Recent content by Fred Dulley

Hi all, Does anyone know of any reputable Betta breeders/stockists in the UK (preferably near Wales)? I'm looking for a plakat male Betta for my 10gallon but dont fancy buying from a LFS or online tbh. Thanks in advance!

Hi, Soft water is not required. Only a handful of plants “need it”.

I completely understand. After all, the fish are the main reason we are in this hobby. Perhaps increase the CO2 but raise your outlet to promote good gas/oxygen exchange. The plants will also photosynthesise more with an increase in CO2 and therefore produce more oxygen.

The drop checker offers a guide but really the limitation is dictated by the tank inhabitants. If the plants and algae indicate you need more CO2 then you either need to add more CO2 or decrease light intensity. A lot of folk will adjust their injection rate to the point where the CO2 is at a...

Good point!

Personally its not something I would want to overdose. Even at the normal rate I'm convinced it melted my Cryptocoryne Usteriana whereas every other plant seemed fine. I'd rather look at other alternatives, another water change in the week, clean out any mulm in the tank or filter, ensure flow...

You could keep doing the 50% water changes per week but pump/siphon the new water into the tank over a few hours rather than dumping in. I know that a few shrimp “experts” do this.

I've heard of ottos eating baby shirmp and also Dean from Aquarium coop has talked about a method of his where he gives ottos some baby brineshrimp to encourage them to breed.

Very rarely is it anything in the tap water unless its from a bore hole or something. That product provides trace elements (micro nutrients) to the plants. As long as its not overdosed itll be fine. It contains nutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper (very small amounts so dont...

Sorry to hear that. If they're still dieing I'd be doing water changes every few days just in case it is water quality.

Thanks Sarpijk

Much appreciated as always, Darrel.

Hi folks, I've just found and opened up an old tub of TNC trace elements. Whats the chances it is EDTA Chelated and can be used in a DIY all in one fert? I'll be buying the necessary Ascorbic acid. Thanks.

Totally up to you. Not that it matters but your tap looks moderately soft, similar to mine. RO will be more costly and wasteful. I'd personally stick to the tap water. Many folks do. The idea of using perfectly clean water via RO and controlling what hardness you want is an attractive thought...

Agreed. I'd increase the water changes too.