Search results for query: *

Ben! You'll be surprised at how little flow is needed in an aquarium. Everyone bangs on about how much flow is needed....the 10x rule etc. It really isn't needed. Over the last 3 years, I've come top realise that not everything depends on flow, co2 and ferts. I've run quite large aquariums...

LOL :lol: Go Boy!

Hi mate. This was the best tank on display at the show, followed by that pretty awesome reef in the VIP room! Is the 'challenge' still on re IWAGUMI V's 1 pot? ;)

Hi George, This always sounds like a cliché, but I saw this today, and pictures and videos do this no justice. (not saying you cant take a pic) The moss, and ricardia is immense. You do need to attend to those stems though.

Ian, stunning moss! And great photos to illustrate the journal.

Somehow, I've missed the photos on page 22. That was what I was expecting...with the stems. I've imagined this layout being quite 'sporadic' when it comes to plant placement...especially the stems. A few sprigs here and a few there. A bit wild almost. The Amania sp. bonsai is a great plant...

Exceptional, George. One of your more 'natural' looking layouts. It looks different to how I imagined it to look.

I'd agree with George. One of the better layouts on UKAPS right now.:angelic: Maybe one thing I'd consider. The foreground looks great, but a just a little too uniform. Let it grow out a bit more randomly. Nice Photoshop trick with the blurring mate.:snaphappy:

Looking great, George! Good of you to share the algae woes, But as you and I....and pretty much everyone in the hobby actually, know that this is just part of start up issues. It happens. This layout will look truly immense. When it starts to develop a bit more, I'll come over and shoot...

Looks great George. There seems to be some ugly git in one of the shots though...:facepalm:

Great Ian. The best layout on the forum to date. I knew this would happen... From watching your progression as a scaper, it kind of goes without saying; this was always destined to be amazing!

It's crossed my mind, George. I'd be confident in doing so too. But, it's time for something new, so I'll be stopping CO2...and everything else for this one. LOL I'm bringing out the BIG rocks for the next layout, and for substrate....Just gravel and Tropica under gravel substrate. A...

A thought provoking idea on the 'dry start' method, George. Do you think, if successful, you may end up running the tank full time in this manner? Or do you still plan to 'flood' it' once it's established? This could look quite something if run 100% dry start. Mosses would look 'tighter'...

Hi Ady, It's still running. A good 8 weeks without a water change now. No problems, apart from massive over growth. Experiment going well I'm planning the next layout, but with many changes on the horizon with my working life, I'll need to decide in which direction I'll take the new scape.

Great! George. Reminiscent of Stu's layout. An intricate style of planting, with shorter varieties will suit this. The less plant species the better in my opinion. Manzanita really is a great hardscape material, and can often take the hard work out of creating layouts.

George! I like them all. Are you pushing boundaries?...No. Do you want to push boundaries?....probably not on your return from duty. Break your self in. Add to your already prolific library of scapes. Improve on things that you might have missed on similar layouts. It's not all about setting...

Hi George, Looking forward to yet another GF creation. A nice, clean, and clinical approach. I do echo sanj's remark...the NA range is quite something. Regards, Mark

Cheers Superpuma. I'm looking forward to creating it. I have a plan which, if it succeeds, could be EPIC!...

Hi Mike. I'm using the JBL solar nature, rated @ 9000K. I've used just about every lamp going, and I keep coming back to these. They're not the cheapest, but for me, I don't mind paying that bit extra for a lamp that gives a good colour rendition. Other lamps that I've used in a similar K...

To be honest Chris, I'm not really sure why the moss doesn't like a ton of ferts. The whole science behind my approach is lacking. I too would like to know a few answers to my questions. It won't be long until I'll be doing a new layout. I really am ready to step away from the 'all too...

Nice materials Stu! The stone is to die for. I think with a bit of tweaking, you could be onto a great layout. For me, it's not quite there yet. The stone is that nice, that I'd consider using just the stone. Ultimately though, plants will change the whole look of the hardscape. What you...

It's nothing new Chris. It's stuff I've mentioned may times in my journals. What I've discovered (in my tanks at least) that moss is not a great fan of over dosing. Recently, I've started to add less ferts, but still gained more than adequate results. Lower lighting, but high co2 opens up...

and one from above. nag-green by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Here's a couple of images. Not as good as the above, but to show the moss slowly taking over. crimbo-3 by saintly's pics, on Flickr crimbo-2 by saintly's pics, on Flickr crimbo-1 by saintly's pics, on Flickr This layout has been a great exercise in learning how to grow moss. I know...

Cool! :D I'll be sure to keep my wife away from this :lol: People! Antoni is far too good looking for wife's and partners to be present. I almost fancy the guy myself. :lol: Seriously though guys, thanks for the offers of help. I'm sure there's a bit everyone can help out with.

