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I don't think nutribase is a very good idea. It doesn't have any macros other than potassium as far as I can tell, though they won't actually share the composition. Very dodgy. MD makes some cool projects, but he's sponsored by all these snake oil salesmen. API with their horrible fert and...

Thought I'd update this thread as I've been experimenting with this tank. I replaced the stick from the park with a nice bit of driftwood then decided to go further and make it a water feature. There was already a pump for circulation, so I used that to bring the water up with silicone tubing...

Sounds a great idea and I use IBCs as water butts in the garden. I have been told that they degrade quite quickly when exposed to UV. Not sure about the science behind this but have covered mine in wood cladding. Could you achieve the same thing using pond liner and rocks? I am enjoying the...

...Anyway, moving on drinking a good single malt, listening to the latest album from The Bathers (a rather brilliant and gentle band from Edinburgh*) I am planning the next scape. The working title for the new scape is "Crystal clear". * For the non UK based readers Edinburgh is the city in...

The tank is developing. I want to plant out the right hand side and perhaps raise the light. It's messy, full of life and not particularly manicured but I love it. Any advice on How to develop this is more than welcome.

Hi everyone I've been designing some 3d printed floating plant accessories - main one is a feeding ring that can't rotate or move other than up and down, even with a snail on it, to make it safe with auto feeders while on holiday. I'd like to seal these as PLA will slowly take on water and I...

Certainly not a seasoned pro 😂 but I'll just give my take on it if it helps. Probably completely wrong mind. I find the main stone quite overpowering where it is and doesn't really link with the right hand side. Also the 90° angle jars a bit on the stone in front of it. Combined with the main...

Since you don’t root any plant in the substrate, there is no benefit of having MTS to aerate the plant roots. Your substrate should be very thin, no more than 1/2 inch. The easiest way to remove detritus is to vacuum the substrate along side with a turkey baster to blow up the dust. Once MTS...

Yes, thought of that too. That would be another temporary fix. The space between the wall and the tubes is tight and I didn’t want to get through that hassle. I wish I can find a more long term solution for this.

Sorry for not keeping up with updates on this one…it’s now done but here’s a pic during the final shot, It was fun and peaceful to create an iwagumi scape again and I just love these hakkai stones way too much! Cheers

Sounds a good idea and I like the look of your drawings, we have these at work and it’d probably be good and strong. I guess you need to make sure all residue of whatever was in it has gone, ours mostly contain chemicals. It’s also white plastic not very nice to look at but I am sure could be...

For me I grew up in a farming village with only 8 kids in my school and we had "English-not" in our school where if you spoke English you'd be in more trouble than it was worth. Proper sink or swim learning experience 😂

So, I took the plunge, uprooted all my foreground plants including the 'starved' hair grass and replaced the Tropica aquarium soil. It was actally a lot easier and less messy that I expected and I soon had the planting plan (in my head) in place for iteration 2.0. It will be interesting to see...

Welcome! :)

Another year passes so 4 years since the tank started and the only fish that have lasted are two corys, one of which was several years old when he went in. I guess my biggest disappointments have been BBA blighting my plants and effectively ruining the tank a couple of years back and in truth...

Thanks for the replies . I am transferring most of the plants over from current running tank and was hoping some of the ADA soil ( been in tank for 2 years ) to help build up scape . My concern is the fish .. would they be ok if I transfer over straight the way ? As they would be in old tank...

Welcome from a fellow newb! Looking forward to seeing some pics of your tanks

Welcome, look forward!

Hi all. As per the title, could someone please give me some feedback on my silly attempt at an iwagumi scape. I got all excited about doing this one and watched so many YouTube tutorials, but I’m not totally convinced I’ve got it right. This is my third attempt at a scape, I set this up nearly 4...

Get a 2.5ml syringe and half the test volume & no of drops for API ammonia & nitrate. Not even being tight, just means they run out more in line with pH & Nitrite

Hi, Could you not temporarily move the outlet to the front and and direct it across the front of the tank where the plant growth is lower, by the time it has circulated round the back it should have calmed down a bit. You can then return it to your ideal location once the stems have gained a bit...

