Calling All Riccia Experts!

[Dave Spencer]

OK, I am almost 100% certain that my 120l 3.4WPG EI stem jungle tank is going to be broken down in the near future and redone with 1.7WPG for ten hours and a 3.4WPG mid photoperiod burst.

What I am looking to do is something along the lines of a 90% - 100% Riccia ground covering, with a slate base of Riccia to work from, adding various sized Riccia covered rocks and stones to give an undulating effect.

My main concern is would it be OK to cover the existing Argos playsand substrate, or would it be best to remove it (BGA)?

If I remove the sand, would it be necessary to have any kind of substrate at all, bearing in mind the vast majority of the ground is going to be covered by slate?

The aquarium base is 60cm X 40cm, so how much Riccia will I need?

Where is the beat place to get Riccia from?

Should I go for Riccia fluitans or dwarf Riccia?

Cheers, Dave.

 

[RadaR]

My main concern is would it be OK to cover the existing Argos playsand substrate, or would it be best to remove it (BGA)?

How deep is the sand? If it's only and ich (which I doubt) then I'd just place the slate ontop.

If I remove the sand, would it be necessary to have any kind of substrate at all, bearing in mind the vast majority of the ground is going to be covered by slate?

Not really necessary, it's down to personal preference. Personally I would have a small layer of something.

The aquarium base is 60cm X 40cm, so how much Riccia will I need?

Alot! I'd like to end up with enough to cover about 60x50cm. You may bot not need to buy it in one big go though. Float some on the top and it grows like crazy.

Where is the beat place to get Riccia from?

Id go for AE. I think you will get more for your money, and it will be puka stuff. I got a good amount of java moss from them, so I would assume you would get a good amount of riccia. George got dwarf riccia from AE, he knows how much you get per bag. On Greenline its about £3 for 3cm square, atm it's sold out.

Should I go for Riccia fluitans or dwarf Riccia?

Which ever one you like the look of and what you are prepared to pay. I think dwarf riccia would look ace! If they looked alot different from one another then I would get both.

 

[SuperColey1]

My main concern is would it be OK to cover the existing Argos playsand substrate, or would it be best to remove it (BGA)?

I have mine covering the playsand and don't get problems with it BUT I do have MTS roving through the sand. Who knows. Also If the slate is covering it then no mulm or food etc will break down under the slate etc.

If I remove the sand, would it be necessary to have any kind of substrate at all, bearing in mind the vast majority of the ground is going to be covered by slate?

I would suggest at least a small layer of something as one false move when doing anything else in the tank could result in a crack.

The aquarium base is 60cm X 40cm, so how much Riccia will I need?

If you buy or get a tennis ball size and float it under bright lights for a month (with the usual egeria etc algae busters under neath) It should be at least half way to filling the surface. this is normally your best bet as when the surface is full you have enough.

Where is the beat place to get Riccia from?

1st choice would be someone on here like Jimboo (I have plans for all mine) or SmithRC. Second choice would be ebay. Or you could send an email to pleco aquatics on ebay as I know Marcus has loads of it growing in his tanks and should give you a discount on a bulk sale.

Should I go for Riccia fluitans or dwarf Riccia?

Definately Fluitans. If you get Dwarf Riccia it is much more compact and you have to take the netting apart and remove the bottom layer which dies off every few months. Fluitans you just trim it like giving a haircut, so as long as the hairnets are holding you can leave it and just trim whenever needed.

Also if there are just a few sprigs of fluitans mixed in with the dwarf they will look silly as they grow through the Dwarf Riccia and make it look scruffy.


Good luck matey
Andy

 

[Dave Spencer]

Thanks for the quality replies chaps . I think leaving some sand down to protect the glass whilst pratting about with slate is good advice to a clumsy pillock like me.

Dave.