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great, thanks I should be okay in that case

Long Covid: the comfort of a manageable indoor green garden, and entertainment, and the right to care for living things while doing no harm.

I thought there were some reports of the new internal parts being supplied as standard with recently produced original biomasters? As in they switched over the production line to the new components before they rebranded. Anyone with a recently purchased biomaster have any feedback on this?

That matches with my observations but I unable to verify whether it's because I just know a lot of fishkeepers/aquascapers or because there is actually some kind of link there. I will say though, of the people I know who are neurodivergent and are in this hobby, many are incredibly creative and...

No.

I think for me it’s about my mental health. I don’t have much to complain about my work can be a challenge but such is life. Nothing beats starting at a planted tank watching a shrimp or fish in its natural habitat. I forget all about the bad things and just enjoy the moment. Last night I saw...

Good reason why many hospitals, dentists, doctors surgeries ,will have an aquarium. Interesting that well known aquascapers will tell you how the aquatic hobby helped them with lifes challenges.George Farmer, also Balaz owner Green Aqua, he had a high profile ,highly paid job in film and media...

Has anyone ever tried using a live rail to run pendant lights above there aquarium.. I'll only be running it at 36v rather than the 240v it's rated for.. I'll also need to modify the light so it's hanging off it's cable with some extra strain relief. Current wise some of the tracks are rated to...

Hi all, Could we have a full-tank shot of the tank? It may help us. No ammonia (NH3) or nitrite (NO2-) is good, you will have some nitrate (NO3-) it isn't an issue, it is one of the major nutrients plants need. Often the easiest option are some <"tank janitors">, but I don't know how feasible...

Leaving dead leafs in won't help, remove any. Try to remove as algae much as you can ,winding on a toothbrush etc, careful not to overfeed your fish, it will possibly always look hungry, as this can be a recipe for algae, try reducing your lighting and watch .l would try adding some new fast...

Interesting topic, I would hazard a guess that this hobby is conducive to neurodivergent people, as well as mental health related issues. I work with deprived young people (many of whom are neurodivergent), so I often have to deal with pretty high stress situations and serious disclosures etc...

The No planaria is killing the hydra I have in my tank nicely which is good. 2nd dose due Friday so far so good. Still planning on collecting the fish on Saturday as from what I can tell No planaria treatment is safe for the fish. Shrimp are doing fine and it’s great to see the babies!

I agree, Oase have a good supply chain in the UK for spare parts. Since canister filters are relatively simple devices, it's not hard to replace parts yourself. I think It took me under 10 minutes to do both the upgrades on a single Biomaster for example.

I agree - the fact that 90% of Oase Biomaster is user-serviceable or replaceable makes the second-hand thing much less of a worry.

I think the new version goes in sale at some point in November. If you don't mind going second hand, buying a second hand one and then doing the concave & pre filter tube upgrade yourself will save you a small fortune, that's what I done for both of my filters, buy I appreciate some people want...

Would anyone know how to get rid of these? I've tried changing the water and taken out all the ones I could see but they grow back within a few days. No ammonia or nitrites, nitrate level less than 0.25

Tempted to get a Biomaster Thermo 250 but unsure if the new version (which seems to not in stock anywhere?) or just get the old version with the fancy new tube. Decisions decisions 😊

Its not something that I've really considered (ADHD, Autism, OCD & Dyslexic here)

From my research, using hot water in water changes comes with potential/additional risks compared to mains direct cold water. As @MrClockOff says, combi boilers are less risky as they don't store the water like a cylinder hot water storage system - thus, copper leaching due to dwell time becomes...

Thanks. I will

I wanted to see if the previous spawns were a fluke or if the spawn was the result of moving tanks. I tried the same approach as before (see above for details) essentially no water change, feed heavily while maintaining good water quality and increasing flow. To my relief it worked. The spawn...

I agree; it's "3 years old" and needs replacing and you have had problems with this substrate mix from the early days! It's best if you strip the tank down and use inert gravel for the next set-up if you are reusing the plants that are in this aquarium. Vallisneria does not react well to Liquid...

I have a combi boiler and use mixed water all the time + dechlorinator. Works well, never had any issues.

In addition to my previous comment, I would suggest hardly ever is too often, it would be better to aim for never.