I wish I could just didn't take it seriously in school

hi all. Hoping someone can help or have some advice with what’s happening with one of our rams. My wife come home from work today before me and noticed that one of our rams has a lump on his head, right between his eyes? I’ve had a look myself and can make out a few others that are so small...

Nice, I'm still paying off the interest for a ADA hang-on glass thermometer I bought 3 1/2 years ago!

Might prove ideal for catfish!

Haha fair enough!

Thanks, don't expect me to speak Welsh though 😂

Welcome! Croeso!

Does anyone have any experience setting up a pond out of a 1000l IBC? My idea is to cut the top 10-15% off and invert it and use it as a natural filtration stage that cascades into the main pond and also will hopefully house the pump under the framework that will support the filter stage...

Slowly getting this how I want it. Just a trio to check fit today, then stain and mount some faceplates with magnets to hide the plugs and other storage space. Can figure out what to do with the small 45L tank then that's currently a dumping ground 😂. Thinking of a Betta for some reason

Hello Folks, Not much to report will do a small maintenance trim tonight. Have uploaded a video to YouTube - I don’t think MD Fish Tanks has anything to worry about… Just thought it would be a change from a photo of some sand rocks and plants! Going away for a few days in around 3 weeks so...

Hi! I am new here so please forgive me if I have forgotten any information you’re supposed to present. The tank has been up for about a month since I added new plants and new substrate. This was after a Blackbeard algae problem. The fish seem to be doing good but the plants not so much. I...

Thread starter was doing a dark start back in 2016, maybe the name hadn't catched yet.

I wonder where they came from. I don't have anything new in the tank. the snails are 3 months old and the betta passed away last month from a swimming bladder problem.

I have a strideways dual stage pro regulator with two co2 needlevalve manifolds, I have just noticed that one of the needle vales no matter how much I open, it wont change the co2 output. Anyone reckon it's fixable or need replacing?

Hi all, I don't <"normally comment"> on these sorts of threads, but that is some fantastic rock. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Welcome to UKAPS. Would you like to tell us a bit about your planted tanks? The thread is from 2016, so I'm going to guess that the wait has been long enough. That just isn't true. I think we are quite good with our advice about tank maturity. In terms of scientific research on...

I have H. Siamensis in my tank for over a years or so and everytime i get pinholes similar to yours in older leaves is when i don't dose enough potassium. I do not use an active substrate so they can't get potassium from there like you. You seems to have a great plant mass aswell so you...

How do you dose your micro fertilizer? There is a lot of potassium nitrate and phosphate in macro. Here you need to look at the micro.

Hi there! New project : -Viv Mini M optiwhite tank, 36x22x28cm -Sunsun hb602 filter -ista universal skimmer -onf flat nano -pressurized co2 (planted box reg, Dooa diffuser) Hardscape : Geo stones White sand Tropica powder soil To be continued! Cheers Thierry

Hi all, I always <"work on the theory"> that every, tank related, thing I could ever need is on UKAPS, it is just a <"case of finding it">. First thing to say is that if you <"understand the scientific method">, are used to using serial dilution etc, you have a much better chance of getting...

I would like to say your first enquiry is to wait and see and keep testing the water. Personally I think it is cycling perfectly as from what you say. I wouldn't do any water changes whilst cycling, it will set your cycle from the beginning. I can't believe people on this forum would give that...

Forgot to add, MTS is your essential weapon against cynobacteria which occurs in anerobic areas of aquarium

Thanks Darrel, I appreciate the experience and knowledge. If only I had found the forum before! I too have a bit of experience in chemical analysis, however it was a long time ago and most of my lab results were very questionable! Never used a spectrometer of any kind that looked as new or as...

Really interesting. I think I might have seen that algae in rivers before. I've also read that there's a true freshwater coralline algae discovered in a river in Croatia. Freshwater coralline algae

Okay, we are many answers further and a lot has become clear to me, again. Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge! appreciate it 🙏 Cheers Cor

Welcome!

