Fresh2o’s 29g Blackwater Tank

[agrasyuk]

Not sure which one is my favorite orientation, never scaped a 29. Looking forward to see what you end up with.

 

[TMaier]

I like these 2.

 

[Fresh2o]

Okay, I trimmed the DW a bit so it would fit in the tank. Let me know which positions look most appealing. Pretend you see sand on the bottom.
#1

#2

#3

#4

The last one is probably out of the running because I will not be suspending my lights well above the tank. But thought it was interesting.

 

[TMaier]

#2. #4 you might lose an eye.

 

[Fresh2o]

#2. #4 you might lose an eye.

#2 is growing on me. It leaves plenty of space beneath it.
#4 and end up looking like this guy? No thanks! [emoji23]

Anywho, DW is taking a bath...

It is quite buoyant. I might be able to affix a chunk of slate to the rear with a stainless steel screw. That way it won’t be visible and won’t take up space at the bottom.

 

[TMaier]

And it won’t flop around.

 

[Dallascowboys16]

I'd say #1 or #2. You know something that would be cool in this tank is Brazil nut pods. A lot of people use them in their blackwater setups as they are a normal sight in blackwater streams in South America. They look pretty unique and would further add to the all natural feel of a black water tank. The only problem is that sometimes they can be hard to track down.

Also, I would check out tannin aquatics.com . They have a really unique assortment of scaring materials for black water tanks.

 

[smallfry53]

I was pleasantly surprised the driftwood I got a few weeks back only took a few days to stay submerged by itself. Hopefully you have similar luck.

 

[Caliban07]

Definitely 2

 

[agrasyuk]

for some reason #3 appeals to me the most. but #2 is not far behind.

 

[coralbandit]

I like #2. It looks like a stump submerged .. Natural and all and the exposed roots will offer the fish a nice hide feature.

 

[Fresh2o]

#1 and #3 are similar in that they are inverted from one another.
One thing I might do differently with #2 is place a few large stones under the trunk so that it is raised a bit. The trunk would appear more upright in this case. Depends on the stones I use.
PFS has been washed and bagged (ran out of buckets). This should provide a shallow depth. I was surprised how much cloudiness the PFS was after numerous rinsing. Still, a lot less effort than with play sand. Egg crate is in place to distribute the weight of any stones I use.

The Black Mountain Seiryu Stone spent the night in a bleach solution. This is how it looked when I got it. Not sure if I will use these in the scape. I’m leaning towards a more natural tone although, once covered in biolfilm and algae, the Seiryu Stone could work. It’s the chemistry aspects that I am not in favor of.

 

[Alan79]

I like number 2, but number 4 would be good if you could use rocks to leave it with a length of the tank overhang that doesn't emerge from the water. I've used Eucalypt roots I've gathered myself and the tannin it releases hasn't been a big issue in my experience.

 

[Fresh2o]

I dont think it will take too long for this DW to sink. A few branches I cut off sank overnight.
While leveling the stand I noticed that it could use some reinforcement along to corners.

Tank on the stand

I filled it then realized it was too close to the door. Empty. Slide. Fill. Here is the DW in positions #1 and #2:

I’m thinking about trimming some branches with #2 to change the angle of the trunk. That can be done at a later time.

 

[TMaier]

This is better than a movie.

 

[Fresh2o]

This is better than a movie.

Thanks for tuning in. I go through periods of inactivity (neglect) with my tanks and then try to make up for it. By the way, the pics above are with the Finnex 24/7 at MAX; I will most likely run it at 40% and possibly adjust the spectrum to make it look more warmer rather than cooler. Over time I figure the sand will darken with biolfilm, mulm, and diatoms. When I rinse out the EcoComplete I will try to harvest as many snails as possible. MTS cruising throughout the sand sounds wonderful.
Now off to clean and install the filter. Later I might go leaf hunting in the nearby woods. I was a busybody this fall and have none on my property.

 

[coralbandit]

I can see it cut or left as is with rocks under it like you said..You gain space on the right if you cut it...

 

[enrgizerbunny]

#2 is best

 

[Bert2oo1]

That’s a nice piece. Lots of tannins in that one.

Agree, I put that type of wood in my Oscar tank (basically the only type I can get locally) took 3 months to sink and leeched tannis for well over 4 months [emoji106] perfect for a Blackwater setup!

I also like 3 for position [emoji106]

 

[Fresh2o]

Until a few days ago I’d never heard of Australian Eucalyptus Root. When I soaked it initially in a tub it discolored the water but so far it’s been behaving. I am still open to possibly changing its position. As soon as it gets water logged it will be easier to move around (without the stone as weight).

After dinner I sat down to watch the tank (don’t we all?) and noticed the water level a little lower than earlier. A saw a small pool of water near the trash bin that houses the canister filter. Opened the bin to discover water inside. Disappointed that the trash bin was not water tight (otherwise I would have put the filter in a 5g bucket). More disappointed in the filter. I removed it, took off the lid, wiped down the seal, replaced the lid, and tilted it. Leaking. Repeated the process. Still leaking. Yes, this is a Sun Sun (I can hear the “I told you so”s). Had it about one year. No issues prior to this
Thankfully PetCo was still open. Picked up an AC50. I know it is a bit undersized but I plan on adding another from one of the shrimp tanks.