Leaderboard

Caridina confusa set-up The tank was originally set-up for zebs. So it has a Quartz/granite sand base, with larger pieces on granite stacked on top. The tank was cycled for six weeks before the shrimp went in, using a large aqua one sponge filter that now resides in the left rear corner. Water parameters are maintained the same as zebs, TDS 20 - 40, KH and GH < 1, temp 20-22. I use RO water and Salty Shrimp minerals for water changes. Since the shrimp went in, I added a massive bolbitis that fills up most of the tank and a native fern. Also added an AZOO HOB filter for extra current. The black rocks down the front have mini bolbitis and a freshwater bubble algae that come from similar water parameters (see my video on Caridina longirostris to see the bubble algae in the wild). There is also a mulberry leaf decomposing amongst the bolbitis, but I haven't seen the shrimp eating it, so I won't be adding it again. The tank is lit with an Aqua Pro Z 60cm, which spans two tanks as my tanks sit end-on on the rack (from memory, the tank is 1*1*1.5 ft). There is getting to be a nice cover of algae on the walls, but there is a bit of hair algae developing on the bolbitis.

Some pictures of my pintos And some pinto hybrids

Hey, you've given more info than most of us had! I was half hoping emersed would be a way to expand the moss collection without having 10 shelves and about 50 suction cups stuck to the sides of my main planted tank. It was once sorta decently aquascaped and is now mostly a whole lot of plants vying for the relatively small space. Thanks for sharing and I hope you keep at it. I may be able to do my own experiments once it gets warm enough (no greenhouse, much sadness).

The greenhouse is 8m by 4m and was built by a few local builders who were doing a bit of work on the house at the time. Heavy-duty plastic was stretched over the metal skeleton and 70% shade cloth was put over that. Nothing high-tech. Here is a photo from a few months ago... I'm kicking myself that I'm not able to give you a better answer, but it would seem that from the little and quite unreliable testing I've done that submerse with CO2 and high light would be the best way to go.

I caught these rainbows a fair while ago now from a couple of local creeks, they started off as tiny indistinct fish but have grown to impressive near plate (ok breadplate) size. If they keep growing I fear the 4ft tank wont be big enough and the 1000L pond might have to become their new home. Hopefully they wont need moving until I can either rehome the endlers or I can find another endler population control.

Bravo!

I recently acquired a couple of 3D moss ledges from @newbreed Aquatics (https://newbreedaquatics.com.au/planted-tanks/aquascaping-tools) with the thought of trialing them and organising my moss collection neatly. When I received them, I was impressed with the quality of the mesh and didn't want to use them for the 'common' moss like java, peacock, flame, etc. so I kept them aside and told myself to look for a 'worthy' moss for it when I get a chance. Fast forward to this week, I was fortunate enough to be offered some rare cameroon moss from a generous SKF member. That's right... you can see where this is leading to. The mesh is made of a thick plastic material and feels really sturdy, unlike typical stainless steel mesh which is flimsy and bends easily. This makes holding and working with it easy and comfortable, especially with my big clumsy fingers. The mesh can be detached from the suction cup by twisting it 90 degrees and pulling it out. This means the suction cup could be left on the glass if you want to only remove the mesh for trimming/propagating the moss. Perhaps this would prolong the lifespan of the suction cup. Only time will tell. The edge of the mesh has notches which makes tying the mesh extremely easy and neat. I really like it. I generally do not trust suction cups... e.g. heater suction cups, metacube suction cups, etc. and this is no exception. While the suction cup is of a typical size (wish it is larger), it is soft, supple and feels quality, unlike some hard rubbery suction cups that come with cheap heaters. The suction cup stuck on to the glass without any issue, and time will tell if it will hold up well. I am reserving my verdict for the suction cup at this stage. Overall, I am quite pleased with this moss ledge, especially how easy it is to hold, work with it, and tie it guided by those notches. Aesthetically, I would have preferred a white or transparent suction cup.  A suggestion perhaps is to sell replacement suction cups separately should they are required to be replaced, especially since the suction cup is designed to fit the rectangular groove of the mesh. A well thought out product, quality made and well priced.