Mike's 45 gallon long (48"x12"x19") planted tank

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

You've certainly found a great piece. Thanks for the tips!

No problem...

Hopefully I can get the tank drained, and set back up tomorrow.

 

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

I finally got around to redoing the tank with the new driftwood, I had to saw the driftwood in half because it wouldn't fit into the tank. But I've got it in the tank now, and used a few zipties to piece it together lol. Now I'm waiting for the tank to clear so I can get started on the aquascape!!! Pics to come once the tank clears up...

 

[Little Soprano]

That's a very nice piece of driftwood. Looking forward to seeing the finished product. Aside from stripping the bark and soaking, do you do anything else to prep prior to introducing it to your tank?

Near where I live there are so many ponds, streams, reservoirs and lakes. I've always wanted to use driftwood I've spotted, but have been afraid of using the wrong type or picking up contaminated wood. Everyone has different collection methods. I'm curious - how you make your selections and what criteria do you use to exclude found items?

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Aside from boiling water, for a big piece I used in an old tank, and for when we have a lot of them, you can just put them right in the dishwasher lol. Will get out most of the tannins, and kill anything in the wood.

 

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

Here's a few pics of the tank, I still need to scape the tank...

 

[winston.smith]

If you could find one that begins and terminates naturally,,
without the cuts... and fits your tanks... that might look even better! Maybe two smaller pieces together. Either way, very cool.

 

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

I finally got around to getting a couple plants in the tank!!!! I picked up 2 Cryptocoryne Balansae, a 4" Amazon Sword, a 5" Amazon Sword mother plant w/ 4 tiny swords sprouting, some Ludwigia Palustris, and 2 bunches of Ludwigia Repens. So tomorrow I'll mix up a batch of yeast co2 for the tank since it has plants in it now, and pics to come soon!!!!

 

[LS2012]

 

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

So I was doing my weekly water change today, and noticed the tank is infested with Ostracods lol. Guess someone has blessed my tank with free fish food, once I actually get fish.... Pics to come tomorrow of the tank, and the new plants!!!

 

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

Here's some new pics of the tank, now with plants in it!!! Then last week my 3000k bulb died, had the thing going for a freaking week and it dies, what a shame... But I replaced it with another 6500k bulb, and my plants seem to be really responding to the 6500k bulbs combined with a 12,000k white actinic, and a 460nm actinic bulb. Every plant is showing major new growth, and the growth seems to be fast and steady!!!

Full tank shots




Amazon Swords w/ shooters in back corner


Cryptocoryne Balansae


Ludwigia Palustris


Ludwigia Repens


Hygrophila corymbosa "stricta"

 

[Cookie*]

I liked the way you had it set up before adding the driftwood, the hardscape that is, with the sand beach area at the front and larger stones on either side toward the back. It still looks good, tho, I prefer the previous. All that matters is that you are happy, tho.