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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 | 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 replant (besides the "lost" Oto) was the Apisto pair. They both seemed really scared and hid behind the heaters and filter intakes By now, almost all seemed fine again, although the female doesn't come out much. The reason may be some egg laying though, as she was defending the right side of the main group with the wood. Here is the male again: Male Apisto Viejita II |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:44 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Last but not least, here is a full tank shot from this morning. Compared to the last full shot from Friday there are a few more plant on the left tank side, collected from the 20. Please make sure to also check on my 20, 29, and 40 logs as all have new entries and in particular the 20 and the 29 have changes a little. Have fun, Ingo Full Tank Shot - Today |
Posted 22-Oct-2006 19:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well, There seems to be something going on in the breeding department with the Apistos (while the male in the 40 is doing really bad and may die). The female has found a spot in the wood on the right hand side of the island and is almost never coming out. If she does then only in the immediate are of the wood. Just now, the group of Rainbows came pretty close, and here is the male's response: Go Away |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 01:35 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Then the female Pearl joined that group, but the male Apisto even challenged her, although she is for sure number two in the tank (after the male Pearl). Here he shows her the way as well. That's it, we will see. Ingo And you better leave as well |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 01:37 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | LF, Very I like the structure of the middle-right section. Defintetly the right direction. I can see the island thing, I can also see moving more in that direction if you see fit, using glosso or HC or something to make a "sea" around the left side. Well done, and nice little story about the oto |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 13:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks NowherMan6, I wish I could have the red plants on the island grow some more and the freeze the entire island and just keep on working on the surrounding "sea". Unfortunately, that is only a dream as all will grow eventually out of shape and then it will be time for a redo . But I think I can handle the island for quite a while, with all kinds of options. The one thing I am considering is to replace the Star Grass border with maybe didiplis diandra, which I believe is not as messy as the star grass and also grows on stronger stems. The star grass is blowing slightly sidewards. About Glosso or HC, I may try first to surround the island with wisteria, in good old tetratech fashion . If the tenellus ever settles then I may use any runners to "refresh" the culture in the 29. Ingo |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 14:14 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Well I'm sneaking this one out I like the makeover much better as you said it's more "styled". I think it's more managable and something you could have fun fine-tuning as you go along. It's very tough to create a "bensaf-like" tank in a 125g without being "semi-retired" About the didiplis diandra: I had this plant way back when I purchased my aromatica and blyxa. It's the only plant that didn't make it. It's very fragile and light sensitive. It's also going to be a big pain when trimming. You know Blyxa might work in that spot and is not a fast grower. About the Wisteria: Go ahead knock yourself, but be prepared to see Jersey vs New York wisteria comparisons. Since I've seen about 5 FP tanks with creeping wisteria, maybe the Mods will give me a special contributor award. Ingo Style Makeover in regards to Algae: Most important if you haven't done so aready, reduce your lighting cylce to 7.5 to 8 hours tops and gradually increase as the tank matures and is stable. Same goes for ferts reduce to lower EI range and increase with mass. I think by this weekend I'll be back to some tank updates and responses to Matty and other threads. My Scapes |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 16:04 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Most important if you haven't done so aready, reduce your lighting cylce to 7.5 to 8 hours tops and gradually increase as the tank matures and is stable. Same goes for ferts reduce to lower EI range and increase with mass. Shouldn't that go without saying at this point?!? |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 16:30 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | Shouldn't that go without saying at this point?!?We can only hope! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 17:17 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well, First of all, glad to have been able to get a response from tetratech, just for that the makeover was already worthwhile. If I only could get one from Bensaf as well, although he hasn't been on in a few days now Thanks tetratech, I forgot about the issues with the diandra. I don't think the Blyxa would work as it seems to take forever until it even reaches any height (meaning, it is too short and would not even be seen. The plants I need there would have to be about 5 to 6 inches tall (above the substrate). Next: Shouldn't that go without saying at this point?!?Actually, I did reduce the ferts a little, but not the light. I begin to have my doubts about my philosophy regarding light duration and intensity. I maintain my 10h and actually increased the "high light" about a week back to 3.5 hours. Ingo |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 18:58 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I begin to have my doubts about my philosophy regarding light duration and intensity.and your philospohy would be??? 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 20:18 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | and your philospohy would be?Well, I stated that I have doubts about my philospohy, which is in sink with you guys. The "new" thoughts are not well formed (yet), but there is of course the notion that the plants actually do not get enough lights to perform at their best. 1.5wpg is not quite much for almost all day (except the one hour I used to beef up the lighting). Ingo |
Posted 23-Oct-2006 20:36 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | The new structure is looking good & it seems the change may have prompted your apistos to mate. That should be very interesting, although any fry would probably struggle to survive in the community tank with the plant mass lower. But then, I'm talking about my tanks - where my adults are all notorious fry eaters. You have had success with platy & espei - so fingers crossed for you. Cheers TW |
