Gush Jet drop checker kit on the way, I'm pumping an almost impossible amount to count of CO2 bubbles per minute, far more than in the previous setup, yet the fish seem to have no hassles at all. Strange that others here seem to run tiny bpm's for much larger tanks but mine has always needed stupid amounts - I've never used a drop checker in ages, but if I want to ensure everything is 'right' then I figure I need to have one again.
Also got the Hydor replaced - new one (12mm/red ends/200w) fitted today, the temp is now sitting at a stable 23c. I was going to leave the heater off but it dropped a little under 20 the other day and I feel that's too low, especially with winter on the way.
Water change has so far been shrimp-friendly. I've not had a thermometer I could use in the water change bucket until last week (Gush 'J' one, lovely
) and I was well off with what my hand thought was the same temp. as the aquarium, thermometer read 27/28 which may well have been mostly to do with the shrimp death (as in the final one that didn't die in transit) from the first batch. So far, all 8 of the new ones are fine, didn't even bat an eyelid (do they have eyelids!?).
Growth starting slowly on the hair grass, though the ferns and crypts are doing there usual slow growing stuff