Search results for query: *

Just err on the side of caution and introduce critters slowly and a few at a time if you're still not convinced. Normally my tanks cycle enough in a week or two to do just that.

On the whole I don't think your tank is doing too badly for a low-energy setup. Some of your initial problems could have more to do with inappropriate plant choices. For instance, Hygrophila Pinnatifida often proves difficult for experienced growers with CO2. Myriophyllum Mattenongrosse, really...

Welcome 🙂

Welcome :)

Could be either or both. If it were me I'd treat with a combination of eSHa Exit and eSHa gdex, to cover my bets. Or alternatively, it could possibly be some sort of skin irritation in response to poor water quality caused by high ammonia or chlorine etc.

Ich https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichthyophthirius_multifiliis https://eshalabs.com/esha-exit/

Nice architecture. What’s it like inside John?

I think we're still doing okay especially since we have so many knowledgeable and helpful members, and more joining all the time. In fact someone commented on another forum regarding UKAPS, that, 'I've never seen a more technically oriented forum with so many knowledgeable members' :) I'm...

Very nice, well done :)

Very nice scape, if you want more epiphytes go for it. Why not think about attaching them yourself? I'd consider not using a UV steriliser, and think about your fish bioload. Planted tanks work differently to ordinary fish tanks. Plants and associated microbial communities will do a lot of the...

Go with the cheapest option then, Tropica Premium. But even with a high fish bioload I'd still be wary of N and K deficiencies, especially if you intend to plant heavily. Which incidentally is usually recommended

No worries, quite understand. But might be worth mentioning all in one horticultural dry fertz. We've been looking in to Solufeed for instance. Or are they difficult to come by too...

Not sure I'd use either in a tank that size, unless cost isn't an issue. Have you thought about using dry salts? https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/ei-dosing-using-dry-salts.1211/ https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/ifc-aquarium-fertilizer-calculator.63045/...

Welcome back. Good to see you've both decided to finally take the freshwater plunge, and share your new journey through a journal :)

Welcome :) Nice rock and nice start. Spend some more time messing around with it. Try different orientations, not just on the edges. These rocks have multiple interesting sides and shapes. And also see what it looks like with some of them pushed together more. You'll be surprised how well they...

That's mad, I bet it doesn't get out of 1st gear

Welcome :)

It's not uncommon, so there is a market for it. But I suppose it depends on the appeal of the scape. I know Dave at AG sold one of his scapes lock stock and barrel to a customer. And I 've seen them up for grabs on eBay. I guess it's worth a go. You can always sell it stripped down if there are...

If it's another epiphyte you're after try Buces. They are also rheophytic.

Spectacular, must be one heck of a solar storm to see the Aurora Borealis this far south

Most of the wild caught fish in the hobby are exported from developing nations and the industry is a major source of income in some developing nations, and more importantly some otherwise impoverished communities. Further, involving the indigenous population in fish and plant collecting can have...

Substituting plastic with paper and cardboard isn't really a realistic solution. . . 'I'll just put these wet plants in a paper bag for you, should be fine for a few minutes.' Neither is it necessarily greener. . . Paper requires more energy to produce. It is also heavier resulting in higher...

Decided I'd better plant those plants I bought from AG nearly 2 weeks ago at our annual meet up. Been too busy, but with the temp increase lately I didn't think it wise to leave them in their plastic bags any longer. I had a bit of a maintenance session and cut back the stems at the back of the...

Whenever I can, I shove epiphytes into hollows in the hardscape, and tend to design my scapes with that in mind. Although I sometimes use gel type super glue when that's not possible, I definitely wouldn't use it on fragile in-vitro plants. I lost a whole load of reasonably mature epiphytes...

I had one a long while back. I kept it in a pot sat on a tray filled with wet gravel along with two other different ferns placed on a north facing window ledge. It seemed to like the humidity, and as far as I can remember it wasn't particularly demanding. And yes it's a house plant.

Welcome :)

Welcome 🙂

Yes it is possible, providing the tank is heavily planted and well maintained. I've used an Eheim skimmer before on its own in a nano with the top section removed and the top of the filter sponge exposed just at water level. Advantages are, it brings the outlet nearer the surface so there is...

Rhododendron nearly in full flower.

I've always left the gas well alone, even after heavy trimming. If it's dialled in correctly to start with there is usually no need to mess with it further. In fact I try to time maintenance and trimming so it's done before the gas comes on. However, as plant biomass increases it sometimes needs...

Also depends on the fish and the scape. Whether there are built in refuges allowing fish to escape the current, for example. Or whether it's a fast flowing stream biotope etc. However, for most scapes there really is no need to go OTT and over specify the filter for the sake of turn over, flow...

I think generally speaking manufacturers figures on filter output are somewhat optimistic and usually are calculated at zero head and without media. So in reality are around half of that stated. I doubt very much Oase are the exception. However, for what it's worth the commonly quoted 10x/hr...

Posting links is fine ;)

You mean even better :) I'm gona need a bigger Sodastream bottle. . .

