I'm sure this is not your typical planted tank :)

[svtcontour]

...its the best I can do to keep plants alive. I prefer tanks that are not too brightly light up because I suspect that in the fish's natural habitat, the sun does not shine so bright in the water. Anyway this is the setup and I think the fish like it

[Calmer]

Okay I have been looking at the tank pictures for quite a while and I like it. The chaos of the roots in the water contrasts nicely with the pothos ivy growing on the outside. It has a very natural look about it. The fish must never get bored swimming and playing together amongst all of the roots. The tank water probably is pristine with the ivy taking in a lot of nutrients. The ivy also purifies the air in the room as well. No need for co2 injection to grow plants as it is already in the air and water. Algae would be non existent. A very low maintenance tank and plant - just add water.

[Prodicus]

Nice tank!

[pat3612]

I think thats neat, what a good idea, I bet those fish are happy. Nice fish by the way.

[Grafix Ink.]

wow... like it alot...

[svtcontour]

Wow you were bang on with everything you said. Impressive

The fish do love it, they dart through the roots while chasing each other (mostly the congos) and I can tell they like doing that as they could easily just go where there are no roots but they shoot straight for them.

Water quality has gotten way better since the plants went in and of course I dont need any crazy lighting to keep them alive (only a single 40w flourescent is enough) and like you said, not a spec of algae Incredibly low maintenance.

PS. The plants I've had for about 5 years. There are more of them in my 47 gallon...I had to take some out of this tank because it was getting to be too much

Originally Posted by Calmer

Okay I have been looking at the tank pictures for quite a while and I like it. The chaos of the roots in the water contrasts nicely with the pothos ivy growing on the outside. It has a very natural look about it. The fish must never get bored swimming and playing together amongst all of the roots. The tank water probably is pristine with the ivy taking in a lot of nutrients. The ivy also purifies the air in the room as well. No need for co2 injection to grow plants as it is already in the air and water. Algae would be non existent. A very low maintenance tank and plant - just add water.

[svtcontour]

Thanks everyone for the nice comments. I really like doing the tanks this way..for about 5-6 years I've been doing this and it makes the water quality much better. You dont need to add this many plants to keep the water quality good either, I just like the look of it this way. I find even a single vine helps tons

[JamesG]

Great tank! Second thing to come to mind is that it would make a great shrimp tank. With all of those roots twisting around you give them lots of space to graze and not be in a constant territory battle. Also, the excellent water clarity gives you a better view of your creatures.

This sure beats having duckweed for the "I have no algae because I also have plants that are getting CO2 from the air not just water" coefficient.

[Chris S]

I like it, looks great!

[svtcontour]

Thats a great idea. I might just have to get some shrimp down the road. I'm planning on getting a 220G or larger sometime later this year so once I do that, I'll add some shrimp. I just hope the congos and clown loach wont nibble on the little guys.

Originally Posted by JamesG

Great tank! Second thing to come to mind is that it would make a great shrimp tank. With all of those roots twisting around you give them lots of space to graze and not be in a constant territory battle. Also, the excellent water clarity gives you a better view of your creatures.

This sure beats having duckweed for the "I have no algae because I also have plants that are getting CO2 from the air not just water" coefficient.