Just my guess.
After spray water and final outcome after HC is planted to the tank.

**wongce** · 11th Jan 2013, 17:00

Waiting "sabar-ly" to see the final result... hehe...

**milk_vanilla** · 11th Jan 2013, 18:01

not sure if it's necessary to cover the tank with plastic / glass in order to keep moist level or as long the soil wet will be ok, with/without cover

Sorry, never DSM before.

**wongce** · 11th Jan 2013, 18:13

I have a dsm tank with HC,no cover also no problem as our local humidity is quite high. However,still need to make sure enough water in soil and spray water frequently...

**VSGenesis** · 14th Jan 2013, 15:17

Hello Neighbour!

Looking good there. I'm doing DSM for HC as well. Just under 2 weeks or so. A tiny bit of browning and I've removed the transparent film. I've failed once with HC before so I'm crossing fingers this time round. Let's compare notes in a month or two and see how things are. =)
Good luck!

@ Wongce, the hygrometer working for you? Not certain how to calibrate them.

**samson** · 19th Jan 2013, 22:19

The Skull - Part 2

Last week I started to add another 2 plant call Staurogyne Repen & Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis. Both plant was grow using emerged method. I just want to test if grow using emerged then submerged both plant will grow well or not. Ha!!!. Below are some picture capture where I planted both of the plant.

Staurogyne Repen – I planted them mostly behind the rock. Only 1 portion planted in front of the rock.

Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis

Today I plan to add in the water to the tank to let the water cycle. I observed that the HC had already started new grow and most of the root is already secure on the soil so I decide to fill in the water ASAP. Before fill in the water you need to secure the water hose and this tool is very helpful and I recommend to have one. Detail please refer below picture.

Secure Water Hose Tool

When I fill in the water I found out that Benibachi Soil will not cause the water to me cloudy. I was so happy because i don’t need to change water again and again to made sure the water is clear. I just fill up the water once and i ready to go. Save my time a lot. Now just wait for the tank to cycle before I introduce my Galaxy Rasbora that will ship to me next week probably. I will also add some Fire Red Shrimps.

**samson** · 19th Jan 2013, 22:19

The Skull - Part 2

Last week I started to add another 2 plant call Staurogyne Repen & Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis. Both plant was grow using emerged method. I just want to test if grow using emerged then submerged both plant will grow well or not. Ha!!!. Below are some picture capture where I planted both of the plant.

Staurogyne Repen – I planted them mostly behind the rock. Only 1 portion planted in front of the rock.

Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis

Today I plan to add in the water to the tank to let the water cycle. I observed that the HC had already started new grow and most of the root is already secure on the soil so I decide to fill in the water ASAP. Before fill in the water you need to secure the water hose and this tool is very helpful and I recommend to have one. Detail please refer below picture.

Secure Water Hose Tool

When I fill in the water I found out that Benibachi Soil will not cause the water to me cloudy. I was so happy because i don’t need to change water again and again to made sure the water is clear. I just fill up the water once and i ready to go. Save my time a lot. Now just wait for the tank to cycle before I introduce my Galaxy Rasbora that will ship to me next week probably. I will also add some Fire Red Shrimps.