125Ltr Rio Needs A Lil Something Else...........

[BethK]

My rio 125 is now up and running but i need more plants, esp as my apistos are coming next week.

Can you suggest what other plants i should add and any cave type ornaments?

thanks

 

[Wills]

I would get something for height either like giant valis or tall bits of wood etc - be careful with that deep sand with those rocks on top it would be very easy for it to go off underneath which is a nightmare (believe me)

 

[BethK]

lol i had that issue in my other tank, so i have put stone underneath, hoping it solves that problem lol

 

[Verminator89]

Try looking at Echinodorus Bleheri, fantastic plant that doesnt require lots of light, CO2 and nutrients. It grows quite big so place it at the back, its recommended because it absorbs lots of excess nutrients keeping algae at bay. Also some tall vallis at the back would go a long way, again an easy plant to keep.

As suggested perhaps some taller wood to add height. If you get some good enough wood thats tall enough you can rest slate up against it making a cave like structure, thats what i did in my last tank.

Also, i'm assuming this is the tank you've just bought yes?

 

[BethK]

yes it is, spent 4hrs yesterday scrubbing, setting up, arranging and filling with water.......i am chuffed to bits cus i personally think it looks fab in my front room

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

I would get something for height either like giant valis or tall bits of wood etc - be careful with that deep sand with those rocks on top it would be very easy for it to go off underneath which is a nightmare (believe me)

I had the same first thought after looking at the nice looking tank, a group of tall plants, things like...

Vallis
Cambomba (which any "veggie fish might light to nibble at , but it goes very quickly)*
Ludwigia glandulosa*
Java fern mother plant on a larger rock or piece of bogwood (perhaps one with a tunnel/cave running throught the middle)

*Reasonably sure they would need a regular carbon source (not neccessarily carbon dioxide system) and fertiliser

 

[BethK]

thanks x

I have 20 Cambomba stalks at the moment, although, it looked more in my 60ltr than the 125ltr i'm sure in another 2 weeks, i can get another 10 stalks, once i cut that back?

I've ordered a ceramic tube cave thingy, so that my apistos have somewhere if they need to spawn, thinking i will block off the back entrance with stones and hide the front with plants?

i'll have a look at bogwood options but at this rate with buying, i may have to wait a few weeks to let my bank a/c recover

 

[ghent_3rd]

Amazon frogbit is awesome, ridiculously fast to grow and looks stunning when the roots are trailing right down into the tank.

 

[arobinson1984]

Hi Beth,

Just on another note, is the stingray the only filter on that tank? I wasn't aware they made a stingray filter big enough for a 125L tank and also I dont like them filters, I find the surface area for the bacteria is tiny.

If it is the only filter you have on the tank, I'd be keeping a very close eye on your stats incase it starts to struggle.



Andy

 

[Verminator89]

Ludwigia glandulosa requires i would say an experienced owner for it to thrive. Not saying she isnt, but in my experience with this plant it requires CO2 injection, a deep substrate to root into and moderate to high lighting. Although it was the very first plant i bought when i started the hobby for the simple fact it looked ace, and it thrived. growing really red with thick leaf veins all the way to the water surface. However, on a second attempt later on when i bought it i couldnt get it to grow. I put it down to beginners luck that first time, but i wouldnt recommend it unless you are looking at dosing ferts + adding CO2 ect.

It is a beautifull plant though when it does well in an aquarium, i'd go as far to say its my favourite. The purple and red colouring look great in contrast to all the green.

 

[BethK]

I've got a new filter enroute, at the moment it's the stingray and a sponge box filter thingy, i keep the air stone running too. I'm changing 40% of the water every 2 days, starting tomorrow. Stats today are at 0, figured if i change every 2 days, until the filter arrives, I should be ok (?)

the ludwig looks lush but i think i will steer clear for a bit, until i get the hang of a tank this size and CO2 stuff.

 

[aly_starh]

Ohh thats cool.

Are the bettas just in there to keep the filter in check or is it another betta sorority

 

[BethK]

same betta sorority, minus 1 just moved them from the 60ltr tank x

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

A large piece of bog wood in the middle would make a nice feature as well.

 

[ZoddyZod]

I agree with one Wills.....nice tall piece of wood for near the center. You could try here, you can order specific pieces.

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/decor-wood-c-414_11_238.html