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  L# 72 Gallon Bowfront Setup Log
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Subscribe72 Gallon Bowfront Setup Log
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Updated Pics start on previous page
The lotus actually looks pretty good when the leaves are smaller and lower. Here are got to big and needs to be trimmed again....



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Post InfoPosted 11-Mar-2007 15:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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...because one always makes it to the top.

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Post InfoPosted 11-Mar-2007 15:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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You certainly seem to have no difficulty in keeping the substrates so neatly separated, yet if it were me, I'm sure I would have messed things up by now.

As ever, I am impressed with the beauty of this tank.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 00:20Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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tetratech,

Very nice looking, as usual. Very tidy as well.

I have to admit I'm getting alittle bored with this tank and am debating whether I should take the whole thing down and try something completely different.


Makes sense to me. Your tank is done, not much to enhance, but maintenance still taking its time. But for what? Simply to look the same all the time? Booooring!!!

I think you reached the point where a tank is as good as it gets. Any change would be rather major in order to make something different of it. That's the point when some people start to buy different gadgets, like ADA stuff. That keeps them happy for a while longer, but eventually leads to the same boredom.

What are the plans?

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 00:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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You certainly seem to have no difficulty in keeping the substrates so neatly separated, yet if it were me, I'm sure I would have messed things up by now.


Thanks Robyn, actually the substrates do mix in certain spots mostly due to the two kuli loaches I have in there. I seem them squirming through the crevices and as they go through they thrash some of the eco onto the sand. Every water change or so, I do vacumm the sand area and sometimes sprinkle new sand down. It's pool filter sand and only costs $5 for 50lbs.
Makes sense to me. Your tank is done, not much to enhance, but maintenance still taking its time. But for what? Simply to look the same all the time? Booooring!!!

I think you reached the point where a tank is as good as it gets. Any change would be rather major in order to make something different of it. That's the point when some people start to buy different gadgets, like ADA stuff. That keeps them happy for a while longer, but eventually leads to the same boredom.

What are the plans?

Thanks and yes, I agree. I'm probably going to start a new tank before I take this one down. Probably ADAish just for the reasons you stated. Not sure of the layout yet, maybe Iwagumi, maybe not.


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Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 18:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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As always a gorgeous setup. It always reminds me of an immaculately manicured and maintained Japanese style garden.

Just super.

Jim



Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain
Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 19:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Thanks and yes, I agree. I'm probably going to start a new tank before I take this one down. Probably ADAish just for the reasons you stated. Not sure of the layout yet, maybe Iwagumi, maybe not.


You know, an Iwagumi tank has even less action. With your talent you will have that sucker set up in a few weeks

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 20:12Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Oldtimer,
I appreciate the compliment!

You know, an Iwagumi tank has even less action. With your talent you will have that sucker set up in a few weeks

Yes you are right, I would probably setup the next tank knowing it will probably change every 6 months or so.

BTW: Meant to ask you, I'm looking to buy another regulator. I know we both had the milwaukee first, did you buy that other one from aquariumplants (the best), more pricey, but supposely higher quality. I wanted to see how you liked it. My milwaukee has a busted low pressure guage, but it stll works.

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Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 20:37Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 12-Mar-2007 20:37
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DeletedPosted 12-Mar-2007 20:42
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NowherMan6
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Lookin good tetra

Thanks and yes, I agree. I'm probably going to start a new tank before I take this one down. Probably ADAish just for the reasons you stated. Not sure of the layout yet, maybe Iwagumi, maybe not.


Let me know when you have a better idea of the timing on that. I finally made some changes and I'm almost ready to start up my new 65G, so we can start competing logs for the new tanks


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 22:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Let me know when you have a better idea of the timing on that. I finally made some changes and I'm almost ready to start up my new 65G, so we can start competing logs for the new tanks


Tetra vs Nowher...Interesting
The King of Protist Destruction vs The King of the 4G Nano.....Exciting
New York vs New Jersey, again.............priceless!


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Post InfoPosted 12-Mar-2007 23:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
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And for everything else there is.....

Frank
(I could not resist )



-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2007 01:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Yeah baby


I wanted to see how you liked it.


Eh, the main difference is that the needle valve has a much finer threading. Nevertheless, I still have to tinker with it once in a while, no such thing as "set it and forget it". Also, my low pressure gauge is turned up much higher than on the other regulator, I don't know why. The needle valve seems to react more to the surrounding temperature and as such changes the bubble count when the room is warmer or colder, which is a frequent thing in my basement. Like in around freezing - colder, freezing - warmer (heater is down there too), warm weather - cooler, hot weather - warmer. Means: a lot of tinkering with the valve.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2007 13:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
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Hi,
I'm not sure I understand the "tinkering" with the needle
valve. My tank valve is all the way open, as it should be.
I attach the regulator firmly using plumbers tape (teflon
tape) and then open the tank valve all the way and then
back it off the seat (prevents seat damage) a 1/4 turn.

I set the regulator valve for 1 pound of pressure, and then
adjust the needle valve for the desired number of bubbles
per second (watching the pH with known KH). The only time
I have to touch the needle valve, is to close it when
changing out CO2 bottles.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2007 14:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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New York vs New Jersey, again.............priceless!


Perfect, and we can both use some identical plant species to see how they grow in NY and NJ waters. It'll be like the Iron Chef... for aquariums...


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 13-Mar-2007 18:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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EditedEdited by TankWatcher
It'll be like the Iron Chef... for aquariums
It will be fun to follow the battle of the new Tetra vs Nowher logs. Plus I don't think I've ever seen a pic of Nowher's tanks.
but maintenance still taking its time. But for what? Simply to look the same all the time? Booooring!!!
How could looking at such a beautiful tank be booooring.

If only I could achieve something like this - which needs just needs a touch of regular maintenance, I don't think I could bring myself to tear it down.


Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 14-Mar-2007 23:05Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Here's a current pic after a massive riccia trim, so the foreground has to fill in a bit. On the other hand the rotala hasn't been trimmed and has pretty much made it to the top and has some nice color to it. What to do now? I guess instead of redoing this one at the moment, I'll have to save what's left of this old man's creative juices for a new tank which will face the envitable showdown with that checky young pup from Jersey.

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Post InfoPosted 21-Mar-2007 02:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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A closeup of the rotala tips with some nice natural pearling.

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Post InfoPosted 21-Mar-2007 02:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Budzilla
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I think that it looks good now that the rotala has grown upwards in the middle, it gives the little valley alot of depth.

Also, I have a question, are you selling riccia on ebay because i was browsing for plants and i saw a thing of riccia on there with a pic that looked like a portion of your tank, i don't need any though

-Vincent
Post InfoPosted 21-Mar-2007 02:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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I guess Vincent found you out tetratech

No doubt this is his tank, with the offering of Rotala as well.

And the tank looks very nice, although after the trim the sand street looks a little too clean for me. But I am sure this will be more natural by itself in no time.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 21-Mar-2007 13:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
I guess Vincent found you out tetratech

Geez, everyone knows everyone's business.

Actually it was my wife's idea, since she sells stuff on ebay. Not much action though. Maybe I'll put my whole 72g up, scaped and all. Local pickup only I'll have to get a club going here on the island so I could trade plants. There's plenty of cabomba in the lakes here.

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Post InfoPosted 21-Mar-2007 14:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Love the rotala shot When it gets near the light and it's feeling good, it gets that beautiful yellow-orange-red glow - love it.

I don't know if it's a fair fight, I've had my creative juices flowing on this 65G for a few months now I can already tell you java fern and crypts will play the lead role. But accept the challenge regardless.

or, we can make this like the Iron Chef: you, me and matty can meet somewhere in upstate new york. Then he'll say, "Today's tank special ingredient is..... corkscrew vaaaaallllssssssss!!!!!" Then we both grab a bunch and get on our respective trains home and get to work. What do you think


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 21-Mar-2007 22:26Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 21-Mar-2007 22:26
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mattyboombatty
 
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The tank looks great tetratech. I do think the rotala is just a taaad tall, but looks good regardless. I'd definitely show the tank in any ebay auction.

