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Recent content by Ben C

  1. Ben C

    Algae photo request!

    Hi Andy, Thanks very much for the images. I'm no expert yet, but I'm going to suggest that this is actually a form of Black Brush Algae (BBA), which can often appear reddish. In the course of my research for the blog I will try to find a definitive answer to this one for you, but BBA would be...
  2. Ben C

    Algae photo request!

    Great - thanks. So satisfying to see it turn red, isn't it! Thanks again for the pics.
  3. Ben C

    Algae photo request!

    Awesome - many thanks
  4. Ben C

    Algae photo request!

    Hi all, From January I'm going to start blogging about algae in the planted aquarium, but could really do with some images. If you have any algae images that you'd be happy for me to use, I would be really grateful if you could DM them to me. I will of course credit you on the photo (if you...
  5. Ben C

    Waving the white flag! I need your help...

    @Geoffrey Rea Thanks again for the time you've given me here. Its really appreciated. I should have quantified - prefilter only, every two weeks. Not the whole lot. You've inspired me to keep going. Just ordered some Ceratopteris so will implement the changes you've suggested and see how I...
  6. Ben C

    Waving the white flag! I need your help...

    Hi Geoffrey, Many thanks for the comprehensive response - I appreciate it. The thinking behind adding the Koralia was in part to try to flush out some of the detritus, the thinking being that if I can do that AND ensure CO2 is reaching the plants, it might help. My drop checker is typically...
  7. Ben C

    Waving the white flag! I need your help...

    @Tim Harrison Thank you for this. When you say 'sterilise', what do you mean exactly? I can't afford to replace the Tropica substrate - do you think that would be a problem? I had a really high plant biomass to start with (first photo in the video), so perhaps ordering the same again would be...
  8. Ben C

    Waving the white flag! I need your help...

    Hello all, I need your help. I set up a new planted tank in early December. It started off perfectly, but has declined over the last couple of months to a mess. I've had planted tanks for years and this is the toughest ride I have ever had. I've made a video to help illustrate where I currently...
  9. Ben C

    cyanobacteria

    Thanks Edvet - yes, I didn't mean to write 'algae'! A slip of the keyboard ;)
  10. Ben C

    cyanobacteria

    Having read this thread, I just did my own three day black-out (Saturday morning, all day Sunday, all day Monday and into Tuesday evening). There is now not a trace of cyanobacteria - its like it was never there. I will now be doing a 50% water change as that dead algae will be in the water...
  11. Ben C

    Tank falling from grace.

    Dillinger - any update on this? I'm currently going through the same and for the first time ever. Never had BGA before :( Any learnings would be gratefully received.
  12. Ben C

    Trimming Cyperus Helferi

    Hi Sanj - long shot - do you still have masses of CH? If so, could I buy some from you? I'm looking for some submerged, rather than the shop bought emersed growth. Thanks
  13. Ben C

    Yama 山

    As a stand-alone character, or when used as part of a place or family name, it is actually read as 'yama'. The reading 'san' is only used when the character is used as a suffix, such as Fuji-san. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  14. Ben C

    10 years in the making

    CO2 - a far better option than SodaStream For years I only had SodaStream CO2 and this was costing me a small fortune. Having stripped my tank down in preparation for this rebuild, I took the time to investigate other options and happened upon this company and this CO2 in particular - adamsgas...
  15. Ben C

    10 years in the making

    So, this is my latest aquascape and one that has taken 10 years to get to! On my recent 10 year work anniversary, my company gave me £500 to spend on anything I like, so I took the opportunity to indulge my hobby a little. I spent £300 on the two Kessil A80 Tuna Sun LED lights, ADA substrate...
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