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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

Yeah Baby, an Eheim

Doesn't anyone sleep around here

I 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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

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

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.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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...

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Back in the saddle!

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

*shakes fish at big al's*

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

Attached Image:

Feeding Time

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Thanks a lot man

No problem!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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.

Attached Image:

New Stuff

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.

Attached Image:

Week 49

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.

Attached Image:

Now

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

Attached Image:

Rainbows

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Thanks Matty for the compliments on the rainbows

"I see straight standing stems everywhere" - Well, that is because all weaklings, aka stems, are short based on the trimming last weekend. There was a tall Alternanthera in the middle of the tank that really bent over. And during my lst trip down to the tanks last night I had the first Star Grass stem floating around the tank.

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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 based on enourmous overtime hours at work, but part of it is tank related.

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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 base and it should grow back ok. Replace everything with fast growing plants and the leftovers.

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.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

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

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

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:

Attached Image:

Week 50

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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:

Attached Image:

Now

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.





55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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

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 <<<--

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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 him

He 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

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 <<<--

Frank!

Don't people amaze you? Every day is something new.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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 <<<--

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

If they seem to think it's more potent I'd beleive them. You could always give them an email or something though.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

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

So bascially your posting under the influence

I 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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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:

Attached Image:

Initial Setup

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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:

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Week 0

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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.

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Week 3

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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.

Attached Image:

Week 6

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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:

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Week 9

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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.

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Week 11

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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 layers deep in some spots.

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Week 15

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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.

Attached Image:

Week 18

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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.

Attached Image:

Week 19

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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.

Attached Image:

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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.

Attached Image:

Week 25

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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.

Attached Image:

Week 30

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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.

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Week 36

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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.

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Week 41

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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.

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Week 47

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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.

Attached Image:

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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

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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.

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New Swords

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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

Attached Image:

Apisto in Swords

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Congratulations on the 1 Year anniversary. /:'

Cheers
TW

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.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

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 <<<--

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 expression of the year here at Planted Aquaria. I think if you had more time LF, you might have had less issues. But these are just my thoughts, I could be way off base.

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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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.



55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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

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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 /:'

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Back in the saddle!

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

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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

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

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

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

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

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

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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 ?

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

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

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 <<<--

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

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Best wishes Ben! You could always go the the Tetratech micro mini tank thing. You have been great help to many of us!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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.

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Back in the saddle!

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

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

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.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

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.....

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

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

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

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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:

Attached Image:

Last Weekend

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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).

Attached Image:

Now

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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

Attached Image:

My Tummy Hurts

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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

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

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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?

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

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

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

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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?



55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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

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

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The only thing I'm tired of is lack of entries. I hate when this site dies down like this.

*twiddles thumbs*

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

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?

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Back in the saddle!

The only thing I'm tired of is lack of entries. I hate when this site dies down like this

Tell 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

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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

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:

Attached Image:

Last Weekend

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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:

Attached Image:

Before Trimming

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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:

Attached Image:

Now

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.

Attached Image:

Where is the Wendtii?

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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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

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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

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Back in the saddle!

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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....

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

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

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

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

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.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients