Something... Something... Shallow UG Tank!

[Wookii]

It’s a rare occasion that any tank in this house gets as much as a cursory look, let alone a strong opinion, so will take it they’re all serious.

What was their objection with the idea? What is plan B with the 1200 then?

 

[Geoffrey Rea]

What was their objection with the idea?

I see a symphony between the stones, a reflection of natural relationships and a carnivorous plant from thousands of miles away in its element, graciously thriving here, in a floating garden.

They see, and this is a quote from the ring leader @Wookii , “a pile of rocks and a crappy wannabe lawn”. 🤣

Think this highlights our difference in opinion, but everyone is entitled to their opinion… The good thing about this lot is you can rely on them to say when something is automatically appealing. No filters. They have no prior conception of what is ‘nice’ in aquascaping.

What is plan B with the 1200 then?

Well plan A was to completely shut down the 1200, but a couple of friends dissuaded that idea and our youngest son put up an objection as he likes reading in front of the tank. Plan B was to turn the 1200 into a marine setup and return the 600 to freshwater instead, but the love of planted is greater than the love of coral around here. Plan C was to scrap plan A and B then just do an Iwagumi to keep life simple.

So really this is plan D and quite frankly feel like drowning myself in the 1200 instead and calling it a day 😂 Can’t do it in the 45F… too shallow.

 

[Garuf]

So really this is plan D and quite frankly feel like drowning myself in the 1200 instead and calling it a day 😂 Can’t do it in the 45F… too shallow.

Oh… you’d be surprised.

 

[Geoffrey Rea]

Still trucking, always the same, running clean:



Coming up to 16 months and not sure there’s much else to say about Utricularia graminifolia that hasn’t been covered in this journal already.

Will report back at 18 months and 2 years but suspect this is it ongoing. One water change per month, infrequent Protegen/spirulina addition, micros and K as and when… Perfect desktop tank that requires little care.

 

[Geoffrey Rea]

Change of plan, 17 month update…

Nothing significant had changed with the Utricularia graminifolia. It’s on that point where carrying the scape on seemed moot.

Tearing down you can see how well rooted the stolons were:



You can see the bladders beneath the substrate are extensive:



There was a fair bit of wildlife in the substrate feeding the UG, with plenty of bladders to capture prey:



The carpet has remained healthy to the last day:



Hopefully this journal has been useful to anyone wanting to grow Utricularia graminifolia. Very easy going carnivorous plant once established, sort of lends itself to Iwagumi style very well.

Full circle back to the beginning:

 

[Guest]

Think anyone would be hard pressed to find such a well documented and successful methodology for growing what many consider a mysterious and temperamental plant.

 

[G H Nelson]

Congratulations Geoffrey, a well done in depth journal.
The team have voted that this journal to be moved to the Featured Journals

 

[Guest]

Congratulations Geoff, very well deserved 👍

 

[Geoffrey Rea]

Thank you for the move to Featured Journals folks. Hopefully it helps someone on their way with Utricularia graminifolia.