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LITTLE_FISH 125G Log | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | WOW I just came back from the Big Al's website and to my surprise I cannot find Tropica Master Grow there anymore? What is going on, am I just not able to find it? If it isn't sold anymore (and I need a BIG bottle) what is a feasible replacment? They have 2 liter bottles of Seachem Flourish, would that be the equivalent, or i Flourish Trace missing in that equation? Any help would be appreciated, Ingo EDIT: They also have 2 liter and 4 liter bottles of Flourish Trace, should I go for both together (Flourish and Flourish Trace)? |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 19:20 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I just came back from the Big Al's website and to my surprise I cannot find Tropica Master Grow there anymore? LF, You have to call them. They are overhauling their website and it's all screwed up. I have all these VIP points and it's not showing up My Scapes |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 19:26 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Aih I have thousands of points as well, and would like to add more. I guess if I call them then I would not get the points for this order, right (I am also buying a AC 50 filter for my neighbor, I can't stand his catridge throw-out filter for his 10G)? Thanks so far tetratech, Ingo |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 19:35 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I have thousands of points as well, and would like to add more. I guess if I call them then I would not get the points for this order, right (I am also buying a AC 50 filter for my neighbor, I can't stand his catridge throw-out filter for his 10G)? They might accomdate you on the points if you call. BTW - I stopped buying set catridges for my filters. I have an AC 20 on my 12g and I have some efisubstrate in a bag and the sponge that comes with the filter, so I never have to replace anything. My Scapes |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 20:09 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And I use only sponges (2 on top of each other) in my AC50 and AC70. But, to get back on topic, let us assume they don't have TMG anymore, is Flourish AND Flourish Trace its replacement that I should use? And if so, in what proportions (50/50 or 25/75 or what)? Thanks, I will wait for the answer before I call, Ingo |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 20:15 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | But, to get back on topic, let us assume they don't have TMG anymore, is Flourish AND Flourish Trace its replacement that I should use? And if so, in what proportions (50/50 or 25/75 or what)? I could only speak from my own experience, but I don't use trace anymore, I just use Flourish 3 times weekly. I haven't used Flourish potassium, trace as long as I could remember and I'm not really using Flourish Iron anymore either. My Scapes |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 20:21 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Boah, there is actually a thread on APC with regards to Tropica and the TMG. Supposedly they have a marketing change and do all kinds of stuff. Just type Tropica Master Grow in the search at APC and then select the ""Tropica Plant Nutrition+ Liquid" - new Tropica products availability?" thread. Guess I am out of luck Ingo |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 20:24 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Yup, So I called Big Al and guess what: They do not have TMG per se anymore, instead they are getting this week the whole new line of Tropica plant care products. I had a very nice and knowledged gentleman on the phone, he informed me that instead of one mix there are now 15 or so components that one would have to buy (I guess he included the macros) . It is not on the website yet as not all products have been shipped from Tropica just yet, but keep your eyes open - it should be there within this week. I bought TMG for its simplicity, what are they thinking!!!! I guess I will go with a smaller bottle of Flourish for the time being until we know more about this Tropica Attack. Thanks, Ingo |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 20:40 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I bought TMG for its simplicity, what are they thinking!!!! Then I think you'll be fine with the Flourish (It's got FE in it) I havent seen any difficienies and my Rotala has nice red hues to it. I'd like to say a small pray, for all of us living thru this heatwave that we don't lose power. My unheated swimming pool is reading 90F. My Scapes |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 20:58 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Can someone clarify for me: what exactly was Tropica master grow? Was is a combination of macros and micros? Just Micros and traces? Did it contain Ca and Mg? |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 21:01 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | By Flourish you mean the Seachem Flourish right? It's funny that this came up as I was asking a similar question in my 25 log. As for the heat... well not much sympathy here! After spending my whole life in Sunny Central Florida and now Houston that is pretty much the norm in the summer time. It is kind of funny that you all are pretty much hotter than us right now though. Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 23:10 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Rick - Sure, tell us what softies we are, but for notherners like us this is pretty hot, plus about 5000% humidity (). I used TMG for my micros, and I think this is what it was mostly composed of. I don't even know the exact content, I believed Bensaf and Untitled that it was good as they introduced me to fertilizers by telling me I always have to carry a bottle of it around, no matter where I go. Ingo |
Posted 02-Aug-2006 23:23 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | TMG is a micro fert. The best for me. It seems to give plants a sheen that others are lacking. Flourish is good too. No need for the Trace if using the regular Flourish. The change in the Tropica products is a bit confusing but no means does it mean you need a lot of bottles to replace TMG. A bit of background - Tropica was bought out about a year or so back. There is a new CEO. This new range is his idea it would seem. While I would agree with the idea of the new products - which are basically a response to the hobby becoming more sophiscated and high tech, the insistance on producing products that "contain no nitrate or phosphate" is now old hat - the name change is a marketing disaster IMO. Basically TMG will still be the same product but with a new name Aqua something or other.Still a micro fert. The other products are a macro fert with N+P, a potassium fert, a root tab and I think an Iron only fert. Pretty much like the Seachem range. If you are using the dry chems you'd still only need the micro fert. The other are a replacement for the dry chems which can be pretty hard to get in some parts (especially Europe), after all KNO3 can be used in bomb making, it was certainly an old favorite of the IRA before Cemtex was so easy to get hold of. Check the Tropica website for more info. Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 03-Aug-2006 04:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks for the info Bensaf I am mostly with you on the marketing blunder of this move. I also assume that I will have to read up more on these new products, all I can say so far is that the guy on the phone from Big Al's said that there is not ONE product that will replace TMG, but multiple that need to be used in combination. I easily imagined that the new series will include a "most micros in one shot" product, but also that Iron would be excluded from this product and has to be bought seperately. Besides that there may be other micros (mostly calcium and magnesium) that I could see in individual products. Guess we will find out soon enough. Ingo |
Posted 03-Aug-2006 10:40 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, Sorry to hear that your Micro Fert is on its way out. Change really sucks sometimes! It seems that people are always out there trying to make a buck and that makes our lives a pain in the butt. I have been using Flourish in my tank with Flourish Iron. Flourish has low % of your Macros and all the micros including iron. The only reason I am using Iron on top of reg. Flourish is an expermental thing. I am finding that my crypts are much more red in color with it. Other than that I don't see any real change. Hoped that helped! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 03-Aug-2006 15:12 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Sure did help Wings, The more people confirm tetratech's usage the more reliable the information becomes (at least if the right people confirm it). All we will have to do now is to find a Guinea Pig to test out the new Tropica stuff Ingo |
Posted 03-Aug-2006 18:00 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | The more people confirm tetratech's usage the more reliable the information becomes (at least if the right people confirm it). What me and my exciting "still life" tank isn't proof enough. Remember you also have alot of goodies in your eco. Well 3 out 4 ain't bad. I think that's a song, or no that's 2 out of 3 My Scapes |
Posted 03-Aug-2006 18:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Come on Tetratech, Don't get too angry at us for talking about your Still Life. Without a doubt is your tank in much better shape than my 125, in any aspect (well, I may have closed in on the proper fish count with the latest trade though). We bring this up because there is nothing else to bicker about Ingo |
Posted 03-Aug-2006 18:49 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | All we will have to do now is to find a Guinea Pig to test out the new Tropica stuffNOT IT! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 03-Aug-2006 20:18 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Flourish is good too. No need for the Trace if using the regular Flourish.For traces, I've been using Flourish Trace - but should I be using regular Flourish instead? Cheers TW |
Posted 04-Aug-2006 00:10 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Trace Flourish I think that Flourish has everything that Trace has and more. I haven't look really super close at it though. Personaly I would do Regular Flourish for your micros. For no other reason than the iron. Though I think we get quite a bit of micros from our WC's. Thats just me though and my two cents. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 04-Aug-2006 02:18 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | All we will have to do now is to find a Guinea Pig to test out the new Tropica stuff If I can get hold of it I will definately be trying it. I have a lot of faith in Tropica. Anybody who's tried their plants will tell you that. The quality is miles ahead of anything else. My Anubias and Crypt Spiralis came from Tropica - stunning quality. Micros are very hard to get hold of here. I'm on my last dose of TMG (which I had to pick up in S'pore). There's is nobody selling TMG here anymore and only 1 place I know selling Flourish but it's in the middle of Chinatown and a bugger to get to. All I have at the moment is some unknown S'pore brand. Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 04-Aug-2006 04:01 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | So I guess there is no way that you would get this stuff right away, except if you would take a "short" trip to Singapore over the weekend . I have a while to go (maybe two months at least) before I will be in crisis mode again, at least when it concerns micros, otherwise I am in crisis mode all the time anyway . I ordered 2 liters of flourish and will see how it works out. I would assume that regular dosage volumes, ba Ingo |
Posted 04-Aug-2006 14:10 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I would assume that regular dosage volumes, ba That's pretty much what I do, 3 times weekly. My Scapes |
Posted 04-Aug-2006 14:50 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | So that is what I will do then as well, as soon as my TMG is totally empty (I may have about 2 to 3 weeks of stuff left). Thanks tetratech, Ingo |
Posted 04-Aug-2006 14:57 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I think the bottle says 1 or 2 times per week, so I'm going alittle over. Following Master Hodge Podge BTW - I just ran out of my first container of Stump Remover (NO3) since I started the tank. It was a 16oz (454grams) container of powdered (no3) My Scapes |
Posted 04-Aug-2006 16:33 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | tetra, are you going to switch to greg watson KNO3? I like the fact that it's much more powdery than Green Light (which I have), seems to dissolve better right in the WC. |
Posted 04-Aug-2006 16:37 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | tetra, are you going to switch to greg watson KNO3? I like the fact that it's much more powdery than Green Light (which I have), seems to dissolve better right in the WC. I actually bought two containers when I first purchased at Lowes. So I have a full 16oz to go. Your right it's a larger grain size then the more powdery stuff. I basically take a plastic cup scoop some tank water into it. Pour in the no3 and po4, stir and pour it into the tank. My Scapes |
Posted 05-Aug-2006 00:04 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | So I don't know if it is true around your neck of the woods but Lowes doesn't have Green Light Stump Remover any more. I have checked both stores in my area and nothing. They have another stump remover but it doesn't say what it is inside! GRR! I think I will be making a greg W. order sometime in the next couple of months. I am down to about 1/2 my contaner for Green Light. In terms of Flourish I am doing 1 capful of Reg. Flourish (2L cap) and 1 cap of the Iron (small cap). This I do 3 times a week. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 05-Aug-2006 13:51 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks, I will try to get by without adding additional Iron, as I didn't purchase any Then we have to manage to get Bensaf some of the new Tropica products so he can try them out for us. Ingo |
Posted 05-Aug-2006 14:02 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Tank Update - Week 45 Not too much to say at all this week, the tank is growing and the ferts are flowing Overall, not too much has happened, most concerned the end of the TMG era as Tropica is now selling new products that are not yet available. So I will try Flourish for a while, I will let you know when the TMG stock I have is depleted. Strangely, I still see maybe 5 to 10 hyro leaves floating every week. This started after the power outagae over two weeks ago and had never happened before. Any ideas? Here is the tank last weekend (comparison): Last Week |
Posted 06-Aug-2006 12:21 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank now this weekend after the water change. I have to remember to turn off the light in the 40G as its reflection always creates a line in this tank when taking a picture, sorry about that. The Star Grass is just becoming visible again, I find the growth rather slow these days. It may also be related to the fact that I had to cut them so short after the power outage. Now |
Posted 06-Aug-2006 12:24 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a shot of the top part at low tide, during water change. I like how the wood, anubias, and Alternanthera peek out of the water. Maybe I should reduce the water level permanently to this height and make it a palladium. But I guess that means that I have to get rid of even more fishies. And this is it for this week, nothing more to show. Have fun, Ingo Top Part |
Posted 06-Aug-2006 12:26 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | http://www.aquariumdesigngroup.com/detected.php?page=&pass= Ok the link only goes to the main page. Go to the gallory, planted tanks and it is #18. This is probably one of my favorite tanks. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 06-Aug-2006 15:12 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | For me #15 is an abosolute masterpiece. A great layout for a big tank. It's a tank that anybody with the vision could grow. Fairly low maintenance which is important for big tanks. It's very similar to a tank by Luis Navarro which is just slightly better. I get the sense this was a look Ingo was originally aiming for but it got off track. #26 is also a nice layout for a big tank but a lot more work. While we're at it take a look a pics #6 thru 8. This is what I envisioned the 40gal breeder to look like. Very simple but clever design. Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 07-Aug-2006 04:10 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | So for LF to get the effect of 5-8 he would have to use Nana and nana pittea or whatever it is. I think he was really on the right track but then his plants drowned the hard scape. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 07-Aug-2006 13:55 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys, I will have to take a closer look at the suggested numbers, but I am pretty sure that I had seen the one for the 40 before, and yes - I tried something like that. But I assume that is what seperates me from Jeff Senske. Ingo |
Posted 07-Aug-2006 15:58 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | But I assume that is what seperates me from Jeff Senske. Ingo don't sell yourself short. Nothing against Jeff S he is very talented at what he does. But he does this for a living and I'm sure has a large inventory of wood, plants, rocks etc to choose from to make the layout look just right. It's becuase of this reason in my opinion why it's very hard to judge aquascaping contests, etc on an equal playing field. I know they have budget scaping contests as well, but it's still difficult. My Scapes |
Posted 07-Aug-2006 16:10 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | I'm sure has a large inventory of wood, plants, rocks etc to choose from to make the layout look just right. This is true to a large extent. A lot of us start with a vision in our head - then out out to get the wood, rocks and plants and then can't find what we're looking for and end up "comprimising".Having high quality materials readily at hand is a huge bonus. The opposite can be true also, some just pick up a pile of stuff and then try to make a 'scape out of whatever is at hand. That rarely works. But desipte all that I do believe certain people just have a "gift" for this thing - an eye. If you or I had access to the same materials that some of these guys have are you still confident you could do as good a job? I'm not Some seem to have the ability to see how the tank is going to look 6 months down the line and allow for that (but that's probably mostly experience and observation of plants). Self control (of which I'm sorely lacking) is a necessity. An eye for detail and balance. Look at the rocks in the pic I mentioned as a masterpiece, there's a lot of them, yet I can't find one in the'scape that's in the wrong place or the wrong size. They all look perfect and natural as if they've always been there. The fact that the guy may have had to choose those rocks from hundreds he had on hand, to me, makes the achievment in the 'scape more admirable rather then less ! Remember the old story? If you leave enough monkeys alone in a room with a typewriter in time maybe one of them will do a Shakespeare. Maybe if you left us in a room with a tank and a pile of ADA kit, rocks, wood and plants , maybe one of us would pull of a tank to rival Senske or Amano. Maybe. To my mind a big maybe. Fair dues to these guys, they have a genuine sense of creativity. They're arists we're merely artisans. Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 08-Aug-2006 04:17 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I certainly couldn't guarantee how my creations would fair, but I could tell you that I'd rather have a closet of DW, rocks and plants to choose from than none at all. Look how good Imelda Marcus looked with all those shoes to match her outfits. I've tried to make the most out of crappy DW, a few stem plant species and a whole lot of weeds (Wisteria). Yes some of us have an eye for this others do not. I think it's easier to make a rock front look natural when you have more to choose from (statisically there is a greater likelihood that you'll fine ones that achieve harmony) In addtion to inventory Jeff S also has the advantage of multiple canvases to practice what works and what doesn't. When you do somthing hundreds of times you do tend to work out the kinks. Most people do get better when you get more touches. I'll end as I began, I'm not taking anything away from Jeff S he obviously has alot of talent, but I would still rather be able to work with all his toys, both in and out of the tank as opposed to my sorry little collection of sticks and stones. My Scapes |
