[Molch]

My pyrrhs are old hands - I've had them for 14 years. While they spent the last 2 months in the cold room hopefully getting ready to breed, I set up a new 29 ga tank for them:

first, I planted the tank Walstad-type and let the plants grow in for about 6 weeks. I kept the water level low so plants could grow to the surface. Here it is on the day of set-up:


then I made a couple artificial rock shelves. I got the idea from Evut's thread:
Evut's fabulous fake rock wall

first, carve desired rock shape out of foam


next, cover foam with black aquarium silicone


before silicone cures, pour sand over it.


Then, glue rock shelf in desired location with silicone. Because my tank was already planted, I used long "stilts" out of very stiff wire that went all the way down into the substrate to the tank bottom to hold the shelf in place while the silicone cured.
Also, compare this pic to the first pic to see how much the plants have grown in


After a week or so, I raised the water level and covered the "rock" with java moss and some vines of pothos and ivy.


the completed tank


Enter the newts




All four of them frolicking and courting:


Does this girl look preggers?