Hi all, There is definitely more to that than just the sand substrate. I'm not personally a great fan of <"controlled release fertiliser root tabs">, or of <"most test kits"> for water quality. I'd really like to know what the water parameters are in my tanks, but <"I have a practical...

Hello :wave:, welcome to UKAPS.

Hi Steve! Woo another Manchester person :)

Yeah, could be. Sometimes with plants "dwarf" just means slow growing (or, with shrubs and trees, tight internodes) rather than a truly smaller final size. Very misleading marketing imo, though probably less of a problem than owning a former micropig. I have no idea about peace lilies...

So far so good. It's a little fiddly to get it to line up to click back on in the tank, but I suspect I just need little more practice. I have used just a regular sponge as a prefilter, but have had issues with it collapsing onto the intake tube over time. There's a perforated plastic barrier...

Hi All, I've got a second hand eheim 400 air pump that to me seems to output quite low pressure. I've got two hygger piezo air pumps that came with air stones. I've tried to power the air stones using the eheim pump and nothing comes out, where as the hygger air pumps run them fine. I've taken...

Maybe its a bit of a 'micropig' situation!

Planted up, and ready for the Mantid. CuC added, feeds ready etc. Found a lego led set in my spares, so set that up to sit on the lid.

...This may also be useful for those who feel the need to add "nitrifying bacteria "<"Dr Timothy Hovanec's comments about Bacterial supplements">. *Urakawa, H. & Sipos, A. (2020)<"Application of the consortia of nitrifying archaea and bacteria for fish transportation may be beneficial for fish...

Hi all, We have a <"few threads"> where people have <"grown them accidently">. I think the common thread is probably hard water, but this suggests it isn't a pre-requisite <"Hildenbrandia rivularis">. This gorgeous, red plush, velvet cushion belongs to @EA James. cheers Darrel

Personally, I'd keep a bunch of the soil. Add some fresh substrate, stick the old soil on top and then top it off with a bit of fresh soil too. I did that recently and everything survived with no melt at all. Loads of crypts, no problems. Also no issues with ammonia spikes. And as you say...

This is great. You've made a nice job of it too. Everyone should be allowed to have one at work

@simon_the_plant_nerd So this is where I'm at currently. I trying the dark start method so will run like this with no light for a couple of weeks then drain down and get some plants in. Excuse the image quality it's just a screenshot from a video!

Absolute nonsense fortunately. Any grade of sand is fine, just avoid the sharper types if going for a larger grain size. The finest silver sands can be problematic as they can compact and reduce water circulation through the substrate, but that's only an issue where you have a deep substrate...

I've always struggled with Nurii in soft water tanks, but in harder tap water tanks it grows like a weed! Crypts I've had no issues growing softer water are Beckettii 'petchii', Spiralis tiger and red and X purpure. Some of them take a long time to get started, but are fine once they're going.

Ostracods. They feed on algae and detritus, so completely harmless and actually an indicator of good water quality.

Thanks. Yes, that has been my own experience also on previous occasions. I have found it a good practice not to divide the plants to too little portions at the start. But I have also read about other people’s experiences of complete melting of in-vitro pinnatifida on the first days of a new scape.

For a stand that needs to be living room approved, I’ve found that veneered plywood with a nice wipe on poly finish looks very nice and is easy to do for an amateur like me. I’ve built a couple stands and personally I didn’t find marine plywood to be necessary. Assuming that the plywood needs...

Welcome! :wave:

What is the substrate you are using? I also notice that it seems like you are using the eheim pre filters. How do you like those? Are they easy to detach and clean? I’ve considered getting some myself. Sorry I don’t have any great advice beyond what you’re doing. I had similar issues using...

I just noticed something similar in my tank today. Freaking out at the moment since it looks like my snails are battling with them.

Couple deliveries arrived today, ADA Vuppa II skimmer, and two 5m fastening straps for when I collect the tank, still to order transit blankets for the trip too….the joy.

Welcome! :wave:

Welcome! :wave:

Good luck with the Lineata, had to be one of the best fish I’ve kept. The male was stunning.

At least he can't complain about the price of electric.

A 4ft tank opens up a lot of options @ElleDee !