Posted 08-Aug-2006 04:43 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | No doubt does availablitlity of high quality and quantity of scaping material and plants (and fancy ADA soil, one may add) have something to do with the outcome of a planted tank design. And also, no doubt does talent and experience play a major role in the scaping process. Given that I have None-Of-The-Above, my tank is what it is. Pretty good for an average dude, but nothing more. On the other hand, exactly this is what gives me the option to constantly fiddle with it. To be honest, an perfect tank frightens me as I would not know what to do with it. In some stages of tetratech's tanks (both) I am looking at the pictures and think to myself "and what now". I, for one thing, fell in love with the ability to change things around all the time, called a tank redo "Ingo Style". The most pleasing of all tanks to change is the 20G, as a whole redo takes me as long as a regular water change and trimming on the 125G. Ingo |
Posted 08-Aug-2006 13:27 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Hi there all, 10 days with no entries in my log, neither by me nor anybody else. Anyway, I have been ultra busy at work, at the same time I had friends over from Germany for a few days, and then I went on vacation and replaced the view into my tanks (which, btw, are going down the drain, the 125 is now BBA paradise, but more maybe tomorrow or Sunday about that). I just came back from the trip and thought to let you know that I am still around. Gotta go and unpack now, till later, Ingo Last Week's Highlight |
Posted 18-Aug-2006 22:43 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | LF, Glad to see you're back. Sorry about the tanks - you didn't go crazy and start dumping SW fish into your FW tanks now did you? |
Posted 18-Aug-2006 22:48 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | No, I did not add salt to the freshwater tanks, although it wouldn't make much difference in the 125 anyway these days, inconsistent fertilization and a lack of attention have done quite some damage. But glad to see that you haven't lost your humor, makes me feel good. Ingo |
Posted 18-Aug-2006 22:51 | |
Tainted Glory Hobbyist Posts: 97 Kudos: 41 Votes: 0 Registered: 03-Dec-2005 | Ingo, Midnight Madness is coming up at ABS. It's going to be my first time as a customer. Just wondering if you planned on attending. I'd like to catch up! |
Posted 18-Aug-2006 23:08 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Mike, I guess Midnight Madness is in a week, right? I will have to think about it, there is really nothing at the moment that I would need, except maybe a huge load of plants for this tank, which I am sure they don't have. Can you think of something that would make it worthwhile standing in line forever? Ingo |
Posted 18-Aug-2006 23:47 | |
Tainted Glory Hobbyist Posts: 97 Kudos: 41 Votes: 0 Registered: 03-Dec-2005 | ...you mean aside from keeping me company? Ummm, I really don't know. I don't really want anything either. I'm going to pick up a bag of Eco Complete and see if I can win some free stuff. If I have to wait in line I'll be pissed! |
Posted 19-Aug-2006 00:07 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | |
Posted 19-Aug-2006 03:01 | |
dan76 Big Fish Always Reading Posts Posts: 343 Registered: 08-Jul-2003 | was wondering why you hadnt posted ingo, hope you had fun on holidays one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve thirteen fourteen fifteen sixteen seventeen , thats all you need. |
Posted 19-Aug-2006 04:52 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | w00! a 125 SW reef tank. Nice jorb LF!/:' Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 19-Aug-2006 06:26 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Mike - If I go then I may not get there before 1 AM, that's usually when the line gets shorter. How much do you think the Eco will go for? Robyn and Matty - Yeah right, I got a 125G reef tank . Actually, I am currently in the middle of editing about 30 pictures of fishies from an aquarium that I visited, the best shots out of 200 that I made. I will post most of them in the marine section and some in the general freshwater, once editing is completed. I personally am so not ready for any salt tank, no way such an entity will enter the Little_Fish houseold any time soon. Dan - Glad to see that you are peaking in once in a while Ingo |
Posted 19-Aug-2006 12:29 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | I didn't really think you'd started a reef tank, just wanted to know the meaning of the clown pic. I agree too, that I am soo not ready for a reef tank either, but that's what hubby has started up & my birthday present to him was one year's maintenance on his tank - I just didn't know it was going to be a reef Cheers TW |
Posted 19-Aug-2006 14:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | my birthday present to him was one year's maintenance on his tank- Even if it would have been a planted freshwater tank, that is a very generous present that you gave there. Ingo |
Posted 19-Aug-2006 14:59 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | Welcome back Ingo. Looking forward to seeing the new pictures. This place sure does slow down though when the LF isn't posting. Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 19-Aug-2006 20:38 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | So where did you go LF!?!?! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 19-Aug-2006 22:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Rick - btw, haven't seen any new shots or stories about your tanks lately either Wings - I was just at the end of Long Island, still in the state of New York. Weekly Tank Update - Week 46 AND 47 The last two weeks were marked by a busy work schedule and vacation, and on top of it a declining tank. At least part of that decline can be directly attributed by the lack of frequent fertilization over that time period. Here is the tank last weekend: Last Weekend - Week 46 |
Posted 20-Aug-2006 13:54 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | When I came home from the trip I found that the BBA has greatly increased, something that tetratech usually attributes to a lack of CO2. In my case, that was the only stable thing this tank received (besides light). So this week's maintenance focussed on removing dead or heavily infested plant tissue, and it also sees the start of another round of Excel treatment to control the BBA. The isoetes lacustris had been so badly infested that I had to remove it completely. When one looks at the tank now with regards to scaping, it is a mess. There is no scape, just plants. I am the least happy with this tank ever since I set it up 47 weeks ago. I simply cannot invision how this should continue, except with another major overhaul, and we all know what that means Here is the tank this week: This Weekend |
Posted 20-Aug-2006 13:59 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | All I can show now are a few BBA shots, they sprout on hardware, wood, and plants (mostly on leaves that are not growing fast, like anubias and isoetes, as well as dying leaves). First one from the top of the tank, the highest branch near the light: BBA I |
Posted 20-Aug-2006 14:01 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is another one on some driftwood, but much further down in the tank and in a much darker section. Oh, btw, I believe I do not have a short high light period, as plants low to the bottom of the tank wither away, like most of my tenellus. BBA II |
Posted 20-Aug-2006 14:03 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And this is how the BBA looks when anchored on an Anubias leaf, I can clearly see why it contains the word beard in its name as it collects itself on the edges of the leaves. That is it for now, Have fun, Ingo BBA III |
Posted 20-Aug-2006 14:05 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I am really sorry your tank is filling up with BBA again. I would try to combat it with two things. 1. Excel to the extreme 2. Lighting break In my tank for the past month or so I have been doing the lighting break to control the GSA. It seems to be working thus far with no signs of plant problems. What I am doing is run the light for 5-6 hours then take a 2 hour break then back with another 5-6 hours of light. Now don't get my wrong I do have some algae but it has really really slowed down. Aglae needs long periods of light to photosynthesize while the plants can turn it on and off quickly. My plants do not pearl as much as they used to but they are still growing well. Pearling is not really a sign of growth as we have talked about before. That's just my $0.02 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 21-Aug-2006 01:55 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Wings, I knew about the light midday break ever since I started in this hobby, and I actually used it immediately on my first tank (the 29). I kept it like that for a few months before I switched to a non-break cycle and I had seen no difference from before and after. The reasons could be related to the fact that it was a medium light / low tech tank, but there is also a chance that it doesn't work as simple as that. I know way too little about algae to understand if a break after 4 to 5 hours of lights-on would actually harm them, or hinder their growth. Could it be that you see less algae because your overall light period has been shortened as well? I will have to read up on that topic again, I guess. Right now I cannot recall any statement from the famous planters that suggests such a method. Ingo |
Posted 21-Aug-2006 10:34 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | The book it got the idea from is: Encyclopedia of Aquarium plants by Peter Hiscock. Basicly what it says is what I have already said. Aglae can not photosynthesize without long lighting periods but the plants can. It might be worth trying just to see in your high tech tank. Seems to be working for me. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 21-Aug-2006 14:21 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Wings, thanks for the info, I think I have this book If I am not mistaken then this is the same book that suggests the use of an UGF, right? Ingo |
Posted 21-Aug-2006 14:30 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | When one looks at the tank now with regards to scaping, it is a mess. There is no scape, just plants. I am the least happy with this tank ever since I set it up 47 weeks ago. I simply cannot invision how this should continue, except with another major overhaul, and we all know what that means Hey LF, I'm sorry you feel this way. I know exactly how you feel though, because that's how I felt about my 46 before I tore it down. You just feel like you have no vision, that it's so out of whack you don't know where to take it. And keep in mind, I like the way your tank looks, at least from afar. Plants are healthy as are the fish. My old 46 looked that way too, but the blemishes are there when you look at it up close. It's a real personal thing, these tanks. I don't want to tell you do this or do that. The thing that helped me was tearing down the tank and making plans to start over, and taking it reeeal slow and planning. And keep in mind, even Amano says that sometimes a tank's lifespan is only a year, that sometimes the vitality of the stems runs out and the look becomes so muddled you have to start over. It wouldn't be a failure, it's just a learning experience. The thing that would make it difficult with this tank is that the plants in there already are infected with algae, so would have to be discarded. It's a big financial commitment to start over. It's also an opportunity to do things from the get go that you wish you'd done earlier. Sorry, I hate being the pessimist You've got to do what you think is best, but if you're going to do it over, go all out and start anew. |
Posted 21-Aug-2006 17:22 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks NowherMan6, I knew you would understand The biggest problem with starting anew would be that I cannot really take it slow then either. I have about 50 fish to house right away If I didn't have any fish, or only so many that I could move them to the other tanks for the time being, I would rip that sucker apart in minutes Ingo EDIT: This was my 5000th post |
Posted 21-Aug-2006 19:21 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Congrats LF on the 5000th post! Rock on! I have not found anything about UGF in this book. You might be thinking of the Encyclopedia of Aquarium Fish book. Nowher has some good points but it is very hard being you have so many fish. Plus it is hard to let go of what you have and start over on something new. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 22-Aug-2006 03:04 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Wings, Albeit it is hard to let go of things, but when it comes to plants, decoration, and substrate though I have no hesitation to do. Why else would there be the term "Tank Redo - Little_Fish Style", or something like that, here on FP . If it wasn't for the upsetting of the balance inside the tank, I probably would do these things once every other month. This way, I could make 24 different tanks out of the 4 that I have within the course of a year Ingo |
Posted 22-Aug-2006 13:38 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Yeah I understand what you are saying. Right now I try to keep my planted tank stable. I pulled up my hygro moster last night to try to get the loaches out (plus it needed a bottem trimming). What a mess! I couldn't comprehend doing a LF change. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 22-Aug-2006 13:52 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I though I share with you what Excel can do for the algae. This is a comparison shot after 3 days of Excelt treatment of 50ml per day. As you can see, the algae turned reddish, a sign that it is dying. Unfortunately, not all BBA bastions in the tank look like this yet, others range from a brownish to spotted red color to not changed at all. But I will get them eventually. Top Is Before --- Bottom After 3 Days |
Posted 22-Aug-2006 23:36 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And, while I was taking the pictures, my fishies of course thought that I will feed them, so they collect in the top left corner of the tank for the feast. In particular the Apistos, Rainbows, and Pearls. After I didn't feed for a few minutes, although I was in front of the tank, the male Apisto got a little ticked off and let me know that he is expecting something. Give Me Food |
Posted 22-Aug-2006 23:38 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Hi LF Interested to see the excel BBA shots. As you know, I started the treatment in the 23.7G log last night. Hope it works for us both I love your male, he's very pretty. If only I had more tanks, I want a pair just like yours or tretratech's. Cheers TW |
Posted 23-Aug-2006 00:33 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | If only I had more tanksOh oh, this is usually the first step towards a new tank Tetratech's Apsitos are nice, I agree. But mine are rarer , or do you know someone else here with viejita IIs Anyway, its all just fun and games Yeah, keep us posted how that Excel treatment is working out. I remember that the first time I did it the results showed rather quickly. The next time it had almost no effect, I don't know why. Ingo |
Posted 23-Aug-2006 00:51 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Oh oh, this is usually the first step towards a new tankNo chance. At this stage, I'm banned from going ahead with my 4ft - it's empty in the garage & I had to shut down my little hospital tank Apistos can be hard to find here. There are a few LFS that stock them though. Lots of africans, bolivians & ram's, they're pretty common. I can find Cac's, tetratech's (too lazy to find name), as well as some others, but my Bitaeniata was a rarer find & I haven't seen any viejita IIs. To get a viejita IIs, I'd probably need to pre order & wait ages (like I did for the dehane - & you know I gave up there). For some reason, I don't think there's enough demand for them. But maybe if they were in more LFS, that would create more demand Cheers TW |
Posted 23-Aug-2006 01:14 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, Are you dosing Excel to the whole take or trying to hit different infected spots? If you go by a medical store you can pick up syringes. Not the kind with the needles but with the bigger openings. The ones we have at my store an air line hose fits great. With this you can give the algae a direct hit. Works swell! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 23-Aug-2006 14:18 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I am treating the entire tank as I have BBA all over the place and not only in one spot. Btw, I did some focussed Excel treatment on my Xmas moss in the 29, with the consequence that some of the moss died within a week (see log) Ingo |
Posted 23-Aug-2006 14:31 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | LF, What is your current co2 level? When did you stablize the co2 (tubing issue)? I would push the co2 as far as you can? I have an advantage because I'm around my tank more than you and I could monitor better. I notice if the fish look alittle funky toward the evening, I just nudge my spraybar above the waterline to get some agitation. BBA definitely got worse when the co2 was erratic. Excel is just not a good long-term solution and it obviously has negative effects on some plants. My Scapes |
Posted 23-Aug-2006 14:48 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | tetratech, Thanks for the advice, although I never had CO2 tubing issues in this tank (I know it gets confusing on which tank has what issue), that was the 40G. I have no idea what the CO2 level in this tank is, but I assume it is pretty good as a constant bubbling, hacked into small pieces by a powerhead, is pushed through the tank all day long. I can go and measure though, just in case. Ingo |
Posted 23-Aug-2006 16:47 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Oh, yeah. Me bad , but same difference. In the same way excel seems to destroy some algae, high co2 has a similar effect on it's inability to grow. I could usually tell by my hardscape if I'm going to have bba issues. The main rock gets covered if the co2 is too low, but the main rock now has been clear for about a month with constant high co2. My Scapes |
Posted 23-Aug-2006 17:25 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Tetra, How high do you think your CO2 is? The last time I checked mine I was well over 30ppm and I am not having any major algae issues. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 23-Aug-2006 17:59 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Wings, So hard to tell by the numbers, but my ph is off the scale low (under 6 by afternoon and my kh is steady at 2. My Scapes |
Posted 23-Aug-2006 18:12 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | The last time I checked mine I was at around 6.8 at night and 7.2 in the morning with a KH of 16. That gives me a range of aboutg 78ppm at night to 30ppm in the morning. Probably a little high but I have never seen a fish gasping that the top for air. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 24-Aug-2006 14:31 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Tank Update - Week 48 This week was the first in three weeks that saw a frequent use of fertilizers again, plus a daily shot of Flourish Excel to combat the BBA. Both seem to have helped in improving the tanks overall health. Here is the tank shot from last week, for comparison: Last Week |
Posted 27-Aug-2006 13:23 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank now this weekend after some changes. A purchase of some Bolbitis for the 40G meant that the Barteri from that tank had to go. Too nice to be thrown out, and too big for any of my other tanks, I added it to this one. I removed the Red Wendtii from the left side, and also disposed of the Ludwigia that was there. The whole space was then taken up by the Barteri. The Alternanthera in that group had been moved to the back left corner, it got too tall for the spot where it was. Also, two Hygro stems sitting in front of the Star Grass had been removed. Tank Now |
Posted 27-Aug-2006 13:25 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | As you may have noticed the Star Grass and the Hygro on the right had been growing nicely during the last week. Here is a close-up of the Anubias group on the left side of the tank. The whole section that rised on the left side is only the one Barteri Mother Plant from the 40G. Anubias Group |
Posted 27-Aug-2006 13:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a close-up of the Narrow Laaf Java Fern, a plant that I soon will have to do something about. It is getting too big for its current position and may need either trimming or placement somewhere else in the tank. I have some thoughts, but maybe you folks should give me your ideas on what to do with it first. That is it for now, Have fun, Ingo Narrow Leaf Java Fern |
