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Hey everyone! This will be a journal about my first attempt at a Nature style aquascape having previously only done Dutch in the past. I was on break for about 6 years from the hobby due to college, and not having very aquarium-friendly apartments, but now I am back!
I set out on this tank with the idea that I would be able to try everything that I wasn't able to do before as a broke high school student. That meant better equipment, a fancy rimless tank and actually being able to afford hardscape this time around.
I started by choosing my equipment and settled on the following:
When it came to selecting hardscape I am lucky to have Aqua Forest Aquarium nearby so I was able to select some cool pieces of wood from them and make them the centerpiece of this tank. I chose their Forest dark wood, which seems to be some kind of dense driftwood with a naturally darker color than mopani or malaysian driftwood. For the rock, I had to use Seiryu. I have always loved the look of it and I thought it would pair well with the darker wood. I was aware of the issues it may cause with KH swings, but my tap water is lower hardness so I figured I would be able to offset it (spoiler alert: I was not). I also took some time to thoroughly wash the rock as well as give them a good vinegar bath. I read this would help start the process of leaching so it could form an inert layer sooner.
Onto the hardscape! This is the layout that I settled on:
In between the dry scaping and flooding I also added some smaller accent rocks that are visible here:
I also ended up adding more substrate to the back corners to give it more depth
Now onto plants! I am planning on a very high energy system, and chose plants for that occasion. I also wanted to try getting some moss to attach to the wood and chose weeping moss. I figured it would have a cool effect draping down the wood but it has been a huge headache trying to get it to attach to the wood.
I also ended up moving some of my plants around and this is my most recent photo:
And now onto the not so fun part. After this I ran into issue after issue. I think it was due to me letting my KH and GH creep because I wasnt regularly topping off with RO in between water changes and that led to some nasty algae issues I am currently battling. I have some pretty bad hair algae growing on nearly everything, as well as some clado. I have pulled back my photoperiod and tuned my CO2 and it seems to be slowing but plant health isnt looking amazing. Particularly my rotala macrandra is staying quite green despite most of this tank having 100+ par at the substrate, except some shaded areas and the corners, which are closer to 70-80. I have possibly linked this to micro issues with my Ph being a bit high and am currently looking at BurrAqua's micros mix but only time will tell. In the meantime I have been lowering my hardness levels with remineralized RO, targeting 0 KH and 4-5 GH. My TDS has gone from 250+ down to about 100 since these changes, with no adverse affects on fish, so we will see how the plants react. I have also been trying to spot dose the nastier algae's with hydrogen peroxide, which seems to be keeping them at bay. I had some GSA and ended up upping phosphate dosing and it pretty much is completely gone.
I have had some other issues with s. repens melting as well as my erio sp. vietnam, which I think was due to the hardness climbing over time which led to unfavorable conditions. Overall plant health is looking OK now but I am trying to get everything fine tuned still.
I set out on this tank with the idea that I would be able to try everything that I wasn't able to do before as a broke high school student. That meant better equipment, a fancy rimless tank and actually being able to afford hardscape this time around.
I started by choosing my equipment and settled on the following:
- UNS 90P tank and stand
- Pressurized CO2 setup with a GLA regulator
- Oase 850 therm
- Chirios WRGB Pro II
- Chirios dosing pumps
When it came to selecting hardscape I am lucky to have Aqua Forest Aquarium nearby so I was able to select some cool pieces of wood from them and make them the centerpiece of this tank. I chose their Forest dark wood, which seems to be some kind of dense driftwood with a naturally darker color than mopani or malaysian driftwood. For the rock, I had to use Seiryu. I have always loved the look of it and I thought it would pair well with the darker wood. I was aware of the issues it may cause with KH swings, but my tap water is lower hardness so I figured I would be able to offset it (spoiler alert: I was not). I also took some time to thoroughly wash the rock as well as give them a good vinegar bath. I read this would help start the process of leaching so it could form an inert layer sooner.
Onto the hardscape! This is the layout that I settled on:
In between the dry scaping and flooding I also added some smaller accent rocks that are visible here:
I also ended up adding more substrate to the back corners to give it more depth
Now onto plants! I am planning on a very high energy system, and chose plants for that occasion. I also wanted to try getting some moss to attach to the wood and chose weeping moss. I figured it would have a cool effect draping down the wood but it has been a huge headache trying to get it to attach to the wood.