Posted 25-Oct-2006 14:14 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Robyn, Nah, there will be no fry, not even my Espei fry has a chance now, and they are going at it like mad all the time . There are simply enough fish in the tank to extremely limit the chances of any fry not to be detected. As a side note, and unrelated to the upcoming loss of an Apisto in the 40G, this tank is seeing its first Espei death rather sooner than later. Given the signs on the fish (fading coloration and less transparency in the fins, combined with holding a static position in the water column rather than swimming all over the place) makes me strongly believe it is a case of old age. It for sure, by its size, is one of my original batch purchased over a year ago, which then was already in mating age. Nothing to worry about, just the way of life. Ingo |
Posted 25-Oct-2006 15:20 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well, Given that the Apisto in the 40G is gone and given that I placed an image of it in that log, I thought I owe you an image from the Espei mentioned in the last thread. Here you see the "old" Espei, and I am rather certain that he/she is suffering from old age only (please tell me otherwise if you should identify an illness). I thought I owe this picture as it completes my Espei life cycle of images, from small fry over juveniles to adults and seniors. As you can see, the body coloration is fading away, in particular in the front body section. Also, the fins are less clear and have mostly a whitish ba Ingo Old Espei |
Posted 26-Oct-2006 00:14 | |
shawnp2k Hobbyist Posts: 66 Kudos: 14 Votes: 1 Registered: 19-Mar-2006 | Ingo: Good Job on your new tank overhaul i see how you have a lot more room for future development. I hope you're algae problem will be a lot less then in your previous layout. I cant wait to see how it will look in the next few months to come. Cheers Shawn |
Posted 28-Oct-2006 03:32 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Shawn, I appreciate the comment Just like you said, I am also happy that this layout will allow me to change things from now on a little more slowly rather than having to perform 10 hour makeover sessions every few months. And like you, I am very curious as to what it will become in the next few months. Thanks again, Ingo |
Posted 28-Oct-2006 10:17 | |
jase101 Big Fish Posts: 345 Kudos: 273 Votes: 1 Registered: 06-Jul-2004 | hey there lf - great work on the tank - i can't believe how much work you do on your tank!! i love watching it progress from stage to stage. i just did a big clean out, thinning out all my swords, and propogating some tiger lotus pups - not a bad sunday arvo at all. hope you are well, justin |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 12:04 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks Justin I appreciate your input and compliments, keep em coming Anyway: Weekly Tank Update - Week 57 The tank has been doig quite ok during this week, I was hoping not to see a major outbreak in algae (from the redo) and so far I have been lucky. The duck weed on top grew rather dense and needed some major thinning out as the two spray bars on each end concentrated the weed in the middle of the tank and that led to shading of the main group, not so good. I have quite a few shots to show, so here is the first set, taken during the water change. This is the diffuser at low tide, as you can see there is some algae on it. I have not cleaned it in months and the green part is the one where the diffuser never let out any bubbles (ever). My cleaning consists of dripping Excel on top of the plate (after drying it off with a tissue) when the water gets below the rim. That is all I do since months. Diffuser |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:03 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a look at the main group from almost above, a little from the side. I cannot really get a straight down shot as I would have to make a hole in the ceeling of the room and take a shot from the first floor . I am always surprised to see how bright blue the background of the tank actually is. It seems so much darker when there is water in the tank. This reminds me, maybe I should play with the background for a few weeks. Low Tide Main Group |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:06 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a look at most of the fish that are in the tank, almost all shots were taken during low tide. Usually, most fish are hiding in the plants during water change, but this weekend they were parading around. Here are the Espei swimming along the island perimiter, supervised by the male Apisto: Espei School |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:09 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is the female Apisto, above the Wisteria. I assume her "fry" from last was either non-existent or had been eaten/abandoned/died. Female Apisto |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:11 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Just for completion of the Apisto pair, here is a shot of the male, taken a few hours after the water change. Besides showing him, I would like to point out the little bubbles in the water which are finely diffused CO2 bubbles. And that is on the other side of the tank from the diffuser. Male Apisto |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:14 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | On to some other fish of the tank, here is a neon dwarf rainbow looking into the camera. I wonder if they wonder what it is that I am doing there. But I guess I give them too much credit Anyway, it is very nice of him to give me this pose: Rainbow I |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:16 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here are two of the rainbows, side by side. I would assume that the one with the larger hump is superior to the one in the back, right? These fish (the rainbows) are the most active in the tank and are constantly busy chasing each other and showing off to each other. Rainbow II |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:18 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is my female Pearl Gourami. She holds the number two spot in the tank, at least when it comes to respect by the other fish. She is also less shy then her mate. You can also see a few of the very healthy duck weed with roots on the left. Female Pearl |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:20 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the king of the castle, the male Pearl. Nobody questions his authority and I am sure that his size alone gives him this respect. He is pretty much at least 3 times the lenght of most Espei. If the other fish would take a closer look when he behaves like a chicken (for example during water change) then they may change their mind and try to take dominance in their own hand . Male Pearl |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:23 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Enough about the fish in the tank, let's move on to the plants and the tank overall. Here is a look at the Wisteria on the right after the water change. I was very tempted to thin it out already and use the clippings on the left side, but I rather wait one more week to have a fuller and healthier growth first. Wisteria Lawn |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:25 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look at the left side of the tank, the one that needs improvement/filling the most. I had no chance this week to go to the LFS and see if they have any Wisteria that I could plant there to fill in the empty gravel, maybe this week will be better. Left Side |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:27 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Many, Many More Pictures Are At The Bottom Of The Previous Page As we all know, my tank is not known for pearling But this weekend, after the water change, the tank pearled for hours. I know, I know, that is not something all that special, but even this has not happend in this tank for quite some time (many months). Must be the Jersey water that has changed, . Here is the Star Grass with its pearls: Pearling |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look at the tops of the Alternanthera Group. I had to trim away a few leaves that had a rim of BBA on them, still from the previous setup. In the past, most of these stems were spread out throughout the tank and actually did not receive the light (and respect) they need to shine: Alternanthera |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Right next to them (actually on the left),completing the center group of the island, are the Ludwigia peruensis's. So far, all stems still develop new leaves at the double per node. Matty - If I understand the statement that you made about this plant a while back, then this should either change to single leaf per node or I actually have Ludwigia peruensis, which - by your statement - is not an aquatic plant. Ludwigia peruensis |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:37 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Ok, The last 4 shots are of the full tank and/or the full island. Here again is the tank from last week, shortly after the Little_Fish style makeover: Last Week |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:38 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank this weekend. The plants that I noticed as having grown the most are the Wisteria on the right, the Pearl Grass in the back left off the island, and the Star Grass ring on the island border. What a surprise Week 57 - Now |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look just at the main island. I have to admit that this so far is my favorite setup of this tank and I hope that I will not regret the recent makeover and ligthing duration changes. So far, so good, I will keep my thumbs crossed. Island I |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:43 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is (already) the last shot, the main island in a more Matty-Style angle. Matty - I hope you are proud of yourself as you most certainly can take all the credit for any shot taken in these angles I have to say that in this angle the island looks almost like a bird's nest I am looking forward to the red plants growing just a little more to really fill in, in particular in height. That's it for now, Have fun, Ingo Island - Matty Style |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 14:46 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, Your tank looks pretty nice! I like the lay out with all the Anubias on the DW. That works really well for me. Things seem to be filling out quite well. The left side is a bit thin but you will soon have plenty of westeria to fill in the gaps. Your rainbows are looking really good. I really love mine when I had them but for some reason they didn't do well. I am glad you have had pretty good luck with yours. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 15:07 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Matty - If I understand the statement that you made about this plant a while back, then this should either change to single leaf per node or I actually have Ludwigia peruensis, which - by your statement - is not an aquatic plant. If it doesn't end up with one leaf per node, then I have no idea what it is. The terrestrial plant I've seen in pics is very large and looks nothing like our aquatic plant. Sorry if I wasn't clear on that. I just meant to say that ludwigia peruensis is usually a false name for ludwigia glandulosa - but a name which is correct for a terrestrial plant. Matty - I hope you are proud of yourself as you most certainly can take all the credit for any shot taken in these angles I can't take credit, I didn't take the pic!. I'm glad I could make an impact on the angles you take your pics though. It's rare when people actually look at a tank from that dead on angle, so it's hard to get a feel for what your tank really looks like. Nice pics Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 29-Oct-2006 17:17 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys for the input and comments on tank and pictures. Wings - none of my anubias are planted/tied on the driftwood, they are are stuck into the substrate. Of course I made sure the rhizome is above the substrate, so don't worry The Mother Barteri is shooting out about 3 new leaves every 2 to 3 weeks, I hope that it doesn't grow too big too soon. Matty - Of course you can take credit, you made me do it In the same way, NowherMan6 can take credit for my pictures as he was my lens consultant Ingo |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 00:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Hah, I am glad that I am able to post the following picture. As you may know, one Oto went MIA during last weekend's makeover and spent about at least 1.5h in an empty sink (where I placed the DW before cutting it). So, given that I overall had 6 Otos before, and that I added him/her back in and he/she swam away, and that I have not been able to count them all any time since, here they are Ingo |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 02:33 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Man look at how clean that filter intake is. Makes me want to take mine out and bleach it or something. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 03:27 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | Your Alternanthera Group is just stunning & I'm really liking the island setup. Great shot of your otos - pretty cool to get them altogether like that. Cheers TW |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 12:52 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks, you two Matty - This is the intake of the newer filter, the one I added rather recently (maybe 6 weeks back, I don't remember). I will try to get a shot of the other one which is more in line with yours, I guess Robyn - Yeah, it took me two hours until I had all 6 of them herded onto the clean filter intake and heater Ingo |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 15:23 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | It's a classic case of "less is more" your no longer concerned with the confines of the tank where your putting a tall plant in the corner to cover the filter tubes, heater. etc. The Island looks even more impressive close-up. Nice tight groups, good constrast and manageable. If I had to nitpick (some things never change) it would be the anubias in the front is too lined up. Are you considering changing the tubes, heater to all black so they fade into the background? With two filters on the tank that powerhead is also an unnecessary distraction IMO. My Scapes |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 19:19 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I think tetratech went colorblind during his absence. LF's background is blue and his heaters are black. I think LF is also using that powerhead to throw CO2 bubbles out to the other side of the tank and get more saturation. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 20:00 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | If I had to nitpick ...Of course you have to And it is always welcome, tetratech. Does that mean your bet is over and you won, or what? What are you getting out of this again? Ah yeah, a new tank Anyway - Just a few posts earlier (or a few pages earlier) I mentioned that I may play with the background for a while. This means that any colors of heater and what not will have to wait. Also, yes - as Matty said - the powerhead is for the CO2. My way of dispersal in a 6 foot tank. I have to see about the Anubias and a few other plants in the future, for now I am just glad that I got an environment that allows me to play with it without having to do a major overhaul. Ingo |
Posted 30-Oct-2006 20:33 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | I went to the LFS after work and bought 3 bunches of Wisteria, each having 3 stems and being about 6 to 10 inches long (they also has a pair of Apist Cacs "Double Red", but I resisted). Once home, I proceeded to trim the stems. For one thing, I would like to keep the growth low, so 6 inches is not good. I made two sections out of each stem, the top and the next element down, which gave me 18 pieces overall. That was enough to cover the part of the left side that was still open. Here is that area: New Wisteria |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 03:00 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | This shot, of the female Apisto exploring if there is any food in the wistera, shows the very finely structured leaves of this growth: Apisto Looking For Food |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 03:02 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | In comparison, here is my Wisteria from the right side of the tank. As you can see, most leaves are much broader that the new ones. Is that because of less light intensity? I need to consult the Wisteria Whipper Existing Wisteria On Right Tank Side |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 03:04 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And just for completion, here is the whole tank again. Now it is getting harder to avoid any glare in the pictures as the Wisteria is highl reflective of the tank light. That's it for now, Have Fun, Ingo Full Tank |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 03:05 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | As you can see, most leaves are much broader that the new ones. Is that because of less light intensity? I think it has to do with light. More light the thinner the leaves. Less light the wider they get. The wisteria in the last picture sure is bright. You should ask tetra how he does it! 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 06:09 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Since you just bought it, I'd tend to think the thin leaves might be an emersed growth form(as most plants are grown emersed at farms to avoid the algae problem and to max light and growth using sunlight). I've also seen very large leaves come into the store too. I guess that's why they call it hygro difformis. Very tough to tell what does what to this plant. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 06:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Ah, I have never thought of the possibility that Wisteria is grown emersed. The stems seem way to fragile to support the plant weight out of the water. Not because they are so thin but because they seem to easily break when bent (at least the main stem of an upright growing plant). Interesting, so much still to learn, Ingo |
Posted 31-Oct-2006 14:16 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Weekly Tank Update - Week 58 The week was rather eventless, with the exception of the addition of more Wisteria on Monday. So here is a quick look at some stuff The morning before the water change, when the tank was still dark, I had a chance to take a peek as the light on 29G next to it goes on first. I know that plants close shop when they have enough light and at night as well, but I did not know that this applies to Wisteria as well: Wisteria Closed At Night |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:47 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is the Pearl Grass before trimming. It has grown very nicely and I could use the extra plants for the 40G. It is now pretty much as tall as it was two weeks ago and I was able to harvest 9 smaller bunches: Pearl Grass |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Also, for the very first time ever I really cleaned the filter (the bigger older one). I removed even the content of the individual trays and rinsed them in tank water as can be seen here. Left is the bio la Cleaning Time |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:50 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And, for comparison, here is the tank two weeks ago after this setup had been created. As you can see, it is still quite empty: Two Weeks Ago |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:51 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank earlier today. Not only does one notice the addition of the wisteria, but also some healthy growth in the Star Grass, Alternanthera, and Ludwigia groups. Also, the mother barteri developed quite a few new leaves. Tank Now |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Nevertheless, not all is rosy. There is again some BBA, in particular on some leaves of the Alternanthera, Java Fern, and Anubias (just some leaves on that whole group). I am considering an Excel treatment. Here is a closer look at the island: Island |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:55 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closer look at the Wisteria group on the left side of the tank. The front section is the addition from last Monday. That should be rather obvious though as I never had this growth form in any of my tanks: Wisteria |