As far as this Iron Chef style tankoff goes...I think I'm unfamiliar with the style, but sounds fun I did just get some plants today. We'll see later what I can do with it.



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Post InfoPosted 22-Mar-2007 00:08Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
Budzilla
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Hey I don't blame you tetra, How many plant clippings I just give away to friends, I should be selling to, its a good way to get money back from the tank since it is expensive to buy.

-Vincent
Post InfoPosted 22-Mar-2007 00:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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We have a local fish club that has auctions 2x's a year. I took ten bags of stuff in and got my check for 40 bucks just the other day. I did how ever walk out with a bag of Cherry shimp to mix up my population for 15 bucks. I am guessing there was at least 10 shimp in the bag and some hatching babies.

You could also talk to a LFS to see if they will take in trades for store credit. I know my store will sometimes.



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Post InfoPosted 22-Mar-2007 02:16Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
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Hi,
At least you guys have an outlet for your surplus, I throw
hands full of plants away nearly every week.
Frank


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Post InfoPosted 22-Mar-2007 08:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Below I have reveiled my secret for algae control. If you haven't had a chance to see the national geographic special: Galapagos, do yourself a favor and see it. It was one of the most breathtaking shows I have every watched, especially in high def.



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Post InfoPosted 25-Mar-2007 04:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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I don't think it will live long in your FW tank Tetra, you better give him to me for my SW tank. That's hilarious.



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Post InfoPosted 25-Mar-2007 06:32Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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I don't think it will live long in your FW tank Tetra, you better give him to me for my SW tank. That's hilarious.


Spoken like a true darksider
But yes, you are right, he would fair better on the darkside.

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Post InfoPosted 26-Mar-2007 15:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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As good as Galpagos was, "Planet Earth" on discovery last night was amazing. The footage they had of Snow Leopards was once in a lifetime stuff. Amazing footage.


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Post InfoPosted 26-Mar-2007 15:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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As good as Galpagos was, "Planet Earth" on discovery last night was amazing. The footage they had of Snow Leopards was once in a lifetime stuff. Amazing footage.


Yeah, I caught some of it, absolutely fanastic and I know one of the shows was ocean-related, but some of the algae shots with the fish on the galapagos show hit home with this thread. Did you see the footage of the great white eating that poor sea-lion, that was unreal. I actually starting watching it with my kids, seemed like good family entertainment, but then when the animals got eaten, my little guy got pretty upset and went to bed really made at me for making him watch the show.

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Post InfoPosted 26-Mar-2007 17:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Tetra,

Good thing you don't have Oscars or Piranhas!



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Post InfoPosted 29-Mar-2007 18:02Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Did you see the footage of the great white eating that poor sea-lion, that was unreal. I actually starting watching it with my kids, seemed like good family entertainment, but then when the animals got eaten, my little guy got pretty upset and went to bed really made at me for making him watch the show.


I hear ya tetra. I was watching it with my girlfriend and she was really enjoying the opening sequence of the first one with the polar bears. Then the next sequence featured an overhead shot of a pack of wolves hunting and killing the most adorable baby elk you could imagine... she wasn't so happy after that. The footage was so intense at times though that it really became an emotional experience.

And that shark shot was amazing, especially since they were able to slow it down to show the 1 second strike spread out over 45 seconds.

Still, the worst sequence I ever saw was a pack of killer whales killing a grey whale mother and its baby. They held the baby under water until it drowned Ugh It was too much.

Animal planet usually has some better family oriented shows I think, especially come out with that show starring Bindi Irwin, Steve Irwin's little girl.


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 29-Mar-2007 19:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Updated pic, but not much new. I've been triple dosing micros in an attempt to jump start my aromatica. It might be working as I see some more fullness. I've also seem some growth that has enabled me to place seems on both sides of my valley. Downside to triple dosing seachem florurish was a clouding of the water, but this was gone by morning probably thanks to the UV.

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Post InfoPosted 02-Apr-2007 01:48Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Finally tested my PH with a probe(milwaukee 600). For me I simply can't tell the color differences on the chart.

So after calibrating this is what I got on my 72G.

At lights out - 6.0
At lights on - 6.5
Tap water PH - 7.5

So that gives me a range of 20 to 60 ppm. This is pretty much what I thought was going on so I was glad the probe confirmed it. You know your pushing the co2 when you can't acclimate fish in the afternoon.

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Post InfoPosted 07-Apr-2007 15:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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tetratech,

Does that mean that you have a KH of 2dH?

I think that 60ppm is not considered pushing it anymore
Although I don't dare to mess with a CO2 this high, and I actually don't see a need for it either, I know people with around 100ppm, as can be seen when looking at their drop checker (another gadget I don't need).

But, I cannot believe that I didn't see your picture entry from almost a week ago. It looks very nice. Somehow it seems to me as if the sand gap towards the back has gotten narrower, can that be? I think it gives it more depth this way. The one minor fix that I see is that the left front of the sand/rock edge is too sharp, you know what I mean? Like compare it to the right front edge, that side is smoother.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 07-Apr-2007 23:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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hey tetra,

that diffuser needs a bleach bath

other than that, lookin good as always


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 07-Apr-2007 23:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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LF,

Yes, you are right dkh of 2, I forgot to add that. Interesting thing about testing the co2 level is that I'm already seeing benefits of increasing both micro and macro ferts, assuming the high co2 demands it. Anything interesting thing is that I'm chaning half of my water sometimes in the evening with tap water that has a ph of 7.5 and the fish are swimming around in 6.0 without any problem. And this takes place over the course of 30 minutes or so with the python.

You are right about the left edge. Usually there is a
riccia covered stone separating the substrates in this case their isn't one so it really doesn't fit well.

BTW - I'm surprised you didn't say anything about the lotus leaf all the way up in the middle. The actual plant is right inside the those rocks (1st and 2nd ones) on the left side and get's almost no light.

Nowhere,
Yes you are right the diffusor, but if I clean it I'll probably drive the co2 to 100ppm and then I'll have to touch the Milkaukee regulator which I'd rather not do.




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Post InfoPosted 08-Apr-2007 00:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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I don't know what you're all talking about (lol) but beautiful is not a good enough word for that tank in my opinion!

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Post InfoPosted 08-Apr-2007 02:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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BTW - I'm surprised you didn't say anything about the lotus leaf all the way up in the middle. The actual plant is right inside the those rocks (1st and 2nd ones) on the left side and get's almost no light.
Thats why it is so dark in the middle of the tank! You should probably trim that thing!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 08-Apr-2007 03:45Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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I'm surprised you didn't say anything about the lotus leaf all the way up in the middle

I thought it is a floater that you forgot to take out
Only now do I see that there is a thin line connecting it with the rock group.

Cleaning the diffuser - you know I am in the camp of never cleaning it with bleach. Instead I put Excel on top of it once it is exposed during a water change. Well, that's what I did for I don't know how many months in a row now, but last week I had to bleach it as the resistence on restart was so strong that it blew off the hose. So - my new rule is, maybe bleach once in about 3 months.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 08-Apr-2007 11:06Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Fish patty, thanks for the nice comment and to all the regulars as well.

Here's an update full room shot of the tank lastnite. I did make some changes. The big rock on the right now is bare and doesn't have riccia covering it, although there are some patches (experiment). I also reduced more wisteria on the sides and you could see more rock work. I might actually decided to gradually ween the tank off the wisteria and use a smaller leafed plant, not sure yet. I Also cut the cord to the Lotus leaf that was at the surface, it was kinda annoying. You could also see more aromatica on both sides wrapping around the front of the rotala.

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Post InfoPosted 08-Apr-2007 16:00Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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I like how the rotala was trimmed in this shot. More of a gradual slope up rather than WHAM here they are.

