Did a water change today and trimmed back some of the rotala that was getting leggy. While I was in there moving things around for the trim I spotted a tiny shrimp, way smaller than the adults, definitely a baby crystal red. Didn't even know they'd bred yet so that was a nice surprise mid cleaning. Water level's a bit low right now with the bucket still sitting next to it, plants look good after the trim though, a lot more open where I cut back. Ramshorns were all over the glass while I had the water down too, little guys never miss a chance to graze when the levels change.
After trim + water changePhoto Date
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shrimp are in!
Added the crystal red shrimp today, first livestock in the tank. Floated them a bit before letting them out and just sat there watching, they scattered into the plants almost immediately which I guess is normal for shrimp being so small and paranoid. Spotted maybe three of them poking around the hygrophila within the first few minutes, rest are probably hiding in the spiderwood somewhere. Carpet area is coming along nicely but still has some gaps, moss is getting thicker though. Such a different feeling having something actually living in there now instead of just plants growing on their own.
First fish going inPhoto Date
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cycling and impatient
Two weeks in now and still no shrimp, just water and wood and plants slowly settling in. I know for a tank this size things can actually move quicker than a big tank but it still feels slow when you're checking on it every day. Keep telling myself not to rush the crystal reds in early since they're way less forgiving than fish when it comes to water quality. Plants seem to be adjusting fine at least, rotala is pushing new growth which is a good distraction while I let this ride out.
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water's in
Filled it up, filter running, nothing alive in there yet.
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dry start, day one
Got the spiderwood placed today, no water in yet. Rinsed the substrate outside first because that stuff clouds everything up if you don't, still had a bit of dust left over in the bag. Arranged the wood a couple different ways before settling on something I liked, wanted it to look natural in such a small footprint which is harder than it sounds when you only have 3 gallons to work with. Bare substrate right now, no plants in yet really, maybe a couple tiny plantlets tucked in just to hold them until I do the real planting. Small tank but somehow still took me an hour to get the layout right.