Posted 05-Nov-2006 23:57 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The Tenellus field behind it is still pretty messy, but I clearly see the development of submersed leaves and a few runners. I will give it some more time and then decide what to do with it in the first place. I am considering to replace the star grass with the crypts from the way left and make the whole area around the island wisteria (a la tetratech). Tenellus |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 00:00 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is an add-on: I went to the LFS this afternoon and got some fishies (see 40G Log ). While I was there I picked up another 6 bunches of Wisteria. It wasn't in super shape, so I only could use the top most section of each stem (unlike last Monday when I divided each stem into two reusable pieces). I planted then in front of the Island and now have to left almost connected to the right. Almost there That's it, have fun, Ingo New Wisteria From Today |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 00:03 | |
Tainted Glory Hobbyist Posts: 97 Kudos: 41 Votes: 0 Registered: 03-Dec-2005 | Tank looks amazing Ingo. I was a bit surprised when you chose to steer clear of the Amano style. When you mentioned an "island" setup, I was expecting exactly what you have in the middle, but a clear cut line surrounding it of bare gravel. Hell, I would have bet sand would have made an appearance with this layour, at least in the foreground. But it looks killer either way. I'm thoroughly impressed! Nice seeing you today, btw. |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 01:42 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well thanks Mike, I appreciate the compliment Yeah, it was nice seeing you today at the LFS and I am glad it motivated you to peek into my logs (responsive that is, as I know you do it as a reader only anyway). Yeah, anything more than I did in this current redo would basically have meant to start all over again as I would have had to get rid of my well bacterialized gravel. So, that's as good as it gets Ingo |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 02:31 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Looks good LF, especially the tenellus(gosh I like that plant). It looks as if you're getting pretty good growth overall, should be fun to watch the tank continue to grow in. How's the ludwigia turning out? I'm really curious to see if that turns out to be the same as mine, or what else it could be if it doesn't. I don't really have anything to nit-pick about. I like the setup, just needs time to fill in. That's some nasty media BTW. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 03:14 | |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 13:34 | This post has been deleted |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I don't really have anything to nit-pick about. Well I do! That last pic is really beautiful! My Scapes |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 13:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | So - where is the nitpicking, tetratech ? I know there is much that can be done better, but I had to start somewhere. I think that this setup will allow me to play around with much less ecological interference. Thanks for the compliment on the last shot. Matty - You sure like tenellus, don't you . The ludwigia is still growing in the same style, aka two leaves per node. Maybe the grand master of plants, aka Bensaf, could take a look and let us know what he thinks . And yes, the media was really . Maybe in about two weeks I should have the other filter undergoing the same treatment. Ingo |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 14:31 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | LF, If you are doing major up rooting fairly often then you are probobly releasing tons of junk from the gravel. This stuff ends up right in your filter. Therefore its probably a good idea to keep them cleaned more often. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 17:24 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Ingo, Looking at those nice pics, I forgot to ask. Are you seeing an abatement of your algae issues. I didn't see any "real" issues even from the closeup shot. My Scapes |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 17:25 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Thanks guys for input and question, Tetratech - right now I don't have a huge algae issue to report, but I see a ring of BBA around sicklish leaves on the Anubias and Alternanthera, and on the edges of leaves on the NL Fern, but they may have gotten damaged during the redo as well. Otherwise, only a little hair algae is growing on the glass, but not bad at all. I will try to give you an even closer look so one can see the problem Wings - you, that's it, the redo will do that. But I decided to not mess with the filters right when I did the redo as I had upset the biofilter enough as it was. That's why I am doing it now, one filter at a time. Ingo |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 17:48 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | that's it, the redo will do that. But I decided to not mess with the filters right when I did the redo as I had upset the biofilter enough as it was. That's why I am doing it now, one filter at a time.I am with you. 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 06-Nov-2006 18:49 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | So, Just to show you that not all is shiny shiny, here are two of the plants that have BBA problems (I couldn't get a good one of the Alternanthera). Here is a leave of the Mother Barteri plant. Just a few leaves have algae: Anubias Barteri BBA |
Posted 07-Nov-2006 01:53 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the Narrow Leaf Java Fern. Again, only a few leaves look like this, and I believe to identify that they are damages further down on the leaf. That's it, Ingo NL Java Fern BBA |
Posted 07-Nov-2006 01:54 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | i had a BBA problem but my pearl gouramis ate it all. i wonder why tours havnt eaten any of yours? BTW my male pearl is almost full grown now, hes chest is a deap red orange, his dorsal & analfins stretch way past his tail fin and he has the most amazing turquise and olive green iridescences. |
Posted 07-Nov-2006 04:05 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | coop, I wasn't aware that Pearls are BBA eaters, I for sure haven't seen mine even touching it. About 6 to 4 months ago, my male seemed well on the way to receive his orange underbelly, but now it seems more like he is moving backwards in the coloration department, except for the turquise and olive green iridescences on his finnage. It may have to do with the fact that there is 0 chance for breeding in this tank as the current would wash away any bubble nest. So he may think: "Why bother with all the color if I cannot use it anyway" Ingo |