I wonder if a lot of fishkeepers might have ADHD / Autism, learning disabilities and so on? Would make sense for people with less social skills or whatnot to keep fish no? to be honest I can't imagine normal people creating the aquascapes you see on this site half the time... especially the...

Yes it is a thing. No different to the inlet to a canister filter which shrimp keepers will make sure is screened. It is mainly for the protection of baby and juvenile shrimp and fish - if these entered your powerhead they would exit as mincemeat and you would be unlikely to see any evidence of...

Is it bad to mix hot and cold water so I dont use very cold water when I need to top-up? Just curious if there is anything I need to be aware of. Been using cold water so far to be safe in terms of water quality from tap.

Livebearers live short and fast lives so the majority of fry are predated but the few survivors seem to an instinct for survival, you often find then hiding behind hardscape in plants and in your aquarium l would say your guppy youngsters might have a good chance ,let us know how they do

Then again.. The vallisneria is managing to grow now somehow... I will see what happens over the next few weeks I did have this problem too before I even dirted the tank as well.. Sand substrate with water changes and fertilisation and so on. The plants grew 10x better not caring at all and...

I have hardly ever had either healthy fish or shrimp sucked into a powerhead. Is that an actual thing? I have had snails crawl into one and you hear their little heads rapped by the impeller until they back out again with no harm seemingly done.

Having read through the entire thread from the beginning, i am beginning to wonder if your substrate is indeed the problem. Because i don't see anything else that you are doing wrong. Big regular water changes, RO water, regular dosing, decent lighting. I know it will be a massive pain but you...

I believe that in your journal a few people have suggested that the foam is fine, as is the flow. The cartridge may indeed be useless but it is likely replaceable with yet more foam and thereby massively improving your filter.

On my journal, someone mentioned that the crate filter media that came with the filter are useless and a waste of money. trouble is, I’m finding some plants (such as the mosses and hair grass) that are out of flow are getting bits trapped in the foliage so I’m having to use a turkey baster to...

The tanks has some of the plants on that list too.. H polysperma just melts yet used to grow like a weed somehow same for the other hygrophila species. I have anubias which has grown up and out of the water too. Java ferns just completely stalled growth somehow. Crypts do nothing yet used to...

Jungle Val is literally the easiest plant i have ever grown. When i started out new, with a plain river sand substrate, 2 t8s and nothing else, my vals were still growing like crazy. They covered the surface rapidly and blocked light for other plants. They love hard water with high carbonates...

You mentioned the media is rubbish, and as I mentioned, foam isn’t rubbish and there may be an option to replace the other media with more foam. 380lph is plenty of flow in a low tech 58L tank, and only marginally less than the pat mini. I used to run a 60L planted tank with an air pump driven...

Thanks. I have actually ordered one of these larger sponges so I’ll see how it goes with that. I may have to move a couple of things as it is much larger than the sponge that comes with the filter. Trying to get the right flow is difficult too - I’m yet to find a way/positioning so that all...

The thing is, if you ditch the filter but go for a ciculation pump or powerhead instead, you are going to need something to stop inverts getting sucked into the pump. Something like a foam. So you will be back to square one. Envobee shrimp do a good upgrade kit for the Pat mini, btw: It would...

As I mention above, that filter wasn’t providing enough flow.

Kind of - I did have it initially hidden behind decor but I’ve since re scaped it and it’s now at the front (easier to access). What also made me wonder about no filter is my bucket pond in the garden (I know it’s probably a poor example) but the water is crystal clear and all the plants...

A quick google suggests that it came with a Ciano CF80 Filter with 1x 30 PPI Medium Foam and 1x Medium Water Clear. The 30ppm foam is an excellent bio filter medium. Not sure what the water clear is, but can it be replaced with another foam?

It wasn’t possible to use an external one because of the hood. I’ve tried the filter that came with the tank (only 380l/ph and media was rubbish), a 500l/ph but that was too powerful and I’ve currently got an Aquael Pat mini filter but the sponge traps snails and it’s borderline powerful enough.

Is it just the fact that you can see it that's bothering you? I'm much the same and don't enjoy seeing equipment in the display

Whilst only a small sponge, it will be doing something as sponges are one of the best bio media around. I seem to remember another thread of yours where you were considering an external filter…what have you tried since the , as you mention three filters that you’re not happy with? Not happy why?

