Shoal & Stem
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Full Tank Log

· 13 entries
Inspiration

Trimming plants

Removed some of the duckweed and plenty of the hornwort because it was a bit out of control. Everything else is coming in really well. I think the c02 made all the difference. Next stop: upgraded lighting. I like the current light bar just fine but a
Trim & reshape

Trimmed plants

Removed copious quantities of giant duckweed and hornwort. Some algae growth present but mostly taken care of by bladder snails. The amount of bladder snails seems pretty in control at this point. Added fertilizer and some extra tannins. C02 going re
Update

C02 diffusion

I sort of accidentally received a nano desktop c02 system recently, (specifically the “NovAbyss complete desktop c02 system), so I’m trialing this in my tank. No idea if I will keep it long term but I’m hoping for some serious plant growth in the mea
Solution

Fertilizer

Added 3ml fertilizer due to plant curling.
Update

Fertilizer

Added fertilizer. I am considering doubling my fertilizer at this time as I am consistently having some issues with plants running low on nutrients. Curling leaves normally indicates a low amount of boron in the water. I may have exceeded my ability
Update

Pothos!

Added new pothos plants to aquarium, courtesy of plant clips. Had to cut lid to fit. There are currently two of them but may move one to new tank when it’s a little more set up.
Update

Added fertilizer and tannins

Added Seachem Flourish and bottled Tannin tea
Trim & reshape

Trimming plants

Trimmed back hornwort and removed copious amounts of duckweed. Trimmed amazon swords and removed dead Amazon sword fern section. Added pre filter sponge to HOB. Added fertilizer and Prime.
Solution

PH swing

Note: I am fairly certain that the only reason my ph seems to higher today is due to using cheap test strips to test instead of the API freshwater master test kit I normally use. An overnight swing makes little sense otherwise when nothing else has b
Solution

Rebuilt HOB filter.

Removed carbon filled cartridge and replaced with vast quantities of sponge and floss with some ceramic cones at the bottom. Carbon seemed to be leaching tannins from tank and was not needed long term.
Update

Cattapa leaves and alder cones

Added large whole Indian almond leaf and several alder cones to tank in order to add tannins.
Problem

Hornwort and duckweed

Need to trim back some of the hornwort soon. Duckweed is increasing as well. Lighting seems to be perking up most of the plants now that I have added a proper RGB lightbar. Need to trim back lid to accommodate HOB better.
Update

Plants

Added weekly complete fertilizer. Need to trim plants. Algae is finally reducing.