60l krib tank

[CaptainBarnicles]

Well I've had a go anyway! I'm a complete noob to plants, at least stem plants, I've done OK with crypts and anubias (pretty hard to kill those to be fair) but I've got a few bits I'm going to try. I'm not running co2, I wouldn't have a clue where to start although I'd love to give it a go too someday! I'm planning a 160l next so if I can keep things alive in here then I may have a think about a high tech system.

The kribs have finally paired up, he was an absolute bully and chased her for days poor thing but he's warmed to her at last!

Sorry about the horrible water marks! ?

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

There's some brown algae on the plants which I was expecting while I get the lighting and ferts right... Do you think I could add a few otos to take care of it or will the kribs kick off? I'm aware the tank isn't as large as it could be... They can always be moved to the 160l when it's ready but they're still small at the mo

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

And just to add...im looking into getting some root tabs, can you lovely fish folk recommend some please?

 

[Mick85]

Get ready to be overrun by krib babies!! Once they pop they don't stop! Nice tank.

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

Oh heck, I guess the LFS will love me for a bit then ? I might do it a couple of times just for the experience then separate them

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

OK, so what's this sword doing? I thought it was making a flower?

 

[itiwhetu]

If you want the Kribs to spawn give them the whole tank, don't worry about a bit of algae. Let them have a good time together. Kribs are usually good parents in a peaceful environment. Don't fuss over them, they will be great on their own.

 

[Colin_T]

OK, so what's this sword doing? I thought it was making a flower? View attachment 135541

Sending up a flower spike. You can either put it in the water and let baby plants grow, or leave it out of water and let it flower, then collect the seeds and sow them to grow more plants.

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

Wow OK, do I just push the spike under? Can I peg it down to the sand?

 

[Colin_T]

Just keep the spike underwater. If you want to add some weights, you can. But be careful because you can break the stem. If it doesn't flex, don't force it, just let it grow up.

The flower spike is still short and they can grow to over 4 feet long.

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

Cool, thanks for the tip!

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

Added some Hygrophila and Marsilea, the algae is cray-cray! I'm hoping adding more plants will do the trick because I don't want to add a clean up crew, the kribs are loving life and they're all dressed up in breeding gear!

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

Diatoms completely took over the tank anbd I couldn't keep on top of the maintenance! So I added some otos ?

They've done a brilliant job over night, almost clear, only what's left on the stone... Although I'm not sure they'll snack on that!

Look how the diatoms are pearling! ?

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

Oooh there seems to be some activity..

They've obviously been digging in their cave because there's a neat little mound outside the entrance....
The female's colours are popping like I've never seen before

And they're both chasing away the cherry barbs... Who knows?! Exciting! ??

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

Still nothing...