First real (trial) build. Plant suggestions?

[Firewithin]

Long story short...my original huge project was forced onto the sidelines after a serious emergency involving major (and costly) home repairs. I was devastated. I had everything collected and the build started...and now it's on hold till next summer. Then I found this sucker at a yard sale. Exo Terra 11.8"x11.8" (roughly)...for 13 bucks.

Anyway...I had to use what was on hand, and this is the result. Im looking for plant suggestions, both aquatic and not. Im thinking of hanging an led light as well but would also like suggestions because we are super strained financially.

I really love moss and am hoping to grow it over the edge of the land portion so that it hangs naturally (with time). This a super tiny tank so i need plants that do well in this micro environment.

Not looking to add any animals other than a fish. However...maybe one day when its established? Im thinking it may be too small.

Hope they came out ok because im using my ipod and it's a pain see what's what on this thing!

Pics are taken right after I set it up.






Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[deranged chipmunk]

What kind of look are you going for? South American? Se Asian? African? American swampland? Woodland?

What kind of fish are you planning on keeping? It's a bit small for anything other than a micro fish, like chili rasboras or something similar in size.

Pretty much any aquatic moss will grow on your transition. Java is the easiest, but there are others that would grow nice there. The only one I would recommend against is fissidens fontanus. It grows great submerged, but not so much so emersed.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[deranged chipmunk]

As far as lighting, check out the LEDs at aquatraders.com they are currently running a sale and most things ship free.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[DigitalPunk]

I also found some Beamswork LED lights on Amazon on sale for crazy prices.

You could keep a pair of thumbnail darts in there when you are ready, they are also super tiny

[Firewithin]

Thanks for the website, Bill! Thinking of going with the Beamswork Clip-On LED Aquarium Light 1W 6500K since I have such a small viv but I'll shop around and make sure I can't get it any cheaper first. Amazon included

As far as fish go, I'm definately going micro size. But first I'm working on the plants. I've decided to give weeping moss a go and I've just ordered some springtails.

I'll keep the thumbnails in mind Paul! Thanks

[deranged chipmunk]

The clip on would be perfect, as long as there's a place to clamp on to. Otherwise you'll have to get creative on mounting.

Weeping moss is a great choice. I've been growing some out to add to one of my tanks. It's by far one of my fav aquatic mosses.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[deranged chipmunk]

Another good choice for a transition plant would be hc. I can never remember the whole Latin name, hermianthis callicothoides, or something like that. It grows emersed extremely well. I even have it growing as an epiphyte in my 18x18 grow out tank.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[chibikaie]

Ooooh, those Beamsworks LEDs look nifty!

[Firewithin]

Do you mean hemianthus callitrichoides (dwarf baby tears)? They look quite cute... I think I saw them at petsmart as well and considered looking the plant up. I do have two anubias barteri var. nana plants that seem to be doing ok so far. One is mostly submerged and the roots are woven through the bit of malaysian driftwood I have that sits partially under the waterfall. It has a few leaves above the water and no wilting or discoloration (yet). The other one is completely submerged, but also attached to the wood and they are both partially shaded from direct light.

Turns out the light was cheaper through the website with free shipping so I went ahead and ordered it. This viv sits on my desk, which has a book shelf that runs across the top of it. I plan on mounting the clip under that bookshelf and hanging the light upside down. I can even mount it on the right wall of the second bookshelf if need be (the desk is caged in with a bookshelf on either side, as well as above). I wanted the viv here so that I could watch it while I worked on my laptop. The little waterfall sound is so soothing.

[deranged chipmunk]

Yeah, that's the one. The one stupid Latin name I can never remember and I have used that plant pretty extensively over the years lol

Can you post a pic or to of the planted set up after you receive the light?


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Firewithin]

Absolutely. The light I have now says it's for plants, but I really hate how weak it is and honestly, I think it's supposed to be for corals. Way too much blue. Once the light and plants come in I'll snap a few shots and post them. I am quite upset though. USPS lost my box of springtails. It was supposed to be a "hold for pick-up" but they really screwed up. If they can't find my package, it'll have to be reshipped. Graw.

[Firewithin]

Oh! And I was debating on going with a Neoregelia 'Tiger Cub' From Josh's Frogs. Has anyone had any experience with this plant? I'm mainly concerned with the overall size.

[DigitalPunk]

That bromeliad stays relatively small 5" across or so. They grow pretty slow. I think it would look great in there

[Firewithin]

Thanks, Paul. I'll give it a try and order it as soon as the lights come in The springtails finally came in. I had to send the post office on a scavenger hunt but I wasn't leaving without that package. Turns out someone stocked it on the wrong shelf Oh well. Speaking of...how prolific are these little critters? Will they reproduce on their own or do I need to add any supplements to keep them going? They came in a little deli cup with compost, which I added right to the viv. I already had some light mold starting to grow, so I simply sprinkled the stuff over it in an even layer. I like it. Makes the ground portion look more natural. I'm also wondering if I should add more than just springtails?? Hmm...