Project Description
Entry #9 Mr. Anant Tangdamronboon
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15400447_1829169783992300_80526699826239410_n_300.jpg)
Mr. Anant Tangdamronboon
The Thai version can be found here:
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15492089_1829158610660084_2660199824532985477_n_800.jpg)
Thank you to all the sponsors that make this even happen.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15589950_1832921896950422_5147309026845176016_n-e1482490775392.jpg)
SUBSTREX helps clarify the water. I use one spoonful.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15621847_1832921906950421_2904518086935444378_n-e1482490817693.jpg)
MULTI-R helps plants retain their color and reduces algae growth. I use one spoonful.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15590321_1832921936950418_984083672379137608_n-e1482491225788.jpg)
They way I use them is to sprinkle lightly over the bottom of the tank.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15740814_1834602680115677_1239493647062526915_n.jpg)
After adding Multi-R and Substrex, I will be using Green Base XR for long-term healthy plant growth. After that, I use Black Earth soil which is rich in organic nutrients and helps maintain good water conditions.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15740989_1834602690115676_8142215860904595849_n.jpg)
Starting to place the rocks. The rocks that I use are Zenryu stones which have lots of patterns. I start by placing the main stones where I want them.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15698088_1834608136781798_5111539948124329077_n.jpg)
Followed by medium and smaller stones.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15780703_1834609426781669_5281408369160794688_n.jpg)
After the left side is done, then comes the right.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15873519_1837608199815125_6130126497243439047_n.jpg)
I put more rocks in the left and right side. If you look carefully, the rocks on the left will appear a bit thicker than the right in a 3:2 ration. This prevents the layout from looking too symmetric.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15823696_1837608213148457_2995414060253198933_n.jpg)
Working on the details by placing small rocks that appear like the top of mountains and increase the perceived depth of the scape.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15780667_1837608219815123_5455034242764517795_n.jpg)
The result is pretty close to what I had in mind but there may still be some more details which I will get to later.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/16107271_1842804615962150_2483372933256018658_o.jpg)
Once I have the layout that I want, it is time to plant. I chose HC (tissue-cultured), Rotala ‘vietnam’, Rotala ‘green’. I have to admit this is my first time using stem plants so I needed to study up quite a bit.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15977723_1842804632628815_8143089003006480559_n.jpg)
I really like the patterns on the rocks.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15936990_1842804622628816_473980569331405180_o.jpg)
Planting is done. Will give it some time to see how I want to proceed.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/16602406_1855824127993532_1636274455195490606_o.jpg)
About 2 weeks after setup, there appears to be green slime algae on the rocks so I used a toothbrush to scrub them out.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/16487782_1855824121326866_560404886147111582_o.jpg)
Remove as much algae as possible.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/16487778_1855824124660199_6027957769056993826_o.jpg)
Once I am done with scrubbing the algae out, I do a water change and add in critters that help control algae such as horned Nerite snails and cherry shrimps.
![](http://calaqualabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/16508259_1855824181326860_3300106985253347541_n.jpg)
Waiting to see what the results are.