I also wanted to ask about what looks like a crypt poking out of the rock...does it grow? It always has 2 leaves.



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Post InfoPosted 08-Apr-2007 17:16Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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I find it interesting that when you show us the tank without surroundings it looks much larger than when seeing the surroundings.

Or am I the only one who thinks so?

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 09-Apr-2007 00:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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EditedEdited by tankwatcher
I'm with fishpatty - it's very beautiful.
as can be seen when looking at their drop checker (another gadget I don't need).
So what is a drop checker anyway? I take it it's not the probe tetratch mentions?
For me I simply can't tell the color differences on the chart.
I agree it - it is total guess work for me using any of these colour charts.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 09-Apr-2007 04:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Robyn,

A Drop Checker can be seen here. It works by adding a solution in the bubble and see its color change depending on the CO2 content of the water (it is submersed completely in the tank).

Look at the extended information tab in the screen to see the colors associated with CO2 levels.

From what I hear, "too much" really means very high values of CO2, but I am not certain how much that would be.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 09-Apr-2007 13:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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Wow, for $40 and shipping I'd rather put my money towards a digital readout. Probably cost 50 cents to make



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Post InfoPosted 09-Apr-2007 19:13Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks for the comments everyone. Matty I know its hard to see but the crypt actually has about 5 leaves at the moment and I end up cutting off some that grow into the stems. I actually have a few baby crypts on the left that were spawned from the main one on the right.

Yeah, your right LF, the tank does look smaller in the room shots, but I would think that would be normal, no? You can tell how big it is by the fish.

I agree about the drop checker, I really don't want to spend $40 to put more equipment in the tank. I bought this ph meter and with the calibration fluid it was only $26.

http://www.aquariumplants.com/pH_METER_Hand_Held_Milwaukee_pH600_p/pr1408.htm

Seems to work fine, I initially measured my ph at lights out and it was 6.0, in the morning it was 6.5 and at about 1pm it was 6.5, makes sense.

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Post InfoPosted 09-Apr-2007 21:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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... in the morning it was 6.5 and at about 1pm it was 6.5, makes sense.

Not to me, somehow.

That would mean that your CO2 in the morning has no effect at all, or not?

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 00:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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That would mean that your CO2 in the morning has no effect at all, or not


Well here's the logic:
My co2 is at it's highest by lights out, thus the 6.0 ph.
In the morning co2 diminishes of course and I awake to a ph of 6.5. Lights come on around 10:30 as does the co2, so by 1:00 the co2 hasn't built up enough to move the ph off the 6.5 but between 1pm and 7 there is enough of a buildup to move the ph. That or this probe sucks

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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 00:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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EditedEdited by TankWatcher
Did you get calibration solutions with the tester? It might need recalibration.

Also, make sure you don't do what I did & accidently stick the good end in the water. Mine never worked again after that.

I have a pH controller (I know, I know another unneeded toy - which I love BTW), so my pH is always constant at around 6.6. If my bottle runs out my pH will rise to 7.5 & above. If I reconnected a fresh bottle at 10.30am & looked at the pH reading at 1pm, I am positive there would be movement.

Cheers
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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 01:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Did you get calibration solutions with the tester? It might need recalibration.

Could be, Robyn how often do you recalibrate yours? Yes I did calibrate when I first got it with the solution.

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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 01:52Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by tankwatcher
Well, if you are talking about my little pen one like yours - it is kaput, due to me sticking wrong end in the water - but I think principle of regular recalibration would be the same.

With my fancy smanshy C02 pH controller/solenoid combined, I do it monthly. Being electronic, it's simple. I punch in approx room temp, put the probe in pH 4 solution & it buzzes when it's happy with that, then I put the probe in pH 7 solution & it buzzes again when it's happy - then I'm done. Easy-peezy.

I think with my little stick pen thing, it involved dipping it in the solutions & adjusting with a little tool until the readings agreed. Did you get instructions? I might still have mine & will check tonight, but think from memory you are to recalibrate if:-

- the unit was not used for an extended period of time
- otherwise monthly

My cleaning system is that the first water change to occur after the 1st day of the month is where the "extra" bits get done, eg

- clean the filter media, hoses, tubes
- recalibrate the pH controller & clean the C02 diffuser
- & now I'll have to add cleaning the pesky UV filter (which I'm a little nervous of how to do without water going everywhere).

Hope this helps. As I say, I am positive that between 10.30am to 1pm, my pH would have moved.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 04:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Yep, sounds familiar that's pretty much what I did dipped it in the ph4 and ph7 solutions. After you use the solution to dip, do you discard the used solution or can you reuse. It did come with instructions, but didn't mention any of this.

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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 04:35Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by TankWatcher
By now I will have Ingo gnashing his teeth & yawning in boredom with talk of these unnessary toys Just skip reading this post LF & also any post I make tonight correcting my info. Sorry Ingo

I will check tonight. Definitely for my fancy one, I discard used solution. I'll see what my original instructions for the pen one say (if anything). My guess would be to discard, unless you are really, really careful to make sure that no tap water, pH4 or pH7 cross transfer in your used solutions. Plus the solutions aren't expensive anyway. (Yay, at least something isn't - you don't want to know what the controller cost me, but the cost is one reason why I am very protective of it - but lucky, it's easy to care for)

So for my fancy smanshy one, I have a dipping container for pH 4, another for pH 7 & yet another container for a neutral solution (distilled water I think) that I dip the electrode in before I move between the 2 solutions. Film cannisers or old tubes from test kits work well here, as they are narrow enough that it means you only need a little solution each time you do this - so waste is minimal.

My C02 now runs 24/7, but it turns on & off according to target pH (6.5). I'm happy my tank has a more stable pH now, as my natural pH is really high & I have some aspistos & nigerian red in there that don't like high pH. Regularly each morning my pH was between 7.8 to even 8.0, before C02 brought it back down daily to 6.5pH. No one gasps at night & funnily, my C02 is lasting longer, as it no longer has to play daily catch up - but merely keeps things steady. I know I am told not to worry about this daily catch up - but I worry did anyway.

All my pH 4 & 7 solutions are from Sera (the brand of my fancy ph controller) and the distilled or neutral solution is from Dupla.

I'll double check all this tonight & give you the corrections.



Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 06:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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By now I will have Ingo gnashing his teeth & yawning in boredom with talk of these unnessary toys.


No you don't. Besides, this is not my log and tetratech did not grant me a monopoly on thread entries (with regards that they all should have to interest me) .

tetratech - if your observation would be true then this would be the first time that I hear something like this, meaning that the CO2 would have no influence on ph and only after a certain saturation point is reached it would change the ph. Somehow I would imagine that this is a rather linear event, meaning more CO2 = lower ph and visa versa. A tank with a certain KH and a certain ph has automatically a certain CO2 content - adding any more CO2 should therefore alter the ph.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 10:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Robyn thanks for all the info on the calibration, etc. I checked my ph this morning a little while ago and it was 6.8, so maybe the previous 6.5 wasn't first thing in the morning as I had thought. Then I put the probe in my 5g nano and it came out 7.5 (same as my tap). That tank doesn't have any co2 to speak of so it made sense.

Ingo yes that does make sense that it would be a linear event, but if co2 is consumed by the plants as they wake up wouldn't there be less of a jump in concentration until the tank is so filled with co2 that it pushes the number up making it a nonlinear event. I'm not a scientist just thinking out loud.

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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 13:01Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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I'm not a scientist just thinking out loud.


Hey, that could be my line as well

Anyway, I don't think that there is such a thing as "sucking up CO2" until a saturation point of it is reached. Main argument:

Any additional CO2 added after such a saturation point would have no effect on the plants (as they are saturated) and as such useless to the tank.

Furthermore, even if it would be true then you should actually see an increase of ph a little (like an hour or so) after the lights come on as not enough CO2 has yet been added to the tank to saturate and the plants use what is available so far (like the 20ppm at the time of lights on).

