How long do you maintain it?

[snarler]

I've been running my 55 gallon planted tank for about 3 years now, and I'm curious how long others keep their setups before rescaping or starting fresh. I do weekly 30% water changes, run a Fluval 407, and dose EI ferts. Everything's stable, but I'm getting the itch to change things up.

[duneshell]

I usually rescape my 40 breeder every 2 years or so. The plants grow in weird after a while, and the hardscape starts to look dated. Gotta keep it fresh, ya know? I stick to the same stocking though, just rearrange the rocks and wood.

[fisherly]

My 20 gallon has been running for 5 years with the same layout. I trim the Java Fern and Anubias regularly, but the driftwood and substrate haven't been touched. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Maybe I'm just lazy.

[zestor]

My 20 gallon has been running for 5 years with the same layout. I trim the Java Fern and Anubias regularly, but the driftwood and substrate haven't been touched. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Maybe I'm just lazy.

Nah, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I've got a 75 that's been the same for 4 years, and the fish seem happy. Why mess with success?

[Corner]

I rescape my 30 gallon every 18 months or so. The plants get too dense, and the fish start hiding more. I like the process of planning a new layout, though. Gives me something to look forward to.

[snarler]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I think I'll hold off on a full rescape but maybe tweak the hardscape a bit. The plants are thriving, so no sense in uprooting everything.

[duneshell]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I think I'll hold off on a full rescape but maybe tweak the hardscape a bit. The plants are thriving, so no sense in uprooting everything.

Smart move. Sometimes a small change is all you need to scratch that itch. I swapped out one piece of driftwood last month, and it made a huge difference.

[fisherly]

I've been thinking about adding some new plants to my tank. Maybe some Cryptocoryne or Bucephalandra. Anyone have experience with those in low tech setups?

[zestor]

Crypts are chill in low tech, but Buce can be a bit finicky without CO2. I've got some Crypt Wendtii in my 20 that's doing great under basic LED lighting. Just gotta keep the water clean.

[Corner]

Crypts are chill in low tech, but Buce can be a bit finicky without CO2. I've got some Crypt Wendtii in my 20 that's doing great under basic LED lighting. Just gotta keep the water clean.

Yep, my Crypts melted at first but came back strong. Buce is slow growing but worth it if you're patient. I dose a bit of Seachem Flourish every week.