10 gln planted shrimp tank

[Peekay]

That's bad luck.    Sorry to hear Errol.

[daworldisblack]

Argh! No! Sorry to hear Errol! That really does suck - they were so awesome! At least there is the micromatic build to look forward too eh

[charlie]

Thanks guys, in all my years in this hobby this is my first large die off to CO2, i had one massive die off with some newly acquired Cardinals that was not CO2 related, but the will to get the yellow shrimp still lives  .
As Rah mentioned new regulators are in the works.
Errol

[charlie]

Update - the tank is now re worked & shrimpless for now but a hitchhiker female guppy , 3 pygmy cories & a juvie bushynose reside in the tank.
The following was done, thanks to the suggestions offered -
Background changed
Re scaped the hardscape
Swapped the glosso with the HC intended for the 79 gallon
Added the tennelus mid ground
Brought back the Blyxa for background cover
In the interim of building a new micromatic regulator rig, i`m using a Milwaukee that had a blown gauge that was given to me a while back.
Changed the CO2 Diffuser.
Now to get the plants to hurry up & grow 
Pic will follow when the lights come on.
Errol

[bizfromqc]

Can't wait to see the new pics.

Speaking of tennelus, I put mine in my Amazon tank and let me tell you, the Corys and BN Plecos loooooove them. Sometimes a little too much love as they uprooted a couple err... its better now that they're developing a root system but you'd think it was like catnip to them LOL

[exv152]

Errol, have you ever grown micro swords (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)? I saw some of this stuff for sale locally and it seems to be an interesting foreground plant, a bit smaller but similar to tenellus.

[charlie]

Errol, have you ever grown micro swords (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)? I saw some of this stuff for sale locally and it seems to be an interesting foreground plant, a bit smaller but similar to tenellus.

Hi Eric , yes i have some growing emersed, did try it on on the 25 & then this tank, but opted for the tenellus & Blyxa due to the golden hue these plants can produce in the right conditions.
Errol

[charlie]

Update - the tank is now re worked & shrimpless for now but a hitchhiker female guppy , 3 pygmy cories & a juvie bushynose reside in the tank.
The following was done, thanks to the suggestions offered -
Background changed
Re scaped the hardscape
Swapped the glosso with the HC intended for the 79 gallon
Added the tennelus mid ground
Brought back the Blyxa for background cover
In the interim of building a new micromatic regulator rig, i`m using a Milwaukee that had a blown gauge that was given to me a while back.
Changed the CO2 Diffuser.
Now to get the plants to hurry up & grow 
Pic will follow when the lights come on.
Errol

Feed back welcomed

[pm]

Wow, that sure is a clean tank.  It looks like a rectangle of water with no glass 

Question, do you always run your CO2 to be near yellow, or is it just the pics (assuming a 4dkh drop checker solution)?

[charlie]

Wow, that sure is a clean tank.  It looks like a rectangle of water with no glass 

Question, do you always run your CO2 to be near yellow, or is it just the pics (assuming a 4dkh drop checker solution)?

It is a 4 dkh solution, i slowly ramp up to yellow/green & use that as my reference point, thereafter i adjust by observation.
Errol

[fischkopp]

Feed back welcomed

I don't like the hard-scape. Those three small rocks on the left, move them to the right half of the tank and group them closer together. You can have some taller plants behind it for impact. Keep the left front half open for the HC.

You managed to pack a lot of equipment into such a little tank as well.

[charlie]

I don't like the hard-scape. Those three small rocks on the left, move them to the right half of the tank and group them closer together. You can have some taller plants behind it for impact. Keep the left front half open for the HC.

You managed to pack a lot of equipment into such a little tank as well.

I don`t see taller plants for this tank giving it`s small foot print & height that woul require constant trimming as most stem plants in the conditions that this tank have, i also don`t wat to over power the rocks.
The hardscape is stolen from a German guy  , but i`ll wait until the plants fill in & go from there.
Thanks for the feed back.
Errol

[fischkopp]

I don`t see taller plants for this tank giving it`s small foot print & height that woul require constant trimming as most stem plants in the conditions that this tank have, i also don`t wat to over power the rocks.

How about Ammania sp. bonsai? It grows really slow, yet tall. And it's a bit red as well! 

[exv152]

I think it looks better than the previous layout. In keeping with iwagumi principles, I would remove one stone so that you have an odd number, and make sure the stones are all different sizes and they are showing their best sides forward (like the three in the back). I like the focal point you've created.

[daworldisblack]

Yeap much better! Although the hardscape could do a lil revision as the others mentioned. Too many of them with similar sizes. Also how is the substrate doing in terms of leaching ? Manageable w/o an intense water change regime?

[charlie]

Thanks Guys
Actually they are 7 stones & although they appear similar in size they are not  but must say thevariancee in size is not dramatic so maybe that is why.
I have not observed any ammonia spike perhaps it`s due to the plants & the chockofulll bacteria media that i borrowed from my other canisters, i have not monitored anything else & only 1 water change due to the re arranging.
Thanks for your input , always appreciated.
Errol

[exv152]

Question for you Errol. Where did you get the hanging kit for your pendant tek light?

[charlie]

Question for you Errol. Where did you get the hanging kit for your pendant tek light?

I got it from a  friend in Toronto.
Errol

[charlie]

Long time since i updated this build.
This tank is the most difficult tank i`ve had in years, everytime i get it going something goes wrong this, adds another + to the saying the smaller the tank the harder it is.
My most recent expereince was algae issues, just can`t find the balance, but still working on it, will update with pictures.
Regards

[charlie]

Here is a picture of the tank as it  looks now. The rocks still have some BBA on them but it`s far less than before, the HC has been started over with a few stems of Ludwigia Palutis as an accent plant.
The Fluval  CO 2 diffuser will soon be relaced by an in line atomizer, i `m hoping i have it licked now.
I have also gone away from a dedicated shrimp & added some Chili Rasboras & CPD.
It`s not always smooth riding , but i`m up to the challenge & determined to win  
Regards