10 gallon low-light with dirt

[Marconis]

I can't really bear sitting next to my tank anymore. The smell is getting a bit rancid :-\.

 

[fort384]

This dirt thing is looking better and better

 

[Marconis]

Fort, I told Jon a few days ago that I wasn't really seeing results. But after seeing this, and how gorgeous and fast my Rotala is growing, I am very very pleased and optimistic.

 

[Marconis]

Water sprite planted. I'm going to leave the tank alone now for a month or so and see how everything works itself out. As the sprite grows, I may put some on the right to avoid an all-too-centered look. Overall, I think I've picked a cool theme for the background and I think the rotala and sprite will look nice all bunched together.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Wow... looking great!

EDIT: Are you saying your dirt stinks?

 

[fort384]

Looks awesome

 

[Marconis]

Thanks! Yeah, I am. It's definitely from the sand and stuff not being mixed, though. Today when I was planting, a bunch of bubbles ripped out and let out a very nasty sulfur smell.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Oh, they say that's pretty common. Mine hasn't had that problem. I think its probably because mine soaked for a while. Even though I did it wrong, it seems to be working out well... Glad you're seeing good results. I haven't seen much in my tank, but its much harder to see growth in a 125g as compared to my 40 or your 10. I know they're growing though, since my ludwigia is about 15" tall now with 4-5" runners coming off the stems in all directions.

 

[Marconis]

Yeah man, it's worth it, I know it. Your 125 is looking awesome!

 

[Marconis]

Here's a little video:

YouTube - 10 Gallon Low-Light with Dirt Substrate

 

[mfdrookie516]

Looks even better in the video... nice job!

 

[Marconis]

Thanks Jon!

 

[daileene]

wow...+1 with jon. I am really loving your rotala...they do look good bunch up together...so cool...very good job.

 

[Marconis]

Thank you!

 

[Mixer]

What kind of light setup is that?

 

[Marconis]

It's a 27W CF fixture as recommended by fort. Wonderful light.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Here ya go aqua forest aquarium

 

[Marconis]

After only two days:

 

[Fdsh5]

Holy cow!!! That's some serious growth!

 

[Dangerismymiddlename]

If I may put in my two cents about the smelly issue- try poking a fork in the sand every few days to release those bubbles or get some malaysian trumpet snails and they'll do it for ya