Posted 07-Nov-2006 14:33 | |
TW Fish Master * * *Fish Slave* * * Posts: 1947 Kudos: 278 Votes: 338 Registered: 14-Jan-2006 | I am loving your new island look. All is looking pretty slick. Like Matty, I'm a recent fan of Tenellus. Is there more that one form of tenellus? Mine look taller than yours, but so far they are all I've found. How tall would you say yours grow? I agree with not cleaning out both filters at once. In fact, I have never done a 100% filter media clean. But for you, 100% cleaning of one filter = only a 50% clean, as you still have another filter to go. I would wait 3-4 weeks before you clean the 2nd filter, to allow the cleaned media to grow a new colony of bacteria. Anyway, all is looking great Cheers TW |
Posted 07-Nov-2006 23:58 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | your male pearl has a beter body shape than mine, mine has a more bulldog face too. id say its colour is becauase of the current as my tank has 2 smaller HOB filters at each end. one is soruonded by a lot of wisteria where as the other has a big clump of sggitaria stimulatus in front of it, this makes the water surface in the middle of the tank fairly still which allows him to build his nest(wich is then purposely destroyed by my male blue ram). i guess it makes him a fair bit more agressive. he is king of the tank except when it comes to the male german blue ram; about half the size of the pearl but twice as aggressive(i originally had 2 pairs of GBR's, because of the male GBR its now only 1 pair). |
Posted 08-Nov-2006 06:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | coop - Yeah, my male Pearl is the king of the tank as well, not even my male Apisto truly challenges him. This comes as a surprise to me though as the male pearl is also one of the biggest chickens in the tank as soon as an "outsider" appears (meaning a person). By now he has figured out that me standing next to the tank is not harmful, but he darts into hiding as soon as another person comes closer. Not to mention that you cannot find him once my hand penetrates the water (maintenance stuff). I checked last night on his coloration and yeah, there is not one bit of orange left. Robyn, yeah - there are at least two forms of tenellus, but the other one is actually smaller with thinner leaves that are turning a reddish color in bright light. Amano uses that one quite often and I once got a tiny plant by accident (didn't grow for me). About the filter cleaning: I don't believe I destroyed the bacteria in the filter completely as I rinsed the media in tank water. Sure, whatever was on the filter walls and media baskets is gone, but the surface of the media itself should have contained most of it anyway. Ingo |
Posted 08-Nov-2006 11:24 | |
coop Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 60 Votes: 2 Registered: 25-Jan-2006 | yeah mines a real chicken when it comes to "outsiders" and matenence. i recently gave my tank a complete makeover and the whole timt he was flapping around in the back corner. strangly though he eats algea wafers out of my hand |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 10:17 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | Those buckets of dirty water got me thinking. Still having BBA issues ...hmmmmmm. I think it's pretty much been shown that BBA is reliant on carbon to thrive. Organics produce carbon,in a form difficult for planys to access but somewhat easier for algae specifically BBA. A dirty tank will produce algae. I'm surprised you've gone that long between cleaning filters. For some reason I always clean my canister every 4-6 weeks. By clean I mean I totally dump the wool media , clean the can but don't touch the bio stuff (ceramic rings/efisubstrat). I've always done it this way, no particular reason just habit. The likes of Tom BArr are always stating the importance of keeping tank and filter "clean" - maybe that's where I picked it up. Wondering if the amount of organics in an old "dirtier" filter is helping the BBA? Class discussion ? Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 13:24 | |
NowherMan6 Fish Master Posts: 1880 Kudos: 922 Votes: 69 Registered: 21-Jun-2004 | Organics produce carbon,in a form difficult for planys to access but somewhat easier for algae specifically BBA. Can you explain this a little more, if you can? And if it thrives on carbon produced by organics, then why is it said that LOW carbon causes BBA, as opposed to an organic form? I always thought of it being more of a steady C vs. fluctuating C issue. |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 14:10 | |
Wingsdlc Fish Guru What is this? Posts: 2332 Kudos: 799 Registered: 18-Jan-2005 | I always thought of it being more of a steady C vs. fluctuating C issue.Maybe the organic form is a fluctuating one? Come to think of it. I was having some aglae issues a while back. I think I cleaned out my filter and it went away. I was having issues with staghorn though. Which is one of two, the other being GS, that I get in my tank. Now if the filter is good and dirty is the bio filter working at top production? 19G Container Pond [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 14:45 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Wondering if the amount of organics in an old "dirtier" filter is helping the BBA? IMO yes. Nothing works in a vaccum, everything is part of the whole. The more organics in the tank/filter the more you might have issues. If you have a tank that has no fish only plants, you could probably get by with doing an annual filter cleaning as opposed to one stocked with fish that would require monthly or bi-monthly. Listening to the conversations here at Planted Aquaria the conversations are usually as much about fish as they are about plants. There's nothing wrong with that mindset, but it does bring about more algae issues. The amount of organics affects the amount of filtration, flow, co2, etc that one would need to maintain an algae-free tank. My Scapes |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 16:11 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I'll agree, but can't say I'm a shining example of someone who keeps their filter clean. I get to it every couple months. At this rate I can't say I've ever noticed a correlation between algae before and after cleanings, but maybe I would if I let it go longer. IMO it's the same as the junk in the gravel bed or rotting leaves or anything else. If I could I'd gravel vac every week too. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 09-Nov-2006 16:27 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Oooooooh, the grand master gave me the honor of a few words Anyway, first things first: coop - When I read your entry I had to laugh as feeding the Pearls is really like you describe, they eat out of your hand. Not only that, the way they open and close their mouths on the surface while eating looks to me like they are singing some song. Some may have seen my picture of an old Espei a few weeks back. I did not see him anymore 3 days ago but then found him again 2 days ago, minus half his body Rest in peace old man, you were a proud father of many. Now on to the filter cleaning: Bensaf, you may have misunderstood: By clean I mean I totally dump the wool media , clean the can but don't touch the bio stuffI do that too, it was just the first time that I even cleaned out the media baskets. As mine are stuffed with media there is always something left behind when not removing from the baskets. And this gunk is also partially ba Nevertheless, I agree, dirty media can, and probably does, have something to do with the algae. But like all the others, please elaborate on the carbon culprit. Thanks in advance, Ingo |
