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Hey Darrel, Things are good! It was bitterly cold when I arrived but I got a nice jacket and haven't thought about it since haha. It's actually quite mild right now, 10c on Friday! In terms of equipment, I gifted the pipes to a friend last year and mainly took lighting and tools with me since...

A 60P is a 60cm aquarium. There was once a standard size but now can come in depths ranging from 30cm to 45cm, but the length will always be 60cm. The classic ADA 60P is 60 x 30 x 36 cm Not actually sure what the 'P' stands for!

Thanks everyone for the tips! I've reduced the lighting by 1/3 and yet the plants are still pearling so it must have been pretty high! Since the CO2 is pH controlled, I'll reduce the pH by 0.3 every week which should bring it to non-injected levels within 5 weeks. I'll also reduce the...

Thanks for the help!

Yeah for sure, we've got feedings down since I go away for periods at a time, she knows how much to feed. Ok cool, sounds like less stress! How long of a period would you recommend? Like a few weeks, few months? I don't mind that tbh! Anything to get over mixing ferts. I'm happy to just buy a...

Hey everyone, So as the title suggests I currently have a high tech 120P (Tidy Jungle) that's been neglected for various reasons and has a lot of what I think is Spirogyra. Weirdly lots of the plants still look healthy, there just happens to be this algae too. I want to pull the plug and...

I don't have any side by side comparisons but I've grown both and whilst I know H'ra can get pretty red under ideal conditions, Blood red doesn't take much effort at all. It's still growing fairly red in my low tech, with soft water in a low light position (right at the edge of the tank)...

I didn't. Over a short period of time (only a few weeks) the substrate stopped buffering because of my hard tap water and now the pH is in its usual range.

The aquasoil can absolutely do this. I've observed this most notably in my largest tank when I rescaped it recently. My normal pH is around 7.8 but with CO2 and fresh aquasoil I was getting readings below 6! I also experienced seemingly unexplained fish losses in the first week of adding them...

My thoughts on the stainless steel pipes still stands: As for the Aquario pipes (in my opinion): Positives: Break-resistant clear pipes that can resemble glass when nicely cleaned. Flow can be adjusted 360 degrees. Modular nature of the pipes means you can configure the pipes with many...

Feedback on the steel pipes or the Aquario pipes?

Maybe make some more holes as you said or reduce the flow slightly. You can do this by pulling the right handle underneath where the pipe cap sit (the one you would pull to open up the filter). The plants look happy!

Hey Jack, No I haven't used Easy Life sticks since that post actually when I was setting up a tank. I found that if you disturb something in the soil you get clouds of red dust coming into the water column and on the soil which isn't ideal. I now use Seachem Flourish tabs and APT Jazz. I...

I've only got one of each unfortunately but if I get any babies I'll let you know. Also Wildwoods in Enfield have had Micrantha every time I've been there.

I'm not sure about that, I just planted it straight down and left the top part exposed above the soil. That is indeed micrantha and zenkeri.

I guess it's tricky to get good photos of it, especially when all the other surrounding plants are mixed in. 😅 When the rhizome came it was about the size of a thumb, or shall I say my thumb. Definitely much bigger than the rhizome of the Nymphaea helvola in my outdoor pond.

Not the best photos but you can see it growing here!

I'll grab some photos today

Hey, I keep a Nymphaea helvola in my aquarium and it does well considering it's in quite high flow which they don't like. However, the leaves are undisturbed at the top.

For Tropica pots the price hasn't shifted much, if any at all. I've noticed it more on potted plants, particularly at my local Maidenhead Aquatics.

The price of plants has definitely shot up, but I guess that's to be expected especially as there's now more red tape on the import!

I have a tank in all of those size ranges and to be honest, my high tech 120p doesn't take any more maintenance than the rest of the tanks. I deliberately planted it with 90% slow growing epiphytes and the lighting is moderate so it functions more like a low energy but with CO2 - I guess medium...

I tested out using Apple leaves after @Tyko_N 's experiment. I have to say it's produced the exact golden colour I was looking for and it really didn't take many leaves to do it! My top off water only has one Apple leaf in it and all of the water is stained beautifully gold. I'll definitely be...

