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Post by Che on Oct 22, 2016 14:24:06 GMT -5
So I was running some power out to my garage and I dug up a large root system. I Have let it sit outside for the past 6 months. I striped the bark and I baked it in the oven for a few hours, then soaked in a saltwater bath for 2 weeks and now have it weighted down in a freshwater bath. Is there anything else I should do to make this freshwater safe?
has anyone had success with taking natural wood and sinking it for an aquarium? The wood is maple.
Also what kind of freshwater plants can root themselves to wood?
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Post by gabor129 on Oct 22, 2016 16:07:16 GMT -5
I never tried fresh wood for aquarium! However I do a lot of scavenging for driftwood on beaches! In the past I pretty much I did all the steps you have done, now I wash it with pressure washer and in the tank it goes! I do not recommend this approach, however it is what I do! You will be fine with the steps you have taken. The only thing I would be a bit worried about is getting a bit of a white mold on the wood!
As for plants, any of the mosses, such as Java, Christmas, etc. will riot themselves to the wood! Other plants are Java fern, all four varieties, as well as, all the Anubias sp.
Good luck, and let us know how did it work out!
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Post by Che on Oct 23, 2016 15:15:01 GMT -5
I read that the white mold isn't an issue and some plecos will even eat it.
I have it sunk in my tank with some rocks on it. waiting for it to waterlog and stop the coloring of the water. Then i'll be buying some plants from someone on here. I'm going to use a combination of substrate with sand, natural stone and a miracle mud style soil.
I have also read that my crushed coral is good if i want a African Cichlid tank. But will wood lower the ph too much?
I have no idea what Fish i'm going to put in there but I like Long Fin Blue Rams so far.
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Post by Xander on Oct 23, 2016 17:44:47 GMT -5
In the case of my aquarium driftwood, the pH was not affected at all. Mine are all Mopani pieces, so I couldn't speak for native woods.
Are you able to test your pH? I's be interested in hearing if you see a difference.
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Post by gabor129 on Oct 23, 2016 22:03:19 GMT -5
Rams actually like softer water! Also, African cichlids and plants do not get along too well! Cichlids eat and pull out plants from the substrate, as well as off the wood they are rooted to. So you need to decide what you would like to keep, and set up the tank accordingly. I am starting to branch out a bit as well and find that I have to change my tanks to accommodate the new fish I'm thinking of keeping!
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Post by Che on Oct 27, 2016 20:50:40 GMT -5
I'll test the PH when i first set up the tank, and update week to week. a couple piece still need to get water logged then i can start a cycle. I definitely want plants so I suppose cichlids are out. I also have a electric blue crayfish that will be moving in, so i'm sure my plants will already be in trouble.
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Post by phish on Oct 27, 2016 21:09:10 GMT -5
Ram cichlids are fine with plants. It's mostly African Mbuna that don't go well with plants because even if they don't eat them, they dig up substrate and make a mess.
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Post by Che on Oct 28, 2016 23:17:39 GMT -5
What things should I consider realistically for a planted tank as far as substrate. I've seen people coat layers in 3 or 4 different mineral compounds and also CO2 addition. does anyone here use these steps or can you grow perfectly fine without them?
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Post by gabor129 on Oct 29, 2016 9:04:25 GMT -5
Personally I run very low tech tanks! No CO2, no fertilizer, medium light. I use a mixture of Fluorite www.seachem.com/flourite.php and very small gravel. www.petsmart.com/fish/supplies/decor-and-gravel/gravel-and-sand/national-geographicandtrade-aquarium-substrate-21324.html?cgid=300072I use the Fluorite as a base layer and cap it with the gravel. Also I use the Fluorite red to give the plants a lot of iron! This worked great for me as I like cryptocorine sp. plants and they are very heavy root feeders. Also for a beginner a high tech tank might be a bit overwhelming. I know you used to run saltwater tank and not new to the aquarium technology, however it is a big difference between the two. If you go the high tech way, try to contact Ryan (Admin) as he runs a beautiful high tech tank. Another person with a great understanding of this is Mitch. They will point you in the right direction! |
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Post by gabor129 on Oct 29, 2016 9:07:10 GMT -5
Here is a quick picture of my low tech setup, you can tell that plants are growing fine!  |
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Post by Che on Oct 29, 2016 23:54:54 GMT -5
thanks low tech is the way for me
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Post by gabor129 on Oct 30, 2016 8:44:32 GMT -5
Not a problem Che!
When you are ready for some plants, give me a shout, I should have some crypts to clean out by then!
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Post by Che on Nov 2, 2016 16:00:20 GMT -5
i don't know what those are but it sounds exciting!
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Post by phish on Nov 2, 2016 16:41:33 GMT -5
No worries Che. I can't even grow Java Moss!!
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Post by gabor129 on Nov 2, 2016 17:16:50 GMT -5
No worries Che. I can't even grow Java Moss!! The funny thing is I am with you on that one! Java Moss is going to die if it ends up in my tank! |
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