I'm a big fan of the Hyphessobrycon genus. Depending on tank dimensions I don't think you could go far wrong with any H. spp. A pic of your tank would be nice. Is it this one? https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/90x30x30-low-maintenance.73051/

This maybe of some help https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/how-to-clean-easy-and-highly-nutritious-greenwater-culture-for-daphnia-and-moina.64674/

Yes absolutely right. There is no need to add ammonia to a planted tank to cycle it. Just plant and let nature do its thing. There is quite a lot of in-depth info on tank cycling and microbial communities here on UKAPS, thanks mainly to Darrel’s @dw1305 research. Just for starters...

I always leave them in, that is if you don't intend to do a massive or 100% water change. Then fill back up carefully, most should be fine and orientate themselves the right way up, those that don't you can give a helping hand to. I think S. minima is smaller than S. auriculata. Maybe Tropica...

Yes that would be a good idea. But it’s a balancing act between light intensity and fertz dosing. It's one you’ll get the hang of with experience. Once the tank has become established it is possible to slowly increase the photoperiod to 12 hours. For frets dosing take a look at Darrel’s Duck...

If you’re planning a low-energy tank, I’d just go ahead and plant. Media from an established filter is always good. But also there will be enough microorganisms on the plants to inoculate the tank and get the cycle going. Plant very densely from the get go, and you’ll be off to a good start.

Welcome 🙂

Okay, that wasn't made clear. Take a look at this and then maybe you'll get the help you need. Also moved your thread to "Plant Help". https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/please-read-the-guidelines-for-plant-help.60671/

Looks like you've already done it. I'd have perhaps added more of a shape to the cut stems and taken a little more off. But as for the pinholes in the leaves, could be potassium deficiency. The stems are fast growing and will sequester nutrients more efficiently than slower growing plants like...

Imagine trying to get rid of this type of duckweed then. Wolffia globosa The examples below aren't aquatic, but surely Darwinian evolution can't explain all of them. Maybe the best evidence there is for a holographic universe, or even a computer simulated reality. Or perhaps nature has a...

Welcome 🙂

That's a shame Gill, and it woud have been good to see you. Next time ;)

Lovely day at Aquarium Gardens. The meet was a bit more intimate than last time, but had a really friendly and chilled vibe. Got chance to meet some very nice folk and chat with old friends. Tai's @taistrietman biotope style workshop was a great addition to the day and very engaging. Coming from...

Yes for sure. The B series MK II is RGB-W and I think has a very decent colour rendition. And they're relatively cheap units, with an inline controller for dimming and setting the photoperiod.

Take a look at the Twinstar range, the colour rendition is pretty good at a decent price. And take a look at what our sponsors offer. Either way best to go for something dimmable. https://www.aquariumgardens.co.uk/led-aquarium-lighting-54-c.asp

Welcome :)

Lepidium sativum

Absolutely not. Nor shrimp. Not even the largest container. Aside from the diminutive size, the gas exchange will be minimal not only since some are taller than wider but also because of the narrow neck. And with a wooden ball in it just for good measure, it's effectively sealed off. Apparently...

Welcome :)

Hi-tech, or take the hybrid approach. Grow less demanding plants, like those suggested above. And like Darrel @dw1305 mentions above inject just enough CO2 to turn the drop checker green instead of lime green. You'll get healthy plants but more of a slow burner, and more wriggle room...

Dario Dario springs to mind but they're perhaps best at least kept as a pair, that is if you can find a female. But Sparkling gourami make pretty decent centerpiece fish in a small aquarium.

Old credit card and Bottle brush can be picked up from Amazon for a few quid. Denture brush, the same. It's harder than a normal toothbrush so is more effective at removing limescale and algae from silicon, but without damaging it.

Beautiful fish. His pout is better than Derek Zoolander's

Welcome :)

Beautiful build as usual. Both fish species will love it in there. I think you could get away with a few more rice fish. They'll perhaps be a little less skittish in a larger group.

There is about 8 weeks between the two images above. You can see the difference in growth habit.

I guess it does transition through to a different growth habit. Below is mini Christmas moss, for instance, it stays fairly compact emersed but submersed the leaves and stems elongate and become a bit unruly. I've grown a few species emersed and then flooded and they all seemed perfectly happy...

Great journal, very inspiring :)

Probably has nothing to do with the fact that the previous PFK editor, was also Marketing and Business Development Manager at Evolution Aqua.

The instructions suggest it's entirely up to you. But I think it's always best to rinse through. Pre-washed for your convenience, can be use without rinse. Please, fill up the tank without stirring the sand bed by pouring the water carefully in a surface. You may rinse it with water before...

It's a creative metaphor. Nature exploding. It'll never be confined in a box. . . Really nice work Ady

Great idea. What better medium could there be to engage folk in aquatic habitats and aquascaping or planted tanks.

I know what you mean, that’s the beauty of UKAPS, you get to share your experiences with like minded folk. Either way, well done for trying to involve your wife. I gave up trying along time ago. She thinks I spend my spare time hanging out online with fellow fishy geeks. I keep telling her it’s...