I also ended up moving some of my plants around and this is my most recent photo:
And now onto the not so fun part. After this I ran into issue after issue. I think it was due to me letting my KH and GH creep because I wasnt regularly topping off with RO in between water changes and that led to some nasty algae issues I am currently battling. I have some pretty bad hair algae growing on nearly everything, as well as some clado. I have pulled back my photoperiod and tuned my CO2 and it seems to be slowing but plant health isnt looking amazing. Particularly my rotala macrandra is staying quite green despite most of this tank having 100+ par at the substrate, except some shaded areas and the corners, which are closer to 70-80. I have possibly linked this to micro issues with my Ph being a bit high and am currently looking at BurrAqua's micros mix but only time will tell. In the meantime I have been lowering my hardness levels with remineralized RO, targeting 0 KH and 4-5 GH. My TDS has gone from 250+ down to about 100 since these changes, with no adverse affects on fish, so we will see how the plants react. I have also been trying to spot dose the nastier algae's with hydrogen peroxide, which seems to be keeping them at bay. I had some GSA and ended up upping phosphate dosing and it pretty much is completely gone.
I have had some other issues with s. repens melting as well as my erio sp. vietnam, which I think was due to the hardness climbing over time which led to unfavorable conditions. Overall plant health is looking OK now but I am trying to get everything fine tuned still.
3 replies
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658 views
Hello Welcome, RMMNYC
Welcome to ScapeCrunch, @RMMNYC!
We would love to get to know you. Please tell us about yourself. What tank do you have?
We would love to get to know you. Please tell us about yourself. What tank do you have?
0 replies
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Bought a bag off Amazon. $15 for like 400ml. 2 big bags worth.
Added it to tank.
Tds spiking everyday.
From 150 to 400 tds after a week.
Thought substrate was just leeching.
I eventually just soaked the bag in RO water for a few days until the tds stopped spiking so much. Maybe I should just soak it in bleach first before use?
Added it to tank.
Tds spiking everyday.
From 150 to 400 tds after a week.
Thought substrate was just leeching.
I eventually just soaked the bag in RO water for a few days until the tds stopped spiking so much. Maybe I should just soak it in bleach first before use?
9 replies
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99 views
Journal UNS 60S Pond Scape
After a bit of hiatus from the hobby, I'm jumping back in with a high-tech UNS 60S as a pond type scape. Normally one would have a nice set of images next with the initial setup. Currently mine is an empty tank and shelves of parts and equipment. I'm determined to take it slow, research each bit and have everything on hand before adding water.
I've found the in the past ~20 years there has been quite a lot of change in the hobby. So many more products available, my last high-tech tanks was T5's and Metal Halides. My have things changed.
My Plan
Lighting
Chihiros WRGB II Pro 60
Chihiros WRGB II Pro 60 Light Shade /w Mirror
Chihiros WRBG II Pro LED Light Hanging Kit
Week Aqua Arm Stand /Black (L Stand)
Oase Shutoff Valve 16/22 mm - x 2
FZone 3M Grey Tubing 16/22 mm
Stainless Steel 16/22 to 12/16 reducer
FZone 3M Grey Tubing 12/16 mm
FZone Mini Lily Pipes w/ Skimmer
I found that to use Lily pipes that fit this tank size, I'll need to use something small, hence the reduction in tubing size.
CO2 Art Dual Stage Regulator /w Bubble Counter and Solenoid
FZone CO2 Proof Line
CO2 Check Valve
NilocG CO2 Drop Checker /w Solution
Timer
Qanvee M2 Inline CO2 Diffuser
Lucked out with CO2, found someone on Facebook Marketplace selling 2 complete CO2 systems. With full tanks, for less than the price of a new CO2 Art Regulator. Snapped them both up.
Wood - Dragon Wood
Substrate
APT S - Base layer
UNS ControBase 2L
APT Jazz Caps
UNS ControSoil Black Fine 10L
UNS Mojave Extra Fine 8L- Open areas
UNS Sequoia 3L - Accent Rocks
Hygrophila pinnatifida
Ceratopteris thalictroides
Ludwigia palustris var Super Red
Under Wood and Rock
Cryptocoryne parva var Mini
Bucephalandra (assorted varieties)
On Rock at Water Line
Micranthemum callitrichoides var Cuba
Left and Right Sides in Sand
Eleocharis acicularis var Mini
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Floaters
Red Root Floater
Shrimp
Pygmy Cory
Otocinclus
Exotic Pleco
Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish
Badis? Once plants grow in
Goby
Snails
That's the plan.