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 14:18Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by tankwatcher
The procedure for the fancy gadget is more or less as I said earlier.

But the instructions for the pen type one - very vague indeed. Just says to re-calibrate when:

* it has been used for a long time since the last calibration
* if it has been used in particularly taxing conditions * when the utmost accuracy is required.

Doesn't actually say to discard the calibration solution after single use, but I think it is implied between the lines, as it talks about being careful to minimize contamination.

When I water change, I will notice how quickly the C02 changes the pH by degrees.

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 14:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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If you have a constant input of the same amount of CO2 throughout the day you will in fact see a decrease in pH at night and an increase in pH throughout the day as plants use CO2 during the day to photosynthesize and give it off at night to respire.

No real conclusion can be made by those of us without the means if you change the amount of CO2 input at any time of the day. It would be guesswork only to try to decide what observations in pH fluctuations are in the morning if you had just recently turned the CO2 on along with the lights. To classify a change decisively, everything else needs to be constant.



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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 16:21Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Robyn, thanks for the additional info. Matty that makes alot of sense. You mean if running co2 24/7.

Anyway I confirmed (I think) that my co2 is pushing 60 ppm at it's peak I've been increasing ferts all the way around and I believe I'm seeing improvement in my aromatica. They are now playing a more prominent role in the main areas of the tank.



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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 17:58Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Yeah, sorry, instead of saying "all day" I should have said 24/7.

I definitely notice a positive change there for them. I'm thinking I need to get a digital pH jobby and I've been thinking that for quite a long time. It just feels useless to test with the color test kit. Even the salifert kits are hard to read, though better than the others.



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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 18:42Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Yeah, hopefully the aromatica is for real this time. I can't remember the last time it looked good. These guys don't seem to mind the high co2. Well you could see why these guys are on the glass. How embrassing

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Post InfoPosted 10-Apr-2007 18:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
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Don't worry...
Non of us noticed the algae on the glass

Nice, Healthy, Ottos!

Frank

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Post InfoPosted 11-Apr-2007 01:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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We can all see why the Otos are so fat!

Add more Phosphates!

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Post InfoPosted 11-Apr-2007 01:54Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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"Everybody Sing - La La La La La"

In reference to the Wiggles song that each parent of younger children probably knows all too well.

Nice shot of tank and Otos, tetratech,

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 11-Apr-2007 14:19Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Everybody Sing - La La La La La

Right you have very young kids. Have you checked out Ditty Doodle Works on PBS? A close friend of mine created the show it's for youngsters between 1 and 6.

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Post InfoPosted 12-Apr-2007 00:02Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Man, the Wiggles. Here I am working a desk job, while they sing goofy songs and dance around - which i do in my free time anyway! - and make megabucks. Makes me think I'm in the wrong business...

Anyway, I think Bensaf would have a thing or two to say about that GS algae tetra - more phosphates!


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Post InfoPosted 12-Apr-2007 16:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Anyway, I think Bensaf would have a thing or two to say about that GS algae tetra - more phosphates!

Yeah, I think I've been underdosing everything especially with the co2 so high. Is that pretty solid that GS is caused by low phosphate or is it similiar to saying BGA is caused by low nitrate?

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Post InfoPosted 12-Apr-2007 19:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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IMO low phosphates is one possible cause of green spot. I get some green spot and I know my PO4 levels are good. I'm not sure it's worth messing with things too much, just from where I'm sittin' and lookin'.



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Post InfoPosted 12-Apr-2007 20:54Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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I don't know this for sure, and I have not been in a serious discussion about it either, but I doubt that low P causes GS.

I always had some GS developing on the glass, and if you don't clean your glass frequently it will multiply (not as in making more out of one, just simply more). And as you all know (or not) my tab P is already 2ppm and I add some to it during the week (2 to 3 times) as well.

I made an overservation in my 125 over the last few weeks. As lazy as I am, I did not clean the back glass of my tank for quite a while. Over time, I saw a buildup of GS in the open glass area behind the Blyxa on the left of the tank (here is another side observation - I usually don't see GS behind plants, just in open areas). The interesting part is that there was a clear horizontal line about half way down on the glass with GS below but barely any above. And guess what? This is how low the water level falls during water change. Makes me think that exposire to air is not so good for GS.

What do you think?

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 13-Apr-2007 13:31Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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What do you think?
I think that you might not get as much light in those areas. I have been doing some pretty large water changes the past few weeks and I still have some GS abover where my water line goes down to.

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Post InfoPosted 27-Apr-2007 19:41Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Oh Oh tetratech,

Did you run out of your Premium Membership again?

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 14-May-2007 19:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Looks like he did, LF.

Time to pass the collection plate for tetra!


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Post InfoPosted 14-May-2007 20:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Yeah I got a couple of reminders and didn't do anything. I'll have to decide if I'm going to renew the premo. There's really only a few dedicated planted enthusiasts here. Let's see Skywalker(nowher), Solo(LF), Darth Vader (Matty-darkside), Wings(C3PO)and Princess leia(tankwatcher). Of course the great Obi-Wan (Bensaf) is somewhere out there, probably in a galaxy far far away............

O.K. Frank you could be Yoda


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Post InfoPosted 14-May-2007 23:30Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Nah, I think Frank is the Emperor!


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Post InfoPosted 15-May-2007 02:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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Princess leia(tankwatcher)
Glad I didn't end up being a female version of Chewy. Must tell the family they have to treat me more as a princess now and less as their personal slave ?

What happens if you re-new now ... will all your older pics come back too? I hate to think we won't get to see your beautiful tanks again. However, it is good to learn that once you cease membership your older pics disappear. I never considered that before - just thought you wouldn't be able to post new ones. Thinking about it, I can understand it's fair enough for FP to do this - I just hadn't thought about it. Thought my log pics would always be there, as my textural & pictorial record of tank's life. Makes me think I should also keep this in a home document as well, as you never know what might happen in the future.

BTW, I've read here and there of your previous brewery incident & know it had something to do with your C02 system - but can't imagine how this happens with a pressurised system. What happened & did you have DIY at the time? Just curious. Is there a thread here you could point me towards, if that's easier than rehashing it here

Cheers
TW
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Must tell the family they have to treat me more as a princess now and less as their personal slave


Now you sound like my wife.

The brewery incident was when I had DIY Co2. In fact it prompted my conversion to pressurized. I'm still not sure exactly how it happened, but somehow enough of the mix got into the tank to start reacting and it really smelled like a brewery. There was a big billowy cloudy that was moving about the tank it was pretty freaky. It happened in my old 46g before I started the 72g. If I find any pics I'll post them or should I say link them.

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Post InfoPosted 15-May-2007 02:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Well,

I guess that would leave Chewbacca and R2D2 for tetratech, make you pick young man

BTW, isn't your birthday sometime in May?

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 15-May-2007 13:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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BTW, isn't your birthday sometime in May?

Actually it was May 3rd. 44

I guess that would leave Chewbacca and R2D2 for tetratech

Yeah, I let you guys have all the cool characters. I guess I'll be Chewbacca since he most resembles what I look like anyway. My days of being incognito will soon be coming to an end as I will probably reveal myself sometime in the near future. Please make sure the kids are not near your computer as you gaze upon my most heidous form.

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Post InfoPosted 15-May-2007 16:43Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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So tetra,

You are setting up your old 46G bow? What are you plans?

Did you ever get that salt set up running?

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Post InfoPosted 15-May-2007 17:12Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Well the salt setup never happened because I simply didn't have a place to put the setup. All the equipment (sump, substrate, sock, etc are setting in my garage)

You are setting up your old 46G bow? What are you plans?
Yep this one is underway. I'm deciding on what kind of layout I want to do. I already have all my equipment and the tank will be in my bedroom. I couldn't have put the salt setuip in the bedroom because the sump and setup would have been too noisy.




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Post InfoPosted 16-May-2007 22:29Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Very good to hear you're setting up a new one, looking forward to seeing it come together.

