Plant placement??

[dstephen]

Funken_A has some good suggestions.



Perhaps remove a section of the intake to raise it up higher?


This is random (don't recall snails being mentioned in this thread).
I have many snails in my planted and shrimp tanks and they do not pose a problem. They are indicators of the health of the tank and serve a purpose. Yes, anything in excess is a problem.

I just hate how the flow of the out take falls right down to where the intake is.

 

[Fresh2o]

I just hate how the flow of the out take falls right down to where the intake is.

I have a fix for that. If I can find the thread that describes it, I'll post it.
Basically, you take a section of the plastic strip that comes with a glass top/canopy and use it as a lip "extension" for your HOB filter.
First, cut it to the width of the filter's output. Depending on the manufacturer, it will require regular scissors or something more heavy duty. Next, dip it in hot water to make it slightly flexible. You then bend it (an "S" curve, for instance) to suit the needs of your tank, adjusting for the drop or distance between the filter and water level. You could bend a lip at the end so that it runs parallel with the water surface.
This accomplishes a few things: reduces the noise associated with splashing and it directs the flow along the surface (or whatever angle you set it at). This will reduce plants getting pulled down by the waterfall and disruption to the substrate in some cases.

 

[flchamp89]

Works and looks better than water bottle trick

 

[toolman]

Works and looks better than water bottle trick

I have a fix for that. If I can find the thread that describes it, I'll post it.
Basically, you take a section of the plastic strip that comes with a glass top/canopy and use it as a lip "extension" for your HOB filter.
First, cut it to the width of the filter's output. Depending on the manufacturer, it will require regular scissors or something more heavy duty. Next, dip it in hot water to make it slightly flexible. You then bend it (an "S" curve, for instance) to suit the needs of your tank, adjusting for the drop or distance between the filter and water level. You could bend a lip at the end so that it runs parallel with the water surface.
This accomplishes a few things: reduces the noise associated with splashing and it directs the flow along the surface (or whatever angle you set it at). This will reduce plants getting pulled down by the waterfall and disruption to the substrate in some cases.

Great idea...hmm.... Having that problem with my ac110 and a sword.

 

[nirbhao]

Having to trim is good sign!

If you like the taller thin look, you might consider Cryptocoryne spiralis or Cryptocoryne balansae (one of my favorites) in place of the onion. They are exceptional background plants but they do grow tall - not sure of your tanks height.

I think the onion looks perfect. Is it not an appropriate plant?

 

[Fresh2o]

More details and pics about the HOB filter mod on post #3 on this thread:
reducing filter current

 

[thegundog]

I think the onion looks perfect. Is it not an appropriate plant?

I think it's perfectly appropriate, I just prefer and think a group of taller crypts would look better - matter of personal preference.

 

[dstephen]

I think I like the look of the balansae

 

[dstephen]

I second the crypt b. I've got it in the back corner of my tank it really is an awesome plant. I'd position it under your filter outtake so when it gets the the surface it will bend and run along the top of the tank. Adds a really nice effect.

Few plant ideas of mine would be crypt wendtii around the base of the DW on the right, needle leaf Java fern in the mid ground on the left.

I'd also stand the DW on the left up abit more even if u need to lean it on a rock or something and hide the rock with plants.

Crypt parva is another good plant that may add a nice touch along the front of the tank in front of the stag.

Maybe some willow moss on the large drift wood? Top to bottom on top side only?

What about regular java fern on the left mid ground instead of needle leaf?

 

[TMaier]

I also had a problem with my HOB here is how we handled
HOB Flow Diffuser

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349497

I have since moved to a canister. My HOB kept quitting on me if it was the slightest bit gunky.

 

[toolman]

More details and pics about the HOB filter mod on post #3 on this thread:
reducing filter current

Thanks Fresh gonna make one soon, you guys/gals that have been here a long time are AWESOME!

Sent from my N9130 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Bert2oo1]

What about regular java fern on the left mid ground instead of needle leaf?

Suggested needle as it stays smaller if u trim it down but normal Java will work fine just keep it trimmed and it shouldn't look out of place [emoji106]

 

[dstephen]

Suggested needle as it stays smaller if u trim it down but normal Java will work fine just keep it trimmed and it shouldn't look out of place [emoji106]

I wish needle was on buceplant.com

 

[TMaier]

I wish needle was on buceplant.com

I just got a shipment from them and I wasn't too happy with it. I ordered a plant. What I got were bits and pieces of rhizome with the majority of the leaves broken off when it was shoved into rock wool and a pot.

 

[dstephen]

Uh oh. Just bought four plants from them

 

[TMaier]

Maybe you will get lucky! I suspect if I would have ordered cuttings or Buce I would have been happy.

 

[whitelightsea]

Golden creeping Jenny to the back tight corner, or surround it with patches of deep green for a nice accent point towards the front. Just keep it away from the filter's output, and you should be fine...

 

[dstephen]

I like your set up....

Not sure what type of plant the taller thin one is on the right, but I'd add more of those - I think it would really balance out the tank.

A lot of people tie anubias to wood, but I think it looks really great growing on top of the substrate - would be nice on either of the front, open corner areas...

The plants in the front center appear to block the viewing area, might just be the image?

Getting new plants in the next couple of days; I will post a pic on nice I plant them, you and everyone else that commented please come back and give me your thoughts when I I do!

 

[dstephen]

UPDATE!! Too everyone that helped me through this plant thing, my Plants just came in. I got 2 java fern, crypt wendtii red, and crypt balansae, and crypt lutea. The balansae is behind the driftwood(can't see it) the lutea is the the right of the driftwood, and the wendtii red and java fern are on the far left. Anybody that helped me early through this please leave your suggestions/opinions on the new plants so far, it much appreciated!!!!

 

[flchamp89]

I think its great. I like the placement. Great job