Started collecting bits in April, then found out I'd have to be in Dallas for most of May for some family matters. While in Dallas, Aquashella was in town along with an aquascaping demo of an LFS, Fish Gallery, by MJ Aquascaping of YouTube fame. Being my plan is based on the Guppy tank MJ created, I could not miss this opportunity. Learned a lot and had the opportunity to ask MJ a lot of questions.
My intention is to Dark Start, then plant.
I'm held up by the need of one part. The Week Aqua Arm Stand /Black (L Stand) base is too wide for this tank. In need of a 3 mm spacer. My neighbor, a metal shop, made me one out of ABS plastic. It works perfectly, only they made only one. I need two. My fault for not being clearer. I'll hit them up once they are back in the shop after the weekend.
More to come...
I've found the in the past ~20 years there has been quite a lot of change in the hobby. So many more products available, my last high-tech tanks was T5's and Metal Halides. My have things changed.
My Plan
Tank /Stand
UNS 60SLighting
Chihiros WRGB II Pro 60
Chihiros WRGB II Pro 60 Light Shade /w Mirror
Chihiros WRBG II Pro LED Light Hanging Kit
Week Aqua Arm Stand /Black (L Stand)
Filtration
Oase BioMaster 2 Thermo 250Oase Shutoff Valve 16/22 mm - x 2
FZone 3M Grey Tubing 16/22 mm
Stainless Steel 16/22 to 12/16 reducer
FZone 3M Grey Tubing 12/16 mm
FZone Mini Lily Pipes w/ Skimmer
I found that to use Lily pipes that fit this tank size, I'll need to use something small, hence the reduction in tubing size.
CO2
5 LB CO2 TankCO2 Art Dual Stage Regulator /w Bubble Counter and Solenoid
FZone CO2 Proof Line
CO2 Check Valve
NilocG CO2 Drop Checker /w Solution
Timer
Qanvee M2 Inline CO2 Diffuser
Lucked out with CO2, found someone on Facebook Marketplace selling 2 complete CO2 systems. With full tanks, for less than the price of a new CO2 Art Regulator. Snapped them both up.
Hardscape
Rock - Black Lava RockWood - Dragon Wood
Substrate
APT S - Base layer
UNS ControBase 2L
APT Jazz Caps
UNS ControSoil Black Fine 10L
UNS Mojave Extra Fine 8L- Open areas
UNS Sequoia 3L - Accent Rocks
Plants
Rear MiddleHygrophila pinnatifida
Ceratopteris thalictroides
Ludwigia palustris var Super Red
Under Wood and Rock
Cryptocoryne parva var Mini
Bucephalandra (assorted varieties)
On Rock at Water Line
Micranthemum callitrichoides var Cuba
Left and Right Sides in Sand
Eleocharis acicularis var Mini
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Floaters
Red Root Floater
Livestock
Wish List: at this time, nothing is set in stoneShrimp
Pygmy Cory
Otocinclus
Exotic Pleco
Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish
Badis? Once plants grow in
Goby
Snails
That's the plan.
Started collecting bits in April, then found out I'd have to be in Dallas for most of May for some family matters. While in Dallas, Aquashella was in town along with an aquascaping demo of an LFS, Fish Gallery, by MJ Aquascaping of YouTube fame. Being my plan is based on the Guppy tank MJ created, I could not miss this opportunity. Learned a lot and had the opportunity to ask MJ a lot of questions.
My intention is to Dark Start, then plant.
I'm held up by the need of one part. The Week Aqua Arm Stand /Black (L Stand) base is too wide for this tank. In need of a 3 mm spacer. My neighbor, a metal shop, made me one out of ABS plastic. It works perfectly, only they made only one. I need two. My fault for not being clearer. I'll hit them up once they are back in the shop after the weekend.
More to come...
87 replies
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7117 views
Hi guys,
Lots may not know me, few maybe yes, following the suggestion from @Burr740, I'm creating my first journal. Seems a very nice moment to start a thread like this, considering that the tank is still doing the Dark Start, and will be planted this week.
The tank is a ~90g 110-50-60h (I'm a metric guy).
