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  1. Raquascape

    Aqua soil in netting

    Cyprus Helferi! Good idea. I might choose that :) I’m aware of wabi kusa techniques, I’ll use that as inspiration, thank you. I just need my supplies now! Tropica soil, some sort of netting and the plants themselves. If anyone else has any tips before I go ahead with this that would be such...
  2. Raquascape

    Aqua soil in netting

    Hi guys, I was thinking of adding some long plants in the background of my scape. Maybe plants such as a tall hair grass or vallis, I’m not sure and if you have any suggestions please do tell! I’m just unsure of how to introduce the plants to the back as I just have a very thin layer of...
  3. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thanks! I agree :) Ra
  4. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Hydrocotyle Tripartita added thanks to howanic. Helps break up the textures! :) Before and after Cheers, Ra Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  5. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    I might add some aqua soil to the back of the tank and introduce some stems, is this a good idea or should I keep it as it is? :D Stay safe, Cheers, Ra
  6. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    I’ve found they are aggressive, but only to themselves, they don’t bother my other fish! Nice to hear from you cookies, hope you’re doing well, I love your recent scape! [emoji3] Ra
  7. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Update 11/04/20! Looking more mature. I started dosing TNC complete and carbon 1ml a day, plants have really responded well and the small amount of algae has disappeared. P.s Hello lily pipe! She’s back. No more black plastic pipes. Ew. Stay safe, Ra
  8. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Update 03/03/20 Ra
  9. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    No background :) The way the water and the light works make it seem there is a mirror effect. For example, the bottom of the tank looks like a mirror however when viewed from the top, you can see the brown paper mat on the bottom of the glass and there is no mirror effect. Raise your hand if...
  10. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thankyou. Im in two minds whether to add sand. I might try it one day, can easily siphon it out if it doesn't look right :) Ra
  11. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    More Java Ferns, Anubias and Java Moss added on the rocks! Used Juris method of superglue and chopping the moss into tiny pieces, a great way to fix the moss and hopefully provides some nice bushy growth. Ra
  12. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Wood added, re scaped the Seriyu stone, more plants to come soon. Btw did I mention I'm no longer running CO2?[emoji3] Easy life, easy maintenance. Ra
  13. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    The tank has changed. Only slightly ;) Hope all is well with you guys, sorry for the lack of updates! Follow my instagram - raquascape (I post lots of updates there!) Ra
  14. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thanks matey, it means a lot! I since tried the recommended dosage of 6ml every week so I dose that during a WC and never looked back haha. Yeah just lots of BBA like I’ve mentioned, definitely from the wood, I think it needs chucking in the bin. I'm think of starting a new rock only scape...
  15. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    60 Days [emoji1305]
  16. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

  17. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Another update! I discovered that using maybe 2ml a week of specialised fertiliser and dosing liquid carbon into the water column has gotten rid of all the algae apart from BBA. My light is dimmed to 60% also. The wood used in the scape was shop brought out an existing tank so may have had some...
  18. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thanks cookies always great to hear from you mate [emoji1303] I will try to direct the flow from the skimmer more toward the bottom for better CO2 distribution. My lily pipe broke about a month ago haha, my heart sunk. I will buy another soon! Plants are doing OK, I have a staghorn algae...
  19. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

  20. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    1 month of progress
  21. Raquascape

    Ada 60P, 'behind blue eyes'

    This is gonna be special!
  22. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    The hot temperatures in the UK right now means my tank is around 27°C, not sure how to cool it down, anyone else got this issue at the moment? My Buce has melted and algae is having a party. Woohoo. Cheers, Ra
  23. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    One week of growth. Eleocharis is struggling like the MC, might swap this out and have a full foreground of Parva? I've since started dosing Tropica Premium only, plants are responding well. (8ml a day). After watching a recent green aqua video I'm now trying to aim for a constant 120TDS by...
  24. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    I shall start dosing specialised only, bit higher dosage see how it goes, thankyou :D Ra
  25. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Each pump is 2ml, I double checked by using a syringe. So that makes for 6ml Specialised and 4ml Premium along with 2ml TNC carbon everyday. I saw someone using both fertilisers together with great success so I thought I would try it :)
  26. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thankyou. I dose tropica specialised 3 pumps a day and premium 2 pumps a day, along with 2ml TNC carbon. My lights are on 75% power (twinstar 600ea) and co2 24/7 always lime green. Look forward to hearing from you, Ra
  27. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Removed the MC and replaced with Crypt Parva, the dying MC would have caused alage issues so had to go. Added another fern to the left too which I think helps to breakup the largest piece of wood. Here's a before and after for you guys. Cheers, Ra
  28. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    WC done but my MC is suffering again unfortunately. Never been able to grow it well in this scape, it's probably down to not having enough light. I'd rather have less algae haha! Everything else is growing well, I'm doing so much more maintence now than before, WC every 3-4 days compared to...
  29. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Updated FTS. WC tomorrow [emoji1303] Thanks for the tips on trimming, that was a good watch and read up. Cheers, Ra
  30. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

