Return of The Shallow

Tim Harrison

Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Jul 7, 2017
386
340
63
UK
Thanks guys :)
@DutchMuch yes I'll be planting that up as well, probably with some mini/micro type ferns. I'll fill it with Tropica Plant Growth Substrate.

Anyway, some more images - soaked, planted, and cling-filmed...

36795960035_cdf30ae9f0_b.jpg

35986812093_4aa5a5d757_b.jpg

35961298974_3fe04fc59c_b.jpg

35986812053_c1b916e3bd_b.jpg
 

Tim Harrison

Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Jul 7, 2017
386
340
63
UK
The DSM (dry start method) seems to be working well...so far. The methodology has been:

1. Firstly, I added water to a level just below the surface of the substrate, and aim to keep it that way; spraying every day can raise the water level above the top of the substrate.
2. I've kept the tank sealed with clingfilm, but have let fresh air in for 5 minutes every day to replace the old stagnant air, hopefully this will prevent mould.
3. The plants have been sprayed on a daily basis with a dilute fertz solution, about 1ml TNC Complete per 0.33 of a litre; that's the capacity of my sprayer.

It's been around 10 days since the carpet was planted and I'm fairly pleased with the growth rate.
The moss has taken hold as well and appears to be growing; I was worried it wasn't getting enough moisture.
I've also pinched out the tops of the Staurogyne repens, hopefully this will encourage side shots and quicker coverage.

36878142631_6eb19e74da_b.jpg
 

Tim Harrison

Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Jul 7, 2017
386
340
63
UK
Thanks DutchMuch and Jason...this is my first attempt at the DSM so I wasn't sure what to expect regards growth rate, so it's good to get some sort of affirmation that I'm heading in the right direction :)
 

Tim Harrison

Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Jul 7, 2017
386
340
63
UK
Thanks Lovebug, I think it'll probably a be a few more weeks at least before it's ready to flood :)
 

geektom

Junior Poster
Dec 16, 2012
351
328
63
That looks just awesome. That wood is a stunner, but the way you planted it takes it to a whole other level. What stems are you using?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jason King

bshenanagins

Junior Poster
Mar 3, 2017
211
112
43
Please tell me your kidding lol I love Star Wars but this is a bit tacky, and no offense by any means because I really love your tank.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tim Harrison

Tim Harrison

Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Jul 7, 2017
386
340
63
UK
Haha...I know it's probably in very poor taste but it was just waiting to happen, and in the end the temptation just got too much to resist.
But don't worry normal service was resumed very shortly afterward ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: snarkingturtle