Aqua One AR-850

[TarkMalbot]

Sorted and tested properly this time!

 

[TarkMalbot]

My UP atomiser was the wrong size so getting it exchanged so I thought I would try the Fluval Co2 88 ceramic diffuser.

I also had a big cut back of the Aponogetum which has some new shoots coming up and removed some dead leaves from some other plants. The grass type plants seem to have some fine algae on them but its only been a week with ferts and Co2 so I will give it chance. Some photos from today:

Not doing so well:

Mr Kribby checking out what's going on:

Any advice on what I should do with the current setup to ensure I am getting the most out of it?

The bunch of long stem plants at the back are going to be spread out along the back a bit more at the next water change.

 

[TarkMalbot]

Aqua Essentials order arrived this morning.

And as I was setting up the FE in my new tank I swapped them around as my new one is tall and thin which won't fit in my other cabinet so it has gone under this tank nicely:

And as it is the wife's tank I had no say in the distribution of the plants, although I helped tie on the moss & ferns:

 

[fish fodder]

Looking lovely...... Might want to tie the anubias onto some wood too as it's another plant that will rot if the rhizome is buried.

 

[TarkMalbot]

The correct size UP atomiser arrived so I have replaced the Fluval Diffuser with it to see how I get on:

Seems to be a much finer mist of bubbles out of the spray bar. Still adjusting bubble count to get it right as its more efficient that the diffuser.

 

[livewire]

How are you finding the dosing pump? is it consistent with dosing the correct amount every day? have you had any problems with the one way value gumming up and becoming blocked?

I am looking to get the same pump so just wanted to ask these questions to someone who has the same unit.

Cheers

 

[TarkMalbot]

The pumps are working fine. Nothing blocked up or anything and I haven't checked the calibration for a few months. I will do though and let you know how it is.

 

[TarkMalbot]

I checked the calibration this evening an it pumped 30ml in one minute which is exactly what it should have done and what I set it at web it was brand new. All good on that front but it did do something very strange this evening and dose for 1 min at 10pm even though it wasn't scheduled and had already dosed at 9pm as it should have done. A double dose tonight but not that bothered as I did a 50% water change earlier this evening.

 

[livewire]

I checked the calibration this evening an it pumped 30ml in one minute which is exactly what it should have done and what I set it at web it was brand new. All good on that front but it did do something very strange this evening and dose for 1 min at 10pm even though it wasn't scheduled and had already dosed at 9pm as it should have done. A double dose tonight but not that bothered as I did a 50% water change earlier this evening.

Thats not good!

 

[TarkMalbot]

Maturing nicely but I think I need to do something with the long stem plants. They are bare at the bottom and too long at the top.

 

[terry82517]

Brilliant read, what a transformation!

 

[TarkMalbot]

I have noticed the Co2 rate is a little slow no matter how much I open the valve. The gauge on the bottle is showing good so I think it may be the UP atomiser getting blocked and causing a restriction so will get that cleaned out.

 

[justissaayman]

What plant is in the top middle? (the tall one)

 

[TarkMalbot]

What plant is in the top middle? (the tall one)

I have checked my order from aqua essentials and I think it is Hygrophila angustfolia rubra.

 

[justissaayman]

Thanks m8

 

[justissaayman]

@tark: You running the external now correct? Did you just cut a hole into the old filter system and install from there?

Also, how is the lighting in this? You running 1x Daylight and 2x Plant (red/pink) 18w lamps?

Reason for me asking is that I have just been offered one with a stand for £35... and I have a JBL Crystal Profi coming which is rated to 200liters?

 

[justissaayman]

@update: I just bought a AR850...

 

[John S]

@tark: You running the external now correct? Did you just cut a hole into the old filter system and install from there?

You can fit an external without doing any mods to the old filter box. I use Eheim pipes (22/16) and you can fit them through the cut out that the light cable goes through as long as the tank isn't butted up against a wall.

 

[justissaayman]

So did you used different hose sizes? Any chance for a cheeky picture?

 

[John S]

Not sure what size the hoses are on the JBL.

These are when I first did it. It's a but tidier now.



and shot from rear