  31. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Stems trimmed
  32. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    The rummies where bought from Maidenhead aquatics, to be honest I've never been asked my tank size etc when purchasing livestock which is surprising. I agree, the colours stand out with black but the depth is much better when frosted. Cheers, Ra Any tips on trimming stems? I'll be doing this...
  33. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    4 days seeing growth already which is great, very little algae! I have moved the skimmer to the right hand side. Looks to give a better flow all around the tank. Trimming the stems tomorrow so they grow the same time as the h'ra, the 1-2 pots are growing pretty well, around 1.5" of new growth...
  34. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Cheers mate glad to be back!
  35. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    And we're back! 2 and a half months have passed since my last update and boy has the tank been through some rough patches. 12/05/19 22/06/19 08/07/19 29/07/19 04/08/19 The tank went through a stage of a bad algae problems (22/06/19) down to lack of maintence and CO2 running out. I have...
  36. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    I'll see what I can do :)
  37. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Quick time lapse video for you all! I'll be adding some red plants soon, and some cardinals or neons to add some more colour to the tank. Unfortunately all of my zebra danios ended up jumping. I won't be housing them again in an open top aquarium that's for sure. Rummies and Shrimps are doing...
  38. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Cheers! The valley in the middle was planned! It does create a nice sense of depth, probably my most favourite part of the scape :) Its great to watch the rummys swim out from there when they know I'm near by, begging for food haha! I've seen Stu's work, unreal. I can only dream to achieve...
  39. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Welcome T, There is some algae, I suppose I'm just picky haha! I don't clean the rocks at all, the otocinclus I have in there do a great job at keeping them clean :) Raquascape
  40. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    The scape went through a period of neglect recently, been doing lots of overtime at work. Had to deal with a staghorn algae problem due to fluctuating CO2 levels. After a big trim of all the algae ridden plants and maintenance yesterday here's how she looks!
  41. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Updated FTS! Lots of trimming has been done. Hygrophila Pinniftida growing well. Started dosing Seachem Iron a few weeks back. New growth looks better! Still keeping on top of 50/50 RO/Tap water changes. Now the tank has matured I need to start experimenting and solve the aquascapers dream...
  42. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    P.S quick comparison, top picture taken 08/03/18, the bottom was taken today a month later 09/04/18.
  43. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    FTS update
  44. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Experimenting with a dark grey background, what do you guys think? Cheers, Ra
  45. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    FTS Update!
  46. Raquascape

    Ada 60p, talawa land

    This is looking fantastic! +1 for tips from green aqua, they sure know what they're doing. Keep it up cookies :) R
  47. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

