Aquarium update

Last post I wrote about setting up my ‘new’ 45 gallon tank that I purchased off of Craigslist. Buying used tanks is a little risky and I feel I was a bit mislead in my purchase. The guy claimed the light set up would support plant growth: “totally – this light is meant for it”. Not true. He also failed to disclose that the gravel included with the tank and which I reused after adding a layer of growing substrate is infested with snails. Yuck. So tank set up is halted and even back tracking. I pulled out all of the plants I had planted and tossed them. No need to feed these snails if I’m trying to get rid of them. Next, I have been hand picking snails out of the tank – about 15 per day. It seems to be working. I don’t mind a couple snails here or there – they can help clean the bottom of the tank by eating decaying plant matter but I don’t want to start my tank with an infestation. I am eager to get the tank set up – it looks unattractive and strange in the living room with no life in it (aside from snails). I think I will bite the bullet and go all out for a Coralife light for this tank. Because it is a tall tank it will need a powerful light to support plant growth. That means buying a new hood to accommodate the Coralife which tends to be a bit wide. To be really successful with the plants I will need to do a CO2 set up. Not sure if I feel up to the DIY – I’ve heard some funky stories of splattered, yeasty disasters. I will do some research and look into my CO2 options – suggestions and advice are welcome. Lastly, I would like to purchase nice wood features for my tank. Something that would have an impact in a tall 45 gallon. In retrospect I think I would not have been so hasty and waited for craigslist to turn up a wide rather than tall 45 gallon which is better(?) for a planted tank and easier to maintain (no wet sleeves, easy access for planting). Here is my revised aquarium todo list:

*Coralife light

*Work on making tank snail free

*Purchase cool wood feature

*Get lots o plants

*Figure out C02 set up

*Get fish – Fun!

Developments: Plants & Aquarium

Quick note: I am happy to report on developments in two of my favorite hobbies:

A. Gardening:

The plant shipment from territorial seed company is coming in: Which includes: Tomatos, Eggplant and Basil – I will have updated pics soon – my camera has been out of batteries.

B. Aquascaping/fish keeping:

I have a new aquarium – 45 gallons! I scored it off craigslist for $150 it includes: tank, filter, full spectrum light for a planted tank, very new heater, oak stand, over 20lbs of gravel. Now the bichir (porkchop) can have a home where he can grow and not kill his tank mates (he is a lover not a fighter now but he has 5 more inches to grow). Getting the new aquarium means a lotta work – but it also means I get to indulge my hobby and current obsession. Fish store and empty bank account here I come.

Here’s what I have to do:

(I love list making)

A. Paint base of the new stand

B. Purchase eco-complete for the new tank

C. Purchase an extra bucket

D. Breakdown old tank and move to the kitchen

E. Set up the new tank in the living room where the old tank was

F. Purchase wood features for the new tank (these get expensive, I’m not looking forward to this)

G. Add eco-complete, then gravel, then wood, then plants, & water – Allow to cycle and then add fish to new tank

H. Move bichir to new tank with powder blue gouramis (they actually get along just fine – hopefully this will last)

I. Get some neon tetras and more plants for the old tank

I’m not sure what kind of fish I will get to live with the bichir in the new tank. I like smaller fish but, in the long run that is not a good idea. Any suggestions? I would not have purchased a bichir myself but I inherited him with the old tank and it turns out he has tons of personality and has become our favorite fish. (I never thought I would talk about a fish having a personality – I guess I like the one we have invented for him – he does seem like a ham compared to the other fish). Any tips on what would be good to keep with a growing bichir? According to the guy I got the bichir from, he has not grown in 3 years – he has stayed the same size as when he bought him. I guess ‘cause he was feeding him only flake food. I’ve been feeding him blood worms, algae pellets and flake and I think I see some growth. The banded barbs look great after eating blood worms.

Falls Creek Falls - At last

Finally made it on this hike and it was LOVELY. I’d tried going on this hike before.  Once it was snowed in and once I missed the turn and ended up heading on down the Wind River Hwy and on to another adventure.  This is a mellow and pretty hike along a rushing creek/river. (Rushing in May after a heat wave) The hike ends at what was a large raging waterfall with a perfect spot to sit and picnic just above its churning base. The hike is a very gradual up-hill and is perfect for people who like to get outdoors but are not in the mood for something grueling or do not have time for a long hike. We happened to catch it on an absolutely spectacular day and only saw two other couples on the entire trail.  I think this trail must get heavy use on the weekends.  I would advise to go early or go during the week to avoid any crowds — one of the most relaxing and rewarding hikes I’ve been on since I moved to Oregon but maybe it was just my mood.  One way to make a fun day trip out of this hike is to book a massage and hottub soak at the nearby Carson Hot Springs for after your hike.

Hike: Falls Creek Falls near Carson, WA

Distance: 3.4 Miles out and back on an often flat to gradually sloping incline. The trail follows a river and ends at an impressive waterfall.  Lots of opportunities to stop and picnic, including great rock seating near the falls.

Directions - I almost don’t want to say.  Its easy to find online. easy to find by car. Wind River Hwy just past carson fish hatchery to road 3062 (I think) then right on road 57.  There are signs.

