2.5 gallon powerless desktop

[dskidmore]

Added more micro sword, rocks, java moss. Moved the driftwood back.. Still considering other plants to add in.

I'm beginning to wonder if there's enough space for a clam in between the aquascaping elements!

[dskidmore]

I'm still looking into ordering more appropriate plants, but I wanted to start the cycle before moving the tank in to work. I tore it down today, after only running for 5 days, and the bottom layer of sand was already dark grey from anerobic activity.

Choices:
A) Trust the MTS to solve this problem as they multiply. Perhaps add burried food incentives for them to dig.
B) Make the sand shallower, and forget the clam.

Opinions? Other suggestions?

[coolchinchilla]

One thing to think about... When you're gone on vacation or absent from work for some other reason, do you have someone who can tend to your tank at work? Maybe your vacations are brief enough that it's not needed.

[dskidmore]

I might get a week off at Christmas. I'll probably leave the light on and deal with the algae bloom when I get back.

I don't get paid vacations, so I don't take much time off in addition to the holidays.

Originally Posted by czcz

M. umbrosum,

I'm still doing my reseach on your plant recomendations. Is M. umbrosum also known as Micranthemum Umbrosum, also known as Hemianthus micranthemoides, also known as Baby's Tears? I havn't found a direct refrence to any reclassificaiton, but I'm suspicious based on what I do see.

[Purrbox]

M. Umbrosum = Micranthemum Umbrosum = Baby Tears
and
Hemianthus Micranthemoides = Pearlweed (sometimes called Baby Tears)
but
Micranthemum Umbrosum <> Hemianthus Micranthemoides

PlantGeek

Edited to correct spelling.

[dskidmore]

Originally Posted by Purrbox

M. Umbrosum = Micranthemum Umbrosum = Baby Tears
and
Miranthemum Micranthemoides = Pearlweed (sometimes called Baby Tears)
but
Micranthemum Umbrosum <> Microanthemum Micranthemoides

PlantGeek

Ah. The confusion of common names. I guess I'll be leaving that one out of the consideration, as I don't see a supplier for it.

[Purrbox]

You could always post in the Barter/Trade section as there are quite a few members of AA that have it. Might even be able to get the majority of the plants that you want that way.

[czcz]

I think M. umbrosum is the much better plant for your light, for what its worth.

Perhaps make a border for the clam with the hardscape? Is that cruel?

I've got clams on the way and am putting them into tanks with plants as filters and will post what happens, fwiw.

[dskidmore]

Originally Posted by czcz

Perhaps make a border for the clam with the hardscape? Is that cruel?

I have no idea what makes a clam "as happy as a clam." I'm guessing that if he doesn't like it, he'll dig it all up until he does like it.

I think I've decided to skip the clam for now. If one shows up at my LFS, I'll give it a try. With such uncertainties, I don't want to pay for the livestock shipping costs. I've only put in half the sand, I'll keep the other half in reserve in case I need it later.

I'm looking forward to hearing the results of your experiments.

[dskidmore]

Originally Posted by czcz

I think M. umbrosum is the much better plant for your light, for what its worth.

Let's discuss my light a bit. By the strict numbers, I have a crazy 10 WPG tank going on. However, the light is almost three times the length of the aquarium, and mounted a foot above it, with no parabolic reflector. I really think this is more like a medium to low light tank?

M. umbrosum data says it is very light demanding?
http://www.tropica.dk/productcard_1.asp?id=048