something bigger, now a riparium w/ krib fry

[DeadFish]

So, it's been a semi-difficult summer. Between moving (finally completely unpacked...I think?), traveling, and weather events (tornadoes in PA?) the tank has seen some better days. Early on after the move I was having issues with CO2. Some of which was my fault, some not. In short, I went a few weeks without CO2 because I forgot to re-open the tank, and w the craziness, I didn't notice it. Shortly after I was doing some water changes and realized my tap water pH is suuuuuuper low. Low enough that my pH controller didn't reach the low end of where it needed to be for sufficient saturation (4.7!). So CO2 was not running, then running but at 1/2 speed, and then the temps hit. We don't have AC on the main floor, just the second floor. It keeps the main floor sufficiently comfy, but on really hot days/weeks (that seem to be getting more and more common..) the tank was taking a hit. When we were in MT, I got a notification from the hydros that the tank was at 86 degrees. Lost a bunch (most) of fish, most of the growth on buces, and stems were growing but not thrilled. Somehow, despite all of it, and not being present for 1/2 the summer, it has shown some serious resilience. I definitely have a slight filamentous algae issue w/ epiphytes and slow growers, as well as some patches of staghorn (my nemesis). Temp has stabilized, CO2 has stabilized, etc., but it is still hanging around despite two glut spot treatments per week and a 3 day blackout.

So, between the algae issues (which are honestly completely under control, just frustrating) and getting somewhat bored with the scape, I've decided it's getting an overhaul. School has started back and my time at home has and will increase dramatically, so I find myself back at the tank and needing something new. Thought about going to a prototypical nature scape because trimming stems becomes exhausting, but I don't really want to drop a ton of money on new hardscape and what not as I have other things coming up this year I'd be better saving for. I also just wanted to do something completely new, but without a ton of maintenance. SO, as of this weekend, I am permanently rehoming the remaining 8 fish with a local hobbyist. I don't think they'll work well with my next project. This weekend I am going to remove all the hardscape and give it a clean, plant epiphytes in the sub, and absolutely blast CO2 for a few weeks to rid myself of this staghorn. By the end of the month, staghorn or no staghorn, I am going to convert the system to a paludarium. I've never done one, but plan to use that DC pump in the corner w/ two outlets for waterfalls. Going to repurpose the hardscape and section off an emersed bed w the current aquasoil. La Plata sand in the front. Going to try to convert all epiphytes back to emersed growth other than maybe anubias, ferns, and crypts below the water line. Local store has a ton of terrestrial plants so will stock up on some, but likely going to see how my collection of stems does converting back to emersed growth. I'm going to build the structure and situate the schematics before hand so I'll show some photos as I work along. Ideally will throw about 30 chilis in the aquatic portion w/ some RCS.

Big question for anyone who has done this: How easily will the buce and rotala convert back to emersed? Thought about putting a misting system on it since it will remain open top, but not sure it will be needed. Any suggestions for terrestrial or aquatic plants that are easy and or look great in a paludarium?

Edit: It's going to be a riparium. Did some more research and don't think I want to commit to all that Pal. requires.

 

[DeadFish]

Annnnd, here she is. Not completely what I had envisioned, but it turned out nicely and I’m excited to see it mature and do much less trimming. Still need to get some more sand - not quite enough for the crypts so they’re just kinda floating around right now. Probably will grab some more plants & planting baskets for above the water line. Ordered some but package was stolen from the porch. Luckily only $10 and whichever ahole probably wondered why he risked it for some plastic rectangles with suction cups. Staghorn and any hair algae seems to be retreating significantly. Much less organics and much more nutrient uptake w/ the riparian plants. Still running co2. /forum/attachments/img_8439-jpeg.222304/?hash=8c97b8d293c7d8f98fbe848604271ff1

 

[Bradders]

Very nice @DeadFish! Loving that wood.

 

[DeadFish]

Very nice @DeadFish! Loving that wood.

Thank you! That's how I ended up with much more water volume. Saw it for $40 and couldn't pass it up!

 

[DeadFish]

Somehow, after a short stop at Petco (I know - our nice shops are few and far between and typically a day's adventure), I've ended up w/ a breeding pair of Kribensis. Someone donated 45, and for the adoption fee of $1, couldn't say no. Will try to snag photos when I can catch them outside of the big piece of wood. They don't leave each other and they're already going to town it seems 😵

 

[DeadFish]

Not the best photo and a little cloudy from adding some gravel for texture. Some serpaes added as well. Cool fish and one I’ve never kept. Loved the little atomizer/fogger thing, but it throws off my pH probe as a result and creates extra evap, so not really practical.

