Archive for the ‘Aquascape’ Category

Java Moss and Glossostigma experiences

Published by Nicky Ang under Aquascape on December 15, 2008

Someone asked me about some experiences in growing Java Moss and Glossostigma. So I’m re-posting my discussion here again.

Java Moss

Hmm… I love Java Moss. They require less demanding setups and can be planted easily. You can use basic DIY CO2 or no CO2 at all. Lighting at 2 to 3 watts/gallon. Minimum fertilization, perhaps fish food is already sufficient.

You can buy some driftwood and branches and tie the Java Moss on it. After about a month, it will grow out nicely, creating an illusion of “fine leaves on tree trunks”. Trim with scissors to keep them from growing too long.

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Iwagumi tank – 96 days after setup

Published by Nicky Ang under Aquascape on June 15, 2008

Here’s the latest update on my Iwagumi setup. I’ve added three new Kurokinryu rocks to the formation.

Glossostigma is growing very well. However, I’ve encountered stunted growth as the Glossostigma nears the fringes (glass pane). Not sure why is this, but I’ve replanted the fringes with new glosso.

You might have noticed a stem plant on the left in the background. That’s Bacopa monnieri that somehow came with the Glossostigma and started growing after about 80 days.I will keep it there a few months to see how it grows.

Behaviour of Glossostigma from 96 days of observation

Glossos are heavy consumers of CO2 and Potassium. The more these are added, the faster they grow.
Glossos thickens at the center of the tank due to highest light intensity in that area.
Glossos infested with algae will stop growing and will die off slowly. To counter this, plant new glossos before the old leaves die off.
To keep glossos from growing vertically, high lighting intensity is required. I used 1.8 watts/liter (7.2 watts/gallon).
Glossos for Iwagumi aquascapes are definitely not for beginner tanks. Because their initial biomass is very low, algae will easily infest the leaves.

Pictures:

Frontview layout	Sideview and closeup on main rock form a 45-deg angle
Sideview on main rock form a 45-deg angle. Notice some substrate showing at the fringe. That’s because the glosso stopped growing there.	Bacopa monnieri closeup

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Iwagumi tank rescape – 4th update

Published by Nicky Ang under Aquascape on April 26, 2008

Here’s the latest update, 50 days after setup!!! Glossostigma, Riccia and Java Moss is growing well. I removed the Anubias plant for now.

Tank specifications:

Size:	60l x 30w x 45h cm (80 liters)
Lights:	ADA PL 36W x 3 (6 hrs on, 2 hrs off, 6 hrs on, 12 hrs total)
CO2:	2 bps (pH 6.2 to 6.4)
Filter:	Eheim Ecco 2234
Plants:	Glossostigma elatinoides, Riccia fluitans, Vesicularia dubyana (Java Moss)
Ferts:	All using ADA Series: Brighty K – 3ml daily Green Brighty Step 3 – 3ml every 3 days Green Brighty Special LIGHTS – 2ml every 3 days Green Brighty Special SHADE – 2ml every 3 days ECA and Green Gain – 4 drops every 3 days.
Soil:	ADA Aquasoil Malaya, Aqua Clay bottom

Pictures:

50 days after setup

Riccia bubbling O2

Yamato shrimp resting on Glosso

Close-up of Glosso. Very minor BBA left

Another close-up of Glosso

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Iwagumi tank rescape – 3rd update

Published by Nicky Ang under Aquascape on April 13, 2008

Here’s the latest update, 36 days after setup. Glossostigma and Riccia is growing well. Since placing a small Siamese Algae Eater into the tank, BBA growth slowed down drastically and my Anubias leaves are not infected with BBA anymore.

Also I’ve brought the pH level down to around 6.2 using at least 2 bubbles/second of CO2. Increasing CO2 will promote plant growth, to compete with algae in the tank. But be careful not to inject too much or else the water will become too acidic. I also noticed in the morning before CO2 is started again, the pH went up to about 6.8 to 7.0. I assume this pH swing should not cause too much trouble to the inhabitants, as all live forms continue to thrive without problems.

36 days after setup