Equipment that I own/plan to use are:
- 2 Oase Biomaster Thermo 600
- 1 Week Aqua P900 with hanging kit
- pressurized CO2 with inline kit and regulators from CO2art
- Tropica soil, 8cm front, 10-12cm mid, 15cm at the back
- 2 Lily with intake skimmer
Right now, I'm still looking around for new plants to add in this tank, I have another 20g that is stocked with lots of Rotalas and I plan to reuse the healthy one in here, but considering the size difference I need for sure new plants.
I list all the plant that I like (probably I won't buy all of them, maybe) - attachment
the plants that I already own are:
- Macrandra, orange juice, H'ra Wallichi
- Limnophila hippuridoides
- hygrophila lancea araguaia
- egeria densa and sessiflora
- nymphea red lotus
- AR rosanervig
- bacopa Caroliniana
The plant stock is already quite diverse, but I want to add some more and maybe substitute others.
for sure I want to buy both "ramosior", rotala indica and Meta, because I have lots background plant but very few front and mid.
Lots may not know me, few maybe yes, following the suggestion from @Burr740, I'm creating my first journal. Seems a very nice moment to start a thread like this, considering that the tank is still doing the Dark Start, and will be planted this week.
The tank is a ~90g 110-50-60h (I'm a metric guy).
Equipment that I own/plan to use are:
- 2 Oase Biomaster Thermo 600
- 1 Week Aqua P900 with hanging kit
- pressurized CO2 with inline kit and regulators from CO2art
- Tropica soil, 8cm front, 10-12cm mid, 15cm at the back
- 2 Lily with intake skimmer
Right now, I'm still looking around for new plants to add in this tank, I have another 20g that is stocked with lots of Rotalas and I plan to reuse the healthy one in here, but considering the size difference I need for sure new plants.
I list all the plant that I like (probably I won't buy all of them, maybe) - attachment
the plants that I already own are:
- Macrandra, orange juice, H'ra Wallichi
- Limnophila hippuridoides
- hygrophila lancea araguaia
- egeria densa and sessiflora
- nymphea red lotus
- AR rosanervig
- bacopa Caroliniana
The plant stock is already quite diverse, but I want to add some more and maybe substitute others.
for sure I want to buy both "ramosior", rotala indica and Meta, because I have lots background plant but very few front and mid.
395 replies
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47305 views
I'm on the hunt for a stand mounted light stand for my 120p + Hyperspot L. I've found a few options, but nothing spectacular. I figured I'd ask for info/ideas before I consider startting down the DIY route with some conduit type pipe. Ultimately, I can't bring myself to mount the light from the celling only for the cord to dangle down, but based on what I'm [not] finding, I might give in. I could in theory 3d print something to maybe obscure the cord, so that may be my ultimate fall back if this turns out to be a dead end.
WeekAqua - Mounts behind the tank, which would not be my first choice, but I would be willing to settle on it. I'm not finding anyone with it in stock and it's $300 landed from Alibaba.
ADA Solar - More the look I'm going for, but they're not intended to be used with a single light for a 120p, so I'd need 2, which is noted as discontinued (and $600 for a light stand sounds nuts)
ADA Solar Stand Option 2 - $729 + shipping just seems outrageous, even if it were in stock!
Liti Light Stand - Definitely the closest to the look I had in my mind. Seeing this made me wonder if a single 10 foot 1/2 tube of aluminum conduit could be bent in the same fashion of the multiple pieces of this stand (bending inspiration video here).
WeekAqua - Mounts behind the tank, which would not be my first choice, but I would be willing to settle on it. I'm not finding anyone with it in stock and it's $300 landed from Alibaba.
ADA Solar - More the look I'm going for, but they're not intended to be used with a single light for a 120p, so I'd need 2, which is noted as discontinued (and $600 for a light stand sounds nuts)
ADA Solar Stand Option 2 - $729 + shipping just seems outrageous, even if it were in stock!
Liti Light Stand - Definitely the closest to the look I had in my mind. Seeing this made me wonder if a single 10 foot 1/2 tube of aluminum conduit could be bent in the same fashion of the multiple pieces of this stand (bending inspiration video here).
15 replies
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150 views
Hello Welcome, Rand0mgirl
Welcome to ScapeCrunch, @Rand0mgirl!
We would love to get to know you. Please tell us about yourself. What tank do you have?
We would love to get to know you. Please tell us about yourself. What tank do you have?