That all depends on my mood Chris. sometimes photography, sometimes scaping...somtimes...neither. :lol: Again, thanks Viktor. I've used the Canon 135mm f2 @f2. It's without doubt, my favourite lens, and probably one of the best lenses Canon produce. Certainly the sharpest and most...

Cheers Ian. :thumbup: Thanks for the kind words Viktor. Honest answer?....about 3 minutes, maybe 5. Once the settings are dialled in, it's a case of fire a dozen shots off and that's it. These really aren't what I'd call 'proper' photos. There more like diary shots. Images top look back...

The fern is really small mate. I need a macro lens to do it justice. Here's a few, very random images. I didnt have any time or the heart to take good shots. The moss is looking great. In a couple fo shots, you can see how certain mosses grow different to one another. scape-2 by saintly's...

Cheers Chaps. Thanks Tom :thumbup: I'm taking a few photos this weekend in amongst all the work i have to do! :? The rare fern that i bought from living waters is doing great. A very pretty, small fern.

. I'll be in touch to discuss if you like stu. It'd be good to have you as part of the team. Cheers Ian... I'll send the check shortly lol. Goes to show little dosing can work. Btw.... Dan is missing you and the nerf war!!!!

The seminar wouldn't just be about photography. There'd be many aspects. I think a free event would encourage more to attend. There's plenty to arrange, and I'll be talking to Tony in the near future. Sure. Maybe a few different speakers can share their tips on aquatic photography. It's a...

Yeah, we were discussing the possibility of a seminar or something similar. Bringing a 'grown in tank', and then setting up for a photo shoot. Not just using flash as a light source, but to try and show how to get the best out of aquarium lighting for aquatic photography. Tips on, getting the...

Another time mate. I'd like to arrange some kind of get together. Me and Tony were talking about something @ aquatics live, which could be quite interesting. Well, I'll be doing this over the Christmas break, so maybe we could arrange something? I cant confirm a fixed date as yet though...

No worries mate. Another time. I'll get through it. Actually, i thought there'd be a few more takers.

Cheers Swee. It'll be the big shoot soon, so out come the hairdryers and stuff :mrgreen: I may need some help too with the shoot. :?

Thanks mate. Was nice to meet you @ aquatics live. Yeah, the Echinodorus needed a home, so thats why it ended up in here. :D Here's a couple more shots. Nowt fancy... You can see the riccia starting to lift. Had the halides on today, and the pearling has made it boyant :? 5-months-3 by...

Cheers mate. I've had bit of a tidy up today. Removed a few stray runners, removed big leaves off Echinodorus...stuff like that. Cleaned my lily pipes, and broke one in doing so...D'OH I need to start moving the several hundred shrimp into the 90cm. Once this is complete, I don't want to...

Awww...Thanks mate. That means a lot. It's kinda ironic; the lesser time spent on trimming, the better it looks. (is ironic the correct word even? :eh: )

When ever ypu can mate. It'll end up looking even wilder I reckon Tony. I've not trimmed much recently, but the moss is in need of a general overhaul.

Time ticks on by, i get busy, the tank keeps on going. It's untidy right now, and a good trim is in need. Little to no dosing, water change 1 per 2 weeks and everything is just fine. It wont be too long, and i'll be doing final images. untidy by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Treat :mrgreen: It does make cleaning etc. much easier. The reason behind the wheels though, is for ease when it comes to taking photographs. I can move the tank away from the wall, and illuminate the rear wall. :thumbup: I always enjoy documenting via journals. I'll do my best to keep the...

I wish I could bring it Paulo. I'm not coming until Saturday due to major work commitments. 8 hours of driving after a full days work makes it impossible. Live stock also makes it impossible. Catching all of the fish and several hundred shrimp seems bit of a nightmare. Cheers Aron. :wave: I...

Cheers mate. I'm looking forward to the next one, as I'm using stone. My fave hardscape material. I've done a few wood layouts recently, and to be fair, it's not my first choice material. Nor am I all that good with it. I'll be doing an Iwagumi style, but with plenty of slow growers. Something...

Thanks guys. This will be over in a few weeks time, and then onto the next layout. :angel:

And one final image... :D angle by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Cheers George. I do hope your well :angel: I planted HC in this tank. On the right hand side. It's took a back seat to other plants which are much more invasive. That said, it's still growing. Here's an image showing the small amount of HC thats in the tank. hc by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Re: A Chocolate Puddle - pic update pg 20 Only if it does not lead to better things....Which this will A new start, a new layout, and new inspiration for as all.

It really is hard for me to say how many bubbles per second i use. I simply dont use a bubble counter. My co2 is quite low. I use a BOC bottle on this tank which is either 9 or 11KG. i'll confirm shortly.... I've had this bottle for the last 4 scapes i think....it's never ending. An FE (2.5KG)...