This is the first thing that came to mind as well. I used to have this in a low tech tank and it was beautiful and RAMPANT. I'm tempted to reintroduce it to my high tech tank. Very bushy (great for filling space), gets as tall as you'd like and looks lush.

I avoided being stung right up until the last minute when I was picking the bag up to go home. 🥲 Nettles 1 - Humans 0.

One of the best. Did a forage at work today. Picked up Apple, Hazel, Walnut, English Oak and Nettles 😍 All from a 10 second radius!

One tilia salad, coming up! Young tilia with fermented tilia honey and roasted chilli tilia nuts.

Amazing! That's the colour I'm going for, for sure. So you literally got leaves from a random apple tree? Were they green or brown when you collected them? I would like to get some apple leaves in that case. I'd just be wary of which tree I get it from since apple trees often get sprayed with...

Huzzah!

@LondonAquascaper

The proper name is quick disconnects but they are essentially inline taps that you can open and close to control the flow level. They also allow you to disconnect the hose from the filter or aquarium more easily.

Also if you use double taps in the hose, you can adjust the flow that way too.

I'd go for the 207 personally, as the stated flow rate will be lower, not including what it will be running like when it gets a bit dirty. My filtration tends to a bit overkill but this gives me leeway when they need cleaning!

This is the first I've heard of them!

I only tip away the initial water! So I'll boil it for 5 minutes in tap water and then reboil in RO. I keep and use all of the tinted RO water.

I would beg to differ. Most of UKAPS being a perfect example.

Hi Elroy, People normally run the light at reduced levels because that's all you need most of the time! The WRGB II Pro 120cm is a seriously powerful light, and if you were to run it anywhere close to 100% I would recommend that your other parameters (CO2, Fertilisation and Flow) were pinpoint...

@LondonAquascaper is your man for this! He's had them before.

The solution for me is multiple projects 😅 I have a few aquariums, terrariums and ponds and every now and again something can be revamped and gives the other projects time to mature and be at peace from your hands! Even small creations can help I think.

Probably giving away my Black Ghost Knifefish! Such an intriguing fish and mine was very peaceful, I had it since it was tiny. Whilst I wouldn't change anything as I've had fun keeping lots of different fish I otherwise wouldn't have been able to, I often imagine how great it would be having...

Definitely nature style for me. I like tanks that on the surface might appear quite 'tidy' but on closer inspection are fairly wild and mixed up. However, I definitely have an appreciation for all of the styles and have been slowly trying them all one by one. Interestingly, when you flick...

I've have used and still use TNC and APT and both are good fertilisers. When I used TNC in a high energy tank however, I found I was using a lot more of it in comparison to APT so it was debatable how much money was actually being saved. For example, like @The grumpy one said, I was dosing...

It depends on what your reason is for wanting to change. What motivated you to consider the change?

I would agree with Geoffrey. I got a new lot of CO2 this week, 2x 2KG and 2x5KG for £95 all in. I know you can get it even cheaper but they are nice people where I go and the service is great. Also helps that it's right next to 2 Maidenhead Aquatics for my pleasure. 😁

I used black lava rock to create a 'terrace' if you like. Just glued onto a U shape and pushed up against the back panel. I then stuffed the gaps with filter floss and filled it to the top with Tropica Soil. The foreground is a thin layer of fine cosmetic gravel. The water will be able to seep...

If I remember correctly I used about 1-2 litres of Tropica Soil Powder, 5cm deep.

Hey Jimmy, I have a scape of similar dimensions (30x20x5), but I'm growing the plants for their emersed growth. Realistically you're gonna need at least an inch of soil, at which point that only leaves an inch of water. Very few plants are going to remain under an inch tall and so you'll be...

I personally found it useful in my most recent setup. I didn't want to do daily water changes, I just feel it's an unnecessary labour. I left the soil in position without lights/CO2/plants for 3 weeks and did one water change in that time (only to remove some slime). I drained and planted it...