Posted 10-Nov-2006 10:54 | |
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002 | Hi, Plants can extract the Carbon from organic compounds. The problem is how tightly the element, Carbon, is bound into the compound. An organic chemist, I am not, but I do know that some molecules hang onto the elements that make up that molecule more tightly than others. The CO2 gas that we inject into our tanks is the easiest for plants to extract the Carbon from. It requires less energy from the plant and is why plants seem to "take off" when we start using injected CO2. It is the same with other elements that plants need. Fe for instance as well as the trace elements. They need to be introduced into the aquarium in the form that is beneficial for plants, other wise they build up to possibly toxic levels or precipitate out. This is discussed extensively in Diana's book, The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<-- |
Posted 10-Nov-2006 16:34 | |
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004 | And if it thrives on carbon produced by organics, then why is it said that LOW carbon causes BBA, as opposed to an organic form? Frank pretty much nailed how organics produce carbon. But lets clear one thing up. Low Co2 in and of itself is not a cause of BBA. Fluctuating carbon levels will. In a non Co2 injected tank one of the best methods to avoid algae is to avoid water changes or actually, to avoid putting in sudden short doses of Co2 (from tap water) which will benefit algae more then plants. In an injected tank relatively high and stable is the way to go. In an injected tank the plants are getting there carbon easily and readily in the quantities they need. A lot of "dirt" will produce carbon that may only benefit algae.As Frank mentioned the carbon is not Co2, more in the way of carbonate molecules. The plants simply won't be bothered stripping down the molecules when it already has all their carbon needs readily available. But BBA is built to access carbon in just that way. I pull tanks up completely every year as I've noticed that things tend to go downhill at bit at that stage. They look dirty and old. No matter how fastidious you are you can't get everything at the regular water changes - things get under the wood and rocks etc. The only tank I've never had BBA in (or any other form for that matter) is the small non Co2 low light desktop tank. It really is a method that truly seems foolproof and is the reason why I'd never bother with more then one hight light Co2 tank. Need the patience of a saint though - it grows very very very slowly and the plants stay much smaller, Don't get me wrong , not saying Ingo has a filthy tank or anything. I could be going overboard but I've never let the canister go more then 6 weeks without a cleaning. Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability. |
Posted 12-Nov-2006 16:20 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | I pull tanks up completely every year as I've noticed that things tend to go downhill at bit at that stage. They look dirty and old. No matter how fastidious you are you can't get everything at the regular water changes - things get under the wood and rocks etc. That's an acurate statement. Everything is relative to this buildup. A year could probably be stretched to 18 months if your really anal about things(feeding,fishload, water changes, filter cleaning) or can be shortened if your very overstocked, etc. I notice some BBA on some of the eco which was never there before. It's not a big issue but it's there. That's why I'm also pushing the low ishload, low feeding thing, because this will buy you more time before things get real bad. The majority of aquarist feed and stock too much not to have some algae issues in hi-light planted tanks. I want to repeat something. It's not that they are overstocked or overfeeding in general terms, but they are when it comes to controlling algae in planted aquaria. My Scapes |
Posted 12-Nov-2006 18:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Well thanks guys for the detailed inputs on carbon and BBA. I guess I will have to clean my filters more often the, right (as a reduced fish load is not an option ). On with the show, I got loads of pictures and no time. Weekly Tank Update - Week 59 To start off, here is the tank 3 weeks ago when it was set up in this layout: 3 Weeks Ago |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 02:56 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is the tank now, with a few additions of Wisteria and some growth. I think it still looks pretty, but some pruning is needed. I just didn't have the time for that this weekend and also I don't know what I would like to change yet. Tank Today |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 02:58 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Now I would like to show you how the tank looks when I have only the second row of lights with 5,500K on. Doesn't it look much greener? I am considering of switching to the 10,000K that I have: With 5,500K Only |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:00 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is a closeup of the Pearl Grass right afte water change. As you can see, it really pearls , but somehow it does not really look like grass though Pearl Grass |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:02 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | My Excel Treatment that I started this week to fight off the existing BBA is showing effects, the algae is beginning to turn red or pale, as can be seen in this closeup of an leaf of the NL Java Fern. BBA Dying |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:11 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | For Matty, a 4 picture special Maybe Bensaf wants to chime in, that would be nice. Here is one of two shots showing the current growth of the Ludwigia Peruensis. This one is closer to the bottom of the tank and a small sprout. LP new Growth I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:13 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is one from the tallest of them in the tank. As you may see, the gap between the nodes is really small and there are still two