Guess we wont have our competing tanks afterall, mine isnt close to being ready


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 17-May-2007 01:03Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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I'm too young to be a father.....but I still like being vader.

Can't wait to see the new setup.....too bad about the SW.

You should def get your premie renewed...it's only a few bucks, and it's a different atmosphere here than on a larger site.



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Post InfoPosted 18-May-2007 16:57Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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it's a different atmosphere here than on a larger site.
Very true. Thats why I keep coming back here. Plus we all have a history together!

55G Planted tank thread
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Post InfoPosted 18-May-2007 17:24Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
FRANK
 
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Me? The Emperor? Isn't he the "Old Dude" in the black
cape/hoodie with all the wrinkles and bad speech, one
of the "Bad Guys?"

Actually, I would think that keeping the
Premium Membership would be an ideal thing unless you
were only casually visiting FP only once in a while.
The site, its software, and staff, have provided a first
rate place for you to exchange ideas, theories, and facts
about a wide range of subjects. In this one forum alone
"We" have covered various fish species, snails, shrimp,
and even frogs. And thats not counting the various
substrates, lights and lighting, filtration and filters
and hundreds of plants.

If one takes the time to actually read all of these
posts (and I have not just because I'm one of
the moderators, but because the topics interest me)
there is an amazing amount of knowledge here and
it continues to grow.

We now have new members with new tanks, that are interested
in plants, lighting, and substrates. I expect we will see
many of them posting questions and logs here.

There are other sites, many for plants, but they seem
"Stuffy" and not as "open" or friendly as FP is.
I would hope that you do renew, and continue to support
the site that has given you so much.

Frank


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Post InfoPosted 19-May-2007 01:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
My days of being incognito will soon be coming to an end as I will probably reveal myself sometime in the near future. Please make sure the kids are not near your computer as you gaze upon my most heidous form.


Oh Oh,

I guess that means that you are into something big. Why else would you all of a sudden after many years decide to show yourself? I am looking forward to it.

And now go and renew your subscription before they see your image and ban you from the site (as in: too hairy, Chewbacca)

Ingo

EDIT: I assume you have seen my mug-shot at the latest event published on NJAGC, right?

EDIT EDIT: And belated "Happy Birthday" to you, welcome to my age (and Bensaf's )


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Post InfoPosted 20-May-2007 13:27Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
LF,
Thanks for the belated BDay Wish

Oh Oh,

I guess that means that you are into something big. Why else would you all of a sudden after many years decide to show yourself? I am looking forward to it.

Oh, it won't be something that big. You know me, I'm such a drama queen.

Now that a darkside presence has been discovered here within the moderator group, I might have to go into hiding and seek out (Obi-Wan/aka Bensaf) and return to fight the Protists and the Tdapbaraf (Threads disquised as planted but are really about fish).



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Post InfoPosted 21-May-2007 15:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
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Of course the great Obi-Wan (Bensaf) is somewhere out there, probably in a galaxy far far away............


Try an airport far far away.......

Don't have a life anymore, at least not one that doesn't involve work

Logged on to look at the pics and see how the tanks were coming a long, but yours are all gone

I'm sure it looks way better then my neglected overgrown moss infested ones anyway


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 27-May-2007 05:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Try an airport far far away

It's alive!!!

Now I have to just talk you into showing us your moss-dominated tanks, maybe next airport layover. Glad all is well with you. If you check back in go here for the most recent published pick of my tank.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/aquarium-pictures/files/1/8/9/5/IMG_7967crop_original.jpg

Best regards,
Jeff




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Post InfoPosted 28-May-2007 04:32Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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Great to see a pic of your tank again tetratech.

Those are great rocks you have there. I can never really find any that I think look natural, no matter where I look. Did you buy them, or did you collect them bushwalking?

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 28-May-2007 04:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Hi Tetra , Love the design of this tank . Want to see more of your work . Look forward to it
Garry
Post InfoPosted 28-May-2007 11:54Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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It's alive!!!


And so are you tetratech,

And I am with Robyn, nice to see your tank again. Doesn't seem like much, if anything at all except trimming, has changed in your tank. All looks healthy and clean

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 28-May-2007 11:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Robyn,

The rocks are all Petrified wood purchased at LFS in my area. My twigs are from Pier One Imports (a very exotic store)

LF,

Actually that pic of my tank is from April, I was just directing Uncle Ben to a recent pic, since he hasn't been around. I have added a species or two of plants and fine-tuned things a bit. I'll try to post a pic soon.

Garry,

Thanks for those comments!

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Post InfoPosted 28-May-2007 13:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
bensaf
 
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Well here I am back in Dubai again, on the way home this time.

Tank looks great, being a lot of changes. Plants look incredibly healthy and vibrant, not a lick of algae

Just as impressive is the photo itself. Finally a shot with some light and you can see everything. Crisp and crystal clear, just the right amount of light. Has somebody been taking photography lessons?

I don't even have a photo of mine since I moved house. There's pretty much no stem plants in it as I don't have time to trim and the crypts and moss have spread and taken over everywhere. Whole thing needs to be tore down and re-arranged. Someday.


Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Post InfoPosted 30-May-2007 23:24Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Yes My Master, I've served you well!

Well here I am back in Dubai again, on the way home this time.

Bensaf, nice to catch you here. Thanks for those very nice comments. Yep the tank is incredibly stable, regardless of what I do with ferts, etc. I have to preach organic and light control as the biggest factors.

Dubai seems like a surreal place with their progressive architecture, etc. If you play tennis, don't forget your parachute. Glad all is well with you and I hope you settle enough to put another beautiful scape together.



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Post InfoPosted 30-May-2007 23:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Wow,

two Bensaf entries in 4 days, I can only hope that he has a layover at that airport at least once a week .

So tetratech, tell me more about your preachings with regards to light control, please.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 31-May-2007 13:15Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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So tetratech, tell me more about your preachings with regards to light control, please.
or call me Jeff, please

Anyway, I'm convinced that by reducing the length of the photo period, not the intensity you will control more algae situations, That in combination with good solid co2.
This is nothing new, but I do feel the plants only use what eight hours or so and then it's feast time for algae.

This has worked in my tanks on several occasions when I noticed BBA starting to grow. I've reduced lighting duration and bumped up co2 slightly and the BBA was controlled and didn't come back. I notice my rocks are staying cleaner. I'm about to setup my new 46g. I'm pretty sure I'm going to try my hand at an Iwagumi and I will be only running lights at about 7 hours initially and moving up to 8/9 max.

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Post InfoPosted 31-May-2007 14:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Good to see the old man is still around and well (at least health wise)

I wish I knew how to be active in more than one forum at once, then I could stay on top of these things.

Tetra, nice to hear about the 46. In the amano-related set-up manuals I've seen he suggests the same. Start off with a short photo period and little to no ferts and gradually build them up. This will be especially tricky with the Iwagumi style, since the first thing we think of when starting a new tank is to stuff it with plants right away. Nutrient control will be more important than ever with this style, sounds like a fun challenge


Back in the saddle!
Post InfoPosted 31-May-2007 16:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Good to see the old man is still around and well (at least health wise)


Yeah that is good news. Speaking of old men, I was sorry to hear you mention your tank is delayed. Maybe your a little of this old man from Lawn Guy-land

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Post InfoPosted 31-May-2007 17:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Speaking of old men, I was sorry to hear you mention your tank is delayed. Maybe your a little of this old man from Lawn Guy-land


Who, me?

I still haven't redone the 4G which needs it the most. My target for that is next week. I've just been putting money into non-aquatic plants and haven't budgeted for the new ones to go in the 4G. Just got a few nice small begonia species the other day, and I've been setting up the outside plants now that the weather has turned warm.