I'll be taking the red out....it's just for an experiment. :D They're getting there. :thumbup: Not long until i rescape. A few more weeks, and i'll be ready to move on to the next project. :mrgreen: I cant wait! I have some massive stone in the back garden waiting to be ploncked inside...

Thanks for the comments chaps. There's not much to report. The rear stems are taking shape. The right and left sides are looking a little more natural now that things are mixing together. Here's a few pics... stems by saintly's pics, on Flickr right by saintly's pics, on Flickr left-1...

Re: A Chocolate Puddle - pic update pg 20 I've looked at this latest set of images several times, and every time, I'm utterly blown away. You need to be proud of this set up. Inspirational, beautiful, clean....i can go on. I showed this to my wife, and she said "why can't you do something...

Re: A Chocolate Puddle - pic update pg 20 Outstanding. I'll reply in full later

Sure mate. I'm down there on Thursday! :thumbup: The guy @ living waters knows his stuff. It's indica for sure, acording to him. Good question Viktor. I asked myself the same thing before buying it. I then decided on this unit for a few reasons. 1. The reflector design is amazing, and...

I'm not really 100% on fish in the post to be honest Gill :( thanks anyway. I dont mind at all Viktor. Infact, i presume youve posted it?....the hit's on you tube have increased a lot. :thumbup: Also, thanks for the kind words. Sure, the lower lighting has just about got rid of all of my...

All 3 males are of equal colour Gill. The females are quite pretty too. Often with fish, there's usually a dominet one which looks better than the rest, but these are even in colour. :D

No mate, not at all. They'll come close when it's feeding time.

Thanks mate. No, I havent got anymore. I think Ian is giving me what he's got. They're devine little things.

A nightmare! :lol: So, here's a vid update. I think the tank is about 15 weeks now...

Well it did cross my mind, but what with all of the live stock, it'd just be a major mission, and a massive hassle. :shifty:

I've been quite selective on the shot i've posted. Trust me, it's not ready :lol: Stems are nowhere near ready.

Re: A Chocolate Puddle - pic update This is just spectacular! I'd love to see a red species of lily in there. You can really emphasize floating plants in a tank like this. By far the best example of this style of tank.

Cheers Troi. Just need to tend to the 90cm now. It's been running for about 5 weeks now. I'm really not sure if it's going to be ready for Aquatics live though :? My slowest growing tank to date....but pretty clean. check out that stone...in full sun and still clean :geek: the-90cm by...

Here's a moss pic. Shot @ f2- 1/200- iso 400 You can clearly make out 2 species of moss mossy by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Thanks Dean. and thanks to whom ever pointed you in this direction. :thumbup: Interesting Tom. Your right with regards to it's speed....it rockets along. Cheers mate. I bought them as the above name of rocket panchax. Hi matey. :D The riccia has grown quite nicely. I might use it this...

I'mnot really sure ollie, hopefully a while. where do you live... :lol: i'll send em over cheers mate. I've been taking some inspiration from you recently :lol: It cam in by acident. Actually, i have some the dark variety growing too. From a distance, you cant tell.... riccia-2 by...

I'll get a vid sorted. I might get some more. Here's how big they are...compare it to the cherry... I really need to get the macro lens out. killi-2 by saintly's pics, on Flickr

They are very attractive indeed. A new fave for me i think. They cost £20 for 6. I have the camera on standby ready for some more images. I might do a video actually. There's some flaring from the males which looks real nice.

The bext i can do at the moment. They stay right at the top, but i've noticed this after noon, that a male and female are getting rather friendly in the moss. killifish by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Thanks Ian. people have only ever seen my tanks when heyre about 2 weeks old. I'm glad youve seen it when it's a little mature. Little beauties. I've got some clown killifish. 6 in total. Surface dwellers that just love...the surface :lol:

It's doing OK. slow, but OK. The kettles full and ready :lol: It's been 3 weeks now in which the 120cm has had just 36ml of ferts. The same frequency for the 90cm...but less ferts.

A few more weeks and this will be done. I'm getting ready for the next layout. A side shot... side-3 by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Yes, just the 2 t5 lamps. Theyre about 16 inches or so away from the surface. I take the pics after co2. I still have the 'mist' once the co2 is running. Yes mate. I've got a layout thats abou 5 weeks old now. All 1-2 grow :) Here's a couple of pics from today of the 120cm 12-weeks by...

A quick moss pic... moss-flash by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Thanks mate. That means a lot. I wasnt sure if people were looking at it. Saturday and sunday. 6ml Tropica spealisied ferts. Cheers mate. Should look better once finished :) I dont get chance to see it that often. Working away means i have to imagine what it looks like, and what it...