Posted 27-Aug-2006 13:31 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Might try it back between the two large anubias. I don't know if there is room back there and if it will fit, but it might look nice there. Otherwise you could cut it up a bit and stick it on either side of the star grass. It just looks too similar to the hygro on the right to put it anywhere over there. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 27-Aug-2006 15:43 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | My two cents: 1.Take the center push some rocks in their and make it more mound like. 2.Add anubias in and around mound. 3.Sweep stargrass around to interact with some of the other plants 4.Split the fern and divide on either said of mound and try to position some wood between it and the hygro. My Scapes |
Posted 27-Aug-2006 15:58 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks for the suggestions on what to do with the tank next. I also think that I probably will have to do something with the center group, and I fear it means that I would have to take out the wood and either chop it up or at least reposition it. I will have to think about it for a while. Thanks, Ingo |
Posted 27-Aug-2006 23:01 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | OK, Here are some news with regards to this tank. I finally caved in and ordered a second filter for the tank, an Eheim 2026. This is the one I have on the 40G, and there I have it run on a slow mode. I am sure it will be more than sufficient for this tank, given that I already have a 2028 on it. I assume it will arrive sometime next week, so I will do some changes the following weekend. Let me see if I remember that right: place them on opposite ends of the tank, spray across the top towards the middle, maybe reduce flow on both to avoid hurricane conditions in the tank. Ingo Edit: oh, I just now realized that I am a contributer as well, nice |
Posted 01-Sep-2006 13:53 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Congratulations on now being a contributer /:' Cheers TW |
Posted 01-Sep-2006 14:33 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I finally caved in and ordered a second filter for the tank, an Eheim 2026. This is the one I have on the 40G, and there I have it run on a slow mode. I am sure it will be more than sufficient for this tank, given that I already have a 2028 on it. I think that's a really good move. Yeah you could have the spray bars on the left and right side glass and have the co2 meet in the middle, swoooooosh BTW - Congrats! on being a contributor. First TFH and now FishProfile, what's next? BTW - What did you contribute? My Scapes |
Posted 01-Sep-2006 14:57 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | I agree, good call on the filter. You may not see immediate results but in the long run it's definetely a good move... |
Posted 01-Sep-2006 15:16 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | |
Posted 01-Sep-2006 15:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | What did you contribute? Quite a few profile changes here and there, mostly on the Espei and Viejita, plus loads of pictures from fishies. And what's next - retirement The end-product of the nitrogen cycle is no3, right? - Right Ingo |
Posted 01-Sep-2006 16:22 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | The end-product of the nitrogen cycle is no3, right? - Right O.K. So the bacteria are releasing no3 into the water column? My Scapes |
Posted 01-Sep-2006 17:06 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Among other things, like CO2(use O2 as fuel, like us) and possibly other waste products, I'm not sure. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 01-Sep-2006 17:21 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | So the bacteria are releasing no3 into the water column?Yes - sounds about right Where are we going with this? Should I add less KNO3? Ingo |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 13:49 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Where are we going with this? Should I add less KNO3?O.K. we are still on track, after Matty's "rude" interuption . So if the bacteria are consistently releasing NO3 in the water then would there be more NO3 as you increase biological filtration? My Scapes |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 14:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | then would there be more NO3 as you increase biological filtration?Hm, that is a trick question Answer: a) Yes: In general, more bio filter = more NO3 b) No: As the tank should have enough bacteria to convert all NO2 to NO3 already, with or without the second filter. Ingo |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 14:44 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Almost there. Does the respiration of the bacteria depend on how much nh3,no2 there is in the water. In other words does a smaller bacteria colony produce more no3 in a tank with more waste then a bigger bacterial colony in a tank with less waste? My Scapes |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 14:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | does a smaller bacteria colony produce more no3 in a tank with more waste then a bigger bacterial colony in a tank with less waste? The question is not possible, as the size of the bacteria colony directly depends on the amount of waste. Less waste = less bacteria As such, there can never be less bacteria and more waste, except during a brief period where the colony needs to grow while more waste is produced. Ingo |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 14:52 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | The question is not possible, as the size of the bacteria colony directly depends on the amount of waste. Well if that was the case, wouldn't there always be enough biological filtration to deal with any amount of waste. It would simply increase on the substrate, media, glass, rocks, etc.... and would make the point of adding more capacity mute. My Scapes |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 15:09 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well, Then I would rather see the original question rephrased to something like this: "If the bacteria colony that is available in a tank is not large enough for the waste produced, will there be more NO3 than if the colony would be large enough?" In this case, the answer would be no, as less bacteria produce less NO3. In any case, I would like to raise an additional question: "If plants prefer Ammonia over NO3, wouldn't plants suck of the Ammonia before the bacteria colony can convert it to NO2 and then to NO3?" Ingo |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 15:16 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | In this case, the answer would be no, as less bacteria produces less NO3 O.K. So if that's true as you add bio capacity the more NO3 you have being produced in the tank to convert nh3. So if that's the case how would adding NO3 cause Algae? My Scapes |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 15:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | So if that's the case how would adding NO3 cause Algae?Well, the only way I could think of why this would happen is if other macros or elements of the micros are out of sink, aka limiting factors. But - and only if another thing we once concluded is true - why would I not have enough biofilter inside the tank as it is given that 2 days of power outage did not seem to cause any issues in the tank? Ingo |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 16:15 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | There is another dimension to the problem you guys aren't thinking about. Your filter can only bring so much ammonia per unit of TIME to your biofilter. It's very possible that your bacteria population is quite large enough to reduce all the ammonia that is brought to it into nitrate. However, your filter might not be bringing all the ammonia to your bacteria. That's the reason for another filter, not that there isn't enough substrate for bacteria, but that the filter isn't quite doing the job. You are increasint the turnover RATE. "If plants prefer Ammonia over NO3, wouldn't plants suck of the Ammonia before the bacteria colony can convert it to NO2 and then to NO3?" No, because plants will use a VERY small amount of ammonia. Actual ammonia is probably like a treat that is few and far between, even in your tank, just trace amounts are causing the problem. They will still get the majority of their N from nitrate. But - and only if another thing we once concluded is true - why would I not have enough biofilter inside the tank as it is given that 2 days of power outage did not seem to cause any issues in the tank? I thought there was an increased amount of algae since then even though the plants picked up reasonable quick? I would say that you weren't feeding and the fish probably weren't producing as much waste as normal, and the bacteria in the tank was enough to handle the situation.....for the most part. Still there were probably trace amounts of ammonia left over from the problem that your filter is having a hard time catching up with, and that's what caused the algae. Does the respiration of the bacteria depend on how much nh3,no2 there is in the water. Yes, when you are talking about the entire colony, not the individual. Meaning there is less respiration when there is less ammonia and nitrite because there is a smaller population of bacteria, not because each bacteria is doing less. In other words does a smaller bacteria colony produce more no3 in a tank with more waste then a bigger bacterial colony in a tank with less waste? My answer to this: is if Ingo does have trace amounts of NH3/4 in his tank then adding another filter will increase the amount nitrate in the tank. Not so much because of a much greater number of bacteria, but because of an increased RATE at which ammonia is being rbought to the bacteria. With another filter, trace ammonia and nitrite get to the filters faster so they can break it down faster. That's my hypothesis anyways. Or rude interruption as others might call it Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 16:53 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Well I could check, but I thought the general census was that two days really isn't enough time to see any significant changes. The reason I started the thread was to see reaction to no3 levels caused by bacteria. If no3 causes algae then their is a difference between the no3 we ad and the organic no3 produced. My Scapes |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 16:54 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Tetratech, I think you are trying to undercut the entire organic chemistry field. Some people might not like that. But really the only difference is the source. To us, to plants, to fish, and of course the algae, NO3 is NO3(which KNO3 is once it's in solution). EDIT: I think this is the part where bensaf comes in and smacks us around a bit and tells us what really causes algae. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 17:08 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Matty, Didn't see your thread when I posted. Anyway that's more like it. I was just kinda building up to something before and you didn't follow suit. It's that DIY in you. Anyway I agree with much of what you said, but in a big tank isn't he majority of the biofilter in the tank itself and not for example in the canister. I don't know the biofilter capacity of gravel, plants vs the for example eheim efhisubstrate. By the way eco is lava rock and supposely had a pretty good bio capacity in it's own right? My Scapes |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 17:10 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | but in a big tank isn't he majority of the biofilter in the tank itself I think it depends on the stocking of said tank. I think the external filter's biostuffs can be vital or it can be pointless. Whenever anybody comes into our store I stress the stuff. Why? Cause I know most people are in the tanks for looks. meaning they will overstock their tank for more "color". That means more waste, cause most people also overfeed on a large scale. Therefore, biostuffs in the filter become vitally important. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 17:20 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | OK, You are loosing me there in your theoretical games (although I like them, but I can't get the point). One thing is almost for sure: When I add the new filter I will limit the flow rate on both. As such, ba Ingo |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 22:21 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | On a different note: The storm that is currently going on here, Ernesto right, is bringing mostly rain but also some wind. This in not that good as we still have some tree damages from the storm when we had the two day power outage. Branches and even larger pieces of trees are still coming down and I would not be too surprised if we will lose the power again. This is a view from our house onto the street. This tree cracked a little in the main storm, and today it broke TIMBER !!! |
Posted 02-Sep-2006 22:34 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | What a beautiful tree. So sad to see such a great whack of down like that. Good though, that nothing fell on your house. Hope everything will be ok this time & no power loss, or anything worse. Cheers TW |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 03:48 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | Just wondering, how big are your pearl gouramis? |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 12:35 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Robyn - I guess they will have to take down the tree on the right completely as half of the main branch came off while the other half is still on with a severely weakened (in diameter) trunk. coop - When I got them they were both (one male one female) maybe about 2 inches. Now the male is maybe close to 4 and the female a little over 3. I will post a picture of the male in a short while, so stay tuned |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 12:43 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Tank Update - Week 49 This week saw no special event with regards to this tank, I continued the 50ml Excel treatment to combat BBA. Most of it is gone by now, but at the same time I see an influx of green hair algae, in particular on the Anubias leaves. I assume one is directly related to the other but currently I am at a loss on what to adjust to combat it. My conclusion is that I will add another filter and see if that helps. Once I place the second filter on the tank I will also rearrange the plants themselves, maybe even cut up the wood some more and change its position. Here is the tank last weekend: Last Week |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 13:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Although I didn't plan to do much trimming this week, I could not avoid having to do more than I planned for. The Star Grass group had grown to the surface and was beginning to create so much shade at its own bottom that a die-off was very likely, and as such a fouling of the water. The same is true for the Hygro Group, its height started to influence the water flow and duck weed on the surface all the way to the right started to die off en masse. Both groups receiced a major trim. This picture was taken with the light unit still pushed towards the back for the maintenance, I simply forgot to move it back forwards after I was done. Tank Now |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 13:41 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The Star Grass is still there, just very short again. After I removed the plants I notices that a major trim was required to ensure that only "good" parts remain. Here is a shot from an angle showing the short group: Star Grass |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 13:43 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Now I only have a few pictures of fishies to show and then my update is done for today. First of an Espei. Not because it is such a nice shot but to tell that the reduce size group is doing fine. I see way more swimming action than before and more interaction on a personal level between the members of the group. I have seen one younger fish that may be around 1 month old (maybe a little more), that means that repopulation is still going on. Espei |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 13:46 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is look at 5 of my 6 Rainbows, in attack formation No, they actually don't attack anybody in the tank. I believe they evaluate leadership within the group and the acceptance of such by going into a formation like the one in the picture: Rainbows I |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 13:48 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look at that group, it is actually not the same shot than the one before but maybe has been taken a few seconds later. As one can see, the group hasn't moved to much, ergo - the group has a stable hierarchy. I think it was Wings who mentioned the splashing of his Rainbows, but I can second that observation. With great frequency so I get water splashed out of the tank during feeding, they behave almost like trout Rainbows II |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 13:51 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Last but not least, by chance I got a nicer shot of my male pearl. Usually he is either all the way on top of the tank, or doesn't show me his side, or hiding in the plants after a water change (he is a chicken in some way, although he is the boss of the tank). Coop, if you are thinking about getting them, I find them to be beautiful fishies. I don't know if anyone here had them before (I know bensaf does), I find their eating habit very interesting as well. When I add flakes to the tank they are right there in the mix and they even let me touch them during that time. All that time their mouth forms the letter O, it looks like they are singing in a chorus. Just cute That is it for today, Have fun, Ingo Male Pearl |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 13:58 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I can definitely attest to the pearls being nice fish. I only had one back in my 38G, and was delicate, yet substantial at the same time. I do wish that you'd turn the filters all the way up when you get the new one. Point the spray bars at the glass and it will deflect nicely. I do think this will help, but only if you are actually increasing the amount of filtration going on. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 14:57 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 15:09 | |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 15:18 | This post has been deleted |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks for the comments Matty - See, that is where you and tetratech are not in sink, or at least I interpret it this way. Tetratech stated that simply the fact of additional surface for bacteria will be sufficient. And I can see why that would be. If the flow rate is slower then there should be more "contact time" between filter material and ammonia (for example). This should help settle more bacteria than it does now. Robyn - Well, the Apisto is the lord of the underworld, while the pearl is the ruler of heavens. The only time they get together is during feeding and the Pearls have no problems simply swimming over the Apistos to grab first bites. As such I declare him the ultimate king of the whole tank universe. He never shows off to any other fish than his wife, that is not needed if you are that much bigger I guess. The male Apisto though shows off to the Rainbows who once in a while get in his way. Ingo |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 15:18 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Matty - See, that is where you and tetratech are not in sink, or at least I interpret it this way. Tetratech stated that simply the fact of additional surface for bacteria will be sufficient. And I can see why that would be. If the flow rate is slower then there should be more "contact time" between filter material and ammonia (for example). This should help settle more bacteria than it does now. This I believe is the philosophy behind Eheim. Many Eheim canister filters that are used for planted aquaria have much less flow than other brands. If you compare flow rates beteen for example Eheim and Fluval the Fluvals have much higher GPH for the same size tank. For example: 100 Gallon Tank Max: Eheim Pro 2026 - 250gph / Fluval 405 - 340gph 70/80 Gallon Tank Max: Eheim Ecco 2236 - 185pgh / Fluval 305 - 260gph As you can see the Fluval 305 which is actually rated up to 70 gallons has more flow than the Eheim Pro 2026 rated to 100 gallons. The contact between the water and media is much better in the eheim thus increasing bio-filtration. I believe this is ba My Scapes |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 16:45 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Yup, That is pretty much how I remembered what you explained to me a while ago, and it makes perfect sense to me. To sum it up: The duration of the exposure to the biological filter is more important than the number of times the water flows past it. And having then about 10 pounds of biofilter in the two filters should be enough to house as much bacteria as would be neede to clean out the Raritan river (insider joke in NJ, as it is really dirty, right NowherMan6?). Ingo |
