Like a kid in a candy store

[flushingfish]

Thank you both I guess I have some work to do if I want to keep my tank looking good.

 

[flushingfish]

Well since the last time I posted pics I have upgraded my lighting to a 65W CF Coralite 6700K. Started DIY CO2 and added amazon swords, ludwigia grandulosa and alternanathera rosaefolia. I think it looks a lot better. How about you? All opinions welcome I think its come a long way.
I have also been EI dosing with dry ferts from greg watson.

 

[travis simonson]

I love the lush green look you've got going there. Nice work

 

[flushingfish]

I do have to get in there and fix the background. I'll do it at the next PWC. Then it should look really good.....I hope.

 

[rich311k]

Looking good. I like it a lot. You forest is starting to engulf the castle.

 

[flushingfish]

I figure if I let the plants grow up over it my wife won't notice when I take it out and put in more plants. lol

 

[flushingfish]

Thought I'd add the only good shots I've gotten of any fish. So one of a Poleatus Cory and an Oto feeding upside down. Go figure

 

[rkilling1]

The tank is looking very good.

This thread reminds me of my 28 gallon tank. I started with low light, then added more light and DIY CO2 like you have.

My next move was to get rid of my HOB filter and replace it with a cannister. I then replaced the substrate with a more natural looking one. Next was a better way of dissolving the CO2 and then onto a pressurized CO2 system. (I can see your future)

 

[flushingfish]

It's like your reading my mind. I'm already looking at the Rena XP2. That way when I finally give in and buy the 55G with Eco complete substrate and pressurized CO2 I'll already have the filtration. Uh Oh I can feel my wife giving me the stink eye as I write this. She seems to have a problem with me spending lots of money when all she gets to do is watch.

 

[flushingfish]

Well it's been a while since I revisited this thread and once again there are mores changes. The evil neon blue substrate is gone and so is the castle. I have now gone for a much more natural look with Eco Complete for a substrate. The difference was immediately apparent in the plants.
I basically tore the whole thing down. I got a 15G Rubbermaid storage tub and siphoned off about 75% of the water into it. Then I hooked up my HOB filter and heater in this tub as well. Caught all the fishies and took the plants and castle out and I was on my way.
Cleaned the whole tank and put it back together like a new setup.

Here are the results.

Hmmmm how long until I get the 55

 

[rich311k]

Looks great. Very nice arrangement.