Convict's First Go at a Planted Tank

[MMantelli]

That's a cool lookin plant almost bought one from petco not the plastic tubes but the vaccum sealed ones. I didn't though wich left room for the a.gracillis I just got.

 

[ejaramillo01]

Nice job there, I loved.
How do you keep the Tiger Lotus small? Mine trends to send the leaves all the way to the top, maybe I need more light, but yours looks short, which I liked more.

 

[Convict2161]

Nice job there, I loved.
How do you keep the Tiger Lotus small? Mine trends to send the leaves all the way to the top, maybe I need more light, but yours looks short, which I liked more.

Thank you. I get "runners" also. I just trim it low and then it tends to grow low and outward.

 

[Jkeating8]

The amount of pages to this build is ridiculous. Haha

 

[Rivercats]

Tiger Lotus throw out two different types of leaves. One are the submerged leaves which tend to be arrowhead shaped. These are the leaves you want. Then they also produce surface leaves which you don't want because once you allow surface leaves to reach the surface the plant puts it's energy into growing mostly these leaves. So what you want to do is anytime you see a more rounded leaf making a quick run to the surface, cut it off. What this does it encourages the bulb to produce more submerged leaf growth which you want. If you keep those surface runner leaves clipped off you will find you get nice full submerged growth.

 

[MMantelli]

I've been lucky with my tiger lotus after that first trimming when I got it I've had nothing but low growth. I did just notice the other day 2 little pointed leaves growing out of the substrate about 3/4 of an inch away from it though.

 

[ejaramillo01]

Thank you. I get "runners" also. I just trim it low and then it tends to grow low and outward.

Thanks convict

 

[ejaramillo01]

Tiger Lotus throw out two different types of leaves. One are the submerged leaves which tend to be arrowhead shaped. These are the leaves you want. Then they also produce surface leaves which you don't want because once you allow surface leaves to reach the surface the plant puts it's energy into growing mostly these leaves. So what you want to do is anytime you see a more rounded leaf making a quick run to the surface, cut it off. What this does it encourages the bulb to produce more submerged leaf growth which you want. If you keep those surface runner leaves clipped off you will find you get nice full submerged growth.

Thanks Rivercats

 

[Convict2161]

The amount of pages to this build is ridiculous. Haha

Haha that's what it's all about!! A build tread for other to learn from! Plus I wanted to keep everyone included on all decisions that's the way to have a build thread.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

So how's this tank going, Convict?

 

[MMantelli]

So how's this tank going, Convict?

I was wandering the same thing today we haven't heard much latley. Hope all is well.

 

[Old Scales]

Yes Dino. I'm with Brian and MMantelli. How you been? We miss you buddy. OS.

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Dino will be back soon (we hope) here is a text I received from him below. He also sent me a few pictures and the tanks are looking mighty fine.

I'll be back soon!! Just been real busy and working a 2nd job trying to get a house and I REALLY want a Harley lol

 

[MMantelli]

Cool thanks. Hope he is doin well.

 

[Convict2161]

Hey everyone!! Sorry I've been away for so long. I gotta say it was very surprising how many reached out to me!! I'm actually humbled cause here I thought I was just "some guy" on some fish forum. Anyway. Here's some updated pics I took today of the planted tank.

I'm very pleased with the growth and how it looks, I dose the the GLA fert pack and liquid carbon (metricide 14 day)

I trimmed the tank earlier in the day that's why it's a little blah

 

[Rivercats]

Glad your back! The tank is a forest! I love the way the Fissidens has attached and drapes! Everything is looking great but then I didn't expect anything less from you.

 

[Old Scales]

Hi Dino! Glad you're back. Your tank is w-i-c-k-e-d, awesome how well the plants are doing. I like your "cloud" of neons. Cool!

 

[jmay33]

Beautiful as always. we have missed you Dino!!

 

[The CodFather]

Tanks look awesome Dino! So glad to see you back

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Tank is looking great, Dino! I agree with Janis, I'm really diggin' the cascading look of the fissidens. I'd love to have a large school of neons like that too!