Newbie questions

[ButtNekkid]

Hi all,

Nothing of importance here, just wanted to share latest investments.

 

[rasmusW]

Looks great, but what kinda leaves are they?

Ohh! And remember to post a picture of them in use.

-r

 

[ButtNekkid]

Hi,

Those are Magnolia leaves and will post pictures when that flower sinks.
Absolutely beautiful in my opinion.

Aquatic Botanicals: Coco Palm Flowers - Blackwater Biotope Aquarium

These large woody coco flowers are another favourite of ours. They are not only aesthetically pleasing they can be used to make shelters for your blackwater aquarium inhabitants. They also last a long time in the aquarium and really add a touch of realism to your blackwater aquascape.

www.castledawnaquatics.com

 

[ButtNekkid]

Hi all,

As promised:

 

[rasmusW]

If its not too much to ask, i’d like to see a front view of the tank.

-r

 

[anewbie]

Are magnolia trees leaf aquarium safe? I mean i ahve like a gazillion of them everywhere.

 

[Ben Rhau]

Are magnolia trees leaf aquarium safe? I mean i ahve like a gazillion of them everywhere.

Yes, and in my experience they take a very long time to break down. Maybe boil them first.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Are magnolia trees leaf aquarium safe? I mean i ahve like a gazillion of them everywhere.

Both evergreen and deciduous Magnolia leaves are fine to use. I've used both.

Yes, and in my experience they take a very long time to break down. Maybe boil them first.

I only have <"experience of M. grandiflora"> as an evergreen and those leaves are very persistent. I don't treat them, I just give them a rinse and chuck them in.

They use them as <"decor, and spawning sites, for Dart Frogs">, so I was pretty sure they would be all right <"https://dartfrogconnection.com/dfc-products/leaf-litter.html/leaves-magnolia-4-qt.html">.

Deciduous Magnolia leaves are very different, they must be extremely palatable, because they <"skeletonize"> really quickly.

cheers Darrel

 

[Ben Rhau]

I only have <"experience of M. grandiflora"> as an evergreen and those leaves are very persistent. I don't treat them, I just give them a rinse and chuck them in.

Yes, these are the ones I've used. The reason I suggest boiling is that the leaves persist and don't stain the water much. I'd like to get things moving a little faster by breaking them down a little first.

 

[ButtNekkid]

Hi,

Has anyone found a good way of keeping floating plants in a certain part of the surface?
Something that will adjust to the water level. And if possible, no suction cups.

 

[MacZ]

Air hose, fishing line, clear tape.

 

[Ben Rhau]

I’ve used air hose before to keep plants separated from the air pump output. But I always had protein scum accumulate on the still portion, so I eventually stopped doing it.