  48. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Hi Iain, Thankyou for the kind comments, it's great to know that you didn't mean to be negative, I just felt the comments from yourself and others were an attack on my inexperience haha! Don't get me wrong though, I appreciate criticism as it helps us aquscapers realise what is going wrong and...
  49. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    It's all a learning curve! :) First aquascape so I’m trying out different things. Now can we have some positivity please. Thanks, Ra
  50. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thanks for all your input guys. I'm aware Aquarium Gardens, George Farmer and all the rest of us aquascapers have success using purely tap water. I will still give RO a go, it's a learning process after all! The RO unit will be good piece of equipment to have where I can gain better...
  51. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    RO Unit ordered. Any suggestions on how much RO water to use in respect to tap water for the transition to RO? Cheers! R
  52. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Dang. Now I see where my issues have came from. Looks like I need to do some reading into RO. Thanks cookies, Ra Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  53. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    I did some TDS readings. My tap water reads 300ppm and my tank 590ppm. Can anyone enlighten me on what this all means?
  54. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Otocinclus doing a great job. You can see the difference on the Anubias and bucephalabdra! Fish seem happier with the Chihiros installed, more O2 for them. Bottom pic is before 24/7 co2 and otos.
  55. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thank you for the detailed explanation Darrel, I now understand things much better! My filter consists of only coarse media, purigen and Seachem Matrix. The matrix has a brown colour to it (previously white). Based on what you say, adding the chihiros should improve things, by adding more...
  56. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thanks for the reply cookies :) Here are pictures of the algae: I use Seachem matrix in my filter, I had a look at it the other week during maintenance seems to be building up a good colony (I hope haha!) I also use Seachem matrix as my dechlorinator with tap water. The tap water in my...
  57. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Beginning to see more and more brown alage in the tank. I've began more frequent WCs, turned the light down a notch and increased the CO2. I'm thinking of buying the Chihiros doctor, leaving the CO2 on 24/7 and getting a couple Otos and 5 more Amanos to help battle this. Thoughts? Cheers! R
  58. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Yeah it's good to see more stone in the tank, it provides a much better viewing experience. Plus it has created some small caves/tunnels for livestock to swim through, very entertaining to watch :D I know the lilaeopsis will reign terror on the foreground but I don't mind a jungle/mixed feel...
  59. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    I've added some more Seiryu stone to the scape, adds more depth to the valley though the middle. What do you think guys think? The tank is currently going through a diatoms stage. Should clear up in no time. Unfortunately I have lost 3 zebra danios due to jumping. RIP. Thoughts on adding...
  60. Raquascape

    Dragonwood

    This stunning! Boy do those red cherries pop! Really healthy plant growth and has matured nicely, I'm sure most people on here would be proud to be the owner of such a tank. Really great job Dave :)
  61. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Quick update, this time via video! Enjoy. I have an Instagram profile if you want to see more, check it out! @Raquascape Cheers, Ra
  62. Raquascape

    Scaping and scooters

    Sorry to hear about the fall matey, I've come off before too. Hopefully never again! What scoot do you own?
  63. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    FTS, new phone! Lights have only just come on so the fish are a little shy. Got some new food for them today, Dennerle Nano Gran. Heard good reviews on it. Cheers guys, Ra
  64. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Evening all, Few zebra danios added yesterday to give the rummies more confidence, it's worked a treat! All fish now happily swimming together and feeding really well. Plant growth is picking up, MC has really done well after the large melt previously. Still keeping up with WCs, 2 or 3 50% per...
  65. Raquascape

    Ada 60p, talawa land

    Wow look at them!! I’d love a few of those beauties. As for the plant pot technique, I tried that the other day and my skimmer floating portion was sucked under the water :( I’ve gone back to mesh. Tank looks great as always! Cheers, R
  66. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Video for an example :) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  67. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    The skimmer is positioned so it distributes the co2 from back right to the front, the lily then circulates it round further. Thanks for the kind comment, this tank has now taken a jungle turn which I'm enjoying, I've always been a fan of a Nature aquarium style scape. Cheers, Ra
  68. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Before and after
  69. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

  70. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    EA Aquascaper nutrition. I thought maybe changing ferts may help also, thoughts?
  71. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thanks for the tips dude, my plan for tomorrow was to get some tropica floating plants (Salvinia Auriculata) from Pets at Home (I was shocked to find they stock these!). This will reduce the light level and provide vital cover for my shy rummies. Hopefully they have Siamensis 53B in stock too...
  72. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Step 10 of 16 matey :)
  73. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    I have a feeling my dosing wasn't enough for the aquarium, noticed some holes on maybe 5 or so leaves and slight yellowing. I was only dosing 5ml a day as per the bottle but that was for 50L. I've upped the dosing to 7ml a day to see if plant health improves, fingers crossed! I did some reading...
  74. Raquascape