That'll be more than enough. My biggest tank is the same height as yours and I use 4x T5 bulbs (2 when I want to lower the lighting) and that's with CO2!

Interesting! I'm the opposite! That's the beauty of it all I guess.

I guess aquascaper? But I don't feel I place any less importance on the fish and their welfare. Fish are what I've always kept and loved, plants are more of a recent addition. When I think of building a scape, I think of the plants and inhabitants simultaneously.

It's pretty cool when it does this. The first time I ever saw it was at Scaped Nature. The ones in my mini pond are starting to do it too, it seems to happen when the area reaches critical mass.

I always use thick bleach as that's what is commonly available and I've never noticed any lesser cleaning abilities. It would be interesting to know why thin is preferable.

Despite being on this forum since 2016 I only just learnt how to do it too! What I do is click the quote reply button (the one furthest to the right) and type my response. Then you click it again on the next person whom you'd like to reply to and keep going. Once you've got them all in you can...

I don't know about the politics but in terms of skills, the best way to improve them is to enter! I'm entering for the first time in 2022 and despite having success with scapes, contest scaping is a whole new world and your skills are tested even before you've added any water or plants. I have...

Hey! Allpondsolutions make cheap low iron tanks. I've heard mixed reviews, with some people loving them and some hating. I've got the 90L one and it's great! In terms of hardscape, try Aquarium Gardens. The price per kg on Seiryu is almost half what you saw in Maidenhead. Manzanita is...

Hey! Nice to meet you. Firstly, although aquasoil is a better choice for growing plants I wouldn't really consider it a limitation. I've had success growing plants in only gravel, with and without CO2. Between those two options I'd go with Tropica Soil. Fluval Stratum is a pain in the a** to...

Would you recommend dark start for mature/used soils? Or only for new?

I think the automation part is fairly easy to do but my concern is if going away for extended periods and the CO2 runs out. I don't think anyone else would be able to change the bottle.

To be fair, my floor is wonky and I've got a 4ft aquarium that's never been level. It's been there for nearly 5 years without issue. I can tell it's not level because the water is slightly higher at the back compared to the front but if I had known that at setup I probably would have attempted...

Oh sorry I didn't update the thread. These things do glide along the glass and hardscape but after observation I'm fairly confident they aren't Planaria. It appears I do have detritus worms in addition to this but their numbers have been dwindling after a lot of substrate vacuuming and I...

I'm by no means an expert but I highly doubt it. Algae spores are in the air even. You'd have to create laboratory conditions and even though it might not be visible they are still there, conditions are just not favourable to proliferate.

Cheers guys, I'll have a look when the lights come on. I actually think I've got a magnifying glass around here somewhere... In that case it's either Rhabdocoela or Planaria then. I'll let you know my findings.

Hey Nick, I wasn't sure if you were supposed to be able to see the eyes with your eyes only or with a microscope. These are on the glass, in the top layer of the substrate and I've seen some on the rocks too.

Hey guys, I've recently spotted some bugs in my shrimp tank most of which are harmless. However, this worm-like one I'm not sure of. I've whittled down that it could be detritus worms or planaria. They're so tiny so they look the same to me. Any help appreciated.

The top one is the plant growing on water and the bottom is emersed in someone's garden. I don't claim ownership for these photos.

Apparently Hydrocotyle Verticillata works quite well. A few users on here have done it! Also have a look at @Christel 's work, she's the emersed plant Queen. :)

Hey! I can give a little insight...I've owned the Roma before and I currently have a Rio. Can't speak for the Eheim. In terms of cabinets, I think the build quality on the Rio is super solid and better than the Roma. In fact, the overall build quality of the Rio setup is just better. Both have...

Good point! One of my favourite to memory (I have an awful memory) is 'Yellow Pebblequarium' by @Emil. I love the design of the scape but also the custom built yellow stand, it's my kind of vibe. https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/yellow-pebblequarium.60448/#post-643801

My first big tank! I got a 200L from my Dad for free when he upgraded his and I had so many adventures with that thing, and learnt so many valuable lessons. :D

Great question Nick, I'm following this out of interest too. If test kits and water reports are seemingly unreliable then what should I use?!