In a planted tank much of the filtration is done by the plants and substrate. Water circulation is helpful though. Maybe think about the foam in your filter as a pre-filter for the circulation pump rather than a filter?

Thanks. My tank is certainly low tech and I have no intention of going high tech. As I say, I’m just looking at a well planted tank with several inverts - I’m 90/10 about not having fish.

I’m not particularly happy with my filter for a few reasons and I’ve tried three different types now. I’m the kind who likes to keep things as natural as possible and although I do understand the need for filtration, the single sponge on my filter is rather small and of course it will be adding...

It is possible. My low-tech tank does not have a filter. My high-tech tank has (in theory) an under-substrate filter but I haven't done any maintenance in years so I doubt it does much filtration any more. I understand why the filter selling people like filters but haven't really seen the...

What would you be hoping to achieve?

You already have a suitable filter by the sounds of it? I don’t really see the point in not using it if so. Yes you can run certain tanks without, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should though.

Evening, I have seen a few posts discussing filtration and I’m wondering if it really is possible not to have a filter on a tank? My (one month old) tank is 58l, with Tropica soil and is probably medium-to-heavy planted. At present, there are a few Ramshorn, plenty of Bladder, single Nerite...

Yip in the 1960s Creamola Foam.....:lol::thumbup: hoggie

Thanks for the heads up. I think I may have used them before. Anyway, I’ve just ordered some from them. 😉

I’ve used a variety of foams over the years, mainly in canisters and not had problems with any of them. They’ve all been relatively inexpensive compared to what you can pay. Maybe I’ve been lucky?

Thanks. I’ve ordered some 40 ppi to try. I’ve had stainless steel mesh but found it clogged with dead leaves/moss etc. Foam have proven not only to protect shrimp on one of my tanks, but also to act as an effective pre-filter for the canister.

We are using twin 45ppi block filters 50x50x80 in our 50 ltr tank and they have not blocked so far , though as said we do give each one a light rinse every 2 weeks. Have lots of really small baby red cherries in the tank, no obvious signs of any going though or being stuck on the filters. It...

Thanks. This is simple nano. Just trying to prepare my self for ada 60p :) Jumpers are sad part of the hoby

Yeah. I will order some floating stems. Thanks.

That is quite interesting, I have heard many of these species do grow in what are basically puddles in the jungle though. Doesn't have to be an exact match. It would be good to find anything that'll grow in this sort of tank as a lot of these plants I imagine would be endangered and it is...

Before doing anything drastic, I suggest getting a second thermometer to double check the temperature reading. I usually assume that thermostats are less precise in their calibration than thermometers, but thermometers are also usually all over the place as far as their offset. Especially those...

Thanks bazz, thats all great advice. Thanks.

The DSM is going okay so far. It’s been running for almost two weeks now and the hairgrass is doing nicely. There’s a lot of new growth so I’m happy to see that. The C. wendtii, Lileaopsis nz and H. tenellum are doing good as well. The C. parva is struggling a bit and some of the plants are...

Wow. Great tank. Very healthy jungl. Love the cardinals.

Lovely looking scape. Shame about the jumpers.

Did you notice at all if there were there Guppys and Dwarf Golden Barbs in the same tank where you purchased them from?

A vast majority are, those big ones you have will undoubtedly have been above the water line. I'm sure once they put down some roots and the new growth comes through it will be plain sailing. Yes. You will before long lose all the existing emersed leaves, high levels of CO2 will prolong the...

Hi all, They are <"George visits Dennerle>. All the companies (Tropica, Dennerle etc) are looking at plants that fit in with <"their production techniques"> and marketing - <"Tropica & Pets at Home">. This is why it is so hard to buy <"obligate aquatic plants">, <"like Blyxa spp."> etc...

Some floating plants and/or floating stems will help them feel more secure and they are not too keen on fast flow. Cheers!

Just read up on the Gelius Barb, apparently they prefer water ph5.5 - 7.0 but my endlers guppies prefer alkaline water. Can they go in the same tank together or should rehome it?

Are Echinodorus grown emersed by producers (all these are Tropica plants) ? I wasn't aware. I know they can often grow out of the top of the water. Is that considered "emersed" also ? and both leaves in the pics are existing leaves when the plants were introduced.

Thanks all. I'll put up another photo next week when it gets a little bit bigger.

