Slackers Igwami

[Manrock]

Hi all, I've kept low maintenance, low tech planted aquaria for about 15 years. Some of them have been quite nice too! I've decided to challenge myself and try an Igwami as I was losing the love (my last tank was a bit aĺl over the place). Only thing is I have to use only the current equipment that I already own - so no OptiWhite tank, no fancy lights and a very basic C02 unit. I'm also reusing my substrate and the rocks are from the garden. I'm also incredibly lazy, hence the low maintenance approach over the years!
I hope that you can help me out along the way. I'm just breaking down my last low maintenance tank now.

 

[hypnogogia]

Well, you seem to be able to grow a carpet, so all you need are some rocks.

 

[Manrock]

Well, you seem to be able to grow a carpet, so all you need are some rocks.

Ha, thank you but I don't think that counts as a carpet. More like straw and sawdust! 😀

 

[Manrock]

So tanks down and I've added some JBL Proflora to give the older substrate a boost. I'll also add some more JBL Manduro to top up. Rocks from the garden and some Misc. Monte Carlo and Altaranthera reineckii mini.

 

[Manrock]

Substrate sorted, rocks added and MC and Altaranthera.mini planted. Lights (Denneral Trocal LED strip) on for 12hrs a day 9 hrs at 100%. Fingers crossed 😛

 

[Manrock]

Day 5 of dry start. Looks like it's growing to me?

 

[Manrock]

So I think the MC is filling out okay and I'm thinking about flooding the tank next week, about 14 days in. Does that look like a good idea?
Also, in the corners of the (very old) tank there is residual algae that I can't physically remove. It's 'in' the sealant I think. Could I dose it with something like liquid carbon to get rid of it before flooding?

 

[Manrock]

Okay, I've managed to dry start for a few weeks now and plants doing okay. No mold and Cuba is filling out okay. Today I'm flooding tank with rainwater, which I've added RO Right to remineralise it. I'm going to 'flood and fizz' for a few days before putting fauna back into the tank - 30% daily water changes and lots of CO2. No filter, just a circulation pump.

 

[Manrock]

Flooded, fizzing and fauna. All up and running. Had a bit of a disaster when the circulation pump holding magnet got knocked off and the pump fell, driving a great wedge of substrate and MC into the water column. Repaired and replanted but still a little cloudy. I've got hundreds of wild type cherries in there so will need to keep them fed. 10 rummynose and 2 ottos are the fish list.

 

[Manrock]

So, doing a 30% water change every other day. Dosing Seachem at the same time, CO2 at green dropper. Filling out okay and no algae save for a dusting on the mother rock. Fingers crossed!

 

[Manrock]

Maturing nicely now I think. I've trimmed patches of the HC to see how it grows back as I've never grown it before. I've trimmed the redneki too but it grows quickly! No algae except on the rocks and glass, so fingers crossed. Appreciate any input on trimming and plant care and any ideas or tips?