I agree with you 100%, and for now, if I do indeed plan to try this sometime, will be using Java Moss only as a "backup". However, I will almost definately be using the ring containing some sort of floating plant, maybe not nessecarly Limna Minor, though. I'm just unaware of anything (land-plant wise) that could live with it's roots just dangling in the water.
Stump+Overhanging Plants?
- Thread starter Dread
- Start date
Dread - the suggestions I made originally - spathiphyllum, spider plants, pothos etc will do fine with the roots dangling in the water (or on the wood)
As for the ring tube idea - it sounds interesting, but it also sounds kind of unattractive - a piece of plastic floating around just doesn't appeal to me.
Well, keep us updated!
As for the ring tube idea - it sounds interesting, but it also sounds kind of unattractive - a piece of plastic floating around just doesn't appeal to me.
Well, keep us updated!
I see, I thought you meant you had even more knowledge to share with me! ^^ This is all appreciated, believe me. It would've taken a long long term of research without your input.
As for the tube, I agree it would be slightly unattractive. However, I believe it would be somehow possible to disguise the tubing itself. Roots hanging on it would be one way.
Another solution to keep floating plants in their place would be quite simple - block it with the driftwood itself. Fish could still get back and forth, but the plants would be "locked" in one side of the tank. If the driftwood completely "dams" up 1 part of the aquarium about 1 inch down, the fish aren't hindered at all (as they can still swim through the branches and under the wood easily), but the plants are forced to remain on one side.
As for the tube, I agree it would be slightly unattractive. However, I believe it would be somehow possible to disguise the tubing itself. Roots hanging on it would be one way.
Another solution to keep floating plants in their place would be quite simple - block it with the driftwood itself. Fish could still get back and forth, but the plants would be "locked" in one side of the tank. If the driftwood completely "dams" up 1 part of the aquarium about 1 inch down, the fish aren't hindered at all (as they can still swim through the branches and under the wood easily), but the plants are forced to remain on one side.
That sounds pretty good with the wood itself holding in the free-floating plants. Meanwhile, keep us posted! And have fun with the project. It sounds great.
So, here is a tank I really LOVE the whole look of, because it's so natural. I love the woodscape, and how it almost looks like a tree was placed in the water with it's root system. This is how I plan mine to look if I attempt this, except with an added 1/2' or so of roots out of, and hanging over, the water.
These pictures were taken from http://www.aquadesign.pl/ . The owner of this site is a member on Aquatic Plant Central, Norbert Sabat.
These pictures were taken from http://www.aquadesign.pl/ . The owner of this site is a member on Aquatic Plant Central, Norbert Sabat.
The tank looks VERY natural and "in-environment" looking. Adding tropical plants would take away from that. I STRONGLY suggest you try some mangroves - they'd fit in PERFECTLY with the whole "root look" and all that.
Not trying to make a sale, but I sell mangroves, so...
It's just that the whole feel of the system would feel wrong with, say, a spider plant... You know?
Not trying to make a sale, but I sell mangroves, so...
It's just that the whole feel of the system would feel wrong with, say, a spider plant... You know?
Oh, I totally understand that. I agree that the whole tank looks VERY natural, and it would be a shame to add tropical plants. However, this wasn't my point (and I think I did kind of explain it wrong). I was just using the back right of the tank as an example of the type of "outline". There seems to be a larger 3-set-root of wood there. And this is what I am trying to get at, not the whole tank, or the numerous smaller peices of wood. However, that is definately something I would like to try in a different tank (and I have been for a couple weeks in a 10g). For now, I was just getting at the larger "little-t" section of the back right of the tank, which is most visible in the 1st and 3rd pictures. I would try to highlight it in the picture, but I really don't feel comfortable doodling on his photography, regardless of the purpose. I think a similiar "little-t" peice of wood, half in, and half out of, the water would be perfet, as would a peice of wood with a "V"-type joint, so it could be hung from a center bracing, or whatever else, with little if any trouble.
And if my little idea is actually put into use, I will definately be PMing you about buying Mangroves. They aren't sold anywhere close to where I live, and Mangroves are definately the type of root system and effect that I would like to have, so thank you for telling me. I'm not sure this project will ever be used, because for now it's out of my budget, and I need to do much more research before I attempt it, but now I know where I can aquire what it would take to put into action.
I hope I'm able to articulate my ideas without it sounding jumbled and confused, or worse, completely ridiculous.
And if my little idea is actually put into use, I will definately be PMing you about buying Mangroves. They aren't sold anywhere close to where I live, and Mangroves are definately the type of root system and effect that I would like to have, so thank you for telling me. I'm not sure this project will ever be used, because for now it's out of my budget, and I need to do much more research before I attempt it, but now I know where I can aquire what it would take to put into action.
I hope I'm able to articulate my ideas without it sounding jumbled and confused, or worse, completely ridiculous.
You could also always look at what is growing in your local watershed - sometimes you can find some neat plants that are growing in/out of water and do a little experimenting, for free.
When you're ready for mangroves, just let me know.
Sorry I misunderstood you earlier - your plan sounds good, and it's smart of you to plan ahead instead of just jumping in like many of us
When you're ready for mangroves, just let me know.
Sorry I misunderstood you earlier - your plan sounds good, and it's smart of you to plan ahead instead of just jumping in like many of us
I was thinking about that just a minute ago, actually. There is a School that is a 10 minute walk away from me that has a little plot of marshland, with a swamp about 4 feet deep and fallen trees and what not, with plenty of plants naturally growing. It was used as a 'nature observatory,' but hasn't been used since I was in the 5th grade there (about 8 years ago). Everytime I walk past, I always eyeball it, and there appears to be alot of wood to test with, as well as ALOT of plants growing in half-in, and totally in the water. I may have to take a trip there with shorts and some old shoes and dig around abit, if for nothing more than real-life examples and ideas. At best, a nice peice of wood and some plant samples. If that happens, it oughta be a blast to carry wood and a bucket of plants across the busy roads ^^.
And thanks for your compliment about my idea as well as my research habits. I lack much DIY experience and know-how, especially when it comes to using tools, so 80% of my plans are only research, and no real action. However, I feel this one could become real, rather than just ideas. Only time will tell, and maybe abit of luck. Maybe by Friday I can get some pictures of the Marsh/swamp I'm talking about, and I can get opinions on it.
And thanks for your compliment about my idea as well as my research habits. I lack much DIY experience and know-how, especially when it comes to using tools, so 80% of my plans are only research, and no real action. However, I feel this one could become real, rather than just ideas. Only time will tell, and maybe abit of luck. Maybe by Friday I can get some pictures of the Marsh/swamp I'm talking about, and I can get opinions on it.