Posted 03-Sep-2006 23:28 | |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 01:48 | This post has been deleted |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | The Fluvals on the other hand have split baskets and the water is split between going over the biomedia and the big sponge they give you Well this isn't exactly true. The water is forced through the sponges, then into the baskets. The water is never split between the two. If you wanted to fill all the trays with biomedia, you could. And all the water that is filtered would go through that media. Personally, I don't beleive in extra "contact time" I believe in big baskets of biomedia and higher flow rates. Big baskets means more surface area and therefore more chances for bacteria to grow and be able to "catch" ammonia. Higher flow rates means more water is brought by the bacteria, and with more water comes more ammonia, again more chances for the bacteria to catch some ammonia. If the same water sits next to the bacteria, clean of waste, what good does that do? I think eheims are good because they have big baskets, not because of reduced flow rates. That's aside from the fact that they just make a quality peice of equipment. I think the same filter would be better with more flow. All this is within reason. I wouldn't recommend blowing your fish out of the water, obviously. I think the case is, more often than not, that there is too little flow going on in tanks. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 01:48 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Double Post Matty Well, I hear you as well, and blowing the fish out of the water was actually one of my concerns. That is how the slow flow rate discussion actually started a while back when tetratech tried to convince me that I need another filter. I always meant to say this, but somehow always forgot, so here it goes. I also think that I have more waste in the tank because the filter intake is behind la Ingo |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 02:08 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Well this isn't exactly true. The water is forced through the sponges, then into the baskets. The water is never split between the two. If you wanted to fill all the trays with biomedia, you could. And all the water that is filtered would go through that media. Half of the chamber of the fluvals I know (unless the new ones are different) have a basket to hold media like carbon or ceramic (I believe the Fluvals come with noodles) and the other half has a vertical type alignment that does not hold loose or bagged media, but holds a big vertical sponge running the entire height of the chamber. This sponge is pretty much devoted to mechanical filtration (of course you'll get bio filtration too, but it certainly isn't as efficient as noodles or ceramic type media.) So the capacity for the filter to have as much bio filtration as the eheim is reduced simply by volume. I still beleive the contact time with the media increases bio filtration efficiency. Why would eheim work on reduced flow. They are the filter of choice in hardcore planted aquaria by probably 80% of enthusiasts. I have only 185 gph on my tank and my filter is going up 3 feet and I have the flow reduced further buy a uv on the return side. My Scapes |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 02:19 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Why would eheim work on reduced flow. I answered that in my post, the media trays are bigger than fluvals and whatnot. Surface area is part of the equation, along with flow. IMO(that's all just opinion) the more flow the more ammonia that is brought to the bacteria. If contact time is all that's important, answer this: Why increase the flow rates on filters designed for larger tanks? ba Half of the chamber of the fluvals I know (unless the new ones are different) have a basket to hold media like carbon or ceramic (I believe the Fluvals come with noodles) and the other half has a vertical type alignment that does not hold loose or bagged media, but holds a big vertical sponge running the entire height of the chamber. It's not half and half. It's more like 1/3 mechanical to 2/3 baskets(and if you supe up the mech area it's a darn good filter). I'm still in agreement with you though, that out of the box eheim probably has better management of internal space, which I said in my previous post(or two posts ). I also think that I have more waste in the tank because the filter intake is behind la This is basically reduced flow. It sounds like a pretty sound theory to me . The real threat, however, is a dissolved particle that can't get caught in the plants, but can be slowed down if leaves clog the intake etc. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 03:41 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Matty, This is part of a story from an aquariumfish.com article "Canister filters, like undergravel filters, are excellent sites for biological filtration. Water travels at a relatively leisurely pace through the filter and is in prolonged contact with a large volume of filter material, which acts as a substrate for colonies of nitrifying bacteria. The greater the surface area available for the bacteria, the larger the potential bacteria population. The longer the water is in contact with the filter medium, within reason of course, the greater the potential efficiency of the nitrification process. Thus, a large-volume canister filter with a relatively low flow rate provides a superb set of conditions for the two-step conversion of ammonia to nitrate. A good rule of thumb for filter flow rates is no more than four or five tank volumes per hour." Here's another one from a scientific site "The longer the better" "Broadly speaking, the effectiveness of biological filtration is improved the longer the 'polluted' water is held in the filter - i.e. the longer the retention time. The most time-consuming process in filtration is the breakdown of dissolved organic carbon compounds into simple inorganic compounds. These compounds are ultimately incorporated back into living organisms. This complex chain of processes is not instantaneous and will, even under ideal circumstances, take some time." The above is pretty much my argument. The Eheims not ony have the reduce flow but the water goes right through all the media baskets while the fluvals have the split side and some of the water by-passes the bio media. The increased flows in bigger tanks are more a factor of mechanical filtration than bio, although I beleive there are still flow requirments to move things along. My Scapes |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 04:16 | |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 06:22 | This post has been deleted |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | A good rule of thumb for filter flow rates is no more than four or five tank volumes per hour Which eheims don't come close to. This complex chain of processes is not instantaneous and will, even under ideal circumstances, take some time. Well I read this article, which has a lot of calculations, and I went ahead and tried one out. The author says we are aiming for 15 minutes(.25hr) of "contact time" for clean water. This is the equation: filter retention time = filter size/pump rate So in the case of the eheim pro 2026 with a volume of 1.3G and a flow rate of 251g/h, the equation goes like this: Contact time = (1.3g)/(251g/h) Contact time = .00517hours or 19 seconds My findings show that for proper contact time this guy is asking for either a same size canister with a flow rate of 5.2gph(1.3/5.2 = .25), or a 63 gallon filter(63/251 = .25) with the same flow rate. Souns pretty logical. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 06:56 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 10:35 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Which eheims don't come close to. A good rule of thumb for filter flow rates is no more than four or five tank volumes per hour Matty, I think you missed the operate word: "no more than" Contact time = (1.3g)/(251g/h) Here I picture Mattyboombatty, going into a backroom of his fishstore marked "Beyond Fishkeeping" and doing all kinds of strange and unusual experiments. Your obviously as stubborn as me My Scapes |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 12:27 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | coop - Whatever happened to your initial question? Did you delete it? If so, why? Yeah, I was wondering when my male's chest will turn orange more than it is, I also have seen them much brighter than this before. He is not fully grown yet though, maybe that is why. Matty - I may have some issues with your source for the specs on the filter flowrate and volume, but they are minor. And I agree that 15 minutes of contact time sound "a little long" (where does this value come from anyway). But here is food for thought: If the contact time is derived from media volume divided by flowrate, then wouldn't a slower flow rate increase that contact time (as you state as well when saying one would have to slow down the filter to about 5gph)? And isn't that what tetratech implied, a slower rate increases contact? I think we are spinning around in a circle as basically we all agree on something, but can't quite put the finger on it. Ah, now I know: Having a second filter is a good idea Ingo |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 12:29 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Doesn't anyone sleep around here Ah, now I know: Having a second filter is a good idea And best of all it's an EHEIM! My Scapes |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 12:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Yeah Baby, an Eheim Doesn't anyone sleep around hereI am known to be an early riser, but I have to say that I was about to ask you a question like that. I guess you don't need that much sleep anymore with your old age . Ingo |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 15:07 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Matty - I may have some issues with your source for the specs on the filter flowrate and volume I got them here if they are wrong, I can do the equations with the correct specs if someone has them. (where does this value come from anyway) This is tetratechs article. It's about pond stuff, but really I think it's an article on a guy who has done waste management. I've heard a lot of this from a friend who is in engineering who took courses on waste water treatment. It's for seriously polluted water, which nobody should have in their fish tank. Oh read the whole thing, cause at the bottom it tells you how important flow rate is. And isn't that what tetratech implied, a slower rate increases contact? Yes, but I'm trying to show you what a proper contact time is, how to get it, and how very far away from it any of our filters are(even the "best" ones). Therefore, this can't be as important as we thought if we've gotten by on severely reduced contact time for all these years. I'm going to take this statement: A good rule of thumb for filter flow rates is no more than four or five tank volumes per hour and this one(again from tetratechs article): the pond flow rate is dependent on the total ammonia produced within the system, With higher stocking densities there has to be a corresponding increase in flow rate. and mix them together. The first statement says we can't go above 4-5 times turnover rate. The second says, the more flow through the filter the more ammonia you are going to be able to reduce. So here it is: "The more flow provided by your filter, up to 4-5 x turnover per hour, the more ammonia your filter can reduce." Also, if you are willing to believe it, your contact time needs to be 15 minutes. So lets make up a dream filter, one that this fish doc prescribes. For LF's 125g tank: 4x turnover seems ideal. That's 500gph. And 15 min for contact time. X = filter size. .25hr = Xg/500g/hr Xg = .25hr*500g/hr Filter size = (you guessed it ) a 125g tank. So LF, to get rid of your ammonia and your algae problem, you need to drill your tank and get a 125g sump. Simply getting another eheim won't cut it. I still want to compare contact times between two of our filters, but at this point I'm just being silly I guess and taking up too much of Ingo's thread, so I'll quit being stubborn, and agree that Ingo needs another filter(albeit a 125g one). On a side note, I do have about a 30g filter on my 30g sw tank which, from the return pump probably gets 4-5 x turnover rate. Maybe that's why I have a stable system there. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 17:30 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Matty, I respect your knowledge for aquaria immensely, but the bottom line is reduced flow increases contact with bio-filtration along with the way the water passes through the media. There is less bi-pass with an eheim compared to the fluvals I've always know. A good rule of thumb for filter flow rates is no more than four or five tank volumes per hour Your ready this in reverse. What it's saying is it shouldn't be "more than" 4 to 5 times, not that 4 to 5 times is what to shoot for. Are you sure we are on the same page. I'm talking about bio-filtration. Mabye if you have large fish you need more flow to get more solid waster out of the tank and into the sponges and pads. My Scapes |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 20:43 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I'm just trying to show you my side of the arguement. I've read your posts and sources and tried to make valid points. You were, but your last post is just "I'm right and you're wrong" so we'll quit there. I don't want to get people upset over a technical disagreement and I don't want to kill Ingo's thread after so many pages . You know how to take care of your tanks better than most(probably including me) and all that matters is your fish and plants are happy which they are. Honestly, there's more than one way to skin two birds with one stone. Or is it don't count your chickens in a glass house? I can't remember. Anywho, good day to ya. EDIT: Oh, and my last post was mostly sarcastic, I realize that in all reality another filter will probably help LF out, and a 125 sump is silly business. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 04-Sep-2006 21:52 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Aaaannnyyyyway, What's the matter with you guys. Don't you dare to start a war here . Yes, you two have different opinions, and I believe that is ok. Well, of course that leaves me in the middle Big Al f*ed up, somehow my order did not seem to have gone through as I see it still sitting in the online site (which is messed up like hell these days, at least the whole order part of it - including order history). I had to order over phone as I had a gift certificate and these cannot be redeemed online And all day there was nobody to answer the phone there, even the voice that comes on was cut off in the beginning, starting like "Online is not available ..." Why was "Big Al's" cut off? Did they fold? The site didn't say they were closed today, it says the only day off is July, 4th. So, and now I want entries from both of you supporting me in the rant about Big Al's Ingo |
Posted 05-Sep-2006 01:02 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | I don't know Big Al's, can't use Big Al's (being in a different country 'n all) , but I will support you in your rant. Big Al's you should not have mucked up LF's order & your "on-line" should be available, you should have answered his phone call & you should have been open, because it was not 4th July. There, will that do LF? Cheers TW |
Posted 05-Sep-2006 01:28 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Man am I glad I go down the shore on weekends, that way I miss all this drama... LF, even though they say they're open every day but 4th of July, I can see them being closed today, it is Labor day afterall... |
Posted 05-Sep-2006 02:42 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | You were, but your last post is just "I'm right and you're wrong" so we'll quit there. I don't want to get people upset over a technical disagreement and I don't want to kill Ingo's thread Matty, sorry I didn't mean to come across that way. Every opinion means something and my responses are definitely not 100% fact, although "I" believe in them. I thought I ended it with a joke a couple of posts back. Anyway, let's move on. LF, Don't worry BigAls isn't folding. They are a very big company and have plenty of brick-n-mortar stores in Cananda and recently opened an 18,00 sq.ft. store in Florida. I think they "upgraded" to a new system and are getting the bugs out. My Scapes |
Posted 05-Sep-2006 02:53 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | *shakes fish at big al's* Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 05-Sep-2006 03:02 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | All Right Folks, That's much better Yeah, I didn't think they would fold, but somehow the phone message was cut off to not include the beginning, alas "Big Al's". Anyway, this means most likely that I don't have the new filter, and the new light for the 29 (bulb), and the new light fixture for the 20, and all kinds of other small stuff by this weekend. Do we have an extra week to "discuss" flow and such Ingo |
Posted 05-Sep-2006 10:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | So I called up Big Al's this morning. After over 10 minutes they told me that the order was in this status because the Coralife fixture was out of stock. It had arrived Friday night though and now they can send it. Doesn't sound right though, as "Item Out of Stock" is not quite the same as "Awaiting Payment" Anyway, it is supposed to be sent out today, Ingo |
Posted 05-Sep-2006 17:02 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | After over 10 minutes they told me that the order was in this status because the Coralife fixture was out of stock. It had arrived Friday night though and now they can send it. Lf, just curious, I guess cause you were ordering other things etc and points is that why you ordered the fixture from bigals as opposed to hellolights. My Scapes |
Posted 05-Sep-2006 17:17 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Lf, just curious, I guess cause you were ordering other things etc and points is that why you ordered the fixture from bigals as opposed to hellolights.I went to both websites and found the price to be almost equal. And yes, I ordered way more stuff (but they don't sell Tiffany items ). And shipping is less, in particular because I had to order stuff from Big Al's as well. Hello Lights is good when you get a great deal on a secondary light, but I am not so convinced that their "no name" brand is as good as the Coralife Brand, and that one is also pretty much the same price as Big Al's. Ingo |
Posted 05-Sep-2006 17:42 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Just a quick photo before I go to bed. Here are some of the fish during feeding. What appears to be loads of flake food pieces floating in the water are actually CO2 bubbles expelled from my small power head off the picture to the left. The food is flakes floating on the surface. Have fun, Ingo Feeding Time |
Posted 06-Sep-2006 02:26 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | OK, So my order came in yesterday and all items have been delivered. Including a 5L bottle of Tropica Master Grow When I was ordering my stuff I decided to peruse their new Tropica stuff which should have been available at that time. But what did I see there? My favorite micro mix. As I had to order over the phone anyway, I asked why it was available again. I was informed that they received 10 bottles from their store and then it would be over with it. Let's see how long it will be up on the site. So, now the question is: What do I do with the 2L bottle of Flourish? Will it still be good when I am done with the 5L TMG? Ingo |
Posted 08-Sep-2006 10:32 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | So, now the question is: What do I do with the 2L bottle of Flourish? Will it still be good when I am done with the 5L TMG?A while back I was talking with the Seachem rep. and he said that the stuff shouldn't go bad. The reason I was wondering as well is because we picked up a couple of the 4L's. You might want to stick it in the frig though. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 08-Sep-2006 13:58 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Wings, Thanks a lot man, makes me more comfortable to have this stuff collecting dust. The fridge is no option though, for the sake of the wife and the kids. Looks too much like juice. Thanks, Ingo |
