greying_mantis
Member
Day 19
13th and final rehab water change done. I did another 50% today. Tested at 40-50ppm nitrates. I’m happy to leave it there and move to weekly water changes. I want to see what the plants do with it.
I’ve been dosing NPK and trace elements for the last week or so. Not sure what exactly is in the trace mix, other than iron. It seems to be an older Aqua Essentials range - I’ve had them for a few years, I think they were a gift. I recognise there’s an element of risk using an old product but I don’t think there’s much that can “go off” in a way that would be dangerous for the tank. The fish are showing no ill effects. I’ll use them up and then see how things look, unless strongly advised otherwise.
The congos are displaying at each other and the synodontis seem to have settled down. Plenty of interaction/minor squabbles today but none of the vicious chasing/fighting from yesterday. The big two are making “desire paths” all over the tank - it’s lovely to see the sand reflect their preferences and habitual movements, something they couldn’t really achieve with the old substrate (which is still in there, just largely buried at the back).
If Lucy and Petri stay chill, the next fish added will be more congo tetra. I’d love to have 10 or so in there, and I think they’d be happier as well. Anyone with some not-tiny congos needing a new home, hit me up? 😄
I’ve ordered polycarbonate sheet for the new lid, and some new tools to cut it. I’ve not decided exactly how I’ll lay it out but I have some initial ideas. I want holes cut for emersed growth and will make the lid up of 2-3 panels, with the plant holes in a panel I won’t have to move much. This will either be at the back or in the middle, over the brace bar. I suppose it really depends how I want the plants to look over the tank, and their roots within it. I’ll do a mock-up tomorrow (probably).
Bought some plants of another UKAPS member - more vallis and limnophila sessiliflora, some dwarf water lettuce and red root floaters. Excited for them to arrive. I also want more foreground and mid ground plants - probably more crypts (with weights this time) but happy to hear suggestions
13th and final rehab water change done. I did another 50% today. Tested at 40-50ppm nitrates. I’m happy to leave it there and move to weekly water changes. I want to see what the plants do with it.
I’ve been dosing NPK and trace elements for the last week or so. Not sure what exactly is in the trace mix, other than iron. It seems to be an older Aqua Essentials range - I’ve had them for a few years, I think they were a gift. I recognise there’s an element of risk using an old product but I don’t think there’s much that can “go off” in a way that would be dangerous for the tank. The fish are showing no ill effects. I’ll use them up and then see how things look, unless strongly advised otherwise.
The congos are displaying at each other and the synodontis seem to have settled down. Plenty of interaction/minor squabbles today but none of the vicious chasing/fighting from yesterday. The big two are making “desire paths” all over the tank - it’s lovely to see the sand reflect their preferences and habitual movements, something they couldn’t really achieve with the old substrate (which is still in there, just largely buried at the back).
If Lucy and Petri stay chill, the next fish added will be more congo tetra. I’d love to have 10 or so in there, and I think they’d be happier as well. Anyone with some not-tiny congos needing a new home, hit me up? 😄
I’ve ordered polycarbonate sheet for the new lid, and some new tools to cut it. I’ve not decided exactly how I’ll lay it out but I have some initial ideas. I want holes cut for emersed growth and will make the lid up of 2-3 panels, with the plant holes in a panel I won’t have to move much. This will either be at the back or in the middle, over the brace bar. I suppose it really depends how I want the plants to look over the tank, and their roots within it. I’ll do a mock-up tomorrow (probably).
Bought some plants of another UKAPS member - more vallis and limnophila sessiliflora, some dwarf water lettuce and red root floaters. Excited for them to arrive. I also want more foreground and mid ground plants - probably more crypts (with weights this time) but happy to hear suggestions