The Falls:

There were many wildflowers along the path including Trillium, little purple flowers (?) and lots of pretty pink orchids.

Aquarium Update 5.20.08

Very exciting news in my planted freshwater tropical tank… the male Gourami has built a bubble nest! Now if he can get a lady to give up some eggs there might be a cool show to watch in the tank over the next few days. Basically it will be a fry buffet for the other members of the tank but wouldn’t it be fun if one of them managed to survive? I will take some photos of the bubble nest soon but until then here are some shots of the tank progress:

I do not have any shots of the tank after I first got it but here is a shot after I added the drift wood and the first two plants. The community was the same as when I inherited it only I had swaped the pictus for 8 striped barbs:

Here is my tank with the new plants - including giant baby tears and the new fish: 3 powder blue gouramis.

Here is the bichir that D has named “Porkchop”

Porkchop in the right foreground with two of the Powder Blue Gouramis

Planted Freshwater Tropical Aquarium: Hobby of the Moment

I’m always picking up new hobbies like a bad cold. I get one little germ of inspiration and I begin cruising craigslist for tools and goodies for my latest endeavor. Eventually the germ spreads and I’m sick with it, obsessed. So it was with planted freshwater tropical aquariums. I noticed at my friend Liz’s house how pleasant it was to look at a fish tank. I love gardening and was intrigued by the underwater gardens you could build in aquariums. Eventually, I started cruising the internet to read freshwater tropical blogs, then buying books, then stalking the employees at my local fish shop, then getting a tank and next thing you know I’m dropping nearly two hundred dollars on wood and lights and sucking fish crap out of a 30 gallon tank that defies the lease agreement on my house.

The sucking fish crap really came as a surprise. I was told I would be getting a gravel vacuum. I pictured something with a pump or automated suction. No. You suck on a tube like you’re siphoning gas and if you are new, and unsure and don’t suck hard enough you get a mouthful of nasty fish water. Then you run to the bathroom and brush your teeth until your gums bleed. YUCK.

Aside from that, I’ve really loved owning a fish tank. It has honestly provided hours of nerdy enjoyment. Even Mr. Man likes watching the tank – from the other room I’ll hear, “Babe, the bichir’s carrying around the algae pellet like a Frisbee” He’s even named the little beast “porkchop” after Sandy’s biker friend.

I decided I will keep a sloppy and infrequent account of my aquarium as I transform it from a plain, overpopulated tank to a thriving, planted community aquarium.

Here’s how it all began:

$65 – Found 30 gallon aquarium on Craigslist for $65. The tank came with Penguin Power Filter, 20 Watt fluorescent lighting with hood, water testing kit, heater, net, fish food, gravel, gravel vacuum (aka hose) and:

· One 8” Pleco

· One 4” Rainbow Shark – a real beauty

· One 5” Pictus Catfish – spastic

· One 3” Albino Gold Bushy Nose Pleco (I think, it does not have a bushy nose)

· One 4” Bichir – Skinny thing, very charming

· One 2.5” Glass Cat Fish

Here is what I’ve changed:

$106 – over doubled the light wattage – its now up to almost 1.8 watts per gallon to support plant growth. $20 – Added a plant friendly substrate under the gravel. $65 purchased large pieces of interesting driftwood. $15 purchased an Anubis, giant baby tears, sword plant and one other plant – many more to come.

Fish:

· Pleco – Donated to a great local fish shop – he was too big for tank

· Pictus – Donated to a great local fish shop (GLFS)– he was too high strung

· Rainbow Shark – Went to GLFS – sad to see it go, so pretty but a predator and I noticed the barbs I added had fin nips

· Glass Cat Fish – Dead. Not sure why. He wasn’t in good shape when I got him. I like to think it was old age.

· Added: 8 Striped Barbs

· Added: 3 Powder Blue Gouramis – very pretty. Nice addition. They seem to get along well with others.

Current Population

· Albino Gold Bushy Nose Pleco

· Bichir – I know when he is larger he will prey on the community but Mr. Man and I have become attached to him. The previous owner had him for 3 years and said he has not grown during that time. Very strange.

· Striped Barbs ( – Fun – they like the current from the filter and get glowy red when fed.

· Gourami – they get along well in the tank and are pretty fish.

I have just a bit of room to add 1 or 2 more fish. Any suggestions of what would work in this community?

Photos on the way

May 2008 Square Foot Garden Update

Its the never-ending winter. Some signs of Spring are making their claim on this early May.  The temperatures have warmed a bit (are we actually out of the 50s?) and sun will come out to play for brief spells through out the day. Things are starting to look good in the garden.  The oregano and lavender plants are green and healthy. The pea sprouts are disappointingly small — I hope they take off before too long.  They are occupying the spot where I plan to put the tomatoes when they arrive from Territorial Seed Company. Speaking of Territorial Seed Company — I am going to have a chance to visit their facilities (store? greenhouse?) in Cottage Grove next weekend — I have to be in Eugene for work and figure its worth the extra drive — I think they are a great company and their catalog keeps me inspired with the gardening.  Plus, my arugula have bolted and its time to find a replacement crop. Here’s whats happening in the squarefoot garden. Pics to com.

