Hi,
quick update.
Things going ok, i have the second filter up and running now and after a little fiddling with different out pipes i have decided upon the NA steel one running along the rear of the tank. The glass lily conflicted too much with flow from the other lily pipe and didnt provide the even flow around the tank that i wanted. The NA pipe is a jet type flow which helps circulate water around the tank, complimenting the flow from the Gush lily. Its the best i can get for now and should cope well even when plant mass increases.
I planned on running two inline diffusers, but one is faulty and im awaiting confirmation of a replacement, however now im undecided as to just leave the one running and keep the second as a spare for swapping when cleaning, especially given the c02 is being well circulated due to the positions of both in and out pipes. The benefit of running two diffusers is that it would reduce the bubble rate to a countable number in the bubble counter to help me set/reset when necessary.
I have been doing every other day 50% water changes, but am now trying every day 25-30% as an experiment. Im using water direct from the hose for ease and dechlorinating in tank during refilling. The water is obviously unheated and the temperature was dropping to below 20 celcius after a water change from around 26 celcius (which it is sitting at due to the warm weather were experiencing
) Im doing 25-30% water changes now to try and reduce the temperature swing for the introduction of livestock.....last nights water change was a more reasonable drop to 23 celcius from 26 which should be manageable. When i plug the heater in this will help reduce any difference quickly.
The misting is reaching all parts of the tank, but i have to say it is a little distracting and i much prefer viewing the tank when the c02 is switched off....i can see why many opt for reactors.
Heres the Gush lily out pipe with a good amount of c02 mist clinging to the underside
The moss and riccardia are starting to show growth. The fissidens on the mesh are also just beginning to sprout out above the fishing line ties:
Heres some shots of the Java moss and riccardia tied with fine fishing line to the wood also starting to grow:
I am experiencing a slight oily film, which i also have always had on my shrimp nano tank. The plants in the nano tank seem fine so im hoping its not a bad sign. I dont like the look of it anyway so have just ordered an Eheim nano skimmer (as reviewed here:
Ehiem micro skimmer 350 review. | UK Aquatic Plant Society) to try and alleviate the issue. Several members are using them and reporting good results. The added benefit is that i can run it overnight and it will aerate the water too
The oily film:
Heres a FTS showing the contrasts created when using the halide lamp, there are many shaded areas and photos dont do justice to the feel and shimmer it gives. It is however extremely bright and im going to have to make a shade to prevent the family from burning their eyes when in use
Also im thinking i may now be safe to trim a few stray leaves from the microsorum trident at each end of the tank in particular, possibly also a couple of bolbitis leaves now it is sprouting some new ones.
My new LED bulb came to replace the broken one so this is what it looks like with just the LED's. They work well with the island scape and it will be nice to view fish under these. I use them for half an hour either side of the main 5hr fluorescents photoperiod for a kind of ramp up and ramp down effect:
Cheerio,
Ady.