Funny thing is, the 65 and all accessories are set up in my room already - stand, tank, filter stuff, driftwood, lights etc. All I need now is AS, plants... and a kick in the behind to get going on it

But I am looking forward to your Iwagumi. Thus far I don't think any one we know from FP has pulled one off yet (haven't seen one from Bensaf if he has). ChaosMaximus tried one a year or so ago but that went down the tubes rather quickly I remember. So should be interesting.


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Post InfoPosted 31-May-2007 19:07Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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But I am looking forward to your Iwagumi. Thus far I don't think any one we know from FP has pulled one off yet (haven't seen one from Bensaf if he has). ChaosMaximus tried one a year or so ago but that went down the tubes rather quickly I remember. So should be interesting.


Yes, how can we forget ChaosMaximus. Poor guy, never knew what hit him.

Anyway, how can I fail, I'm in a Zen-like state of mind

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Post InfoPosted 31-May-2007 19:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Anyway, I'm convinced that by reducing the length of the photo period, not the intensity you will control more algae situations, That in combination with good solid co2.
This is nothing new, but I do feel the plants only use what eight hours or so and then it's feast time for algae.


I am with you on this one. I am running about 9 hours max for my photo period with the intensity up to 5.25WPG. I keep my CO2 up around 70 some ppm and I have a light fish load and keep my feedings light. Hardly any algae to speak of in the tank.

Just remember that algae needs long photo periods to prosper while plants can turn it on and off to get by.

55G Planted tank thread
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[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 31-May-2007 21:32Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Yes, how can we forget ChaosMaximus. Poor guy, never knew what hit him.


I know. Started right off the bat with a few clumps of HC, a few petite nanas, and lemon tetras. Algae city within a week. I guess he never stuck with it. Well, live and learn.


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Post InfoPosted 31-May-2007 23:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Start off with a short photo period and little to no ferts and gradually build them up.

Well, of course I have to disagree

True, Amano says that, but in what context? Answer: in the context of using his substrate and bacter. This stuff leaches ferts like mad in the beginning, that is why one should not add more ferts.

At least that is my opinion,

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 00:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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ummm what is Iwagumi style

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 00:39Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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Robyn,

Just type Iwagumi into google and you will see. basically, it is a low planted tank (as in mainly low plants like HC and such) with rocks sticking out, similar to my 20G QT currently (although I would get spanked by Amano for remotely linking my tank and Iwagumi, ).

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 00:50Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
DeletedPosted 01-Jun-2007 15:28
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NowherMan6
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True, Amano says that, but in what context? Answer: in the context of using his substrate and bacter. This stuff leaches ferts like mad in the beginning, that is why one should not add more ferts.


I didn't think AS leached ferts into the WC. It shouldn't anyway, unless you're dumping water directly onto it and making it leach everything.

And tetra, I believe your mailbox is full.


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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 16:51Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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And tetra, I believe your mailbox is full.

Thanks, I just cleared it.



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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 17:04Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 17:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
AAAAHHHHHHH



Now that is an accomplishment, Jeff.
'Petrified Valley' - interesting name choice, I sure was not petrified when I saw the honors, I was delighted.

And this is not at all how I pictured you would look like, .

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 18:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Well done, Jeff!

Congrats as well! That's no small accomplishment.

I agree with Ingo. With all the "old man" talk I expected to see an old guy sitting there with his tank. Though I guess the Chewbacca comparison holds up...


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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 19:08Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Thanks both of you!

Believe me, I'm old. with a Son almost as big as I am, I'm feeling pretty old. I have good hair genes, but that's about it. I actually don't usually look like Chewy, but I get lazy when I work from home. I was tempted to take the pic in my pjs, but I opted for the ripped jeans.

Ingo thanks for those nice words in the thread, that is oh so true, but I think your editorial piece in TFH next to Amano beats it.

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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 20:33Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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EditedEdited by NowherMan6
Actually, now that I think about it, you look exactly like the guy who played Harry Ellis in the original "Die Hard". I mean, you're a dead ringer for that guy! Know who I'm talking about?


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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 20:57Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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Actually, now that I think about it, you look exactly like the guy who played Harry Ellis in the original "Die Hard". I mean, you're a dead ringer for that guy! Know who I'm talking about?

You mean that really obnxious coked out guy that they couldn't stand listening to anymore and shot in the head. Great thanks "Checky young pup - Bensaf"

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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 21:28Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Yeah, that's the guy! Just like him, only that instead of being coked up and obnoxious, if he entered a Zen-like state of mind after discovering the ability to bring the beauty of nature into his home through the art of the aquascape.


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Post InfoPosted 01-Jun-2007 21:46Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
mattyboombatty
 
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That's a really descriptive set of shots of the maturation of your tank tetratech....ermmm Jeff. As I've said before, your tank is very nice and well deserved of the honor. Congrats.



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Post InfoPosted 02-Jun-2007 00:03Profile Homepage PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Jeff , the beautifull simplicity of the scape of this tank is breathtaking . I can't wait to see the new setup . Congrats
Garry
Post InfoPosted 02-Jun-2007 08:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
LITTLE_FISH
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EditedEdited by LITTLE_FISH
Editorial piece in TFH beating the "Tank of the Month" ???

Not when it comes to what we (the plant nerds) value most, a planted tank, not by a long shot .

Granted, the TFH thing was a nice accomplishment as well, but it was all about breeding Espei, and for that your tank can (theoretically) look like a bomb exploded in it.

There is no taking away from the work, thought, and even restrain that you have displayed to make your tank what it is today, and that's why you really earned this reward.

And yeah, I had to request my password to log into the site as I haven't been logged in in ages. My postcount there is the opposite from here

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 02-Jun-2007 11:41Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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Tetra,

Any plans to enter this tank into the AGA contest? If you haven't already I think you should.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 02-Jun-2007 14:56Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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well done houseofcards, aka tetratech, aka Jeff.

If I wasn't so scared of the mess I'd make, I'm almost tempted to try the two substrate idea (eco & sand) in my new tank. I still just don't get it. How do you keep it separate. I have no digging fish - so no problem there.

Cheers
TW
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tetratech
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If I wasn't so scared of the mess I'd make, I'm almost tempted to try the two substrate idea (eco & sand) in my new tank. I still just don't get it. How do you keep it separate. I have no digging fish - so no problem there.


There's always going to be some mixing issue, but if the substrates are separately somewhat by a rock border it will be minimal.

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Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 15:36Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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I've been searching for petrified wood, since you told me that's what your rocks are. Couldn't find any here & I am bidding on a couple lots on ebay in USA. Hope they look okay in real life, when I get them.

None of the rocks I find in LFS ever look natural.

I will think about this twin substrate idea. If it doesn't work for me & everything gets messy, I assume it be a real hassle to remove the sand from the tank.
but if the substrates are separately somewhat by a rock border it will be minimal
Should I place the rock border, which divides the 2 substrates, directly on the glass bottom of the tank?

Cheers
TW
Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 17:20Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
tetratech
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I've been searching for petrified wood, since you told me that's what your rocks are. Couldn't find any here & I am bidding on a couple lots on ebay in USA. Hope they look okay in real life, when I get them.


Be careful what you are getting. some petrified wood isn't very attractive in both structure and color. Some look very light and orange and other's might be very straight and flat. So make sure it's WYSIWYG.

I don't think it's critical that the rocks are on a clean glass bottom. I mean some substrate underneath the rock is fine. Just make sure the darker substrate is held back by the rocks. You can pour some more substrate in the area and see how much leaks through than adjust your rocks.

My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 04-Jun-2007 17:45Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
TW
 
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So make sure it's WYSIWYG
That's what I'm scared of. I've been outbid on this one already, & I don't know if I'll up my bid or not. What do you think of this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110132809194&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com.au%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D110132809194%2B%2B%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1

I already one a batch of this stuff http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Petrified-wood-All-natural-Arizona-petrified-wood-1-2_W0QQitemZ140123651975QQihZ004QQcategoryZ3219QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem I'll ask if the seller can pick out the red / brown ones for me. What do you think of these. They were fairly cheap, so I won't be too heartbroken if they are no good & I can't use them. Also, the guy seems to have heaps of them. If I like them & want more of the same, shouldn't be a problem.