Posted 08-Sep-2006 14:32 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Thanks a lot manNo problem! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 11-Sep-2006 02:44 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Tank Update - Week 50 Having been at work all of yesterday the water change had to wait until today. Given that a day has limited hours and that I had stuff to add to all of my 4 tanks (check them out please, as it seems I am the only one recently to add anything to my 20 and 29 log), I only had time to do one major thing to this tank, and here it is: On the table are the parts of the new Eheim 2026 and a new stealth heater for the right corner. New Stuff |
Posted 11-Sep-2006 03:18 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a tank shot from last weekend to show the tank before the changes. As you can see, the Alternanthera on the left back of the Star Grass group had grown very tall and would have required a trimming anyway, but the new current made it really needed as it bent almost 90 degrees. Week 49 |
Posted 11-Sep-2006 03:21 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank now this weekend, after the new filter had been added. It is on the right side, with the spray bar arranged horizontally on the top of the side panel. For the time being I left both filters on full blast and I will see what effect this has on the fishies. Now |
Posted 11-Sep-2006 03:22 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And I have only one more shot for this weekend, there was just not enough time to take more. Here are some Rainbows hanging out in the new current. It seemed as if all fish were busy finding new spots to hang as the whole water flow dynamics in the tank have changed. For example, just look at how strong the Java Fern in the full tank shot is bent compared to the week before. Have fun, Ingo Rainbows |
Posted 11-Sep-2006 03:25 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Other than the java fern, the rest of the plants don't seem affected by the flow, I see straight standing stems everywhere. Those are some nice looking rainbows, I hope I can get mine to grow up that healthy. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 11-Sep-2006 03:44 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Matty for the compliments on the rainbows "I see straight standing stems everywhere" - Well, that is because all weaklings, aka stems, are short ba Ingo |
Posted 11-Sep-2006 13:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Almost a week has gone by since my last entry in this log, and almost as long has gone by since my last entry at FP overall. Part of it is ba The closer the one year anniversary of this tank (and as such tetratech's tank as well) the more it is on my mind that for an entire year I was fighting algae. And I am sick of it. Ingo |
Posted 16-Sep-2006 23:44 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I here ye! Is that really you LF? Don't think things are always so blissful in tetratech land. I had a "gigantic" mishap in my nano tank. Log soon to be updated. My Scapes |
Posted 17-Sep-2006 01:04 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Wow both LF and Tetra are alive! I thought you guys were gonners being it has been dead up in here! LF, Don't be so down on yourself about your tank. You have had some set backs but we all have. The real question is: have you learned anything about plant/fish keeping in the last year. If so can you use it to become better next year? 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 17-Sep-2006 02:57 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | it is on my mind that for an entire year I was fighting algae. And I am sick of it. Just reading that stirs up memories. Ahhh the frustration. I don't know if they are still around, but if you could dig up my posts from two years ago, you could see I was having the same problem. It wasn't as high tech(2wpg, DIY co2, decent fert sched.), but I had algae, and I had taken all the necessary procedures to keep plants growing ahead of the algae, but could never totally wipe it out, and it got to be a mess. I ended up nuking the tank. If you read the first page or two of the log it was about how I had started over basically keeping only the filter for it's beneficial bacteria. I changed the gravel and bleached out the tank and heater, and parts of the filter that are physically in the water that had algae on it. I kept the fish too. I don't like to suggest nukes, espessialy in large tanks when they cost so much and take so much time. There's always the potential that they won't work and the algae comes right back. I just think that getting rid of algae is so much harder than just never having it, and keeping it that way. If it were me and the new filter doesn't help and I felt as if I tried everything else, I'd think about it. Either that or toss everything that has algae and only keep the plants that don't have it. Keep the clean parts of the stems and what not. With rosettes you can hack off all the leaves, keep the ba To me, your tank looks great. It's not nearly as bad as mine was when I nuked it. I'd probably feel that I could get a handle on it if I could pay it enough attention, which it seems is very hard for you to do right now. Maybe you'll want to just wait on it until you get some time. You might be able to kick it. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 17-Sep-2006 06:56 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | LF, Don't get down, These things happen to very seasoned aquarist. People that have been doing this for a very long time. Although your already a "Master of Something" you really haven't been doing this that long. I kinda agree with Matty. I think you need a fresh start. I would work on getting your smaller tanks the way you want them and maybe not worry so much about the plants and scaping in the big tank. How about you just reduce light to the one set and take out most of the plants. Take out the wood and clean it off, etc. Put in a few large sword plants scattered about maybe with some rocks here and there. The smaller tanks are easier to correct if an issue develops, etc. and then when your ready move back to scaping the 125g. Have a look in mind and stick to it. Don't think these beautiful tanks you see on line don't have issues, they do. Your looking at many time a very professional pic and it doesn't mean they didn't just top off the substrate, replace the sand, clean the wood, etc. for the purpose of taking a picture. The new filter will help keep the tank cleaner and will be there when your ready. I also think your work schedule makes it difficult to catch things earlier. I'm home alot and am constantly viewing my tank seeing if anything is amiss. I think Bensaf stated it really well, when he said "It's a lifestyle" it really is to a certain extent. I feel I have a deeper understanding of how my tank functions and what triggers what because I do have the time to examine it, probably more than you do. My Scapes |
Posted 17-Sep-2006 16:20 | |
Dr. Bonke Moderator Posts: 367 Kudos: 215 Votes: 36 Registered: 15-Apr-2004 | it is on my mind that for an entire year I was fighting algae. And I am sick of it. Hey Ingo, That statement sounds very familiar. I don't think I've had my own tank algae free since the first month after I started it up and it has been very frustrating at times. I keep an eye on all the plant forum threads and to see the success of Tetratech and Bernard, to name a few, can make the annoyance at observing the algae in my own tank nearly get out of control. It is one of the reasons why I haven't really posted in my own log over the last few months. I think they're right when they say that it's a lifestyle. Where you should keep track of what happens in the tank nearly all the time. For me that doesn't quite work, and in the last few months I've slowly come to accept that I'll probably will always have some of the green (grey: beard algae, I still hate it) stuff in the tank. I'm slowly adjusting my plants to work around the problem. Slow growers such as Anubias, just will not work in my tank, as the older leafs will eventually end up being overgrown with the stuff. Maybe at some point I'll figure out what I'll have to change in order to get rid of the algae, but I no longer will worry about it too much. even with the algae I enjoy the look of the tank, and with that, the hobby. Try to take a step back, take it a little easier, and don't worry about a little bit of extra green. Your tank(s) look great, enjoy them as they are! Best wishes, Martin |
Posted 17-Sep-2006 19:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | To all of you, Thank you so much for your support, I really appreciate it. I am just a very tired hobbyist right now, work in the last two weeks for sure has taken its toll on me. I had to let the ferts slide as I occasionally was at home for only 6 hours total, including sleep. I am still working on getting myself back in shape, doing a water change yesterday almost fell victim to my desire to just chill. I will spend some time on reading your entries and I promise that I will have more to say about the details you wrote, but for today an update to this tank and the 40 will have to do. So - Weekly Tank Update - Week 51 The extra filtration for sure has made a change. First it was rather frustrating to see what happened, but then it made sense. An enourmous increase in hair algae really brought me down. But then I understood that I must have stirred up quite a bit of gunk with the increased water flow so it made sense that this happened. Growth seems to have been well, at least. I did trim about 60% of my Anubias leaves off, they were full of hair algae or BBA, otherwise I didn't do too much, except trimming a few bunches of Pearl Grass. Here is the tank last week: Week 50 |
Posted 17-Sep-2006 20:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Oh, the only other thing about the tank is that one of my Rainbows isn't doing too well and I think he will go to fish-heaven in a few days. He is breathing really hard and rather skinny and not swimming with the group, aka a goner. He is the one that had a piece of his dorsal fin missing when I got him, I believe it was bitten off. Anyway, here is the tank now: Now |
Posted 17-Sep-2006 20:36 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, Sorry to hear about your rainbow. I had really bad luck with mine. I think it was something internal because I didn't see anything and they just started dropping. I am now left with one and it can hang out in my 29G for the rest of its life unless I find a good home for her. As for your tank and plants. Maybe the best thing is to slow down and really think about what you want in this tank. It seems you have a liking for slow grower like crypts, ferns, and anubias. Maybe go to something more like keiths tank that is a bit more low tech. As stated by tetra, a vision and plan is a good first step. A good second step is sticking too it. With the low techness of the larger tank will give you more options with your high tech 40G. Plus the 40G will be easier to work with because its much smaller. A 125 is a lot of tank if you have little time to play with it. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 18-Sep-2006 14:25 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Firstly, if you look at the whole picture (I mean the whole tank) it's lookinging beautiful. Sure, if you go in close, you'll see the algae if you're looking for it - but we the audience don't see it. Maybe like Dr Bonke, we all have to accept some algae here & there. I'm sorry about your sick rainbow. With my recent run of bad luck, it's always been a bad sign when fish are panting. The only time I've ever been able to turn it around, once they start panting, is when it's been a C02 issue. Hope your work settles down, 'cause it sounds like you're missing out on the joys of your family and your fish right now. Sounds like work need to put on some more staff to help you out. You're in the same profession as my son BTW (just a bit of non fish trivia ) Cheers TW |
Posted 20-Sep-2006 00:44 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi, Perhaps a bit late, just a thought... I think I'd like to see the center driftwood moved back behind some of the plants so the wood was further back and more plants were in front of it. That would enhance the "depth" of the tank without needing any kind of background. Right now the DW grabs the eye, and it is right up front. Just something to think about.... Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 20-Sep-2006 01:39 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Tanks my friends, Just one more day of stress at work, then things should cool off at least a little (for a while at least). Wings - the thought off turning this tank into a low tech tank has come across my mind quite a few times by now, but there are always some plants that I would like to keep tat require a little more light and stuff. Robyn - Hey, can you send your son over here? I may have a position for him Frank - right on with the driftwood. The problem right now is that all this wood is one piece and actually spans the whole area from back to front, with most branches exiting further to the front. That is one of the problems, as changing this would mean to remove the wood and separate the branches, and with that I started a big change as now various other things would have to "move" in order to accomondate the new design. And before I know it, I would be in the middle of an overhaul "Ingo Style". And that scares me a little. Hang in there, my friends, I will be back to being the normal self rather sooner than later. Thanks for your patience, Ingo |
Posted 20-Sep-2006 10:19 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Hang in there, my friends, I will be back to being the normal self rather sooner than later.Its about time! This site has been a little dead with out you! That means I have to do my homework to pass my classes! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 20-Sep-2006 14:04 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Good to hear you sounding more positive & that hopefully your work will settle down soon. Robyn - Hey, can you send your son over here? I may have a position for himHe works for a Canadian firm & soon will qualify to apply for overseas posting - mum will miss him. They already sent him to China last December (but only for 10 days). Here's another bit of non fish trivia - hubby works for a German company - so there's 2 non fish connections. Cheers TW |
Posted 20-Sep-2006 16:45 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi Ingo, Thank you, for the reply and response. Yes, it would definitely be a chore and a labor of love to tear into the tank like that. Just something to think about over a quiet moment and a cup of nice hot coffee. Yesterday was the 3rd day of what we call a "mini" vacation. Susan and I have five weeks of vacation a year, and we take them by adding two days to our Sun/Mon weekends. Yesterday when we got home from Susan's dialysis and a Dr's appointment, we'd just gotten settled in when a tenant slammed into the access gate with her car. Back to work with my digital camera, and as I was filling out the Incident Report, I noticed inconsistencies and called the police. She was in her late 40s, driving on a learners permit with no supervision, and had no Proof of Insurance with her. The officer ticketed her for both infractions, gave me a "CR Number" for my report and told the tenant not to drive the vehicle. The officer drove around the property and parked and watched. The tenant got into her car and drove off the property. As soon as she got onto the road, the officer turned the lights on, and went out right behind her...Ticket number three! We all have stressful times at work, working on vacation can be one of them, but sometimes circumstances, brighten those times... Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 20-Sep-2006 17:00 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Frank! Don't people amaze you? Every day is something new. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 22-Sep-2006 14:44 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi Wings, Yup that is so true. We've been doing this for over 13 years now, I've reached the point where if the tenant gives me a new excuse for not paying on time, I'll waive the late fee. I haven't waived one in over 7 years. One guy had his mother dying and him attending the funeral 7 times. I finally asked him just how many mothers he'd had. between (alligator) tears he asked "what do you mean?" I told him that he'd told us that his mother had died 7 times now over the past three years. The phone hung up and he's been on time for the past three. Ah well...Back to plants... Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 22-Sep-2006 16:36 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks folks for the entries Well, not much to reports, except that work occupied me till yesterday, and that I needed all day today to recover from a massive drinking party we had last night to celebrate the completion of our work (but the next load is waiting already). On the tank side, I think I got lucky on something for once. My last order to Big Al's included the TMG container, and this week I needed it for the first time as I ran out of my original stock. What can I say, they didn't send me TMG, but the new Tropica Plant Nutrition Liquid. I saved $20 as I paid for TMG. The Tropica site says to dose 5ml for 50L of tank water weekly. That means for my tank (about 470L) approximately 50ml per week, much less than what I dosed in TMG (3x50ml per week). What should I do? Add what I did before or cut back to Tropica's recommendation? Ingo |
Posted 22-Sep-2006 23:18 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | If they seem to think it's more potent I'd beleive them. You could always give them an email or something though. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 22-Sep-2006 23:33 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Well, not much to reports, except that work occupied me till yesterday, and that I needed all day today to recover from a massive drinking party So bascially your posting under the influence Well in addition to the lights I ordered from hellolights I'm going to be placing an order tonite for plain old Flourish, I'm just about out. I was tempted to switch to TMG but I think I'll stick. My Scapes |
Posted 23-Sep-2006 01:58 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | So bascially your posting under the influenceI think I am over it now, but this morning I was still in bad shape The TMG days are over now anyway as only the new Tropica products are being offered. I will keep you guys posted on how it will work out although, I can only get better for me . With regards to the dosage. I assume that EI also means to overdose the micros a little, right? At least when compared to dosage recommendations by the manufacturer. Ingo |
Posted 23-Sep-2006 02:26 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I think I am over it now, but this morning I was still in bad shape Well I've been burning the midnight oil as well, saying up almost all nite (maybe 2.5 hrs a sleep) each nite for two nites trying to keep a deadline on a project. I was starting to really lose it. Anyway, as far as EI and micros I always took the word "EI" literally which means it's estimative and you could miss your target low or high and you woun't have issues as long as everything else is in place. My Scapes |
Posted 23-Sep-2006 02:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks tetratech for the heads up on the micros in the EI world. I guess I will start off with about 20ml 3 times a week, that is slightly higher than the Tropica suggestion but not by much. 20ml is the TMG that I fed the 40G 3 times per week, maybe it was too much (50ml 3xweek for the 125G) and that caused my algae? Time will tell. Yeah, living on little sleep is wearing one down, in particular when one is as old as we are . I hope you got your work done now though, time to relax again Ingo |
Posted 23-Sep-2006 13:51 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Yeah, living on little sleep is wearing one down, in particular when one is as old as we are . I hope you got your work done now though, time to relax again Thanks, I could get back to a normal existence until the middle of next week anyway. My Scapes |
