FresH2O's 20g planted rescape

[TMaier]

Saw your post on the other thread with the mass of guppy grass. What are those little round things on the bottom of the tank?

 

[Fresh2o]

Saw your post on the other thread with the mass of guppy grass. What are those little round things on the bottom of the tank?

Those are loose ceramic media. They were in another tank at one time and when I broke down that tank, I dropped them in the shrimp tank. A fine coating of algae partially covers them. I see the shrimp grazing on them from time to time.

 

[TMaier]

Thanks my curiosity is satisfied!

 

[Fresh2o]

Finally!!!
Stones finally arrived from BucePlant. Box was deceptively heavier than it looked.

Here are some pics of the stones: right out of the box, rinsed, vertical height of the largest stone (laying "down"), and a potential layout.

These stones are larger than I imagined. I might be removing a good deal of carpet and scooping out some substrate to accommodate them. Rinsing the dust off of them revealed a darker tone with light colored veins streaking through them. Hoping to get to it this weekend.

 

[fishenthusiast]

Stones galore! Those will look nice against the greenery.

 

[TMaier]

It's like Christmas.

 

[Fresh2o]

It's like Christmas.

Yes!!!

Stones galore! Those will look nice against the greenery.

Im hoping so.

 

[Fresh2o]

Here's a look at the old stones (on the left) and the new stones. Fewer stones but a much larger footprint.

Tank FTS with the stones removed. Just realizing how unintentionally dutch this tank is looking. Almost all of the plants on the left side will be removed by this weekend; pogo on the right with be trimmed down.

Elevated view; front light fixture removed for easy access; 24/7 set on MAX mode for additional light:

Time to start adding the new rocks...

 

[Autumnsky]

Those are a really nice /sharp Iwagumi style in an instant!!!

 

[flchamp89]

I know it goes against the rules....but there both awesome. Id maybe try to incorporate a couple old one too.

 

[Fresh2o]

Those are a really nice /sharp Iwagumi style in an instant!!!

I should have ordered 10 lbs. I got greedy. I suppose I could add some to the RCS tank and dress that tank up. Chemistry wise, there's a ton of DW present to help buffer the stones.

I know it goes against the rules....but there both awesome. Id maybe try to incorporate a couple old one too.

I will have to see how much room is left. I think the 24/7's spectrum makes the old stones look very yellow orangish. Nothing wrong with that but, color palette wise, I need something gray/blue/black to contrast the red/green.

 

[flchamp89]

Ya I didn't think of that. So im guessing new stones will be kinda brighter maybe under light?

 

[Fresh2o]

Ya I didn't think of that. So im guessing new stones will be kinda brighter maybe under light?

Depends on the time of the day while in 24/7 mode. It will be in MAX mode while under construction.
When I'm done I might record a video of the 24/7 in DEMO mode with the new stones so that the entire lighting cycle can be viewed in less than a minute.

 

[flchamp89]

That be cool. Ive seen the time lapse you tube. Im so bored with my tank lol. I wish I would of bought that light. I was so close but changed my mind. I mean I have had next to zero algae. Just bored. Might tear it down

 

[Fresh2o]

I understand the boredom. My tank has been in a state of flux in the last 4 years. Did the low tech, attempted a Dutch style, numerous rearrangements, tried different plants, got tired of trimming, wanted to try a true carpet with 'spensive stones (oh, the carpet should be trimmed weekly at a minimum to keep it tidy). Yep.
If you don't like your current layout, then make plans on changing it up. So many things to try. When I peruse scapes on Google and social media sites (for inspiration), I am in awe and humbled at the same time.

 

[Fresh2o]

Sneak peek. Pulled the plants on the left (hence the cloudiness). Three stones in place. Still deciding on adding a fourth stone. I do plan on adding a couple red plants back in there. Pogo still needs to be trimmed.

 

[TMaier]

Nice rocks.

 

[nirbhao]

What are you doing with your plants? Hmmmmmmmm?

 

[flchamp89]

Awesome

 

[Fresh2o]

What are you doing with your plants? Hmmmmmmmm?

Boxing them up shipment. I posted in the classified days ago and it drew no interest. PM me; I might have something available.