leaves per node. Also, it has gotten much redder. The beginning of the new growth section can be easily identified: LP new Growth II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:14 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Then I looked at the plant right next to it, my Alternanthera. Doesn't that plant look very similar? I wonder if I have some form of Alternanthera there! Alternanthera I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:15 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | One of the differences is that the gap between the nodes seem larger than on the LR, although they are at equal height in the tank. The LR also appears to have shorter new leaves, actually it seems a little stunted. Maybe I should add more K, but I for sure beefed up the micros from 20ml to 30ml as of today. Alternanthera II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:17 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The Star Grass in the tank is still growing strong, but I don't think it is right for the spot that it is at. Its stem is too weak and it gets blown heavily to its side by the current in the tank. Here is one of the more stable parts of it as the current in that section isn't all that strong: Star Grass |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:20 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Here is the weakest section of the tank, at least in my opinion. The whole left side needs something, and I believe it needs less of a plant mish-mash. Maybe all should be wisteria for now and later I could add some highlights to it. I could use the crypts as a border section in the Island, but the tenellus would have to move to other tanks. Left Section |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:22 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | On to some fish shots: Whenever I enter the ba Rainbows I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:24 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Once they realize that I am only there to hold this black thingy (camera) in front of my face they tend to peruse the tank some more. Here they are on the other end of the tank. Rainbows II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:25 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | My Apistos are always up for a nice photo, and they seem to enjoy beeing the center of my attention. Here is the female staring at me like "Are we done yet?" Female Apisto I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:27 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | After a while she had enough and starts to swim off, on to finding some food in the tank. These days she is wearing her bright yellow wedding dress only on rare occasions, maybe 3 days out of 7 Female Apisto II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:28 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Make Sure You Look At The Pictures On The Previous Page That Start This Weeks Update Here is the male Apisto swimming through the bubbles of the CO2 output. It seems to me as if he is eyeballing the Espei in the bottom right corner. I wouldn't be too surprised if he got a tast for them by now, given that it was he whom I found eating the dead (old) Espei during this week: Male Apisto I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:30 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The male Apisto (and his girl) are the least shy fish in the tank. Whenever I put my finger on the glass all other fish first swim away (and may or may not come back), but he doesn't seem to be worried at all. Actually I think he likes the attention: Male Apisto II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:33 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Just to show off his nice colors again, here he is from the full side. He is just as handsome as ever Male Apisto III |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:34 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Ok, On to some off-shots, more in line with the things Matty likes, but maybe the others will enjoy them as well. Here you can see how full my tank is Small Gap Left |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:36 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look accross the length of the tank, from the left side to the right. Last week I filled up the tank (by mistake) so much that the duck weed got stuck at the crossbars. Surface Movement |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:38 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look at the tank from the left side, showing more the frontal section. Most of my sideshots are guesswork as I don't really have the space to squeeze my head behind the camera for that angle: Tank From Left |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:39 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look into the tank from the right side. This spot is even tighter and I barely can hold the camera in my hand into an almost proper angle. Sorry if they are not the greatest pictures. From Right Side |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:41 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | The last 3 pictures are of the main island. Here is the first from a slight angle when standing closer to the left side of the tank: Main Island I |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:42 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a look at the island from a slight angle to the right. I like how the Espei tend to peruse along the front edge of the island, they go very well with the color theme Main Island II |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:44 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | And here is a head on, but angled down, shot of the island. I know it needs some work, at least the Star Grass needs trimming. As you can see, I have closed the frontal gap between left and right and now the island is surrounded. That is it for today, Have fun, Ingo Main Island III |
Posted 13-Nov-2006 03:46 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Neet shots there LF. I can't say that I know for sure what red plant you have there. I'm not sure. It's nice whatever it is. My ludwigia gets those crinkled leaves on the new growth when I don't dose a bit of calcium at waterchanges. I'm not sure why that is, I have hard water, and would think I had plenty of calcium, but it's at least something to go on. I really enjoyed the shots from the side, that was a cool angle we haven't seen much before. It really helps get the 3D feel for the tank. The shot of the center group with the espei was particularly nice as well. I've decided recently that I can't handle floating plant. I ended up ripping out my water lettuce. It kept floating to the front corner that didn't get light enough for them anyways. I applaud you for keeping some duckweed in there for the fish. That shot also showed me how well your tank was levelled when you set it up . I'd say that something like a rock |