Thank you for saying it's fine! I'll see how far a mix of the two will get me in filling the bags. I did order the cat litter too, I'm already a bit of a crazy cat person anyway 😛

Report back to us how they do!

I wonder what water conditions are required for freshwater coralline algae. I'd love to have that on some of my rocks.

Yeah, getting more and larger fish was my main motivation for scaling up. I'm thinking either congo tetra or Bolivian rams as the big fish depending on the exact direction I take the tank, but I've got to get through the start up period before I start buying fish. I got to get a journal going...

I would have no problem mixing the two together in the bags and then cover them with whatever is pleasing to the eye or affordable, I know a good few people over the years have successfully utilised cat litter but I don't think I could live the associated stigma. 🙂

So I located the following blackwater plants and will try them in my next 29 (which is being setup for true a. lineta): c. willisii c. undulatus (red) c. ferruginea sekaduensis (not sure i will like this one) c. yujii - Unfortunately this going to cause a naming problem since my Blutkehl...

Nothing to do with your problem but rather than sporadically adding a lot all in one go just add 1 or 1/2 or 1/4 depending on the contents and brand in different areas each week after the water change, plants love stability and will not be adapted to take in a sudden massive influx of nutrients...

Hi all, Electronics and aquaculture apparently. https://atlas-scientific.com/ Cheers Darrel

Welcome! :)

"And they claim to be <"experts">." in what? :)

Great natural feel to this one, love it.

It’s over twice what I’ve got at the moment. I had a reef tank slightly narrower than that many years ago. You’ve got a good size there. Big enough for some really nice plants and lots of swimming space for some larger fish.

It's got 120P proportions - 120x50x50cm, 300L. It's a huge increase in size in size for me from anything I've kept before.

@Fluxtor How’s this going?

Hi all, joining the forum today as I currently have 2 small planted tanks (lo-tech) and a third in planning and progress. Tank 1 - 35cm cube, planted with spiderwood, lots of moss, some stems and floaters. It's shockingly well balanced and home to Ember Tetras, Endler males, some Amanos and...

How big is that tank? Looks like a nice size.

Hello Steve, I was thinking that if I had everything in mesh bags and no matter how hard the Corydoras dug into the sand they couldn’t take up soil or gravel. I wanted it to just be sand and not sand with aqua soil bits on top as I find that to be messy. I watched a Josh Sim workshop and...

Thank you 😊

Hi Rich, Definitely not an expert here, but I swapped one of my 30l tanks in a bit of an emergency earlier in the year. I did a change from a sand / dirt combo and went to a pure sand with root capsules for the plants I swapped the plants fish, filter, ceramic rings and most of the water as...

This absolutely amazing 6m long aquarium has just been installed in a fusion restaurant in Southport, JT Ashaya, which opened last week. Will update this post with progression photos as more plants are added. All the wood you see in the tank are handpicked pieces from a Royal estate in Wales...

Wow! Great news! The medicine is Chloromine T, which is meant to treat external issues on fish.So it must have been something external, as I can't believe it would treat internal. But great result so far!

I'm pleased to report the poorly fish is still alive and I've just seen her (I think it's a her as she is more rounded than the others) swimming around, sifting through sand and her breathing appears to have slowed slightly so hopefully that internal anti bacterial medicine I bought has done the...

Love it. The H. Pinna should come back with a vengeance - I wouldn't worry much.

Murray, what was the purpose of capping the lava sand with the Tropica aqua soil? As both were in mesh bags, I take that the capping sand, as well as being decorative, was used to anchor the plants until the roots penetrated the bags. Regards Steve

Hi all, I also have soft water and very little / no <"Green Spot Algae"> (GSA). cheers Darrel

...x 1000 = 10,000,000 litres (kg) of water in the pond. Then we have 350 mg O2 used per kg and a 1000 kg in a tonne, so the tonne of fish use 350 * 10000 mg O2 per hour = 350,000 mg O2 per hour. Then you just need to sort of the "figures of ten" (350,000 / 10,000,000) to 0.035 and 0.035 * 24...