0 replies
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9 views
replies
Legacy View
It's Christmas morning and the gift-receiving is coming to an end. What hobby-related gifts (if any) did you receive this holiday season?
Please share!
No aquarium gear for me this year but I did get a snazzy pair of shoes!
Please share!
No aquarium gear for me this year but I did get a snazzy pair of shoes!
16 replies
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995 views
I've been consuming tons of information from this amazing forum and decided its time to start my own journal.
One, to get constructive criticism/suggestions on how to improve which would be most welcome and two, just to show other approaches to starting a new tank as everyone thinks a bit differently and to see other peoples perspective.
I only started using pressurised CO2 about 18 months ago so haven't been in the hobby that long.
The first pic below was of said attempt starting with CO2. The other reason for showing that tank is I'm using the same physical tank and also starting off the new setup with plants from that tank.
Speaking of the tank, as you will see in the first pic of the new build it is an old second hand rimmed tank with less than stellar glass. In my list of planned upgrades one of them will be to order a low iron rimless tank so I can actually appreciate what's inside it. I can never get a photo to show a clear shot of the tank. Its not a great tank but it is definitely clearer than what the photos show. I think the camera really highlights how crappy the glass is lol.
No direct inspiration here apart from including a reasonable amount of hardscape and probably having a more nature style tank, so not so formal.
I've had a large piece of driftwood hanging around that I've wanted to use in a scape. I've used it previously in a larger tank but was a fish only tank. I do know after a year submerged (tied down) it still went straight to the top when released/untied so is basically unsinkable. Not sure of the type of wood though.
I also cut it in half depth wise as it was too large for a 4 foot tank.
After trying to glue it to rocks around it etc I filled the tank...and of course all went to hell. The driftwood wanted to get to the surface so bad it broke away from the glue LOL. So I had to start the scape with a large rock sitting on it and the driftwood in a different position from where it started. Temporary at first but now I plan to cover the rock with epiphytes etc so it should be ok eventually, just not so much right now. One of those it is what it is. I'm only playing around here anyways.
I'll also say, as per the heading of this journal, I'm treating this as an experimental tank, not even close to a show tank. I'll purchase a nice tank when I think I'm at a level where I deserve to bring it justice so not yet. Hopefully this tank will bring me a long way towards that point.
I've only previously used organic soil capped with sand (so the classic dirted tank). That provides good growth for around 6 months or so but if a lot of the organics start rising up and leaching into the water column, its not such a great setup for high tech tanks. Ask how I know!
I've never used aqua soil. I would like to try one day but for now decided to skip that and go straight to inert. Encouraged purely by some of you on here that have been using BDBS. That is what I would like to have used but not readily available in Aus so I'm using pool filter sand for this rendition.
Apologies for the rambling, onto the details.
Started around 5th January, did the full changeover from the old setup
Tank size:
Filter
Wave maker / power head
- Aqua One 8000 reef sim (apart from obviously to help circulation - was mainly put in here to help with the CO2 distribution - so is now situated at the opposite end of the tank to the filter outlet/inlet) Flow from 528 G/H to 2113 G/H. Have it on the lowest setting and probably still too strong
CO2
Water
- Tap (GH 7 KH 6), PH is around 7.6-7.8 out of the tank - at the moment
Substrate
- Pool filter sand only
Lighting
Initial plant list (as mentioned just selecting some from previous iteration of this tank)
I've deliberately not used what i call starter plants to kick it off as I find they can take over easily in a high tech tank, then you have to gradually rip them all out. I know a higher risk of more algae without them but lets go!
Ferts
Water change
- Currently around 55% weekly (I will be refining this a bit more too. I have a TDS meter now so will be working out exact water change volume using Rocco's TDS method which will also help with refining the fert dosing)
Current fish list
I plan to gradually increase the rainbow collection a bit too over time. Love the Boseman's
Other miscellaneous stuff
Upgrades planned
Ferts uptake and adjusting over time:
My initial aim is to try and avoid the infamous diatom stage by using a slightly reduced light schedule and ferts to start the tank.
First impressions for me is the driftwood is too large for this tank but it is a different piece so will persevere whilst in this tank.
Anyways the pic of the tank before I pulled it down;
Start of the new scape.
You can really see the crappy condition of the tank here with the scratches, water stains etc. I'm not too bothered though. It will make me more look forward when I eventually get a nice tank.
