Got Some Goodies!

[Squirrelbuddies]

I stopped by one of my two favorite LFS' today and traded in my lace rocks for a 10.5 pound chunk of petrified wood. Also picked up a nice looking aponogeton ulvaceus.

Plus, yesterday while on the lake, I found some nice looking (and very smooth) small stones. They are much smaller than 3mm gravel. I brought home about 15 pounds to start.

Here's the chunk of petrified wood. It's about 10 inches wide and 6 inches tall:

And here are the tiny stones:

Here's a comparison to 3mm gravel which is on the left:

The lake stones should be fine to use as long as they are thoroughly washed, right? (I'll test pH, too.) I was thinking instead of tearing down the 38 gallon, I'd convert it to a plants only, open-topped setup. These stones would be perfect for the substrate. *runs off to research plants that grow above the water line*

I haven't decided which tank to put the petrified wood in yet...I planted the aponogeton in the 72 gallon.

 

[dasmall1]

Very nice find. Were the stones just sitting there on the side of the lake? If you have it or can find it, soak the stones in a 10% solution of potassium permanganate.

Edit: spelling

 

[lljdma06]

*runs off to research plants that grow above the water line*

How 'bout kicking it up a notch? Open-top you say? Go for the plants that flower. Lotus, barclaya, and many echinodorus species have absolutely stunning flowers that appear above the water line. The flowers of several echinodorus species resemble phalenopsis orchids, and lotus blossoms are just stunning. For contrast, anubias and crypts often have very pretty flowers that will grow well in the shade provided by the lotus leaves. Several orchids are also plants that can be mounted on a jutting piece of bogwood.

Knock yourself out. That gravel does look great, make sure you test it first before you slap it in a tank.

llj

 

[PaulEbs]

You could add some beautiful lily pads - their flowers are amazing!

I've always liked the idea of an open-top plant display tank, and from what I've seen - having a huge bit of bogwood or big rocks sticking out the top looks amazing. You could grow willow moss on the bits sticking out, would give such a natural feel to the tank.

Keep us updated with pics, that bit of wood you traded for looks lovely - would like to see it in place!

Paul.