Dutch practical minimum size?

Jim Miller · Post by **Jim Miller** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 9:32 am

Is there a practical minimum size for dutch due to plant sizes?

Seems like the high end of 30-something might be a minimum based on plant characteristics.

I'm asking because I'd only be able to muster my 10g QT and just thinking about plant types it seems unlikely that the hedges and pathways could all be squeezed into that without a magic pill (alice).

Perhaps another way to put this: is anyone else thinking about doing a smallish dutch?

Jim

John G · Post by **John G** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 12:07 am

I'm using a 7 gal.

Jim Miller · Post by **Jim Miller** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:55 am

I guess I'll give it a try. I've got some MTS and Flourite Black Sand left from my 90g. My B. briggitae would be good candidates to move over there. They're sorta lost in the 90g.

@John: cool icon. Spanner in the works!

jim

jweis · Post by **jweis** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:11 am

I'm using my 11 gallon.

Jim Miller · Post by **Jim Miller** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:23 am

Looks like I was far too pessimistic! This should be fun!

Jim

John G · Post by **John G** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 12:23 pm

Some of the things I’ve read about Dutch aquariums say that you should only use one plant specie for every four inches of tank length. That means, e.g., that my 7 gal is only going to have four different plant species in it. So with small aquariums it is a little tricky to get the variety you need with so few different species.

Ltrepeter2000 · Post by **Ltrepeter2000** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 1:00 pm

John

I would think that at this smaller size, you would be better off finding narrower stems to add depth and probably reducing the length ratio to 3 which should raise your total to 6-7, again though, this would be determined by the size of the plants growth on how much space they will take up. 6-7 plant species would allow you three tiers of plants. Another thing would be to scape the back of the tank with a moss on an upright piece of quilting plastic to totally fill in the backside.

Thanks
Rob

halak · Post by **halak** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:12 pm

By the way, "specie" refers to coins, which it doesn't seem you're talking about, so "species" is the correct singular in this instance.

jweis · Post by **jweis** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:40 pm

My strategy is to just cram in as many plants that I think look nice together (that I can manage to keep alive) and to try and show some depth with "lanes" of plants and contrast through different textures and colors.

I don't think I have any hope of placing against all of you out there with so much experience, but hopefully I will end up with an attractive aquarium. This weekend I hosted a birthday party for 9 year old and they were impressed, so that is good enough for me.

Jim Miller · Post by **Jim Miller** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:34 pm

Anyone have any Christmas or Taiwan moss?

Jim

edit: scored some moss!

Dutch practical minimum size?

Dutch practical minimum size?

Sponsors