Author Topic: Changing substrate (Read 21512 times) 72 replies

Littlefish · « **Reply #40 on:** January 02, 2018, 10:02:48 AM »

Reworking a tank without completely stripping it down is a complicated task. You're doing well so keep up the good work. As you say, the end is in sight, and it will be worth it when it is complete.
I'm impressed with your new tool. It's amazing what you can find to re-purpose for tank maintenance.

Helen · « **Reply #41 on:** January 02, 2018, 02:05:31 PM »

Turns out that a 2mm sieve doesn't let much through! And my substrate is bigger diameter than I realised.

This stage is going to take a bit longer than expected.

It will be pretty though, as it is nearly all black.

Thank you @Littlefish for your encouragement. It is much needed at this moment.

fcmf · « **Reply #42 on:** January 02, 2018, 02:57:06 PM »

Coincidentally, a lot of adverts for gravel scoops have been appearing seemingly randomly on my screen over the past fortnight - not sure what the diameter of the holes are, though. Do a quick 'google' search for them and you might find something better suited than what you already have. The ones I'm noticing are all under £3.

Helen · « **Reply #43 on:** January 03, 2018, 05:53:14 PM »

Thanks @fcmf , the scoop I had actually worked really well. I didn't mind that I scooped up some water (as i removed less water than when I was using the suction tube).

I had a relatively productive day yesterday, as far as the tank goes. I sieved a decent amount of the gravel and had enough to get the substrate up to the level I want it. And replanted all my crypts. Because they had spent 24hrs floating at the top of the tank, the leaves had all flattened out. Which didn't make planting them terribly easy. But after a day in the substrate, with the light in the right place, they've all perked up and are more upright.

Because I'd missed your comment about washing the gravel @Sue , the water was pretty cloudy. So I did a 35l water change once all the plants were in, concentrating on vaccuuming as much as possible.

For those that like to see photos, here is the tank just before it's final phase (sandy "path").

Littlefish · « **Reply #44 on:** January 03, 2018, 08:15:07 PM »

It's looking great.

fcmf · « **Reply #45 on:** January 03, 2018, 09:10:28 PM »

Very impressive!

Matt · « **Reply #46 on:** January 04, 2018, 06:13:00 AM »

Looking good!

Can't wait to see the sandy path phase

Helen · « **Reply #47 on:** January 04, 2018, 09:06:52 PM »

I have a spare anubias floating around that I haven't decided what to do with yet. Otherwise, all aquascaping is done.

Littlefish · « **Reply #48 on:** January 04, 2018, 09:43:42 PM »

Congratulations, it looks great.

I hope that your fish are enjoying the revamp.

Helen · « **Reply #49 on:** January 04, 2018, 10:00:27 PM »

Thank you. The kuhli loaches definitely like the finer gravel under the crypts. I've seen at least one (I can't tell the difference between the two) out a lot more and it seemed a lot less skittish. I've not seen them venture into the sand yet,but it is still early days.

Matt · « **Reply #50 on:** January 05, 2018, 01:38:49 AM »

Nice

You should be really chuffed after all your hard work.

I remember in another thread you mentioned that you wanted more height in the tank... Could the anubias go on top of the bogwood somehow to achieve this? It might look silly 'on its own up there' these thing are so hard to imagine without being able to play with the in real life! Another option might be to move some of the taller pieces of the plant in the centre rear over to the left side or even behind the bogwood... Just to be clear, these are just ideas and not suggestions in any way, the tank looks great!!

Do you have any further plans for the tank or simply to enjoy the new aquascape? Do you want to increase the stocking of harlies, or add any other fish?

Littlefish · « **Reply #51 on:** January 05, 2018, 10:20:45 AM »

Great to hear that your khuli loaches are still enjoying the new layout. I have a massive soft spot for them, they are so cute.
It's amazing to see how a change in a tank can change the dynamics of the inhabitants, making them more comfortable with their surroundings and allowing them to show their natural behaviour. Well done.
I've recently seen a similar change in my replanted axolotl tank. The most timid axolotl (Mr Pringles), who used to spend the majority of his time in the corner cave, is now pretty much spending all of his time out at the front of the tank with the others. I'm chuffed to bits.

Helen · « **Reply #52 on:** January 05, 2018, 12:50:22 PM »

Definitely more plans @Matt !! Now I have the aquascaping sorted, I can restock with fish.

This is the thread with all my restocking thoughts.
https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/fish-community-creator/restocking-a-slightly-acidic-softer-water-planted-tank/msg36711/#new

Don't think anything has changed. Except, when I get to the end, I will also be considering red cherry shrimps. Though I've got more research to do to confirm whether they will be ok.

Helen · « **Reply #53 on:** January 05, 2018, 01:34:46 PM »

In case you can't find my proposed stocking list in the long thread:

More kuhli loaches
Dwarf rainbow fish
Five band barbs
A pair of Kribensis
More rasboras if stocking and maintenance regime allow

I'm considering setting up CO2 injection on a temporary basis to give my plants a boost / kick start until I've got more fish. I'm hoping that will help to fill in some of the gaps. For example, I actually have Microsorum pteropus windolev on top of the large bogwood, it's just not looking it's best at the moment! And I'd quite like the Vallis to have more height.

Helen · « **Reply #54 on:** January 05, 2018, 02:05:56 PM »

Hmm. Is this overnight aquascaping due to the inhabitants of the tank, or the water flows?

Matt · « **Reply #55 on:** January 05, 2018, 03:28:16 PM »

Hmmm, is there much flow in that area? That's a lot of sand for a few khuli coaches to move, and besides they just bury in it dont't they rather than actively move it around... Could it be your kids if not the flow? Strange...

Helen · « **Reply #56 on:** January 05, 2018, 03:34:53 PM »

Kids are too small - they can't reach the top of the tank, let alone the substrate!

I agree it seems unlikely that it was 2 kuhli loaches.

So it must be water flows, even though the shape doesn't make sense to me. I've tweaked the water outlets and will just have to keep an eye on it.

A side affect of sand that I'd not considered!

Matt · « **Reply #57 on:** January 05, 2018, 03:54:08 PM »

Let me know if your tweaks work... ill have to bear this in mind for my tank!

Have you tried the kids in the tank yet instead of an expensive trip to the local swimming pool?? See the YouTube video of Joey Mullen do it in his tank if you haven't yet!...

Littlefish · « **Reply #58 on:** January 05, 2018, 04:28:53 PM »

@Matt does Joey let his kids use a tank...I'm so going to have to look for that.
I'm quite short, and had problems setting up the river tank. On more than one occasion I considered actually getting in, but was worried I wouldn't be able to get back out again.

Helen · « **Reply #59 on:** January 05, 2018, 04:37:39 PM »

There is no way my kids are getting in my tank!! I've have spent way too long getting it beautiful - I don't want monkeys messing it up!!

Though I'm sure they'd love to. I'm typing this at the pool watching my eldest have a swimming lesson.

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Changing Substrate

Changing Substrate

Author Topic: Changing substrate (Read 21512 times) 72 replies

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