Shallow UNS 60S with Succulent Isle

squatchaquarist

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This little tank is a squat ten gallons. I’ve been building an island structure with rock, pond foam, and egg crate, with a waterproof pot hidden inside. Within, I’d like to try a few succulents planted above the water line. Probably “hens and chicks” to start. We will see what tolerates the light and possible salt creep the best. I am hoping that I have created enough barriers between the plants and the water to keep the salt in check.

I’m thinking of rock flower nems, macros, and small cool inverts for the submerged portion.

Flow will be achieved with a good powerhead, and lighted with either an AI Prime or a freshwater light.

Here we are so far! Playing around with possibly arranging driftwood and other sea ephemera on the high point. I will hide the heater behind the island.

The black parts will be hidden with a resin/sand mixture.

Still undecided on small rock placement, as well as the general shape of the island itself. It is almost taking up too much space and still requires balance. But, I could see potential for it to become swathed in macros, flowers, zoas, maybe mushrooms...

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This little tank is a squat ten gallons. I’ve been building an island structure with rock, pond foam, and egg crate, with a waterproof pot hidden inside. Within, I’d like to try a few succulents planted above the water line. Probably “hens and chicks” to start. We will see what tolerates the light and possible salt creep the best. I am hoping that I have created enough barriers between the plants and the water to keep the salt in check.

I’m thinking of rock flower nems, macros, and small cool inverts for the submerged portion.

Flow will be achieved with a good powerhead, and lighted with either an AI Prime or a freshwater light.

Here we are so far! Playing around with possibly arranging driftwood and other sea ephemera on the high point. I will hide the heater behind the island.

The black parts will be hidden with a resin/sand mixture.

Still undecided on small rock placement, as well as the general shape of the island itself. It is almost taking up too much space and still requires balance. But, I could see potential for it to become swathed in macros, flowers, zoas, maybe mushrooms...

14385A0F-8DF4-42CF-9F26-57FB744A0A55.jpeg 323995D2-73B9-487E-B090-5610E3ED4BCA.jpeg 80E66C2A-DE4C-4C3A-9D7F-096FFDAEE697.jpeg AC06A578-08A9-4BB0-A7A2-5EBBD5F32E67.jpeg 74606BAE-DE22-41AE-B735-BD0994A04CAC.jpeg 1256718F-6510-4D46-A388-A710884B0548.jpeg
 
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squatchaquarist

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They aren’t lying when they say pond foam floats. I thought the resin and rocks would be heavy enough...

My hollow volcano is now an interesting outdoors succulent container in the garden.

I’m still planning on building a raised “planted” area, but for now I’m fiddling around with macros and mangroves. Expecting shoal grass soon, too. No mud but I will deepen the sand on one end of the tank for sure.

Picked up an order of Gulf Live Rock, but an error was made and it was not shipped overnight in water like we agreed upon. I had wanted to preserve as much life as possible to replenish my DT and add to this small tank.

Oh well. He said he would send more as freight when he could. Meanwhile, I have a plastic tote with heated water ready to receive the mistakenly-shipped-as-2-day rock tomorrow. Might still be survivors!

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wcroft987

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Super cool idea! Sorry to hear about your floating island. Are you going to add fish/ inverts to the tank? Looks great!!
 
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squatchaquarist

squatchaquarist

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Received my mistakenly sent via snail mail live rock today. I’m still unhappy about this, but let’s see what bounces back. I have the lot sitting in a shallow acrylic container with heat and a bit of water movement while I monitor things. Placed a few drops of conditioner in already and blew off the rocks with a baster. No moving critters, except for some stalwart bivalves already opening to take in the water.

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squatchaquarist

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I picked out three of the rocks with the most potential, and found a local reefer to take the rest. Did a 100% water change on those yesterday to keep ammonia in check. Saw a dead cuke which wasn ‘t helping anything.
The 60S has been stable. I’ll likely move these rocks over to the 75g once it is ready for my 50g reef transfer. For now, everything is chilling. Definitely not scaped right now.
These lights are way less yellow in person!
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squatchaquarist

squatchaquarist

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Arranged the rock in a different configuration and added shoal grass, two hermits, and a nerite. The nerite enjoys the pseudo island, fingers crossed she doesn’t end up under my bed.

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