Just after filling up and initial planting. You can see the big heavy rock on the right. Without it, the driftwood shoots all over the place.
Noting that entire lot of MC melted soon after this, it wasn't in the best condition when it started though. Hoping it will eventually start up again. I'm patient, uhmm kind of!
One, to get constructive criticism/suggestions on how to improve which would be most welcome and two, just to show other approaches to starting a new tank as everyone thinks a bit differently and to see other peoples perspective.
I only started using pressurised CO2 about 18 months ago so haven't been in the hobby that long.
The first pic below was of said attempt starting with CO2. The other reason for showing that tank is I'm using the same physical tank and also starting off the new setup with plants from that tank.
Speaking of the tank, as you will see in the first pic of the new build it is an old second hand rimmed tank with less than stellar glass. In my list of planned upgrades one of them will be to order a low iron rimless tank so I can actually appreciate what's inside it. I can never get a photo to show a clear shot of the tank. Its not a great tank but it is definitely clearer than what the photos show. I think the camera really highlights how crappy the glass is lol.
No direct inspiration here apart from including a reasonable amount of hardscape and probably having a more nature style tank, so not so formal.
I've had a large piece of driftwood hanging around that I've wanted to use in a scape. I've used it previously in a larger tank but was a fish only tank. I do know after a year submerged (tied down) it still went straight to the top when released/untied so is basically unsinkable. Not sure of the type of wood though.
I also cut it in half depth wise as it was too large for a 4 foot tank.
After trying to glue it to rocks around it etc I filled the tank...and of course all went to hell. The driftwood wanted to get to the surface so bad it broke away from the glue LOL. So I had to start the scape with a large rock sitting on it and the driftwood in a different position from where it started. Temporary at first but now I plan to cover the rock with epiphytes etc so it should be ok eventually, just not so much right now. One of those it is what it is. I'm only playing around here anyways.
I'll also say, as per the heading of this journal, I'm treating this as an experimental tank, not even close to a show tank. I'll purchase a nice tank when I think I'm at a level where I deserve to bring it justice so not yet. Hopefully this tank will bring me a long way towards that point.
I've only previously used organic soil capped with sand (so the classic dirted tank). That provides good growth for around 6 months or so but if a lot of the organics start rising up and leaching into the water column, its not such a great setup for high tech tanks. Ask how I know!
I've never used aqua soil. I would like to try one day but for now decided to skip that and go straight to inert. Encouraged purely by some of you on here that have been using BDBS. That is what I would like to have used but not readily available in Aus so I'm using pool filter sand for this rendition.
Apologies for the rambling, onto the details.
Started around 5th January, did the full changeover from the old setup
Tank size:
- 122 cm x 47 cm deep x 45 cm high (uhmm so in imperial 48" x 18.5" x 17.5")
- Litres/gallons - 258 litres / 68 Gallons
Filter
- Just what I have on hand and had been using in the tank (Aqua One Nautilus 1100) so around 290 G/H so of course in reality a lot less than that. Only filled mainly with sponges though, limited the bio media.
- I have a perfectly working FX5 sitting in the shed gathering dust but I think too powerful for this size tank. That connected to a Yugang reactor though and one inch lily pipes could be a good combo. Will have to think about that for the future.
Wave maker / power head
- Aqua One 8000 reef sim (apart from obviously to help circulation - was mainly put in here to help with the CO2 distribution - so is now situated at the opposite end of the tank to the filter outlet/inlet) Flow from 528 G/H to 2113 G/H. Have it on the lowest setting and probably still too strong
CO2
- Aqualabs Pro dual stage regulator (recently added this, replacing a cheap chinese one from ebay - about 6 times the cost!)
- Aqualabs inline diffuser
- Gets to around 45 ppm but I need to do some more refined testing ( I only have the JBL CO2 kit but seems to be working ok)
- CO2 starts 3.5 hours before lights start and 4 hours before lights build up to their set level.
Water
- Tap (GH 7 KH 6), PH is around 7.6-7.8 out of the tank - at the moment
Substrate
- Pool filter sand only
Lighting
- Week Aqua L1200 (using Red preset at R - 64%, G - 71% B - 44% and UV - 90%) TBH not sure the UV light does much but it is what it is.
- So the lights aren't on that high, I started off the tank even lower but crept it up to what it is now.