Couple questions for those of you more familiar with riparium plants than I am: @dw1305 maybe?

Is there a preferred water level for plants above the water line? Currently I’m trying to keep them just at the water line w/ roots submerged, but some leaves manage to find their way into the water. Is this a big issue?

 

[DeadFish]

Finally was able to snag a photo of the Kribs. They’re sneaky fish but seem to be getting more comfortable being out when the lights are one. Did some maintenance and thinned out the moss this weekend. House is starting to look like people actually live in it.

 

[DeadFish]

CO2 finally ran out after 10 mos running - I was going to get it filled and continue as normal, but here I go changing things around again. None of the plants I had growing under the water required CO2 anymore, so I decided to forgo the gas and see how it runs low tech. My expectations for successful plant transition are fairly low considering it was a cold turkey move, but I assume they’ll bounce back. Hoping that the riparian plants prevent a massive algae bloom, but planning to do some good water changes. Also lowered the water line, adjusted some plants, and added a big peace lilly that needed repotted anyway. It’s looking much better to me, and I enjoy the open space at the top with more riparian plants. I grabbed a fern at a garden center this weekend hoping it was a maidenhead, but I’m 95% sure it’s a Boston fern. From what I’ve seen, I can expect it to rot out with the roots submerged, but if anyone has other experience, please let me know. Going to try to find a maidenhead fern, but haven’t seen any locally. Any U.S. users have any experience finding them at Lowe’s / HD etc?

 

[DeadFish]

As it sits today: I’ve added some extra wood I had laying around to add some texture to the top. Added a Korean Rock Fern (Polystitchum) so we’ll see how that goes. Currently have it on the base of the wood w/ moss covering the roots to keep them moist. Unsure how it will do, but it’s only been in for about a week now. Put up a for sale add for the tank on FB marketplace - it’s a long shot, but hoping someone has a Landen 90s or a shallow tank they’re wanting to trade. If not, looking to get a decent offer so I can pick up a shallow tank. Loving the riparium, but I think there’s more to be done with it in a shallow tank. We’ll see. Don’t want to buy another tank, but selling tanks in the U.S. is hard to do. Fingers crossed. Maybe if I get a decent tax return this year I’ll spring for a UNS 60CS. I’d love to put a shallow cube in the corner just to the left of this. Oh, and Kribensis are officially my favorite FW fish. If I could get a UNS 60CS I’d think about rehoming the rest of the fish just to let the Kribs breed.

 

[DeadFish]

Andddddddd, now I’ve this to deal with - honestly, I don’t really have much interest in getting another set up together to separate the fry in a couple weeks. Any chance any of them make it to adulthood if left in the tank? Am I terrible for allowing it to play out? I don’t know. @ScareCrow any suggestions? This is pretty cool though - it’s the first time I’ve ever had fish successfully breed in my tanks.

 

[ScareCrow]

Andddddddd, now I’ve this to deal with - honestly, I don’t really have much interest in getting another set up together to separate the fry in a couple weeks. Any chance any of them make it to adulthood if left in the tank? Am I terrible for allowing it to play out? I don’t know. @ScareCrow any suggestions? This is pretty cool though - it’s the first time I’ve ever had fish successfully breed in my tanks.View attachment 224046

If it's just the tetra and rainbows you have, I think there's a good chance some will survive, just keep an eye on aggression. They normally make really good parents but that does mean they view other fish as a potential threat.
Also between aggression between the male and female. I had a pair of taeniatus where the male became very aggressive to the female so I had to remove him from the tank but the pair of kribs I had before that were so peaceful I didn't realise they had any fry until they were large enough to start following the parents around.
Good luck

 

[DeadFish]

If it's just the tetra and rainbows you have, I think there's a good chance some will survive, just keep an eye on aggression. They normally make really good parents but that does mean they view other fish as a potential threat.
Also between aggression between the male and female. I had a pair of taeniatus where the male became very aggressive to the female so I had to remove him from the tank but the pair of kribs I had before that were so peaceful I didn't realise they had any fry until they were large enough to start following the parents around.
Good luck

Thank you so much for the info! It is just tetras and the three rainbows, but the Kribs are a good bit larger than the rainbows and occupy a much different space - however, it is clear that the other fish know to keep their distance. When watching them last night and this morning, all the other fish are staying to one side of the tank, steering clear of the Kribs. I've been watching them as closely as possible to make sure they don't get too angry at the tetras. It would be cool to see a couple make it to adulthood. I assume the majority will die, fall victim to the intake, or be eaten. Either way, it's quite a cool experience having never seen fish successfully reproduce in any of my tanks.