Bed One: 4 squares of spinach planted from seed 4 weeks ago. Status - the seedlings are just beginning to emerge. 1 square oregano.  Status: The oregano was planted last year and is starting to grow beyond its square.  It seems very happy. Lots of new growth.  1 Square carrot. Status: Carrot planted from seed 3 weeks ago, then dug up and scattered by a squirrel, the first little shoots are just starting to appear but not in neat little rows! 2 squares lavender - both planted last year, the lavenders are a lovely green and have good new growth as Spring rolls out. That leaves 8 squares unplanted - 6 of these I plan to use for potato and the other 2 for chard.

Bed Two: 4 squares peas - growing slowly but surely. 1 square lettuce - planted from seed about two weeks ago.  No sprouts. 5 squares broccoli - just starting to form the curd or crown or what ever you call it. 6 squares cabbage - a mixed variety planted as transplants about 6-7 weeks ago - growth is really starting to take off.

Bed Three: 4 squares strawberries - huge plants planted as transplants last year. Lots of flowers. Very happy and much larger than last year. 3 squares peas - growing slowly but surely. 6 squares arugula - bolted already.  I’m pulling these out and will replace with something…not sure what. 2 squares lettuce - planted from seed about 2 weeks ago. Just starting to send up sprouts. 1 square scallions - one of the first things I put in.  They do not seem very happy.

Lyle Cherry Orchard Hike - Washington Gorge

Lyle Cherry Orchard
Distance: Approx. 6.5 miles RT
Elevation 1000 ft (guessing)

Description: Last weekend I went with a group of hikers to Lyle Cherry Orchard on the Washington side of the Columbia river gorge. The was an easy hike with a couple a steep climbs. The wildflowers were out and so was the poison oak! Poison oak everywhere below 1000 ft. and a couple hikers picked ticks off -Yuck. The hike climbs up a gentle hillside and offers great views of the Columbia River, The Dalles, Hood River and the mountain scape beyond. At one time, there was a Cherry Orchard i’m told. All that remains now is a few dying cherry trees that offer up some feeble blooms. Look for the native wildflowers if your looking for blooms. Lots of lupine, wallflowers, shooting stars and a few chocolate lily.
Directions: From Portland, take I-84 east to Hood River. Cross the Hood River Toll Bridge and turn right on Highway 14. Or take the lovely Bridge of the Gods and head up SR14 in Washington. Drive east through the towns of Bingen and Lyle. Just east of Lyle, you’ll drive through two tunnels. The trailhead is the first major turnout east of the tunnels.
Disclaimer: If you plan to go, double check distances and directions — I’m a lazy fact-checker.
Here is the group starting the hike:

Small Valley with wildflowers, poison oak and cliffs that look out over the Columbia River Gorge:

Wildflowers:

Views, etc.

Pup Creek Falls - Clackamas River Trail

Pup Creek Falls - Part of Clackamas River Trail
7.8 Miles
1200 or so elevation gain

Description: Easy hike with gradual elevation gain- the hike will get your heart pumping in a couple areas but mostly a mellow hike along the Clackamas River with some opportunities to splash around in the river during the right time of year. April 20, 2008 the river was too fast and too cold for me to play in it. Just on the other side of the river is the highway - a slight drawback to this hike as you will hear the Harleys revving by. But for the most part a lovely little hike. Hike to a 3 tiered waterfall and back. The lichen on the wall of the waterfall and the limey moss-covered trees are truly gorgeous. There is the opportunity to continue on the trail if you want a longer hike. I got to the site at 9:00am; by the time I returned from hiking the parking lot was full. Appears to be a popular spot.
Directions: OR 224 southeast 16 miles past Estacada. Cross 2 large, steel bridges. Right onto Fish Creek Rd. Drive past Fish Creek Campground. Cross another bridge. Park in lot on R.
Disclaimer: You might want to do a google search to double check directions, distance and elevation. I report to the best of my ability but I’m not a fact checker - do your research.

Square Foot Garden Update 4.27.08

Here are some photos from my SFG:

The Broc and cabbage bed - interplanted with radishes (just wee sprouts)

Alderman Pea Sprouts — so much shorter than they were this time last year.

Oregon Trail Peas

Cabbage:

Broc:

*Ive got to figure this inserting images thing out

And….Arugula.

Poop!

What is this animal that poos in my garden? Can it be Bently? The elderly neighbor pug who’s elderly owner is wheel chair bound and thus, not able to chase down his dog and/or access the garden to pick up the doo? Is it the friendly striped cat from across the street who might be too lazy to bury his doings? I don’t like poop on my carrot seedlings. Call me crazy. Between pooping pets and squirrels burying peanuts in my garden its becoming a challenge to get seedlings started. I’m more concerned about the feces rather than the squirrel nuts (I wonder what google search would turn that sentence up) so my first attempt to deter pets from using my square foot garden as a rest stop will be to put a bunch of chopsticks in the beds. Steve has had some success with this method – but also went hi-tech with a cat-deterrent. Does anyone have lo-tech suggestions on how to keep animals from pooping in the garden?