Shout insults at it, that'll break it.

I'm so intrigued

For anyone that's interested I cut the tubes in half and used a pipe cleaner up to the middle point on both ends. We normally ALWAYS have bleach but when I need it do we have it? No. So I used Easy Carbo, at least it's safer. In the pictures you can see the black mould inside the tubes and now...

I think I'll cut it in half so I can use my current pipe cleaner but will definitely use some bleach.

I don't know why I didn't think of this! I think that's the best solution currently since the centre point will only be 1.5m long in each piece meaning I can use my pipe cleaner. Thanks!

Hey guys, I have some hose that I use for water changes that's around 20ft/6m long and I've noticed it's getting progressively more dirty, specifically with black mould. I have a suspicion that some of this mould has actually transferred to the aquarium (but that's another issue). The longest...

In terms of gaseous exchange, I definitely need the powerheads as I can't raise the pipes. If your tank is rimless it'll be much easier.

Yeah I actually have a good standalone surface skimmer but I just wanted one less thing in the tank (aesthetics and electricity). The jet does still provide decent flow but I've got 2 powerheads to help with that. It wouldn't be enough without them but that's not because of the pipes, that's...

Hey, I didn't get these ones in particular but I got one from Amazon which is virtually identical except the cap on the intake is plastic instead of metal. I think it's called JARDLI Positives: Looks way better than plastic Easier to clean and dirt is less visible Robust, so very little chance...

Hey guys, I'm just coming across this plant for the first time and there doesn't seem to be much information on it. The main things seems to be that it's called 'Buce Moss' because it's often found growing on/around Bucephalandra. Apparently under high lighting and CO2 it grows quite fast...

Also, I know it's not quite the same thing you're talking about but I recently got some hardscape materials from Aquarium Gardens. I had a rough design in mind and knew what materials I wanted. I sent them inspiration pictures and they made a design for me and it was pretty easy to replicate...

Hey Kevin, Sounds like a good idea actually, maybe you could be the pioneer. I imagine the customer base would be predominantly beginners as for passionate hobbyists building the scape is one of the best bits!

I've had good success with Easy Life Root Sticks, that's what I continue to use.

Looks beautiful so far! The dwarf hairgrass definitely needs to fill in that patch on the right as it's lacking green but I dunno if even a thick hairgrass carpet will ever look really green?

I've only ever had one heater fail and it was the preset one for the Fluval edge. No other adjustable heaters I've used have ever failed but now I'm paranoid.[emoji51]

I'm not sure about the vivaline but I've got a Rio 300 in white. Very nice looking tank but if I was buying it again I'd use the same white stand but a rimless tank. Gives a lot more flexibility in terms of lighting, equipment placement and it looks better imo. Nevertheless it's a good tank.

Cheers

I'm on iPhone, maybe that has something to do with it? This link doesn't work for me either [emoji854]

Do you have another link? It doesn't seem to work

Also consider that in the wild these bodies of water are much larger than an aquarium. Even in hot climates the water will be considerably cooler than an aquarium where the temperature can build quickly. I live in the UK but have the same problem, my tank sometimes gets to 30c+ during...

That's the downside about these modern style mixer taps, a lot of them are not fishkeeper friendly! [emoji28]

I think for a tap like that, something like this might work: https://www.toolstation.com/hozelock-round-mixer-tap-connector/p14205 You essentially just tighten it so that it's snug around the faucet. And then you attach it to one of these...

Sorry to post hijack but how did you get your acara so big?!

Green Aqua used Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' attached to wood for a bonsai tree. Seemed to grow well for them.

I vote right :) Expert at nothing, dab hand at many.

If you're going to choose one of those two options above, go with aqua essentials. Expert at nothing, dab hand at many.

Welcome @Christel ! Expert at nothing, dab hand at many.

Looks good! How long did that take you to grow in?

Hey guys, I'm thinking about using a lot of trident and narrow in a rescape but before I do, I wanted to know what the likelihood of success could be? I'm not expecting miracles but I've got hard water and low energy. Could it work out or am I just burning money? Expert at nothing, dab hand...