Miscellaneous Questions/Rambling: Dec 16

[BenB]

New Question
When you do a mini-reset of your tanks... you know, when it gets to the point where you just can't top the plants anymore and you have to pull them up, move things around, change the water extra, and maybe add a little new aquasoil, but not a full rebuild.... do you get algae blooms or have any problems. I did that last week. My diatoms are back full force. I have a tiny bit of thread algae and cyano, but it is only a couple very small bits. Its a bigger setback on my tank than I had been expecting.

 

[TRyan]

Been meaning to get something clarified from @techman81 . Do you know where the 3D printers files are for these parts or is my only option to buy these already made?

@TRyan Yeah, somewhere else I complain about making my own filters. I was doing it, but the material had small pores. So I was having to replace them about every 2 weeks. Cheap, but I was getting sick of it. I have something new now with big pores... HERE. So far it's been much better. It has been about a week. This sheet has given me enough to last a couple years I feel like.

Amazon used to sell these eheim skimmer parts, but it appears they are unavailable at the moment.

 

[BenB]

Amazon used to sell these eheim skimmer parts, but it appears they are unavailable at the moment.

I thought someone had just 3D printed them.

 

[techman81]

Been meaning to get something clarified from @techman81 . Do you know where the 3D printers files are for these parts or is my only option to buy these already made?

Sorry, I followed up my previous post with this: I meant to say the Eheim parts "aren't " shared online so the only way would be to purchase or create a similar CAD version of it if your friend can do that.

There are numerous free shrimp guard files online but I saw no other flow diverter designs.

 

[TRyan]

I thought someone had just 3D printed them.

I'm not sure about 3D printing them. I bought a couple of these sets on Amazon.

 

[techman81]

I thought someone had just 3D printed them.

I think the ones on Amazon were sold by the same person on Etsy.

 

[Koan]

I think the ones on Amazon were sold by the same person on Etsy.

Yes it's this person

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1226044858/eheim-skim-350-custom-skimmer-and-output

 

[Kwyet]

It has seemed to me that algae outbreaks have occurred after uprooting large amounts of plants and disturbing the substrate a good bit. I started running a UV filter for the day after having a session like that and it seems to have helped considerably.

 

[Koan]

running a UV filter for the day after having a session like that and it seems to have helped considerably

Oh dear.. and this on sale again..

55 Watt Pro-MAX High Output UV Sterilizer Aquatics

LifeGard Pro-MAX 55-watt High Output UV Sterilizer For freshwater or saltwater aquariums up to 350 gallons Effective against bacteria and water-borne algae blooms Unique design, allowing for multiple plumbing configurations Available in 25w, 40w, 55w, 90w, and 120w sizes The Lifegard...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[TRyan]

New Question
When you do a mini-reset of your tanks... you know, when it gets to the point where you just can't top the plants anymore and you have to pull them up, move things around, change the water extra, and maybe add a little new aquasoil, but not a full rebuild.... do you get algae blooms or have any problems. I did that last week. My diatoms are back full force. I have a tiny bit of thread algae and cyano, but it is only a couple very small bits. Its a bigger setback on my tank than I had been expecting.

I just did a mini reset on my tank on Wednesday with no issues so far. I use BDBS , though. I move things around pretty frequently. I had a huge sword with a massive root system and a bunch of crypts I pulled out. Then replanted with a bunch of stem plants I received from Burr.

I always use the turkey baster method during weekly water changes and even more aggressively when I uproot an area and have bare sand exposed. It really helps remove organics that have built up over time and aren't reachable when heavily planted.

Before pic with the sword and after pic taken yesterday.

 

[BenB]

@TRyan and @techman81 OK. I'll probably just get from the Etsy guy. My coworker with the 3D printer talks about his projects all the time and he would pee himself like a puppy if I asked him to print a little something for me. I was just trying to go that route.

It has seemed to me that algae outbreaks have occurred after uprooting large amounts of plants and disturbing the substrate a good bit. I started running a UV filter for the day after having a session like that and it seems to have helped considerably.

That's definitely the case. Uprooted and added some extra soil. I tried to suction as I uprooted, but my Python is slooooooow.
Do you have a portable UV you use? I have one, but it is pretty lame. I think I tossed it.

 

[techman81]

New Question
When you do a mini-reset of your tanks... you know, when it gets to the point where you just can't top the plants anymore and you have to pull them up, move things around, change the water extra, and maybe add a little new aquasoil, but not a full rebuild.... do you get algae blooms or have any problems. I did that last week. My diatoms are back full force. I have a tiny bit of thread algae and cyano, but it is only a couple very small bits. Its a bigger setback on my tank than I had been expecting.

After the reset on my showpiece tank, I started getting some hair algae. I don't think it was only because of stirring up the substrate. It was also because I kicked up lighting to help speed up new dwarf hairgrass growth. My phosphate levels did rise though. I did some aggressive removal with the toothbrush and I've been working to get everything everything back in check. Seeing less and less of the hair algae now.

 

[Kwyet]

@TRyan and @techman81 OK. I'll probably just get from the Etsy guy. My coworker with the 3D printer talks about his projects all the time and he would pee himself like a puppy if I asked him to print a little something for me. I was just trying to go that route.


That's definitely the case. Uprooted and added some extra soil. I tried to suction as I uprooted, but my Python is slooooooow.
Do you have a portable UV you use? I have one, but it is pretty lame. I think I tossed it.

I use this one. It’s not going to kill the germs though. It should help with algae, and if nothing else it provides a little more filtration and circulation to help clear the water after stirring stuff up.