Comments invited.

Cheers
TW
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tetratech
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Robyn,

The first piece you were out bid on, looks kinda light and it will look almost white when placed in the tank under the lights. I haven't found those that attractive, but again that's my opinion. The ones that are more brown and less orange or off white like the one in the pic usually look better and more natural. Also stay away from pieces that look like they have broad striping from brown to white, again they don't look natural in the tank. You want to try and find pieces that look like little boulders and not flat rectangles, if that makes sense. Happy rock hunting.

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tetratech
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Robyn,

The first piece you were out bid on, looks kinda light and it will look almost white when placed in the tank under the lights. I haven't found those that attractive, but again that's my opinion. The ones that are more brown and less orange or off white like the one in the pic usually look better and more natural. Also stay away from pieces that look like they have broad striping from brown to white, again they don't look natural in the tank. You want to try and find pieces that look like little boulders and not flat rectangles, if that makes sense. Happy rock hunting.

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Hey,

I don't know much about this type of wood/rock, so I let you two figure out the right color and such.

But I want to comment on the last link from Robyn:

that chunk of rock is 8 ounces - meaning half a pound, right? I recently saw a rock of the kind that I have in my 20G at the LFS, about the same size as the larger ones in there (as such, not really big). Asking what it would cost, and learning that price is by weight, we checked the latter. 3 Pounds ++ !!!

Petrified Wood is just as heavy, I take it, so this 8 oz. one must be tiny, I doubt the measurements.

Ingo


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EditedEdited by tetratech
Robyn sorry to be critical but that last link is very glassy looking and I don't think you will like it in your tank. I have a few pieces like that and I don't really use them or I use them in the back somewhere.

Do you definitely want petrified wood. Aren't there any landscaping supply type stores that you could look over their rocks. Around me I recently went to a landscape supply store and they let me pick through a pile of Moss Rock and take anything I wanted for $10. I might be using these in my new 46g.

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Post InfoPosted 05-Jun-2007 14:44Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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ha,

funny thing:

and they let me pick through a pile of Moss Rock

Just last night I heard the name Moss Rock for the first time, from a NJAGC buddy. He likes them very much but couldn't show me an example as we were at AF and they had none.

Can you get a picture of one up here, tetratech?

Ingo


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EditedEdited by tankwatcher
the criticism for the rocks is just what I want

I don't think you've commented on these ones yet. Seller said he can pick out the darker & browner ones for me. I'll also ask if he can pick out the rounder ones, instead of the flat ones - but I may not have a lot of control over what he sends me. At worst, I can always the tops completely with riccia and use them as little borders.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Petrified-wood-All-natural-Arizona-petrified-wood-1-2_W0QQitemZ140123651975QQihZ004QQcategoryZ3219QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem
.
This is what I have now. I sort of like the rock itself, but doesn't look natural. It's typical of the sort of rocks I find in LFS - more pretty patterns than natural. I will wander around some gardening type places & see what they have as well.

BTW, I'm posting my pics these days via photobucket - so they will never disappear, unless I remove them from the photobucket album - even if I'm no longer a premie, I think they'll remain. Is that right Matty - or will they still disappear?

Cheers
TW
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tetratech
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Well here's one in the backyard. You can get an idea of the color. It has a flat sandy texture.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/aquarium-pictures/files/1/8/9/5/IMG_7987_original.jpg

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Well here's one in the backyard.


So, every time you want to add a piece to your tank, all you have to do is go outside with a sledge hammer and bang away

I like that type of rock, I for sure would not have assumed that it would be called Moss Rock, I thought such a stone should be greenish.

Once in a tank for a while, even the clearest sections of it should be somewhat "normalized" anyway.

Ingo


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So, every time you want to add a piece to your tank, all you have to do is go outside with a sledge hammer and bang away

I did attempt that to supply my new tank with rock (hint, hint) but I wasn't happy with the results so I ended up going to a landscape suppy and as mentioned picking throught a mountain of moss rock for the little pieces.

This is a a skid of moss rock you could buy for $250.
(not what I picked from). Many of the darker areas around the crevices, etc is actually dried moss, thus the name.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/aquarium-pictures/files/1/8/9/5/IMAGE_001_original.jpg

Sorry for the bad quality. It was taken with my cellphone.

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The best landscape place in my area, at least with concerns to rocks, is only open during the week, so usually not at the time when I can go there. I am off today, so maybe I have a chance go there.

Do you know of any other name by which this type of rock is known as? For example, the rock in my 20G and 40G and now also in the 125G (seems like I need more variety) is known in your fish store in LI (the big store, forgot the name yet again) as Picture Rock, but at my LFS as Zebra Rock.

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All the landscape suppliers out here call it moss rock, but your right, I'm sure there are several names.

the rock in my 20G and 40G and now also in the 125G (seems like I need more variety) is known in your fish store in LI (the big store, forgot the name yet again) as Picture Rock, but at my LFS as Zebra Rock.

That big store knows very little about the fish, plants let alone the sticks and stones they carry. I believe Zebra rock is the term most use.



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Post InfoPosted 06-Jun-2007 13:49Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Update..

I promise fresh pics of this tank once my TOTM run has concluded. I've refreshed it a bit and added some new plants including HC Cuba and Ludwigia repens. I've also added in some additional hardscape which includes some locally found driftwood.

Stay tuned...........

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Post InfoPosted 21-Jun-2007 22:53Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Can't wait

Cheers
TW
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TOTM
Dose this mean what I think it means?

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Post InfoPosted 22-Jun-2007 14:05Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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Jeff ,Looking forward to the update .
Garry
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Here's a current pic of the 72G. I've added some driftwood to the valley that I personally found in the bluffs overlooking the Nissequogue River on the north shore of Long Island. They are beautiful pieces that I've tried to incorporating into the curve of the valley in a sort of dramatic way. You can also see the HC growing in the foreground as well as a thicket of Ludwigia repens growing in the midground on the left side.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/aquarium-pictures/files/1/8/9/5/IMG_0681apc_original.jpg



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Post InfoPosted 16-Jul-2007 23:34Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Tetra , Thats a very different look now in the central part of the scape .
It looks like you have moved some rocks out of the scape to accommodate the driftwood ?
You've also got some plants blocking the view up the river .
Much as it daunts me to say this ( of one of the "Masters" scapes ), isn't that a little distracting.
Oh well it is hard to improve of perfection ( geez I'm a suck up )
Love the driftwood BTW.

Garry
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Hm ,

Not my favorite either, sorry to say that. Here is why:

- the driftwood, as nice as it is, seems artificial in these positions. I can imagine though that it will look better once it "ages" and doesn't look that polished anymore.
- the divider line created with the very bright green Wisteria is somewhat out of place. Why split the valley?

All other parts look nice and I am truly looking forward to the HC growth, in particular if you should go with the ADA substrate test. Once the HC covers the foreground the whole tank will look very different as any darkness from the ground will be gone. Hard to imagine now for me though.

Ingo


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Yeah, before I even posted the pic, I knew I would get comments similiar to LF and Country. The wisteria should have been cut so it doesnt completely cut off the valley and the pic is alittle dark to see the flow through it.

At this point it's experimentation with this tank. It's kinda done, but I'm looking for something maybe alittle different.

I just trimmed so I'll probably post a different pic possibily from a different prospective.

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I knew I would get comments similiar to LF and Country.


Aren't you glad that you have such careful observers in your audience ?

As is often the case, a picture rarely represents the "real" tank, for better and worse. More shots from different angles for sure help in understanding the 3 dimensionality of a tank.

Ingo


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Tetra,

Do you have any close ups of your riccia? Mine had been a little weird lately. Some parts are dark green, some are bright green. It looks like yours is the same.