Posted 23-Sep-2006 13:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Update - Week 52 And more so -> Annual Update - Year 1 It is now one year to the day that this tank was set up. Time flies when you are heaving fun, or when you have to fight one algae outbreak after the other. Lots of stuff has happened to this tank and not all was bad, I for sure learned a lot about plants and their requirements, plus I had the pleasure to enjoy myself on all the fishies that are swimming in this tank. Albeit this tank is not exactly where I thought it would be after one year, it has come a long way. When I started this log I stated in the Goal section: The focus of this tank is neither to win an aquascaping contest nor to win a fish contest. Well, in the end I came much closer to the second part as my Espei breeding success earned me a spot in TFH, next to Amano. This is the single most accomplishment that this tank has brought me, overall not too shabby for someone with less than 2 years in the hobby. On to a review of the first year, here is the tank on the day of setup, before water and plants had been added. The rocks make me wonder if I should add them again as they did look pretty nice: Initial Setup |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:43 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank right after setup,which took about 7 hours, if I remember that right. I then found to have quite a lot of plants in there, but looking at it now makes it feel soooo empty: Week 0 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:44 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | 3 weeks later, and with the addition of some fast growers, the tank became much fuller and growth was good. I have to say that I like the pennywort in this shot and I am constantly tempted to add some more of this plant into my tank now. Week 3 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:45 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | By week 6 the first attempts of creating a scape were on its way, and looking at it now it was not all that bad. Rock Valley had probably its best days during that time, sags, tenellus, and glosso all grew well, although I was fighting diatoms like mad. Week 6 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:45 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | By week 9 loads of plants have been moved around in the tank and this must have been the time when changes to a scape "Ingo-Style" became associated with complete removal of plants and what not. One can also see that this was around the time when I completely lost sight of what to do with the scape. All is random and messy: Week 9 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:46 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | By week 11 things have changed even further, but that is not what I want to point out here. In this shot one can see for the first time that my school of 12 Espei had grown, this must be more than 12 in the right hand section of the tank. Week 11 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | At week 15, the tank started to really look like a jungle as the Apons and the Crypt Retrospiralis grew out of control, with the latter eventually reaching 30 plus inches. Also, the glosso in the foreground became unmanageable being 3 to 5 la Week 15 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:48 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | By week 18, nothing was in shape anymore. Not knowing how to trim most of my plants properly and the urge to protect the ever increasing number of Espei fry, I let it all grow out way too much. Plants shaded each other and I lost quite a few because they did not receive proper lighting anymore. Week 18 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The following week, week 19, had another major overhaul, the addition of the wood. I am sure that this was the beginning of the algae battle that I fight still today. Looking at this shot I realize that I had almost no plant mass left in the tank. Week 19 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:50 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | With the Star Grass being the only fast grower in the tank around week 23, the rest of the plants succumbed to hair algae and the tall sags and crypt did not like being moved around all the time (plus my wrongly applied bleach bath during the move). The tank was on its way to a disaster during this shot. |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:51 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And so it came, at week 25 another major overhaul happened, reducing the plant mass even further. I have no idea what I was thinking; I must have been really desperate to get all the algae out of the tank at once. Week 25 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | By week 30, I added a few additional fast growers (hygro) and greatly increased the mass of Star Grass just to avoid another algae disaster. Nevertheless, it didn't help too much, in shifts hair algae and BBA became frequent guests in this tank and that is still true today. Week 30 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a shot from week 36. You can see that I gave my fast growers as much space as I could to help me control my tank parameters, but to no avail. New plants have been added to replace infested old ones, just to be infested themselves. Week 36 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:58 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | For weeks in and out, like here in week 41, all I did was trying to regulate plant growth and trying to keep the algae in check. This was (and is) the most un-enjoyable phase since setup as all is geared towards control rather than moving forward. Week 41 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 13:59 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a picture from week 47, and you can see that not much has changed. All of the last 20 plus weeks I spent on control and I have to tell you that it bores me to death. I am sure you folks must feel similar as you had to listen to my whining for the entire time. Week 47 |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 14:00 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is now the latest full tank shot from this weekend. As you may see, some plants in the right front have changed; actually have been exchanged with the 40G. Some Blyxa and Pearl Grass went over to the other tank and in return some micro swords have been planted in here. On a downside, I put the Rainbow that was weak under as I did not want to risk any infestation of the tank. But I don't know what the problem was. |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 14:01 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT THE FULL YEAR REVIEW ON THE PREVIOUS PAGE So, With this series I would like to express my gratitude to anybody who ever contributed in this thread, one would not be able to imagine how this tank would look like now without all the help I got from you folks. Thanks to all of you, Ingo |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 14:07 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | On to two more detail shot from the tank from this weekend. Here is the new micro sword section shown next to the wisteria lane. I wonder if it would do well in this kind of substrate. If so then it may be a much better ground cover plant in this tank than it was in the 40G where it was much too tall. New Swords |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 14:11 | |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 14:13 | This post has been deleted |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the male Apisto inspecting the new lawn to see if I may have brought in any goodies with it. If you look carefully then you will be able to spot a few types of algae on various sections of this shot, but I don't want to get into that topic now, this weekend is the anniversary and it will be a happy one (right? ). Have fun, Ingo Apisto in Swords |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 14:14 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Congratulations on the 1 Year anniversary. /:' Cheers TW |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 14:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Well I have to say that my favorite pic is week 15. IMO that's a stunning planted tank. Congrats on the 1 year. I remember that I celebrated mine on the 38 by starting to forget about it and eventually tearing it down. I hope the same doesn't happen to yours. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 14:51 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi Ingo, You know, I'd like to see all of us do a annual recap of our tank pictures as you did. It really brings home how much a living tank grows and changes over time. Thanks! Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 24-Sep-2006 17:39 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Nice recap. I would have to agree with Matty, that week 15 maybe 18 was the most attractive looking from the pics anyway, but the tank was in need of some DW which we all know you eventually got. One thing not discussed much is the frequency of trimming. How does that affect uptake of ferts and the ability of algae to be kept away. Some times I think the frequency of trimming is more important than actual mass, because the plants seem to increase their growth from triming. I truly thing the words "It's a lifestyle" quoted by the "Master" is the ex If you are going to start over, when I look at the first setup pics I could kinda see a grassy field amongst those rocks and maybe the return of the glosso to the front. But I would only suggest that if you have the ability to live the "lifestyle" My Scapes |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 00:06 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks all for the input, I agree, week 15 and 18 looked very nice, in pictures But the reality was that at that stage the Apons and the Crypt Retrospiralis started to shade out the tank so much that over half of the Ludwigia group to the right died off because it didn't get any light anymore. And the moss was out of control with algae and trimming created a huge amount of free floating pieces that I still find in the tank today. The glosso was a mess and would have required almost weekly trimming. So, even then the tank was not stable. Coming to think of having more time for the tank in order to live the lifestyle: I don't know if that would work for me, I would mess with it every day I guess. I just cannot keep my hands out. Anyway, Tetratech - your tank is today one year old as well, maybe you should follow suit and show us an annual review as well Ingo |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 00:24 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Anyway, Tetratech - your tank is today one year old as well, maybe you should follow suit and show us an annual review as well Did we start on the same exact day. I can't even remember. I know the dates are all screwed up in the thread, but I was thinking of just letting you have the day.... My Scapes |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 00:44 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | tetratech - I share all my days since one year with you, and I have no problem sharing this one as well Yeah, I think we started at exactly the same day, with different end results though Ingo |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 01:08 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | Congrats on one year with this tank. Keep up the good work. I think the tank looks very nice as always. Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 01:49 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | tetratech - I share all my days since one year with you, and I have no problem sharing this one as well Thanks LF. It might have to wait till tomorrow because I'm having serious issues with my &*$% laptop and I might have to transfer all my pics to another computer, but I do have fresh pics of my nano (check log) and I'm about to post a new 12g pic as well. My Scapes |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 01:53 | |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 01:59 | This post has been deleted |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, Isn't is crazy how much our tanks can change in the course of a year. A while back I was looking at some of my old tank shots and couldn't beleive that I was happy with it. (I might have had 10 plants in there total!) Now today it is getting closer the the LF jungle style - the algae and maybe I have just been lucky that it hasn't taken over as I am now running 6.5WPG. Thanks for all the post with weekly/now yearly updates. It has been great to follow and learn from. PS. I really like the chain swords up front. I think you need something low like that to add depth. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 14:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys for the comments Yeah, the chains looked nice in the front for a while, I agree. But then they started to spread out to the back, the front ones got covered with some form of thread algae, they also got so dense that they shaded each other and created a lot of dead leaves in the process, overall - it got messy. And currently, the few remaining chains are barely hanging in, sometimes they seem to die all together, for no reason that I would know off. Ingo |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 16:30 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Congrats on one year LF I came into this log a little late, a few weeks into it I believe, when you tetra and bensaf were like the Three Stooges on the board. My appreciation for planted tanks has taken off since then, and I really believe it started with this log, so I thank you for that /:' |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 16:41 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Oh thanks NowherMan6 Yeah, I remember the 3 Stooges, and then we moved on to the Brady Bunch as we became a larger family. I wonder what organization level we have reached now. Ingo |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 20:31 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Yeah, I remember the 3 Stooges, and then we moved on to the Brady Bunch as we became a larger family. I wonder what organization level we have reached now.The 3 stooges People in "glass cages" shouldn't throw stones. Anyway, it's interesting that this site is open to pretty much everyone in the world and the regulars are 2 jersey guys, 2 new yorkers and a gal from downunder My Scapes |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 21:19 | |
Dr. Bonke Moderator Posts: 367 Kudos: 215 Votes: 36 Registered: 15-Apr-2004 | Odd, I somehow totally missed the previous page with the full year recap. It's actully quite a good idea, I may consider doing something like that too In any case, congratulations on the full year anniversary. Even with all the algae trouble, in my opinion you have one of the most beautiful tanks on these forums, well worth the effort it takes to maintain |
Posted 25-Sep-2006 21:43 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | Congratulations on the one year mark. To your credit , despite the issues you had, you kept ploughing at it and even increased the number of tanks. Unfortunately, for reasons you are aware of, I haven't been able to participate much recently. But I do try to keep up to date with various logs. Still interesting after a year and so many posts Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 26-Sep-2006 03:54 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Oooohhh Bensaf, It has been a long time since you last posted to my log, did the 3 Stooges comment get you out of hiding or was it the anniversary? I hope all is well with you, my friend And thanks for the compliments on me not caving in, I appreciate it. Ingo |
Posted 26-Sep-2006 15:39 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | I hope all is well with you, my friend Everything swell, just been awesomely busy. Basically I'll be unemployed after this week so I'll have a bit more time for writing. Although I will be busy preparing to pack up.I'll definately be moving on at the end of Oct., it's just a matter of to where.It looks like I'll be returning to Ireland. Of course in our world packing up means tearing down all the tanks I'll have to find good homes for the fish and plants. Chances are I'll be out of the hobby for quite some time. I'm wondering if the pull will be there to start up from scratch again ? Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 27-Sep-2006 03:56 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi Ben, I'm saddened to read of the employment issue and the need to move. I wish you and your wife luck, fair winds and following seas. I hope that you will find time to write now and then. Sincerely, Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 27-Sep-2006 07:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Boah, That is tough stuff there, Bensaf. I don't think we are ready to loose you to the inactive side of the hobby. Instead you should see this as an opportunity to start a brand new tank and with it a LOG here at FP (just trying, I know it is lame). Hang in there, Ingo |
Posted 27-Sep-2006 14:37 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Best wishes Ben! You could always go the the Tetratech micro mini tank thing. You have been great help to many of us! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 27-Sep-2006 15:03 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Best of luck, Bensaf. Godspeed to you as well in your new endeavors. I certainly hope your time out of the hobby isn't too long, and I certainly hope we'll all be here to welcome you back when you return Just don't get rid of that beautiful rimless tank you have, there's a certain pull to those things that will get you back into it as soon as your able. Thanks again for the help and words over the past year. |
Posted 27-Sep-2006 15:40 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Bensaf, This is the first I've heard of these issues. I'm sure it will all balance out nicely just like your scapes. We'd love to have you in the states, any chance of that happening? In all honestly, I'm not sure if I would have my tank today if it wasn't for your voice of reason coupled with a kin since of humor. We miss your input around here, but I'm quite confident I will see one of your scapes grace the forum in the not too distant future. My Scapes |
Posted 27-Sep-2006 15:58 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | LF, I forgot to say how much I enjoyed your annual recap. You know, I'd like to see all of us do a annual recap of our tank pictures as you did.Well Frank, where is yours. I don't know if I've ever seen any pictures of your tank & I think it would be nice to have a peek at it. Bensaf, I hope you don't stay out of the hobby too long. Thanks for the help you gave me when I was starting out. Cheers TW |
Posted 27-Sep-2006 16:53 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Bensaf, I'm sorry about the tough luck and need to move. I've moved all over this country, and I hate it every time. At least you might be going to the land of Guinness. That can't be all bad. I'm sure the pull will be there to start back up from scratch. It only took me a couple weeks to start missing mine when it was down this summer. We'll be here when you get back into it. Good luck with the move. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 27-Sep-2006 18:14 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | Good grief guys, you all sound so morbid It's starting to feel I'm attending my own memorial service Appreciate the kind words but really it's nothing too serious , just a big pain in the butt to be honest. Without wanting to move the thread off topic, but just to put peoples minds at ease I'll give you a quick rundown of what's going on. I worked here for the Indonesian production center of a Singapore multi national. Basically the Jakarta factory was closed down in August. What was disapointing to me was the manner in which the closure came about. It wasn't due to any of the normal financial or business reasons but mainly to do with a CEO and shareholder who got themselves into personal difficulties. Their behavior since has been shoddy and unprofessional to say the least. For the best month I've just been cleaning up the mess, selling off the assets etc which has just kept me very busy and not much time or inclination to post. As for future plans - well at this stage of my life my #1 priority is the happiness and comfort of my wife. She is my life, end of story, period nothing more to say. While my first preference would be to move back home it's a bit more difficult for her. She has a very large family here to whom we are both very close ( see the AV ) , she never lived away from home til she married me and moving to new continent would be a huge step for her. It's a step she's willing to take but a few more years here would be preferable to her. So I agreed to try to find a job here before making a final decision. I owe her that much at least for the joy and love she has brought to my life. A westerner trying to find a job here ( or at least a job I'm willing to take) is not so easy. There are still a couple of possibilities but nothing definate yet. If nothing suitable is found by the end of October we have decided to head back to Ireland. I still have a house there and work is easy to find, my main problem would be choosing who to work for, so really there's no financial pressure or concern. The company did want me to move to one there other locations but I would no longer work for these people if they were the last employers on earth . I've had other offers in Asia and, yes, even the US tetra , but I've turned them all down. If I'm going to drag Safrina around the world it's best to head back to the 'oul sod, where we have friends both Irish and Indonesian, plus my own family who adore Safrina as much as I do ( I'm sure my Dad likes her more then me, he learned how to use a cellphone just so he could text her ). All of this will greatly help her settle in. A decision will be made either way by the end of October. As for the tanks, well if I stay here it'll be just a matter of tearing them down and setting up in our new home, fairly painless. If we move back to Ireland well I'll have to give everything away, can't be dragging all that stuff around the world. Of course everything is more expense in Ireland as regards the hobby and certainly I won't have access to all the rare plants and fish I do here. Plus I'll be busy settling in to a new job, getting the house ready etc, so it could be a while. So all in all it's no biggie. All part of the Ex-pat life really. I've been travelling for ten years now. Been a blast. The best and worst time of life. I've seen so many things and met so many people. Lots of dreams have come through for me because of this life, there's been a few nightmares and truly desperate moments, I've seen things I'll never forget including some I desperately want to forget, but they made me a man, or at least the man I am now and I wouldn't change any of it, the best decision I ever made was to become an Irish nomad. I did good for a skinny kid from a ghetto on the northside of Dublin. But it's done, the draft Guinness is whispering my name and to top it off I get to walk away with the greatest most beautiful woman in the world. I'm very much at peace with what's happening, so no need to worry. Whatever happens I'll still be around to nag you guys. Enough with the 3 Stooges ( Ingo was Curly right ? )and bring on the Marx Brothers - I have dibs on being Groucho !!! Just need time to get settled. Of course I'll post some pics before I tear down the tank, it's become a stunner ! So that's all I'll say on that subject. We will now return to your normal programming schedule..... Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 28-Sep-2006 05:50 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well Bensaf, That sure is a major move there and I wish you all the best for it. As you can see, your latest entry completely stalled the entries to this thread as we are all speachless. I am sure all of us sit around wondering how long it will take you to get your internet connection up and running wherever you will move to. Screw the tanks that you may or may not build, as long as we can talk to you Ingo |
