Nano New Year Build!

Aluminum Alloy LED mini:

 

I didn't realize how big of a difference the lighting actually made until I took the pictures.

I gave myself a pat on the back over these results. More to finally be able to justify the purchase than anything else

Thanks for the help as well @Whoknows , whatsapp sorted out my issues

 

It still looks very good though!

 

Thanks, ya the Hygger really brings out the colours so much better. Those pics are taken minutes apart and it looks like a different tank..

 

I like how you're already getting algae on the rocks. I have yet to see any algae whatsoever in my tank. And I give a 14-hour photoperiod.

 

Hmm, it does add a touch of maturity to the aesthetic. Thanks

Been contemplating buying some otos to add to the CUC but only seen them available for R140 in my area. I don't need them that desperately

 

Not much to update on the main tank, everything is ticking along well there.

I did make some progress on the blackwater tank. I found some suitable leaf litter and seed pods in my area.

Very happy with how the tank is looking despite already having received numerous "what's wrong with that tank" and " why's that tank so dirty" comments from friends and family alike

Going to try source some floating plants for the top to add to the look. I'm also patiently waiting for my Hygrophila in the main tank to grow out again, I'd like to plant that at the back to add some texture.

 

Attaboy. I find it a bit silly that people will pay good munnies for dried leaves (of the non-smokable kind).

 

You must see the looks I get when I tell people I've driven to PTA to buy rocks, wood and bought a whole bag of dried leaves

 

UPDATES! WE DEMAND UPDATES!

 

Updates have been a bit slow sorry!

The tank and I have been having a bit of a dispute of late. Told it beforehand that we're skipping the ugly phase and going straight to the mature thriving ecosystem with thick and lush plant growth. It's not cooperating...

But we motor on, here's a picture from this evening

 

The anubias and buce are doing well, pushing out new leaves at a rate. Thats a nice positive. Micranthemum umbrosa is growing like a weed as always.

The crypts have also seemed to settle in with minimal melt. Thinking of adding some osmocote slow release fertilizer into the substrate for those guys. I've heard it works a charm despite being a terrestrial fertilizer.

The rotala I transferred for the previous set up is struggling a bit, likewise with the Alternanthera and Monte Carlo. Hoping they're all just establishing root systems and riding out the tanks initial settling phase.

 

It looks great.

 

Luke is making me look like a tourist

 

you can put some osmocote in ice trays, fill them with water and freeze them, then you can pop these fertcicles under the root much easier than messing with capsules, and clay balls etc...

 

A tourist?

 

Such a good idea ! Thanks a lot

 

In the context of hobbies; a wannabe, a passer-through.