Jungle Puddle Paludarium Build Log

[Bluesandtwo]

All growing well, but early days. Can't wait for this tank to mature!

 

[xenacanth9]

Can't wait to see what you do in terms of stocking

 

[Bluesandtwo]

Thanks for all the likes, I like the fact people are following! I had to bin so much salvinia today, it's growing like crazy in this setup. I may well disregard it all together, but for now it can help with the cycle.

Stocking wise, I'd really like some rainbow crabs but the prospect of never seeing them due to the void in the false back puts me off. I'll probably end up investing in an nice betta. Or maybe even some if the wild variety.

 

[wednesday13]

Thanks for all the likes, I like the fact people are following! I had to bin so much salvinia today, it's growing like crazy in this setup. I may well disregard it all together, but for now it can help with the cycle.

Stocking wise, I'd really like some rainbow crabs but the prospect of never seeing them due to the void in the false back puts me off. I'll probably end up investing in an nice betta. Or maybe even some if the wild variety.

“activity” is always fun/entertaining even in a small setup. Id go with little assorted cloud minnows, tiny tetras and or even just guppies for movement/something to watch ??‍… really dig the setup tho so far ??. Pack that thing full of “tinys” ??

 

[fishguy1978]

I would add Pseudomystus heokhuii (Mottled Bumble Bee catfish) SL 60mm.

 

[Bluesandtwo]

Update.. the salvinia was just too much in terms of growth and it blocked out too much light, so it has gone. I'm trialing java fern but I don't have much hope - as it's one of the few plants I've never been able to keep alive!!!

Aside from that, excited to see new growth from both the terrestrial moss and java moss! I am pretty sure both will successfully spread into lush carpets now, given time.

View from below..


View from above..


Terrestrial moss growing upwards..


Java moss showing fresh growth..

 

[Bluesandtwo]

Fresh update for anyone following (thanks for the likes)...

The java fern started to fail, and I felt that it wasn't very proportionate to the size of the aquarium and look I'm going for anyway. So back to my old faithful - anubias...

I'm really happy with the results. Tell me what me what think.

 

[Bluesandtwo]

I think I'm done now with the scape, nothing to add... just got to allow the moss to flourish and spread over time, and anubias to anchor in and pop new leaves.

I'm torn between a group of 6-8 male guppies/endlers or a lone male betta... or I was even considering a group or 4 female bettas... what are your thoughts? Are 4 female bettas too much for the small size? Water quality would never be an issue with the huge over-filtration but I'm aware tank space is limited.

 

[Deadeye]

I’d probably pass on the group of bettas. 10 gallon footprint is probably minimum for territories to work out long term.
With enough hiding places you could probably get away with the guppies and betta (maybe a female due to smaller size and less aggression, but male would also work). In a 5 gallon tank I have 5 zebra danios and put a male betta in yesterday, we’ll see how it works out.

 

[Bluesandtwo]

Well... this arrives tomorrow morning...



One of the meanest looking Betta's I've seen! Hoping he isn't too mean though - as I hope to compliment him with black cherry shrimp later down the mine!!

I think he'll love his new little puddle of paradise.