Recent content by OwenF

Thanks for all of you replies. I think the calibration was just something I had to give a go, to see what would happen. You have all cleared up my main worry which was that high NO3 would be harming my fish. I have not seen any problems with them but felt it might be something which doesn't...

I've just done a bit of research and I found out the quarry was once extracting limestone. It would seem that this rock would in fact then be Carboniferous Limestone formed from mainly calcium based materials. So I guess unless I want KH through the roof, these won't be going into the aquarium...

Hi there, I manage to 'borrow' these rocks from a quarry that I dive occasionally. I've given them a good scrub and soaked them for a bit. Im just wondering if these funny colours in the rock are some sort of ore that will leach into the water. Is there anything I should do, like boil them -...

I thought i'd convey my results following an evening of measuring small amounts of liquid and dripping tiny bottles. I decided to 'calibrate' my NO3 test kit for two reasons: 1. I have a mistrust in things that are 'cheap' i.e. not £100's 2. I must be colour blind because I can't tell if I have...

Hi Tyke, My guess would be that because you have used de-ionised water in the drop checker (which has zero/v.little?? KH) that the colouration will be inaccurate. I haven't done the maths to say for sure that a small amount of CO2 would cause a DI drop checker to turn yellow, but it certainly...

Wow, i really like all of those, especially the last. You have definitely managed to fill it out with plant biomass, despite its height. Mine in comparison has few plants, i'd say less that 50% .....i think I best get some more. Just so many things to get; graded gravel, pebbles, more wood, FE...

Hi Dave, Yes, i agree. The vertical aspect of the tank poses a challenge to fill out. If it wasn't for the fact I got it for next to nothing, and had I found all these wonderful forums earlier I would have tried to get something long and not so tall. I've got my sights set on a Roma 200/300L...

Hi, Im Owen and im from Portsmouth. I've recently got into proper planted tank fishkeeping after being a (somewhat ashamed) co-owner of a plastic coldwater tank whilst at university. My bro works for a aquatics shop and has started me off with his old marine tank, a Lido 120. I've had it set-up...