I don't think it's available in the UK, or Europe. https://www.flowgrow.de/db/aquaticplants/poaceae-sp-purple-bamboo#:~:text=This%20plant%20is%20cultivated%20in,of%20true%20grasses%2C%20the%20Poaceae.

We’ve discussed this a few times before. I think its business model failed in an increasingly competitive market. It closed in 2018. https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/the-green-machine-website.63921/page-2#post-632065...

I've grown it a few times, I don't remember the leaf edges being so crenate, or the leaves being that long. But then I grew it low-energy without CO2, and like @ElleDee mentions above, crypts have a great deal of phenotypic plasticity when it comes to leaf morphology, responding to different...

Welcome :)

That one. You'd expect snake oil from any commercial concern whose sole reason for being is to invent new and interesting ways to try and part us from our hard earned cash. But I find that sort of maneuver form Practical Fishkeeping disappointing. Either way, we all know there is absolutely no...

Welcome Matt :)

Welcome :)

Good to hear :)

Sorry spp. is just shorthand for species. So I meant just check out all the different Hygrophila species. https://tropica.com/en/plants/search/?mode=search&sew=hygrophila&dif=&pgr=&ori=&use=

Not a bad idea

Angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, should be kept in small groups like @PARAGUAY and @mlgt mention above, six is a good number. The minimum tank size should be 100x40x50(h), preferably bigger. It should be well planted with tall leafy plants like amazon swords...

Still not a particularly good idea. Not strange at all. It’s kind of an exponential difference in terms of tank dimensions and swimming space. Perhaps a better idea. Research, research, research. . .

Leave them until you rescape. Then cut them on half and hide the ugly ones behind those that still have tips and new growth.

Not sure you'll find any aquatic plant that has thick enough stems to withstand strong flow without bending to some degree. But here are a few suggestions Hygrophila ssp. Pogostemon erectus Ludwigia repens

@AlStu have you thought about self publishing ? There are a few services out there that might be worth investigating. It could be a cost effective kickstart into a career writing and illustrating children's books. Then there is this as well https://shop.winstonebooks.co.uk/products/9781399408929

There are a few on the market these days. Not so long ago the only real choice was Hydor. I've run a Hydor for a few years. They can be a bit temperamental, I've had to take mine apart a few times to get it working after it's been in storage for a few months. Other than that it's kept the tank...

I think @malik uddin you're perhaps going about this the wrong way. It's always a good idea to do as much research as possible before considering what livestock are suitable. And once suitable inhabitants have been identified even more research is required to learn how best to recreate as close...

Both these scapes were grown low-energy in a mix of 1:1 Westlands aquatic compost and Westlands Irish moss peat, with a couple of large handfuls or horticultural grit. The depth of the soil was generally around 30-40mm. The soil was deeper in the scape immediately below; it was banked to about...

It'd be helpful if we had a little more info inc. a FTS. https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/please-read-the-guidelines-for-algae-help.60672/ https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/algae-problems-read-this.58460/

Just a good layer of capping substrate, 30-50mm. I often used pool filter sand, which worked very well. Some terrestrial soils and composts do solidify in the process of becoming aquatic sediments. I think what happens is the organic matter breaks down and is used as nutrients by plants. This...

Welcome :)

Something like this. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gardman-Gr...ding+gardmans&qid=1565549090&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Welcome 🙂

I don't think I'd opt to use mesh bags filled with actual soil, maybe AS. But only under around 40mm of capping substrate. I've usually used a plastic mesh divider with 1-2mm gaps. Roots naturally pass through it unhindered via a process known as geotropism. I've used filter bags and nylon...

Very nice. Thanks for sharing @Gill :)

Not sure how much success you'd have trying to grow a dense low growing carpet without CO2 and fairly high light intensity, regardless of species, but it can be done, sort of. There's a section at the end of my tutorial regarding low-energy lawns, and one or two threads that might be of...

Jetwash. It's very soft rock and the holes hide all sorts of loose fine material.

They’re present anyway. And will be introduced with plants, maybe other than in-vitro. Too much light unbalancing the system is probably an algae trigger. But it perhaps works in synergy with high organics or ammonia and poor maintenance. Introducing material from a cycled tank has the...

So far I've only posted pics of the front garden. The back garden hasn't really been much to look at. When we moved in 18 months ago it was a complete jungle dominated by ivy and overgrown shrubs and trees. It took four of us a week to clear the undergrowth, and then I got busy with the chainsaw...

Really looking forward to the event too, including Tai’s talk. Hope to see both old friends and put some new faces to names. Thanks for hosting us again Dave @Aquarium Gardens And like Geoff mentions don’t forget to vote in the poll at the top of the page folks, we want to make sure there's...

@Vandal Gardener No need to dark start before dry start. Dry start is best if you want to establish a lawn etc before flooding. https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/return-of-the-shallow.50172/page-3#post-497164

I don't think I would necessarily. Not sure where this figure of 5 weeks has come from. Seems a bit arbitrary, unless it’s for a specified reason I’m not aware of. Either way, dark start method, as opposed to dry start method (same initials), seems to have become overly complicated somehow...

Welcome 🙂