    Ada 60p, talawa land

    Looks really healthy matey, glad to hear the corys are okay! I'm eager to see these blue tigers... Cheers! R
  75. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    They seem happy enough, colouring up nicely already and starting to venture around, caught them this morning shoaling back and forth. They had a feed this morning and took it well! Cheers, Ra
  76. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    11 Rummynose Tetra added today, they’re being shy and hiding under the wood. I’ll post some pictures tomorrow. The employees at Maidenhead Aquatics mentioned it would take a day or two for them to be comfortable in the tank. I’ll keep you posted. Cheers, Ra
  77. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    P.S, I have made some improvements to the tank. I finally managed to get some mesh in the skimmer how Tim mentioned without it sinking, this solution is much less of an eye sore and plus the top portion is nice and boyant unlike before (I have no idea why it didn't work before haha!). The...
  78. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Not saw many shrimp the past few days. But today all of a sudden they've all showed up! Upon further inspection I found some molt, they must have been hiding. Fish tomorrow. I'll keep the species a secret until then. Cheers! Ra
  79. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Hmm I will think about it. Just had a huge maintenance session, cleaned everything and removed nearly all the melting plants. Hopefully things improve with the new CO2 and water change regime. Cheers! R
  80. Raquascape

    Ada 60p, talawa land

    So sorry to hear that cookies :( The skimmers are death traps! Glad to see you using the mesh technique, I take no credit however, I first saw the technique used by George Farmer and Dave at Aquarium Gardens :D I don't know how you manage to keep the floating part afloat? Evertime I try what...
  81. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Please explain how I would do this, cheers!
  82. Raquascape

    Ada 60p, talawa land

    Cories!! Ah gotta love them. Good choice. That HC looks lush, keep up the good work! Tank is looking well cookies. Fine job sir. Cheers, R
  83. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Okay some self diagnosis time... I have reduced the light by two steps on the dimmer to slow down growth and melt. I have also changed the CO2 so it comes on 3hrs before lights and off 2hrs before lights off. I've done some deep reading and discovered the drop checker needs to read lime green...
  84. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    On 2hrs before lights, off 1hr before lights off Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  85. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    I'm glad my creativity has inspired you cookies! In regards to the MC melt... It seems to be spreading to whatever it touches, the crypts and the hairgrass are now showing signs of melt. Ideas? Cheers, R
  86. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    The timer idea would be great but the skimmer is my main source of flow for the co2 distribution as demonstrated by Fillipe Oliveira. Reflecting on this morning, I never want to see a shrimp in there again.. They looked almost frightened. And boy was they happy to be out, I've never saw shrimp...
  87. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    I cut the gauze down too. Looks neat IMO.
  88. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Theyre okay now! Lucky the flow on my skimmer is on the lowest setting. Make sure to take extra precautions with the Skimmer if you get shrimp, I've learnt my lesson. This method with the gauze works well so far :D
  89. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    That's what I did before and they climbed over it haha! I can't make the mesh any taller either or the whole top portion would just sink under water even on the lowest setting. I don't mind the eye sore as long as the shrimp are okay :D Cheers, Ra
  90. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Solution
  91. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Woke up this morning to no shrimp in the tank. I panicked! Upon checking the skimmer I found them all there. I have got mesh blocking the inlets but somehow they have climbed over it and dropped into the skimmer. Any suggestions for a better method of keeping them out? Cheers guys, R
  92. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

  93. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    6 Amanos added. They're great, and seem to be settling in well :) Acclimated for 2 1/2 hours on drip. Cheers! R Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  94. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thanks for the tip, I can only imagine the destruction large Amanos would cause lol! My LFS only has small ones, jobs a gooden :)
  95. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thanks for the kind words guys! Cookies, yes I do try to keep the water temp as close as possible to the norm, your right, must be a transitional thing :) Chuffed with the plant growth. P.S Should have a few Amanos this weekend. I'll keep you updated as always. Cheers, R Sent from my...
  96. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Before and after maintenance. Bottom is before. Small bit of melt on the MC bottom right. This is the side where I top up after a water change. Could this have something to do with it? I promised some close ups.. Different angles and current FTS Cheers guys, Ra
  97. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Thanks cookies, your help is always appreciated! So a day into week 3, top picture is today and bottom the day after setup. Good growth all around! The Pogestemon is finally growing, the Rotala is also growing fast and adapting nicely. The Pinnifitida’s older leaves have melted away making...
  98. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Evening all, Any help with my co2 question? Cheers guys, Ra
  99. Raquascape

    EA600 Nature style (first scape)

    Nice equipment and great scape! I'd possibly add some more transitional pebbles/rocks to give a nice transition to the sand. R
  100. Raquascape

    NACD Nature Aquarium

    Cheers for the kind words Dave, took ages to plan! I’m glad the plants are looking healthy and growing, I have a question for you guys however... My drop checker looks like this 5 minutes before lights off. The co2 comes on 2hrs before lights come on and off 1 hour before the lights go off. My...
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