- Thread starter
- #161
I think this layout is decent, but honestly it feels like maybe not enough color?
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Journal Long-winded ramblings about Dutch-style aquascaping
- Thread starter gjcarew
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- Thread starter
- #162
I think I overdid it trimming the rotala
Tbh everything is behind where I would want it to be for AGA but there's nothing for it but to be consistent and see what happens. I do hope that nymphoides Taiwan continues to fill in that empty section, it looks pretty good there.
I will probably move the ammania gracilis for AGA pictures, it's a nice color but it's just constantly stunted
Kwyet
After every new tank—“This is my last one!”
I guess it’s not a requirement then to keep the aquarium unseen during the contest entry time? I couldn’t find anything in the rules, except not to ask the judges for comments.
Secondly, is it a problem if 2 people have the exact same focus plants in the same places, but otherwise everything is different?
Secondly, is it a problem if 2 people have the exact same focus plants in the same places, but otherwise everything is different?
I think most of us do it to not persuade judges if they happened to see it.
And having the same focal plant in the same spot is not an issue.
- Thread starter
- #165
Yeah you can't ask a judge for feedback directly. I used to email Bart Laurens for feedback but then he became an AGA judge again and told me he could no longer do that. But they don't have any specific rules against publishing images of the tank beforehand like IAPLC does.
Anyways, I'm not particularly invested in the outcome at this point. I like the process of getting the tank to its peak for like a week out of the year, and I also like tracking what I've done in a journal.
As for the focus plants - like 99% of tanks are gonna have a sword, lily, or barclaya longifolia as one of the focus plants. It's just a natural consequence of Dutch aquascape rules being so prescriptive. So it's not a problem IMO. Are you going with a sword and rotala as well?
Anyways, I'm not particularly invested in the outcome at this point. I like the process of getting the tank to its peak for like a week out of the year, and I also like tracking what I've done in a journal.
As for the focus plants - like 99% of tanks are gonna have a sword, lily, or barclaya longifolia as one of the focus plants. It's just a natural consequence of Dutch aquascape rules being so prescriptive. So it's not a problem IMO. Are you going with a sword and rotala as well?
Kwyet
After every new tank—“This is my last one!”
I have an Echinodorus Reni (I think) in the same spot as yours, and an Echinodorus Aflame in the same spot as yours. That might change, but I’m sure one or the other will stay. I thought I had better check just in case.
I’m not even sure if I’m going to enter. Time is short, but I don’t want to rule it out. Thanks for the info.
I’m not even sure if I’m going to enter. Time is short, but I don’t want to rule it out. Thanks for the info.
- Thread starter
- #167
Man, my canister filter seals just failed. Poor timing, and frustrating given how expensive these biomasters are
How old is this filter? I’d contact Oase about it, thats unacceptable.
- Thread starter
- #169
I think I bought it in 2021. Just ordered some replacement gaskets
- Thread starter
- #171
Kinda? Maybe a couple gallons. I had just finished a water change, checked my quick disconnects for leaks and everything was fine, then as I was sitting in my basement I heard a couple drips and ran upstairs. Turns out the head itself was leaking. I don't think there is any water damage but I'm kinda nervous to look under the tank when it's time to move it
I hear ya. My next setup I’m going to water proof the edges under the stand to combat this potential issue. Couple months ago I had a legit flood that was my own stupidity. It initially caused swelling in my vinyl plank, but weeks and weeks of drying out the swelling dissipated and you would never know how bad I F’d up. Granted when I realized what happened I immediately used the shop vac to remove the standing water and towels to get any residual. It was an awful day so I understand.
Kwyet
After every new tank—“This is my last one!”
I’m glad you heard it and it wasn’t worse! I have all my canister filters sitting in plastic tubs because I’m paranoid about something like that. It wouldn’t stop a big, hours-long leak, but it’s helped with small ones.
techman81
Well-known Member
I've had 2 near flood issues with my biomastesrs. One was due to plastic tip just below the in or out port gasket breaking. Oase sent me a new in/out coupler. The other was due to my own negligence of not making sure all trays were aligned and set properly so the pump head didn't lock with a good seal.
- Thread starter
- #175
I think going forward I'm going to have it in a tub with a water alarm.
Someday™ when I upgrade tanks I want to waterproof the base of the tank as well. I just keep putting it off as there seems like there's a never-ending list of responsibilities competing for my attention
Someday™ when I upgrade tanks I want to waterproof the base of the tank as well. I just keep putting it off as there seems like there's a never-ending list of responsibilities competing for my attention
So sorry this happened. That sucks majorly.
Double check where it's leaking from; While it might seem like the head gasket itself, it's often from the weakest part of these filters, the hose adapter:
I've never had an issue with biomaster filters EXCEPT one time when I broke this part. It's cheap to get a replacement on Oase's website if it turns out to be the case for you. It is the most broken, and most replaced, part I believe.
What I mean by where is that when the tubing adapter is broken (usually on one of the two underneath 'stubs' with o-rings" it actually still leaks out of the filter head gasket somehow.
(hard to see in the photo, but the black bar on the bottom is raised about 3/4"-1" creating a "tub" in the base that is 100% waterproof.
I also have not one, not two, but THREE water leak detectors 100dB:
They are $8 per detector, in packs of 5, and will wake you in the dead of night when there's a leak. Ask me how I know!
Hope any of this helps, sorry for the troubles lately!
Double check where it's leaking from; While it might seem like the head gasket itself, it's often from the weakest part of these filters, the hose adapter:
Me Oase Biomaster 600 Thermo is leaking
Oase BioMaster Thermo External Filter
I've never had an issue with biomaster filters EXCEPT one time when I broke this part. It's cheap to get a replacement on Oase's website if it turns out to be the case for you. It is the most broken, and most replaced, part I believe.
What I mean by where is that when the tubing adapter is broken (usually on one of the two underneath 'stubs' with o-rings" it actually still leaks out of the filter head gasket somehow.
I did this recently on my latest stand build. I actually built a lip into the bottom of the stand, sealed it all with waterproof caulk around the corners, then tons of layers of white latex paint:
(hard to see in the photo, but the black bar on the bottom is raised about 3/4"-1" creating a "tub" in the base that is 100% waterproof.
I also have not one, not two, but THREE water leak detectors 100dB:
They are $8 per detector, in packs of 5, and will wake you in the dead of night when there's a leak. Ask me how I know!
Hope any of this helps, sorry for the troubles lately!
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I just replaced this part. Not due to a leak but because the flow was reduced to a whisper. I had an extra on hand and it solved the problem immediately.
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- Thread starter
- #179
Your stand is an inspiration. Not sure I have the woodworking skills to build something like this though. It seems your tolerances would have to be pretty precise to make it water-tight
what part? the hose adaptor piece?
caulking and paint make a carpenter what he ain't!
Also table saws, miter saws, and cutting guides for circular saws, make a massive difference as well