Initial plant list (as mentioned just selecting some from previous iteration of this tank)
- MC as the front carpet
- Hygrophila corymbosa (restricted this quite a bit as it grows too fast with direct CO2 access) so hidden in the opposite corner to CO2 lol
- One amazon sword - I wanted to keep one in here to prove you don't need rich substrate
- Crypt wendtii brown - similar to above
- Ludwigia repens
- Helanthium bolivianum 'Quadricostatus (I think thats what it is or similar. produces runners like nothing on earth but a nice looking plant. Thats the one in the back right corner in the first photo of the new setup)
- AR Mini
- Hydrocotyle tripartite mini
- Limnophila Aromatica
I've deliberately not used what i call starter plants to kick it off as I find they can take over easily in a high tech tank, then you have to gradually rip them all out. I know a higher risk of more algae without them but lets go!
Ferts
- DIY Macros and micro mix - Rexolin APN (dosed for water tank volume)
- Started 9/2/20 now 10/2.5/20 (yes I know quite low for an inert substrate compared to most and will gradually increase this in time)
- Front load around 50% Macros, then the rest dosed throughout the week - only just started this method to try and limit the swings during the week
- Micros dose evenly throughout the week adding up to 0.45 fe / week
Water change
- Currently around 55% weekly (I will be refining this a bit more too. I have a TDS meter now so will be working out exact water change volume using Rocco's TDS method which will also help with refining the fert dosing)
Current fish list
- Around maybe 15 Rummy nose
- 4 SAE's
- Couple of oto's
- 4 Corys
- 6 Crimson spotted Rainbows ( i received these in a swap, plants for rainbows )
I plan to gradually increase the rainbow collection a bit too over time. Love the Boseman's
Other miscellaneous stuff
- Fluval SK400 surface skimmer (seemed like a little toy when I first set it up but does an ok job actually)
- Aqualabs pro skim lily pipes, and added quick release to the filter hosing to get to these easily. They are glass.
- Inkbird wifi heater control
Upgrades planned
- RO/DI - Just received but need a few more bits and pieces then I'll introduce the RO water over a 4 week period (25/50/75/100). I plan to remineralise to around 5dGH (4:1 for CA:MG), wont be adding any dKH, again following you guys lead here. I think this will be a huge upgrade as my tap water is sourced from a creek and is inconsistent. PH varies between 7 and 8 and KH has risen from 4 to 6 over the last few months.
- CO2 reactor - Looking at the Yugang of course. This will also I think make a big difference compared to inline diffusers. When setting up the tank I put in some work to try and determine the best flow to maximise CO2 distribution but still think I haven't got it right.
- New tank - as mentioned above
- Possible auto fert doser for the next tank
Ferts uptake and adjusting over time:
- The NO3 seems to provide a consistent 10 ppm before each water change which is the same amount I'm dosing now. Coincidence or is it only using what's readily available in the system. I know with slower growing plants and not a huge plant mass the uptake is obviously less.
- PO4 - similar story, test (which I'm not sure how accurate it is) seems to provide a consistent result of 2 ppm, again similar to what I have been dosing.
- I'll gradually increase both and see where I can find the sweet spot but may wait mainly till after the RO/DI is running.
My initial aim is to try and avoid the infamous diatom stage by using a slightly reduced light schedule and ferts to start the tank.
First impressions for me is the driftwood is too large for this tank but it is a different piece so will persevere whilst in this tank.
Anyways the pic of the tank before I pulled it down;
Start of the new scape.
You can really see the crappy condition of the tank here with the scratches, water stains etc. I'm not too bothered though. It will make me more look forward when I eventually get a nice tank.
Just after filling up and initial planting. You can see the big heavy rock on the right. Without it, the driftwood shoots all over the place.
Noting that entire lot of MC melted soon after this, it wasn't in the best condition when it started though. Hoping it will eventually start up again. I'm patient, uhmm kind of!
36 replies
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2176 views
Hi all
My Cambomba sometimes develops these roots from the nodes.
Rotala H'ra does it too, but not as aggressively as the Cambomba.
Any ideas why this happens?
My Cambomba sometimes develops these roots from the nodes.
Rotala H'ra does it too, but not as aggressively as the Cambomba.
Any ideas why this happens?
13 replies
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186 views
This is the future home for the announcements when someone obtains an achievement badge. Let the games begin!
1979 replies
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47418 views