Big Al's DYMAX Planted Pico (New Update!)

Discussion in 'Big Al's Online' started by Big Al's Online, May 19, 2010.

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  1. Wrasse Fan

    Wrasse Fan Spaghetti Worm

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    I must say your thread has made me want to buy this tank from your site to do the same thing, I remember when this tank first showed up on the site the only way you could get one was through ebay from Great Britain for like $100 altogether...glad you put the item number in;) it's on the list of things to buy.
     
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  3. Big Al's Online

    Big Al's Online 3reef Sponsor

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    Not a problem! :)
     
  4. Unaidedsoul

    Unaidedsoul Astrea Snail

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    What a gorgeous tank! I love it!
    makes me want to go get one ;D
     
  5. Big Al's Online

    Big Al's Online 3reef Sponsor

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    As we get closer to needing a trimming in the Dymax, tools are becoming more important. Luckily we already carry some great tools by Underwater Treasures for just such an aquarium.

    For trimming, planting, moving, fussing about in a pico tank, it is much easy to do with tools that are thin and durable. We can't imagine going fingers first into the Dymax to try and fix something that has moved without completely overflowing the aquarium and knocking things over. The very thin stainless steel tongs (straight & curved) are a godsend for just such a situation, along with the stainless steel scissors (straight & curved).

    We have taken a few pictures to show just how long and thin these tools are; it will be easy to see how much of a perfect fit they are for this pico aquarium, or any small planted or reef aquarium. In the first photo, we have placed the ZooMed feeding tongs we were using previously above the new underwater treasures line. It may not be easy to see but they are a bit longer and much thinner which makes them a lot easier to maneuver.

    [​IMG]

    To show their length in comparison to the height of the aquarium
    [​IMG]

    Lastly, the reason I enjoy thin curved scissors for planted aquariums
    [​IMG]



    Here are the item numbers: (I will add these to the first post as well)

    Scissors Curved - #23690

    Scissors Straight -
    #23689

    Tongs Curved -
    #23688

    Tongs Straight -
    #23687



    Our next post will hopefully include some step by step maintenance photos including how to set up your java moss on drift wood to get that classic Amano look.
     
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  6. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Loving your layout in there. Looks great. Any updates?
     
  7. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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  9. Big Al's Online

    Big Al's Online 3reef Sponsor

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    We should have an update on it this week. It's in dire need of trimming; we are hoping to have some time today to clean it up and take some photos.
     
  10. jakeh24

    jakeh24 Pajama Cardinal

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    you guys should get some freshwater shrimp in their :D
     
  11. Big Al's Online

    Big Al's Online 3reef Sponsor

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    After an hour or so of tedious work, the Dymax has had its first round of maintenance including a water change, plant trimming, algae scrubbing, addition of a new plant (small anubias sp.) and some Javamoss/Driftwood art.

    First we will start with the "before" picture - It's easy to see that things have gotten a little overgrown.
    [​IMG]

    Next, the post-maintenance photo - Much cleaner, but now looking fairly new again and in need of a little growth. Cloudiness is from mucking about with the plants.
    [​IMG]

    The day after, things are looking much better. Still in need of growth, but at least it looks clean and healthy!
    [​IMG]



    I am sure you have noticed the thread wrapped around the driftwood in the new photos. This is a method that is fairly common, and is used to give the driftwood (or any object) that "Amano" style fluffy Java moss coverage. Typically we would use a darker brown or green thread/line, but we opted to use something easy to see for the purpose of showing you folks how we do it!

    Here is an easy step by step:

    First we remove the loose java moss from the driftwood, allowing only the portions that are holding tightly to remain
    [​IMG]

    Next we start to gently pull apart the Java moss and spread it evenly and sparsely on the areas of the driftwood we wish for it to grow on.
    [​IMG]

    We make sure that it is as even as possible without cluttering the area. You should be able to see the driftwood between the moss.
    [​IMG]

    Next we wrap the moss against the wood to hold it in place. You can wrap it as many times as necessary. You can also wrap it in layers adding more moss after the first wrap.
    [​IMG]

    You can also warp other plants to the driftwood. We added a small piece of young anubias. When wrapping anubias, wrap the thread around the rhizome of the plant firmly, but make sure not to cut into it with the thread. Two or three wraps should be enough to hold it firmly in place.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    The last step is to submerse the wood and trim the java moss down so that it does not stick out too far. You want any strands longer than 1/4" to be trimmed down. The idea is to encourage the moss to attach to the wood and then start growing outward. This will create that fluffy fern-like look.
    [​IMG]




    We will keep you updated with how the Dymax's progress is going, including progress photos of the java moss!
    Hope you enjoyed the update
    [​IMG]
     
  12. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Cool tips with the Java Moss. 8) You are becoming quite the Gardner - looks great!