 

[Aquajack]

I'm considering a full reset of my 4ft tank over the break. Its current substrate is organic soil capped with sand. Around 12 months since setup. I've found the problem in this setup is that ever time I pull plants up/replant, the organics which has risen close to the surface, pours into the water column.

Also, for the last few months I've had a consistent hair algae problem I just can't quite shake. Not sure whether the above is part of the problem or not. Started around the time I commenced DIY ferts. I've only been able to test NO3 and Po4. K I haven't a test for but think I may need it. Also I haven't got a proper test for CO2 so I'll look to add the Hanna kit. That should give me a better idea what's going on too. Its weird my other tanks are algae free and its not the only tank I DIY fert so something specific in this tank.

I wasn't meant to ramble here lol My main reason for the post is about the substrate. I was quite keen on using an inert substrate after following Rocco's adventures and that strategy makes sense. However, in Australia BDBS is not readily available - as is a lot of stuff for that matter. So was looking at what else I could use. Has anyone tried plain old pool filter sand? Or can anyone see drawbacks from that? Of course always happy to take on suggestions for better solutions. Don't even ask how expensive aqua soil is here.

 

[Kwyet]

I'm considering a full reset of my 4ft tank over the break. Its current substrate is organic soil capped with sand. Around 12 months since setup. I've found the problem in this setup is that ever time I pull plants up/replant, the organics which has risen close to the surface, pours into the water column.

Also, for the last few months I've had a consistent hair algae problem I just can't quite shake. Not sure whether the above is part of the problem or not. Started around the time I commenced DIY ferts. I've only been able to test NO3 and Po4. K I haven't a test for but think I may need it. Also I haven't got a proper test for CO2 so I'll look to add the Hanna kit. That should give me a better idea what's going on too. Its weird my other tanks are algae free and its not the only tank I DIY fert so something specific in this tank.

I wasn't meant to ramble here lol My main reason for the post is about the substrate. I was quite keen on using an inert substrate after following Rocco's adventures and that strategy makes sense. However, in Australia BDBS is not readily available - as is a lot of stuff for that matter. So was looking at what else I could use. Has anyone tried plain old pool filter sand? Or can anyone see drawbacks from that? Of course always happy to take on suggestions for better solutions. Don't even ask how expensive aqua soil is here.

I haven’t seen any great difference between pool filter sand, BDBS , Aqua natural sand, or the Caribsea Supernaturals as far as plants and fish go. I did try a BDBS tank with Neocaridina shrimp once, and they slowly dwindled away.

 

[Kwyet]

Does anyone have a water transfer pump that has lasted a long time? Mine just died after 6 months, and the previous ones I’ve had only lasted about a year.

 

[TRyan]

Ever wanted to ask a question but not start a whole thread for it? Do it here with me. Let's chat. I'll start.

1. I'm waffling on getting a new surface skimmer. I have the Eheim 600. It works great. The filters are so expensive. I've been DIY'ing my own, but I'm getting tired of it. I have to change it out every week because it clogs with algae and gunk. I now have some filter mesh with a larger pore size like the Chihiros skimmers. I've realized that they don't actually filter anything. They just push the gunk down and keep the surface clean. I was thinking if the new stuff with the big pore size works better, I'll keep it, but it also has too strong an output and pushes my plants sideways. The Chihiros has an adjustable output, I believe, and it comes out the bottom. Thoughts?

2. My macros have contaminated. I put in K Sorbate and ascorbic acid. Am I right in remembering that they are still OK with a little mold growing in them? My plants seem fine.

3. Some of my Blood Vomits lost their roots. Kinda weird because they are growing OK. Anyone have any suggestions on how to weigh/tie down such small plants?

4. What is the plural of Vomit anyway? Vomits Vomiti

This thread is a great idea!

 

[TRyan]

Does anyone have a water transfer pump that has lasted a long time? Mine just died after 6 months, and the previous ones I’ve had only lasted about a year.

I have an eheim pump that's lasted a couple of years now. I use it to fill my storage by way of 3.5 gallon bucket in kitchen sink then pumped into garbage can for dosing. Then from garbage can into tank.

 

[Kwyet]

This is what I’ve been using, with long Flexzilla hoses on both sides. I would like something similar if possible so I can keep using the same hoses. I just would like it to last longer.

 

[BenB]

I'm considering a full reset of my 4ft tank over the break. Its current substrate is organic soil capped with sand. Around 12 months since setup. I've found the problem in this setup is that ever time I pull plants up/replant, the organics which has risen close to the surface, pours into the water column.

Also, for the last few months I've had a consistent hair algae problem I just can't quite shake. Not sure whether the above is part of the problem or not. Started around the time I commenced DIY ferts. I've only been able to test NO3 and Po4. K I haven't a test for but think I may need it. Also I haven't got a proper test for CO2 so I'll look to add the Hanna kit. That should give me a better idea what's going on too. Its weird my other tanks are algae free and its not the only tank I DIY fert so something specific in this tank.

I wasn't meant to ramble here lol My main reason for the post is about the substrate. I was quite keen on using an inert substrate after following Rocco's adventures and that strategy makes sense. However, in Australia BDBS is not readily available - as is a lot of stuff for that matter. So was looking at what else I could use. Has anyone tried plain old pool filter sand? Or can anyone see drawbacks from that? Of course always happy to take on suggestions for better solutions. Don't even ask how expensive aqua soil is here.

This has been my frustration also. After months of algae issues, my tank was looking awesome. Everything growing perfect and no algae. I needed to rearrange some plants and other things. I tried suctioning as I pulled up plants, but because of the distance, my suction is very slow. I also added a bit more aquasoil. Now the diatoms are worse than they were back when I was having my problems. I thought all that was behind me. I'm doing water changes. I also have a few of the faster growing plants stunting. No idea what is going on this time.