Got the CO2 running and finally planted the fern and mosses. Pulled the large sword from my 110 into this setup as well. I plan to dose EI method. Can’t wait until this all grows out.
150 gallon SA planted Riparium Cichlid setup refresh.
- Thread starter mrrobxc
- Start date
It’s been almost a month since my last update. Some more plants have been added in that time underwater while the Riparium portion plants have been thinned out, changed around, and simplified.
Of the six GT’s, I ended up with an even gender split so I removed a male and have five left. 3 females and 2 males, one of which has developed its bump already and dancing around with the dominant female. So far they’re working well with the plants even though I know it’s a gamble. I wanted to create a lush scape for one of my all time favorite fish.
The tank is now on full EI Method dosing schedule with pressurized CO2. It may seem like overkill since I’m keeping lower light plants but given the Riparium canopy up above, along with the lights being suspended 18” above the rim of the 24” tall tank, high lights plants would likely suffer. And without CO2, I won’t be able to grow the lush fern and moss on the wood, nor would the various swords and aponogeton grow nice and bushy.
Anyway, here are some updates videos.
Of the six GT’s, I ended up with an even gender split so I removed a male and have five left. 3 females and 2 males, one of which has developed its bump already and dancing around with the dominant female. So far they’re working well with the plants even though I know it’s a gamble. I wanted to create a lush scape for one of my all time favorite fish.
The tank is now on full EI Method dosing schedule with pressurized CO2. It may seem like overkill since I’m keeping lower light plants but given the Riparium canopy up above, along with the lights being suspended 18” above the rim of the 24” tall tank, high lights plants would likely suffer. And without CO2, I won’t be able to grow the lush fern and moss on the wood, nor would the various swords and aponogeton grow nice and bushy.
Anyway, here are some updates videos.
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I hate the center brace on this tank but the extra piece of mind makes it worth it. I used to keep Marineland tanks but their thin center braces don’t hold up as well. I had a 225 Marineland tank leak on me that was only four years old. Center brace gave out and, despite having a clamp to hold it, the tank eventually leaked. Now I only get Visio tanks when under 180 gallons, and acrylic for anything larger.
I know this setup is far from being biotope related, but I always dreamed of a nice lushly planted setup for Green Terrors. I haven’t found them to be as destructive as many CA cichlids, keeping their digging primarily where they are setting up a breeding territory, which I have set up in each corner underneath the wood piles. No plants there. Only time will tell.
Here’s some quick pics.
I know this setup is far from being biotope related, but I always dreamed of a nice lushly planted setup for Green Terrors. I haven’t found them to be as destructive as many CA cichlids, keeping their digging primarily where they are setting up a breeding territory, which I have set up in each corner underneath the wood piles. No plants there. Only time will tell.
Here’s some quick pics.
You have some nice quality GT. There is a new strain called Royal GT that is more colorful than regular. What is your source.
I think you will have trouble with GTin the long run. GT are big digger, and pairing GT will tear and uproot your plants. I couldn’t even keep pairing EBA with my plants and have to remove all females, and GT are more powerful.
I think you will have trouble with GTin the long run. GT are big digger, and pairing GT will tear and uproot your plants. I couldn’t even keep pairing EBA with my plants and have to remove all females, and GT are more powerful.
Thank you brother!
I hear you Andrew. I figured as much but it’s worth the try. I’ll play with it over time and make adjustments as necessary.
If I remember his plants were all attached to driftwood. Picture I saw earlier was primarily java fern of varying types.
I saw you have plants rooted in substrate that are susceptible to dig up by spawning GT
I don’t have any plants rooted in the substrate. I have epiphytes attached to rock or stem/rosette secured in pots. But spawning EBA can still make a mess pushing and spraying sand all over the plants.
I think I’ll be ok given how much root mass these plants will grow. Stems would be a different story. That said, we shall see. It’s worth it to me. I’ll likely have to thin out some swords down the road. Most my plants are epiphytes.