Posted 29-Sep-2006 10:21 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Tank Update - Week 53 This week has seen no changes in the tank, except more growth. I was considering to trim the Star Grass and Hygro this weekend, but then got too lazy. So, next weekend I will have to trim them for sure. With the new filter in place now for a few weeks I don't see much of a change in the tank yet. It may be a little cleaner on the bottom when I vacuum, but green hair algae is still growing on the Anubias and wood in particular. Here is a shot of the tank from last weekend: Last Weekend |
Posted 01-Oct-2006 15:14 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is this weekend. As you can see, in particular the Hygro group causes quite some shading at the front of the tank. I think rather sooner than later I have to bite the bullet and re-arrange the hardscape so I can form a more scape like tank (rather than a mess as it is right now). Now |
Posted 01-Oct-2006 15:16 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Already on to the last photo of this session. Can someone say "well fed" ??? I don't think my Otos are compaining too much about the algae in the tank My Tummy Hurts |
Posted 01-Oct-2006 15:18 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | I think your oto is very happy & thanks you for very much for his/her dinner. If this is your plumpest, if your theory is right, it should be a girl - right? Cheers TW |
Posted 02-Oct-2006 15:19 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Yeah, from the shape of the belly I would assume that this one is a female. I have 6 otos in this tank and only some of them are this fat. But all have the same food source, a tank full of algae . Ingo |
Posted 02-Oct-2006 16:24 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, You only have 6 Otos in your 125? I am running 10 in my 40G. You could probably add some more if you wanted to. What are others Oto to Gallon ratio? 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 02-Oct-2006 18:49 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I have 4 in my 50. I'd like to get a couple more though. If I had an algae supply like LF(no offense ) I'd have 20 in there. Couldn't hurt at least. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 02-Oct-2006 19:05 | |
goldfishgeek Fish Addict Posts: 667 Kudos: 412 Votes: 38 Registered: 27-Oct-2003 | Hello LF (Hello Bensaf! good luck with the move - was worried there for a bit, I have a six gallon tank that was inspired by your desktop tank - the little one?) sorry LF, back on topic, your ottos made me laugh! I have started buying new gravel for the 35G, and will start the big scary re do in two weeks time. I'll have to reread some of your log. I can't believe its been a year. amazing. GFG Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself. Harvey S. Firestone |
Posted 02-Oct-2006 19:16 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Wings, Matty, and GFG Well, more Otos is always a nice thing, but more fish is more poop. The 6 in my 40G have quite some significant output there, as I could always nicely see on the top of my Anubias leaves . Honestly, I think at this stage of the tank they are more decoration than anything else. Ingo |
Posted 02-Oct-2006 19:45 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I see your point for not adding any new fish in right now. Half of my fish load are Otos (10) while the other half are med sized Brillian Rasboras (8). When I start thinking about our tanks in general it really amazes me that some of use have little to no problems while others are cursed as we are all running very similar systems. The only major differences I can really think of is Plant choise and fish load. Maybe tetra and I got off easy be cause we worship the wisteria. Any new thoughts on a Ingo redo? 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 05-Oct-2006 14:12 | |
SheKoi Fish Addict Posts: 667 Kudos: 553 Votes: 4 Registered: 11-Feb-2004 | this thread still going?!1 tank still looks great littlefish, just going to spend the next 3 days reading all whats been going on www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk |
Posted 05-Oct-2006 16:35 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Karl, How have you been? Long time no see. Was that all because of the early English exit from the world championship Anyway, yeah - the log is still going, although I have to say that the entries are more sporadic these days. People must be sick and tired of hearing my complaints over and over again . Talk to you later, have to work now, Ingo |
Posted 05-Oct-2006 18:26 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | The only thing I'm tired of is lack of entries. I hate when this site dies down like this. *twiddles thumbs* Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 05-Oct-2006 21:54 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | We haven't seen Mr. and Mrs Apisto in a very long time. Nor have we seen the Pearls! Have they ever shown any signs of coupling off or breeding? How goes the espei management? I haven't been posting much either. Busy with work AND life so that doesn't leave me much time. Trying to find the time to set up my own new tank, but that got put on hold because we may be getting the apartment painted... and I'm sure there's NOTHING in the world like trying to move a 700lb. tank away from a wall and keeping it properly protected so it doesn't get paint chips and fumes in it You can see my frustration with the project. Just so I'm thinking of this right, LF, you have in the tank now: espei dwarf neon rainbows pearls - 2 apistos - 2 and otos, correct? |
Posted 05-Oct-2006 23:32 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The only thing I'm tired of is lack of entries. I hate when this site dies down like thisTell me all about it, it ruins my average posts per day. NowherMan6 - Sorry to hear about your crazy work schedule, but why should you be better off than me Yeah, you got that right, these are the fish in my tank. I have never seen the Pearls showing any signs of interest in breeding. One reason why I held off with the second filter for so long was that I hoped he would build a bubble nest on the right tank side where the surface current was really weak, but nothing happened. Now I have loads of current and I assume that even if he tried to build a nest it would float away. The Espei population seems stable now, maybe one or two fish came in since the last trade with the LFS. I am sure the Apistos and Rainbows have something to do with it. Ingo |
Posted 06-Oct-2006 18:35 | |
dmarkham0117 Hobbyist Posts: 68 Kudos: 18 Votes: 1 Registered: 12-Sep-2006 | LF, I used to have a lot of hair algae to say the least in my 42 hex. I even had it growing on the substrate. I tried several kinds of fish and the japonica shrimp that were supposed to be good at grazing on the hair algae, but they just couldn't keep up. Then I read about the American Flag Fish (Jordanella floridae). My LFS was able to order some for me and I bought one male and two females. Within 5 minutes of releasing these fish into my tank they began to feed voraciously on the hair algae and within 3 days there wasn't a strand of hair algae to be seen! I haven't had a problem with it since that time as I think the algae eating livestock I have more than keeps up with the pace now. I will say that I had to move them out of the tank into another one because they would nip at the fins of my Angels, but it was well worth it until there job was done! Just a thought that I haven't read about anyone trying on here. Dan |
Posted 08-Oct-2006 05:38 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Dan, Thanks for the tip . I have thought about these fish, but turned them down rather quickly. Mainly for the reason you mentioned, being rather aggressive fish. Also, they for sure would go after my smaller espei. Weekly Tank Update - Week 54 Not much has happened to the tank this week, just feeding and ferting (new Ingo word ). The maintenance this weekend saw the trimming of the hygro and the star grass, plus the repositioning and trimming of a few stems of Alternanthera. Here is the tank last weekend: Last Weekend |
Posted 08-Oct-2006 11:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | By this weekend, the star grass and the hygro had grown even more, so did the duck weed on the surface. I guess my plant food is working out pretty good (including the new tropica micros - on a much reduced dosage from the TMG, 20ml x 3 vs. 50ml x 3). Here is the tank before trimming, almost all lower parts are shaded all the way to the front: Before Trimming |
Posted 08-Oct-2006 11:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank after the trimming. Note the now larger group of Alternanthera towards the right. I used to have the individual stems more dispersed throughout the tank: Now |
Posted 08-Oct-2006 11:38 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Last shot for now, a closer look at the center area. A little off to the right, in front of the star grass, sits a larger Crypt Wendtii Red. This plant, for unknown reasons, melted pretty bad during the last week. Only some of the smaller leaves are still there. I don't think it got shaded too much and I have no explanation for why this happened. Where is the Wendtii? |
Posted 08-Oct-2006 11:41 | |
goldfishgeek Fish Addict Posts: 667 Kudos: 412 Votes: 38 Registered: 27-Oct-2003 | Just going to have a moment of green with envy induced meaness. My crypts don't melt!!!!! *evil laugh* and I have moved them and washed them and every thing! of course all my other plants die or fall apart, as well as some fish GFGx Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself. Harvey S. Firestone |
Posted 08-Oct-2006 17:05 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | That is funny GFG I guess you like the rest of the tank then . Well, it is working its way back up to having more BBA, I can see the first signs on the wood again. Ingo |
Posted 08-Oct-2006 22:51 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Wow, can't believe I missed this big change Looks good LF. I'm very impressed with that mass of NL fern you have. It's a pretty fast grower I've found, and grows pretty large too (starting to outgrow my nano... ... not really, but still getting big) Anyway, I think it's BEGGING to climb the ladder of that big DW piece. As it is it seems to be just forming a flat mat across the lower section - why not, at some point, break it up a bit and make it more dynamic? Tie some bunches up the length of the branch a little, similar to the way you've used the Bolbitus in your 40G. This would also work on the right side piece of DW. Just throwing it out there, as usual |
Posted 12-Oct-2006 22:01 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Good idea NowherMan6, I have been thinking about that, but then decided to hold off until I know what to do about the big log, and with it the rest of the tank, in the first place. I think my current setup does not permit me to move forward and a change is needed, at least a change to the driftwood. But I have neither time nor courage to do this right now The NL fern looks so flat because there is quite some current in that area that pushes the leaves horizontally to the left. Ingo |
Posted 13-Oct-2006 10:22 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I was going to comment on your fern too. It sure looks like it has grown a ton. I hope to get my hands on one either with our next plant order at work or at the auction I am going to next weekend. I also like the idea of having the fern grow up the DW but I understand you wanting to wait to do it unitl you have things figured out. Quite the trim job too! You can see the plants on the bottem now! Before it just looked back. How is the chain sword doing? Has work been a bear latly? Is tetra still alive? Maybe he just doesn't like his tank with the 4 foot light.... 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 13-Oct-2006 14:23 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Maybe he just doesn't like his tank with the 4 foot light....Maybe that's it. I asked to see a picture of the tank with the new light, and he just plain disappeared Cheers TW |
Posted 13-Oct-2006 14:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I think the light is just a coincidence. I doubt that it messed up his tank soooo quickly, actually, I think that it probably made everything grow even better. About the chain sword - what chain sword? I have maybe 3 to 5 plants left, spread out throughout the tank. I find that in all of my tanks, high and low tech, chain swords do not like to be moved. Once established and later moved they all did really poorly. I don't know why though, because all did really well when moved into the respective tanks. Work is mad, but I am getting used to it a little better. Ingo |
Posted 13-Oct-2006 16:10 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I find that chain swords do very well with being moved if it also involves a bit of thinning out so they get more light. Usually I pull them all up, take out the largest half and then replant the smaller half. Then in a month or two I have to do it again. I usually make a few bucks off of it though. In fact I may need to do that today.....I'm snowed in so there's not much else I can do. Good ol' Buffalo, Lake effect snow in October. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 13-Oct-2006 17:08 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Yeah, It was pretty cold down here this morning as well, but certainly no snow yet. Glad we got the Apistos shipped earlier this year. My tenellus was behaving like yours in the beginning as well, maybe it takes a few moves before it has enough of it. I have no other explanation for it, as the tank conditions in my various tanks have not changed while tenellus growth got worse with each move. Ingo |
Posted 13-Oct-2006 17:25 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | About the chain sword - what chain sword?I thought that chain swords were fairly easy to keep. But I guess with any thing they probably do better for some people than others. ood ol' Buffalo, Lake effect snow in October.We got snow here but not snowed in at all. Don't really want to go outside so I guess you could call it snowed in. It did look pretty outside yesterday with the snow stuck to the colored up trees. BTW: Come See! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 13-Oct-2006 17:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | But I guess with any thing they probably do better for some people than othersI do not know if it is the people that make the difference, as I grew it very successful in my tanks. But no longer Anyway, I got up extra early this morning to upload, trim, and resize my pictures for this week's update (late, I know, but have been busy yesterday), but once completed the site was down, at least I could not post anything anymore So, it will have to wait until tonight then, nothing major happened anyway Ingo |
Posted 16-Oct-2006 13:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Better late than never - Weekly Tank Update - Week 55 Nothing happened to the tank this week, besides feeding and fetilizing. I think the increased water flow help, at least my duckweed grows by its name, weed Here is the tank this weekend: Now |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:26 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Now on to some more or less detailed shots, in random order. Here is a closeup of the Alternanthera group. Hard to believe that all these plant are from one small accidental plant that I got when the tank was initially set up: Alternanthera |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a closeup showing my diffusing style, in case you forgot. First I have the diffuser hack the CO2 bubbles in small pieces, then the above sitting powerhead redirects them vertically (and makes the bubbles even smaller). I have not cleaned the diffuser in at least 2 months except for dripping Excel on top of it during the water change. Ups- have to read a story now, will continue in about 30min. Hack Em |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Nice, the wife will be reading to them, so on with the entries: Here is a closer look at the Narrow Leaf Java Fern. The main focus though is not intended to be the fern, as you will be able to see better in the next shot. NL Java Fern |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:41 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | This one is specially for Matty, as he toys with the idea of putting $40++ of plants in a darker spot of his tank. Nana Petites will grow well there, but noone can see them in the pictures. When I hole the camera real close and extremely overexpose the image then one can see that I have 5 petites lined up in front of the fern. Actually, a waste in my tank: Nana Petite |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:43 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is one group of my Pearl Grass, I guess it will need some trimming soon. This one is in the left front corner of the tank. Pearl Grass |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:45 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here are my 5 Rainbows. After I had to put one of the original 6 down a few weeks back it seems like nobody else is getting sick. I remember that I lost my 3 females within weeks of each other with similar symptoms. Rainbows |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:47 | |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:48 | This post has been deleted |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:50 | This post has been deleted |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | With all this picture taking, my male Apisto did not want to be left out. He paraded along the tank front for me and gave me plenty of options to capture a shot of him: Apisto |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:51 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | But after about 10 shots that I took he got bored and started to yawn. Sometimes he does that, I assume to keep his mouth flexible so he can eat huge snails Tired? |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:52 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And just to prove that I am having my own Wisteria Creepery in my tank (what is going on tetratech, did you break your hands and can't type?), here is one of my two Wisteria patches: Wisteria |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:54 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Look At The Previous Page For Way More Pictures And the last two shots are in Matty style, aka crazy angles. I usually don't see my tank in this perspective, but it shows the duck weed on the surface. This was after I removed about 50%. Duck Weed |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 01:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And an even weirder shot is this one, again showing the duck weed. Don't worry, what seems like loads of algae on the back is just a reflection of the the duck weed on the surface. That's it, Have Fun, Ingo Crazy Shot |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 02:00 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Nice pic of your apisto yawning LF. I also like the upward angles on your tank. I can imagine you laying on the floor taking pics . I have to say the larger group of alternanthera is stunning. That should have happened much sooner. Larger groups of plants seem to make a better impact on the viewer IMO. The star grass needs to pop back up a bit, and then the tank will look very nice I think. I happened to notice the petite nana in the first pic, but I can see why you would say they are pointless there. You don't need them there. That's a very nice little portion in your tank with the NL fern. However, I do need something in that spot in my tank. Otherwise it's an eyesore. Mesh and pvc don't lend themselves to a natural planted tank, like most people would think. I'm just trying to come up with the best possible solution as I can see the glosso doesn't cut the cake....or cheese(maybe that's what those bubbles are ). I need something that isn't large(won't shade out the glosso below it on the substrate which gets plenty of light), grows in lower light, will attach itself to mesh, and doesn't need substrate. Any other ideas? Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 02:54 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | see the glosso doesn't cut the cake....or cheese Thanks Matty for the input (sparse these days, my tank must be too boring for words) Yeah, I really way lying on the floor when taking the upwards shots Also, I agree, the Alternanthera group has never been prettier. And with regards to your "dark spot", I feel your pain. Moss is no good as it would creep out of control. Anubias Nana Petite cost $$$. How about narrow leaf java fern, grows slow enough to be maintainable? Ingo |
