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Post by gabor129 on Mar 26, 2016 1:27:35 GMT -5
You can really see the size difference, however I think the little guys are way fatter than when they come in!
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Post by Xander on Mar 26, 2016 6:17:10 GMT -5
Man , who would have thought a tank of Kuhlis loaches would be so interesting . Simply love this tank . You know, they're not TOO far removed from your beloved Cories; both are scaleless, bottom-dwelling, barbel-having, sand-sifting, energetic, comical, loaded with personality, and just all sorts of cute. Kuhlis are just Cories in an trouble-making, eel-shaped package! Sometimes I feel like I'm updating this thread a bit excessively, but I have to remember that if anyone can understand the utter joy and happiness that can come from a well-executed tank of your favourites, it's going to be you guys here. |
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Post by gabor129 on Mar 26, 2016 8:01:14 GMT -5
Xander don't you worry about updating the thread! We love hearing others succeed in the hobby!
I for one, am glad you are diving in to live plants as well! A word of caution, crypts are very heavy root feeders, I would suggest you look into a couple of root tabs for them. Also they will melt after you put them in the tank. This is very normal for crypts, as long as the roots are alive they will bring back the plant to health!
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Post by Xander on Mar 26, 2016 8:21:01 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, I did do a lot of reading up on crypts before making the decision to try some, and root tabs have been very consistently recommended everywhere I look. I even anticipate the melt, which is why I was happy to go with the tissue cultures that I did - it won't feel like a big loss when these tiny little leaves do their thing.
Can you say how long it might take for that melt to happen? They are looking a little wilty and pale, but they came in fairly pale, too. They've only been planted since Thursday.
Since my loaches are from Java and my barbs originate from Sri Lanka, I wanted to stick with that part of the world for plant choices. The staurogyne doesn't totally fit in, being from South America, but Sri Lankan crypts and wisteria, plus Java moss and ferns... I feel happy with these choices.
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Post by gabor129 on Mar 26, 2016 9:43:21 GMT -5
The crypt melt depends on several things. How healthy was the plant you originally got, how close the water quality in your tank is to the growers tank, what is the temperature difference, if it is shipped did it cool down during the shipping..... Anyways, my plants, moving from one tank to the other might loose a couple of leaves in a day or two. When I got plants from Toronto pet shop, it completely melted within a week! It did come back after 3 weeks with lots of runners on it so I was not very unhappy!!!
It is interesting that you go out of your way to make a mixed biotope! Why not get the species of fish from the same region then? I guess you like different fish like all of us.... Well there is an idea for new tanks.... LOL
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Post by Xander on Mar 26, 2016 10:47:58 GMT -5
Lol, there was no original forethought to the biotope, I admit! The species went in, I noticed their origins, I looked up plants, and I noticed a lot of similar origins, haha.
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Post by gabor129 on Mar 26, 2016 16:53:24 GMT -5
I see, well it will all come together for the end! It looks really good already!
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Mar 26, 2016 21:47:35 GMT -5
Man , who would have thought a tank of Kuhlis loaches would be so interesting . Simply love this tank . You know, they're not TOO far removed from your beloved Cories; both are scaleless, bottom-dwelling, barbel-having, sand-sifting, energetic, comical, loaded with personality, and just all sorts of cute. Kuhlis are just Cories in an trouble-making, eel-shaped package! Sometimes I feel like I'm updating this thread a bit excessively, but I have to remember that if anyone can understand the utter joy and happiness that can come from a well-executed tank of your favourites, it's going to be you guys here. You are so right . I really enjoy watching my cory's after a water change as they " go on the move " and really start exploring the tank as a whole . Please keep updating this thread , lots of members are enjoying it . |
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Post by Xander on Mar 31, 2016 17:04:18 GMT -5
Revealing the total lack of silk plants:   |
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Post by guppyguy on Mar 31, 2016 17:56:40 GMT -5
Revealing the total lack of silk plants: Oh the tank is beautiful. Being a planted tank hobbyist I am really happy to see those real live plants. I like you driftwood placement and the background works perfectly for that set up. Nicely done. |
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Post by Xander on Mar 31, 2016 18:44:59 GMT -5
Thank you Glen, I was largely inspired by yourself and several other members here to make the switch from artificial. It's a facet of the hobby that I never thought I'd want to get into. Or, more accurately, one I felt daunted by. I'm certain there will be some trial and error before I get the hang of it, but that's why I stuck with hardier, low-light plants to start with.
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Mar 31, 2016 20:21:13 GMT -5
Well it just keeps looking nicer .
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Post by guppyguy on Apr 1, 2016 11:46:33 GMT -5
Thank you Glen, I was largely inspired by yourself and several other members here to make the switch from artificial. It's a facet of the hobby that I never thought I'd want to get into. Or, more accurately, one I felt daunted by. I'm certain there will be some trial and error before I get the hang of it, but that's why I stuck with hardier, low-light plants to start with. Trail and error is all part of becoming a planted tank hobbyist. I know I had many up and downs and I learned from mistakes made. You have started with some great plant species and myself and others can certainly help you to with any issues to make sure you are successful. Personally I was also inspired by others when I first started and continue to be today.  |
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Post by Xander on Apr 10, 2016 18:38:44 GMT -5
Got my new Philippine Java fern on some rocks, and the little guys might not let me move them over to the big tank when it's time!   |
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Apr 10, 2016 20:25:34 GMT -5
Got my new Philippine Java fern on some rocks, and the little guys might not let me move them over to the big tank when it's time! Nice that they seem to approve . |
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