Cheers Tony. Look forward to it. I'm working on a gas terminal this week, so leave a message and i'll call you back in the evening! :thumbup: Another week of no dosing. :geek:

and a final 10 week comparison. FTS by saintly's pics, on Flickr tank-at-10 by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Thanks Tim. Here's a few more images. I've pulled the tank away from the wall, rather than getting all my kit out. Though, i am looking forward to iluminating it properly trim-5 by saintly's pics, on Flickr trim-4 by saintly's pics, on Flickr trim-3 by saintly's pics, on Flickr trim-2...

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... @ 8 weeks with vid Thanks for the feedback chaps. Here's an update after tonights trim.The stems are bushing out in the back. I've chopped the ammania bonsai down from about 25cm tall. It's been left alone for nearly 2 weeks. This last week, it hasnt had...

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... @ 8 weeks with vid Cheers Ian. Glad you liked it. I'll do something better in the future.

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... @ 8 weeks Yeah, always does better in lower temps. :D Here's a final vid for the week. Ignore reflections and slight brown on outlet (right side) :oops:

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone To go with the above image, here's an image from this morning. It's the 8 week stage. Check my you tube page for a more produced video of this tank. 8-WEEKS by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone Thanks Fazial. Really kind of you. The tank is running fine. Moss is looking nice. Nothing real major to report. The tank is just ticking over. Siphoning the moss keeps it in excellent shape. The not so bonsai,"Ammania bonsai" needs trimming. :lol...

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone Thanks Ady. Next weekend i'm going to do a proper video of this set up. Backgrounds and everything. :thumbup: Glad you liked the other vids too.

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone here's a rough clip of the tank... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPMSC5TM ... ovN9xMe0Lw

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone Theres about 40 or so Gary,maybe more and over 100 cherries. A few ottos, gouramis for the surface, barbs to peck at wood and stuff, and single hill stream loach....i'll add to the hill stream loach.

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone Thanks mate. I do though see many things that dont look right. The left side could have been stronger and match the right side a little more. I dont have the heart to go into the tank to move things around. From this pic, you can see the HC...

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone I wouldnt take too far out of context. It's really not that much of an issue. My lights are really quite dim when compared to past layouts when i've used HC. My co2 is not pumping out like it used to. I dose 6ml of the new Tropica ferts...

Re: Aquagreen (new vid p18) I've seen this tank today. Pictures do not do it justice (not being disrespectful) Ian could give a master class in how to keep a healthy clean tank.

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone The soil is about 4 months old. I think your right Ady. Contributing factors i can think of are... Old soil, positioning of HC, lower light than normal, lower co2. Also, I do know that some 1-2 grow species can take a while longer to 'settle' in...

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone Thanks guys. I've been really busy of late, and finding time even just to view the tank is difficult. When i come home, lights are off. Here's a 6 week update. Everything is fine, and plants seem to be settling down nice. The diffuser on the left...

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone here's the best i can do with the loach :? he dont hang about long... loach by saintly's pics, on Flickr The cherry barb are easier. cherry-2 by saintly's pics, on Flickr cherry by saintly's pics, on Flickr 5-weeks by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone Not sure i've shown this, from last week. Still growing in, and a long long way to go. 4-weeks by saintly's pics, on Flickr

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone That looks like the fella. It's down as a hill stream loach AKA hong kong, butterfly.... Great little thing at cleaning. Something i'll be adding the algae crew.

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone I'll try and get one. :thumbup: Yep. The slowest growing stuff ever. It's now started to grow. I think low light has kept in a dormant state, and now it's realised that it best grow otherwise it'll die :lol: I've not put much in because of it's...

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone I'm not sure mate. I have lights on for 5 hours min. to 6 hours a day. Everything else i do is the same as everyone else...I think. I've grown plants in just gravel before with no probs. It was a long time ago, but i did it. I've preformed the...

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone Cheers Ady. Controlling lighting is the key. I'm probably getting less. My lights are real high above the tank, and taking into account that the tank is 55cm high, from substrate to light, there's a 90cm gap. I don't struggle growing anything...

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone Thats a tricky one chris. I'd be vigulent with what ever method you decide to level up the tank. Obviously dont choose things that would warp or break under pressure. In winter it gets no lower than 19 or 20c. In the summer it can be as high as 24c...

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone Thanks Antoni. Looking at it, there's a few things I'd like to change, and might even change those things. There's also a few ideas from this I'd like to take into another tank. I'm into the whole moss carpet thing.

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone iT'S A LITTLE ONE...I THINK. :shifty: (caps) Thats it mate. Room temp on all of my tanks. and slight distortion apparently. I'd only recommend it with a robust cabinet. In fact, it's at the owners own desecration. :geek:

Re: 120 x 55 x 55cm planted... Home alone The stems have rocketed. Thats probably what makes it look a little more 'grown in' The lower growing plants are growing at a snails pace until about the 6 weeks mark, then I'll start to ramp up the lighting. Yep. I've found the longer the hose, the...