Posted 17-Oct-2006 18:18 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Scrolled back over an earlier page of pics, where you can only see a hint of your alternanthera. I'm so glad you've given it room to shine. I also like that we can see beyond the plants to the back of the tank. I used to think that all of the back wall of a tank had to be covered in tall stems, but I like this look, where in places you can see the black beyond. More interesting & gives more depth. Hard to maintain that though, as some of these darn stems grow so fast. Always needing trimming to keep them the right height. Does the floating duckweed block your light & cause shading. I don't think I'd dare try it in my low light tanks, but I guess you guys with better lights, have the wpg to spare? Cheers TW |
Posted 18-Oct-2006 00:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Does the floating duckweed block your light & cause shadingYes, it does. I currently run an experiment on my 29G with 65W and almost the entire surface covered with duckweed, we will see how that goes. On a positive side, it is a major nitrate sucker upper , as much as I know. Robyn, thanks also for the overall comments on the tank, and I agree with all of your points. Just last night I looked at the Alternanthera group and thought about its time limited beauty. In not too long of a future I will have to trim that group and it will never look the same again. Ingo |
Posted 18-Oct-2006 13:42 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Ok, So I didn't want to make a big deal out of this, but I jst cannot resist. I ordered a few more plants: - 3 Bunches of Ludwigia peruensis - 6 Pots of Tenellus - 3 Crypt Wendtii Green All entities arrived, although the Wendtiis are way more than 3, but little plants for that. Here is the order: Plant Order |
Posted 18-Oct-2006 23:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | As I will not really plant anything today, I cleaned and "parked" the plants for the time being. Here are all the individual peruensis stems planted in the 125G: All Peruensis |
Posted 18-Oct-2006 23:58 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | One thing that this last shot made ovbious is that they appear from the distance very similar to the Alternanthera. In a closer shot of the main planted group one can appreciate them more: Peruensis I |
Posted 18-Oct-2006 23:59 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is another look at the peruensis that I lined up in front of the tank, as I said - just parking them for the time being. Are these the ones that Matty has in his 50? I forgot. Peruensis II |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 00:01 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The other plants are parked in the 20G, I didn't even remove the Tenellus from the pots. I guess that is all right, right? The Crypts are most likely to stay in this tank, but for sure not in that spot. I ordered them because I felt like making the order worthwhile. Park Em |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 00:03 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The reason why I ordered potted Tenellus was because the explanation made it appear as if they were grown submersed, and the loose ones where grown emersed. But the bud endings on some of them make me believe that these were grown emersed as well. For the "I Spy" fans, there is a baby platy in this picture as well Emersed? |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 00:05 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Now, "What does that all mean?" is probably a question that you all ask yourselves (or not). Anyway, if I tell you it has to do with me taking Friday off and use it on this tank, I assume you know what it means So, if you have any suggestions, you have about a day and a half to let me know about them. Ingo |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 00:08 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Well, good luck with your Ingo tank re-do. Is it a major or a minor redo. Anyway, I'm nowhere near enough of a scaper to make useful suggestions - but I hope you have fun. Have fun with your new plants, they look very nice. I'm at work, so this is a very quick visit. With only time for a quick glance, I didn't spot your baby platy - only what I thought might have been a snail or two. I will play "I Spy" later when not at work (and won't cheat by looking at any other's answer first) Cheers TW |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 00:37 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | The potted chain swords are definitely emersed grown. They'll do fine anyways. The ludwigia peruensis aka peruvian ludwigia is usually the false name ludwigia glandulosa is sold under. That is what I've gathered from my searching around. Yours have 2 leaves per node though, and every picture of ludwigia glandulosa I've seen only has one leaf per node. Otherwise yours looks very similar to mine when I bought it, green on top red underneath, real thick stems. If it ends up changing forms from emersed to submersed and only has one leaf per node and turns bright red(top and bottom), you know what you have. BTW I can't find the platy Good luck with the makeover Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 02:45 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks for the input and Matty - thanks for the ludwigia glandulosa info. Yeah, I think I should explain why I am willing to do another major overhaul again. During the last few months I mentioned quite a few time the fact that I am not too happy with the location of the wood and that relocating it would mean that it a) has to be removed first and b) that it has to be cut in managable pieces. Now that I have the 40G, which has its hardscape pretty much in place, I can see how rather easy it is to do small changes to enhance the scape. I would like to lay out this tank so that following changes are managable, but to get to that point a more permanent arrangement of hardscape has to happen first. And unfortunately this means that I have to pretty much remove most of the plants and excisting scape first anyway Ingo |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 10:50 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | That's the LF we know! Hardscape on the left is needed, and go heavy on the hardscape throughout the tank if you can. Plants will grow in around it and you may not notice a bunch of it, but it's important that it's there to give some structure. The tenellus looks less emersed than when I first got mine - many of the leaves are short and flat as they should be, but there are also some tall stringy ones with the seed pods, and that's a sign of emersed growth. It'll be a little messy in the first few weeks, but they'll shed quickly enough. |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 13:28 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/photo-album/36681-75-gallon-gallery-56k-warning.html This tank is pretty impressive. At lest it is to me. The thing I wanted to point out about it the amount of DW in it. Once the tank is planted most of the DW is gone. My only sugestion would be to keep the plants low in the front and work your way up in the back. I think this makes the tank look much deeper than it is. Right now your NL fern is just too huge up front. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 14:29 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys for the input Wings - why do you have to show me this picture and make the stakes so high? . I cannot live up to this by a long shot. The main concern is to move and cut the driftwood, although I don't have a clear vision on what to put where. Nevertheless, I feel more confident now than ever before as I think my 40G setup worked out pretty well (and don't you guys dare to tell me otherwise now ). Ingo |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 17:26 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | To go along with what I previously said, LF, I would check out AF for driftwood options, they have probably the best stock I know of and it's not too pricey. Avoid blocky pieces, look for branchy pieces with long bits sticking out. You can also use smaller pieces together to look like one piece. I would suggest not skimping, as Wings has said. |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 17:33 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Interesting I was actually not planning to add new wood to the tank and have not even considered this option. Instead, I plannned on cutting up my big piece and use the branches individually. This should eliminate that big trunk in the front. Ingo |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 18:15 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | That will work as well, but just in case you pre-plan and find you may want more to work with, give AF atry, they've had some very nice pieces. How will you make sure the branhces dont float? |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 19:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | If I get new wood from AF then the color etc will not match (see the critics that I got a while back for my 20 QT). So I would need all new pieces. The existing wood is in there now at least 6 months, I hope it will stay down by itself. If not, some rocks will have to be either used as weights or I will squeeze some wood between 2 rocks. Ingo |
Posted 19-Oct-2006 20:31 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | So....hmmmm.....where was the platy? Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 00:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Forgot all about the platy fry BTW, currently there are maybe around 8 fry in the tank. And here is the one that was the subject of "I Spy": See It? |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 12:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a super zoom closeup of the fry, in case you thought I sell you a small leaf in its place: Closer |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 12:32 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I can't beleive you guys didn't see that thing! It is only bright white(or yellowish) and happened to be right in the middle! LF, Good luck with the redo today! Rock it out my Friend!/:' 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 14:03 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | The big tank is looking pretty good. Good luck with your fish day. Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 18:59 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys, Just a very quick update: I am almost done, but I have to take a family break before I can finish. So far: belh Ingo |
Posted 20-Oct-2006 22:45 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well, All done for today, took me only overall 8 hours, Here are the steps: First, the tank before the start, this morning: Tank Before Change |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:07 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Next, I removed all the plants and placed them in tubberware containers, one of which I even quipped with a heater. The water was from the tab, but I used prime. Then the wood was removed. Here is the tank right after the messy removal: All Nekkid |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:09 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The I performed a water change and vacuumed almost the entire substrate. Only one corner was left out as the water level was falling too low already. Here is the tank after a refill: Water Changed |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:11 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Once I started working on removing the plants I could for the first time in quite a while account for all of my Otos. After the water change I tried to find them all but was one short. I checked the tank over and over again, but could not find it. I ran to the laundry room (where the sink is with the wood and the python) and sure enough, in the empty and barely wet sink was the missing Oto , still alive. It must have been in there at least an hour and a half as it must have traveled on the wood. I scooped the Oto out with my hand and immediately returned it to the tank. He wiggled in my hand, then swam off and was still fine an hour later. Ever since the tank is replanted again I cannot see the Otos anyway. Here is the escaper after release: Oto Runaway |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:15 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | After cleaning the back and one side panel I cut the driftwood into individual branches and scrubbed them all off. The it was time to place them into the tank (they sink by now) to outline the main group. Here is the first, and almost last attempt: Branches Outline Main Group |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:17 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | After extending the main group a little it was time to place the plants back into the tank. First, I added the ones that surround the main group. In this stage you can see the main layout of the new tank very well. Once I was finished planting it wasn't all that clear anymore. But the point of this change was to allow me future updates without having to rip the tank apart again. So keep that in mind, this is the basic setup now: Basic Setup |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:20 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Then it was time to add the remainder of the plants, without adding the ones back in that I don't like anymore I(don't fit into the layout). As such, I am short on plants right now Anyway, here is the tank after I finished, what do you think? Have fun, Ingo All Done |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 03:22 | |
slickrb Enthusiast Go Gators! Posts: 238 Kudos: 47 Votes: 99 Registered: 19-Jan-2006 | Ingo, The new layout looks very nice. It kind of feels like an island almost. Very neat effect. Plus you can really spot the fish! Rick See all my pictures at Google Web Albums |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 05:15 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I found the platy...I found it!! Ooo...I like it. Looks like it could be a tropical island there in the middle, especially if the wisteria were to grow around the main groupind to form the sea. Lots of different scapes could form around the central group though. Very diverse, very attractive, I like it. EDIT: well I second rick I guess. Oh, I can't tell from the pic but did you find a more suitable place for the nana petite? Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 05:22 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Nice work LF! I really like the Anubias work! The nana petite (bottem left in front of the DW?) Will get back with you more later! I have a marching band show/fish auction/Chicago marithon to watch this weekend.... 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 13:41 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys for the input Yeah, it looks like an island, and I am sure that some plants will change over time. Most important to me was to create a more "styles" overall layout and, ba The Nana Petites are spread out throughout the main group border from left to the middle. I will take some detail shots of the tank today and I will make sure to include them. The tank is really short on plants and I may have to add the wisteria from the 20G to fill it up a little. Oh - interesting side note: I assume that the Espei have made a packt when the tank was empty. Somewhere in the line "if we survive this then we have to strenghten the group". As soon as the main group border was in with the Anubias they went at the reporroduction ritual like mad. The were hushing under the anubias leaves even while I was planting the wisteria right next to them . The Apistos seem to have been the ones mostly stressed by the replant, the male was hiding for the rest of the day. Ingo |
Posted 21-Oct-2006 14:19 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Wow, what a change. Looks very nice LF. I like your anubias & nana petites. It's right, it does have the feel of an island & now you can have separate groupings, on both sides. Good job with the make-over Cheers TW |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 13:46 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi Ingo, The overhaul looks great! I like this placement of the driftwood with some of it a little further into the back of the tank. The placement along with the use of the ground cover, adds depth to the tank and enforces the "island" concept. I'm curious to see what it will mature into. With the Espei's - in many cases a large water change will prompt the spawning urge. It looks like you put in a solid days work. The thing that never ceases to amaze me is how elaborate a root system our plants develop over sometimes, a very short time. When they do it in my flourite, I always have my Vortex, diatom filter, primed and ready to run. What did you do with the plants you were no longer interested in? Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 17:23 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Robyn and Frank, your input is very welcome Here is a weekly tank update, although there should not be much of a secret on what I have to tell, but it is a tradition Weekly Tank Update - Week 56 Well, it was time for another major tank overhaul, Ingo Style. I know I am risking all kinds of things with this, but I had to get some more favorable structure into the tank upon which I can build future updates. I am currently a little short on plants and I hope that this is not coming back to haunt me (except on Halloween, ). To stir things up a little, I will start with some details. Here is the left side of the tank, the one that got the really short end of the stick. I grouped here all my crypts, except my red wendtiis, on the left back and side. On the right side, bordering the island, is a group of taller Pearl Grass, in between the new tenellus and some wisteria from the 20G: Left Side |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:32 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is the right border of the island. It has some of the reddish lugwigia still hidden in the back, then some NL Java Fern on the wood, then some red Wendtiis in front of it, and some Anubias in front of them. To the right is Wisteria only, I hope tetratech will not call me a copy cat Right Side |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a look into the island, without showing all of the borders. I know it is a little on the red side , but that is ok. You may notice that I use the Star Grass as a border between the red Ludwigia / Alternanthera and the Anubias. I discarded most of the star grass, it is not worth the helluffa maintenance and dying of lower parts. I will try to keep it short, even if it means at least bi-weekly trimming: Main Part Of Island |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a look at the front border of the island, containing the 5 nana petites. Can you find them? The Anubias in general received a major trimming, all kinds of algae infested leaves were cut off, as were old and leaveless parts of rhizomes. Anubias Row Coast |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The most worrisome part of the rep |