Well here is another update. I’ve been pretty embarrassed with how the tank has looked recently so I haven’t posted any pics in a while. I was gone for two weeks shortly after the last pics and the tank went into turmoil. I bottomed out on every fert, began growing fuzz algae, and had showings of staghorn algae.
Well I thought I had the problem licked, but then after letting my CO2 go for too long (DIY) levels must have dropped and the staghorn algae took off. I’ve also been running the tank without a lid on it, which I like, but the water level drops too fast and if I don’t add water daily my HOB turns into a waterfall and probably further reduces CO2 levels.
I did some searching and found a long thread with some heated discussions that must have taken place while I was gone. So instead of trying the peroxide or bleach to get rid of my problems I went with the “tiny hammers” method. I finally bought a python (overkill for a 10g
) so that I could and would do larger water changes more often. I ripped up everything with a hint of staghorn algae on it. My crypt lutea went from taking up half of the tank to only being about 8-10 stems. I got rid of my red melon sword (too big) and replaced it with Limnophila hippuroides. The Limnophila hippuroides isn’t doing too well, but I’ve moved it to an area with more light, so I’m going to hope for the best on that one. The new growth (tops) are looking pretty good, so I’m thinking the plant will survive, but it may take a while to get it looking good.
Anyways, I’ve moved stuff around to where I want it. I actually have a foreground now. I think once it fills in it will look nice. Anyways, here’s a picture. It’s a little blurry, but I didn’t have time to get a good shot.
ps. The foam on the filter is because I have fry in the tank. I also have two otos making their homes in there too.