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Post InfoPosted 17-Jul-2007 19:10Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
NowherMan6
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Hey tetra, what're the plants growing in the valley itself, in the sand part on the right side? Looks like e. parvi., but fluffier, like hygro poly.?


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Post InfoPosted 17-Jul-2007 19:16Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Hey tetra, what're the plants growing in the valley itself, in the sand part on the right side? Looks like e. parvi., but fluffier, like hygro poly.?
Nope that's just Difformis living up to its name. I must have 10 differnt leaf shapes depending on trim,light,location, etc.

I'm surprised no one picked up on the L.Repens as it slants in the same shape as the valley. That was the idea behind the wood on the left as well. It's sort of bending into the curve of the valley.

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I'm surprised no one picked up on the L.Repens as it slants in the same shape as the valley.

I sure didn't see that

I didn't even notice the repens (which, btw, looks rather pale in the picture) as I focussed in on the wood and valley.

Ingo


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EditedEdited by tetratech
Current shot about 4 days post trim. Really nice color here, yeah the repens were recently hacked as well. I trimmed the wisteria on the sand so you could see through the valley again.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2460889960048205226BYLOVY?vhost=outdoors

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I think that little change made all the difference. The wood somehow,oddly maybe, seems to fit much better than before.



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EditedEdited by countryfish
Tetra , I agree with Matty , that makes a big difference .
Looks like you've done a big trim and added some Ricca ????? to one of the rocks on the left side of the river .
Looks like the HC has spread quite a lot in 4 days.

Great shot as always , and I agree with Ingo more shots from different angles would be a treat to see.

Garry
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EditedEdited by tetratech
Current tank shot:

Current Pic

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Tetratech

How have you been able to compensate for the PH raise the petrified wood has put on the tank? If now how did you know that it wouldnt raise it? If it did how if at all are you keeping it down?

Thanks
Shane

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
http://thetanklog.blogspot.com/ - [ Thanks to ScottF ]
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Very nice tetratech,

but I wouldn't be me (or you wouldn't be yourself either, in that situation) if I couldn't find something to bicker about :

I think the rocks are now a little too bare. I would rather like to see some plants overhanging the outer sides of the rocks (sides away from the valley) or even some small plants growing on the rocks, for example (albeit not a good one) having Nana petites growing out of the gaps between the rocks and such.

But maybe you just did a trim job and that is why the center is rather bare.

Otherwise, just as gorgeous then the day you won TOTM,

Ingo


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Beautifully sculptured tank no matter what you keep doing to it
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fishmonster
The petrified wood should not affect the PH / Hardness of the tank

LF
Thanks for your comment. Your right, there's always some tweaking to do here and there. Maybe if I could get my tank in TFH like someone else I know I'll go all out.

fishpatty
Thanks for the nice comment.


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NowherMan6
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What happened to all your cardinals? Didn't you have something like 30 in there?


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Jeff as always , your scape is nearly perfect . They are never quite perfect are they
always someting to do , that's what keeps us interested .

Not sure I'm as game as LF to make suggestions , but it does appear to be a little bare
in the area LF pointed out . Are you in the process of changing things ?

Garry
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nowher,

You mean I'm suppose to have fish in my planted tanks, oops I forgot hehe. Actually there's about a dozen or so in there. I think I had 25 or so at it's peak. I'm coming up on two years for these cardinals so I'm sure some died off from age. Since they are wild caught, one never knows how old they are when acquired. Interesting though I still have an amazing 6 otos from my original 9 or so. And some of my Amano shrimps are pushing two years as well.

Garry,

I'm really debating a complete redo of the tank, but to echo Ingo, do I have the time to do it.

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tetratech,

About the fishies: first off, I hear you on the ever decreasing "interest" in fish as they serve more of a decoration role for the tank (except worker bees).

I can see the cardinals having reached their age limit, and maybe the Amanos as well, althogh I am reading some reports of a life span of over 4 years.

Otos,on the other hand, will easily exceed 5 years, just ask Cali on this site.

Ingo


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Post InfoPosted 10-Oct-2007 17:38Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Well that's interesting about the shrimp. I didn't realize they can live that long. Anyway I haven't purchased a fish in I don't know how long. I'll probably let these fish run their course and then decide on one big school. It definitey won't be cardinals. I think the whole idea of a large tight school all the time is a myth to a certain degree. You can't go by those shots of Amanos tanks since he throws them in and takes pictures. They always school at the point. One of the artistic APCers referred to fish in his tanks as "Paint Strokes"

At current between my three tanks I probably have about 100 cherry shrimps

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At current between my three tanks I probably have about 100 cherry shrimps
It doesn't take long. I still have 99% of mine in the little 1.5 gallon. I am guessing there are over 50 of them in there. Maybe it's time to sell some as I don't think I can set up the 20G long right now.

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EditedEdited by tetratech
Here's a current pic about a week post trim. I'm pretty much moving things around here and there on a somewhat monthly basis. In this shot I added more riccia to the rocks in the valley. After moving the riccia away from some foreground areas I also added a new plant (Echinodorus tenellus 'micro')to both the foreground and valley area.

Current Pic

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Post InfoPosted 23-Oct-2007 00:55Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
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Tetra , The Ricca on the rocks is a great touch . So a new plant , how about a close up ?

I agree about your fish selection Btw , I'm so over Card's mine hide all the time ,
Rummys are a hoot to watch in a bigish school ( I have 17 ) they play follow the leader
at speed all the time . Occasionally this cause's a pile up .
I think you would love them .

Garry
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tetratech,

Looking very nice and way more natural now that the center area had time (and your help) to incorporate the rock valley some more

Tenellus Micro, yes? It should grow rather similar to normal tenellus then, right (albeit smaller, and isn't it reddish as well? ) ? While individual plantlets look very nice right now, wouldn't you have to take care of runners all the time?

The darker green areas on the right hand rocks of the valley, is that Riccia as well somehow shaded or some form of moss?

The only slight criticism I can make is that it seems like the way left group is not attached cohesively to the closer groups at the left rock area. The way right side seems to create more flow, but the left has even a hole.

Otherwise, better than mine anyway

Ingo


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male usa
Thanks for the comments guys.

Garry,
Rummys are very nice fish and definitely much better schoolers than cards. I might in fact go with those in this tank since they are fairly easy to acquire around here. I'll try to get a pick up of the new plant soon.

Ingo,
As usual very perceptive. Yes the far left is slightly detached since there's a space where there isn't anything in the substrate and the wisteria is sort of hovering over that area. I was just to lazy to plant more wisteria there about a week ago.

Yeah I expect the runners from the ETM will go around things but I'm not to worried. I think they'll be easy to remove. Yes the plant does have sme nice reddish hues to it, one reason I wanted it. The guy I bought them from said the plant is a really slow grower, but it doesn't look like that's going to be the case.

Very interesting comment about the Riccia and yes it's all Riccia. The darker Riccia on the right was taken out of my Aquasoil-based tank and was growing very dark in there compared to this tank. After having it in this tank for about a month it continues to grow this way. Also the left shape is smaller and tighter. Here's a pic from a few weeks ago when they were both side by side in the tank. The AS-based Riccia is on the right.

Riccia


My Scapes
Post InfoPosted 23-Oct-2007 15:22Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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What is this?
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male usa
Back in the day (a couple of months ago) when I had my 40G set up, my riccia would grow dark sometimes too. I never really did figure out why...

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 23-Oct-2007 23:22Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
bratyboy2
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male usa
so what ever happened to the posting on this one i loved this tank
Post InfoPosted 04-Feb-2008 05:52Profile AIM Yahoo PM Edit Delete Report 
Countryfish
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Da...Dum .. Da...Dum
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male australia
Yes Tetra ...long time ..how about an update ?


Garry
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2008 12:13Profile PM Edit Delete Report 
Wingsdlc
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male usa
He does still stop in!

Last Visit: 04-Feb-2008 07:58

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric
Post InfoPosted 15-Feb-2008 13:25Profile AIM PM Edit Delete Report 
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