I'm afraid it's highly unlikely your 4" SAE will devour any BBA, they are pretty good when they are young but seem to prefer fish food as they mature. It's difficult to tell from here for sure but it's highly likely your new additions are currently transitioning to immersed growth while your...

Small update. Everything looks good. Dont have any algae in the tank. Cleaning crew works great :). I am doing 50% water change now every 3 days all parameters of watter are good. I lost 5 rasbora first night, jumping from the tank :( must becouse too strong filter so i reduce the flow to 50%.

@PARAGUAY why do you say 3-4 days?

Hi and thanks for the advice. They are surviving. I wouldn’t say heavily planted yet. But they did find hiding place among the Anubis and driftwood. They are beginning to venture out a little more now.

A small update on the uprootings ....... protecting the bases of the vulnerable plants with rocks has worked really well, and there have been no uprootings for at least 3-4 days now. My SAE has annoyingly not yet been interested in the BBA I have growing on the parts of the wood high up in the...

I am aiming for Kanoko, which have almost purplish patches irl, but it's going to be a long process I think!

Great job. I'm loving those Vietnamese cardinal minnows. I have not seen them before. Glorious with those super red tails and then the really solid black lateral line. Nice.

I have had excellent experiences with the sellers bestaquariumshimpsuk and shrimpaqautics on Ebay.co.uk. I agree with others that bloody mary's are the ones to go for.

That was my thought too, looks like a tiny gelius Barb.

In practical terms 30 ppi. Some of the shrimp sites will say you need 40-45 ppi to be totally baby shrimp safe, but in the real world 30 ppi is going to keep all but the smallest babies out. 45 ppi would clog very quickly on a high flow filter, it is more suited to shrimp only setups with...

You can use an airstone instead of a skimmer - they will both disrupt/clear biofilm from the surface. The airstone does this when the bubbles physically disrupt the biofilm and fling it everywhere, which sounds not too great on the face of it. Upsides however are increased gas exchange /...

Even more expensive, 46 euro per bag

The same price with ADA Amazonia v2 here.

Hi all, I think it looks like a Cyprinid <"Cyprinidae - Wikipedia"> fry as well. cheers Darrel

Is Tropica Aquairum Soil no good? I am fairly new to planted tanks but seems to helping things grow nicely for me!

Hi all. Bit late to respond to the OP but I am adding in here what I found when I pimped one of these today in case anyone finds the thread on a search. I bought a second hand scaper tank with one of these included. Having read all the Reddits and watched the videos on how to pimp them, I was a...

Oh and a voucher just popped up so even cheaper atm. Ive bought from them a few times and always good service.

This is the perfect depiction of autumn in an aquascape. Beautiful.

It's hard to tell at that age but it looks very similar to the Gelius barbs I used to breed. They are a beautiful, peaceful little barb that's a nano fish, so could have been kept with endlers at the shop.

Hi there, we bought a few nerite snails and endler's guppies to our planted tank a week ago. Then to our surprise, we found a fry yesterday. We don't have female guppies in the tank so we think this could be a hitchhiker that came with either the snails or the plants. Does anyone know what...

What would folks advise as a good pore size for an intake foam to stop baby shrimp being sucked up without unduly affecting flow? I’m not adverse to rinsing it out every two weeks. One of my tanks has a very fine foam I got somewhere years ago but I think it’s too fine for my other tank that has...

Update on the second Kew scape! Got it planted on Friday just gone (apart from 2 plants that were out of stock). Everything is looking great upto now and has stood up with no signs of melt 🤞. There's a couple of areas I want to tweak, the main being the riccia on the stones I want to replace...

I have got a few different colours from Anto at Keep it Shrimple. I initially took a chance because I liked the name :). His quality is really good.

I didn't know that, very cool!

30 euro per bag and ada 42 euro per bag

How amazing, will have a proper read later. 🙂

@FrozenShivers When displaying males of many species show a bright strip of colour that they can literally turn on and off in a split second. They’ll flash this at females when trying to convince them to spawn and when sparring other males.

After 3 or 4 days good chance they will survive anyway . Like @FrozenShivers says heavily planted will help survival rates, you could add some stem plants and floating plants. Hygro.difformis is a good one for protecting ,as it grows to the surface they take refuge in the leaves