Tiny discovery that is definately worth sharing.

FireMedic

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 13, 2007
805
36
61
Middle of somewhere, Oulu Wisconsin
Welcome all thread fans.

I will do my best to put up some brand new photos of my complete set-up. The plants are especially noteworthy.

Respectfully,
FireMedic.
 

spotfin

Silver Tier VIP
MFK Member
Jan 2, 2006
4,744
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Maine
Looking forward to seeing some new pics.
 

sbuse

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 1, 2009
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out of curiousity how many people just have plants and sponges for all the filtration on thanks?....and the stock of said tanks...i have been thinking of taking the sponge out of my ac70 to just have the plants doing all the filtration and the ac70 just as a current/air maker and house for my vines...
 

FireMedic

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 13, 2007
805
36
61
Middle of somewhere, Oulu Wisconsin
So here is a walk through of my system.

Some pictures are great, some not. You can see that I am supporting a large Henlei and Motoro with an assortment of Flowers and smaller motoro. All told my system is adequately supporting eight rays.

The sump is very simple, has coarse filtration on top of the bio-chamber. The plants dwell in the pump compartment.

The large female shown is recovering from some severe mating damage but is doing exquisite now.

Enjoy and thank you.
FireMedic.
 

FireMedic

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 13, 2007
805
36
61
Middle of somewhere, Oulu Wisconsin
Frustrating!!!!!

If anyone wants photos, PM me. I have taken a series that walks you through my set-up. PM me with your email and I will do what I can to supply you until MFK sorts out the bugs here.

Respectfully,
FireMedic.
 

hereticlosmorte

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 1, 2010
995
1
0
Ontario, Canada
hey firemedic,

after reading through the entire thread in one sitting, yes really, i'm interested in this method. now, i'm not using a sump. am i still able to put the plants (water lettuce/hycinth or pothos) straight into my tank, or is that a bad idea? i have just 2 retic rays in a 90g growout.

would the plants being directly in the tank be harmful to them?

thanks
 

FireMedic

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 13, 2007
805
36
61
Middle of somewhere, Oulu Wisconsin
The plants should do ok in the main tank. Roots can be fickle things. Some plants have very hardy and tolerant roots. Others, not so much. Give it a try. If you need a "PLAN B" try to create/use an old school fry enclosure for the roots. You know, the ones with the mesh around a square plastic frame for livebearers. Additionally, there was/is a member in the classifieds selling magnetic plants holders for use inside main tanks. I believe he ships and lives in/near Madison WI. Search for "riparian, magnet, plant holder".

Respectfully,
FireMedic.

PM email address to me for new pictures.
 
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