Back from holiday (had an amazing time), and the tank was overflowing with growth! The bulb had taken over the middle of the tank, and the water sprite the rest; whilst the Java Ferns showed noticable growth, as well as the crypts, HM, etc.
So yesterday, I set about the overhall. A laterite base, with sand on top, then more or less the same layout, hardscape-wise. As for the plants, I've got rid of the water sprite, taken out the Java Moss tiles, removed the overgrown bulb, and replaced it with a bulb with much less growth in the back left corner (hoping to "bonsai" this one - anyone with any advice on how?). The H. Polysperma I've put along the back, with a view to it eventually covering the heater, and also in an attempt to, overtime, "merge" the two pieces of wood as a bridge between them. With the HM I've tried a new planting style (horizontally) in an effort to encourage it to grow sideways, so it should be interesting to see how it responds.
I also changed one of the Tropical bulbs for a Freshwater one, and I like the effect it gives *so* much more. The shrimp as well as the plants seem far more attractive. Whilst at the LFS today, I also invested in four Ottos, and they've immediately got to work clearing all the algae off the crypts that had accumalated whilst I was away.
I think I learnt a fair amount during the first "phase" of this tank, so hopefully now it should prosper (as always, with the assistance of the TFF'ers
)
Thanks again,
Rob.