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Hi all, Even the <"EcoSphere"> ones, they sold sealed with <"Halocaridina rubra">, (“Opae Ula” or "Red Volcano Shrimp"), were a bit of a con, because the shrimps died slowly, they are just incredibly tough so it took them a long time to die. cheers Darrel

Hi all, I use really big black 20 ppi foam blocks (the ones they <"sell for Koi ponds">), like the one below on the powerhead, because I can't always maintain the tanks regularly and I don't want them to clog. <"Envobee shrimp sell some poret"> foams - <"Poret® Sponge Replacement for Aquael...

Hi all, The plant my daughter, Megan, brought back from <"Roots and Shoots"> has just flowered. I keep on meaning to do something with them, but they've looked so healthy that I've left them. Cheers Darrel

Hi all, Welcome to UKAPS, your tank looks good. I understand the epiphytes because of your ?Geophagus? I'd add a floating plant, but I'm a <"floating plant obsessive">. Personally I always like a <"sponge on the filter intake">, it stops the <"filter acting as a syphon">. A lot of people...

Hi all, The light you have should be fine. What fertiliser are you using? cheers Darret

Hi all, Agrostis stolonifera (<"Creeping Bent">) would work, but it grows like mad. If I was going to try a UK species, I'd go for a Sedge (Carex spp.), rather than a grass, mainly because most grasses are going to get big quickly. <"Carex pseudocyperus">? might be an option and is easily...

Hi all, It may well flower - <"Above surface plants">. These are @Tyko_N's from <"Marshlands"> cheers Darrel

Hi all, Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant) would be a good one. I have an "all green" one if you can't find it anywhere else. You could try <"fresh Lemon grass"> (Cymbopogon citratus), 60p for two in Sainsbury. I've grown it like this <"a couple of times">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, There is a thread on PlanetCatfish <"Brigs fishing Team">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, That looks <"pretty likely to be an iron (Fe) issue">. The problem with iron is <"keeping it in solution">, so a <"different chelator"> may help. If you have really soft, pure tap water <"Geology of Lithuania - Wikipedia"> you might have calcium (Ca) (unlikely) or <"manganese (Mn)...

Hi all, They may be banned soon as well on health grounds, they already are in some countries. As food additives sodium nitrate (NaNO3) is "E250" and potassium nitrate (KNO3) "E252". cheers Darrel

Hi all, Unfortunately all nitrate (NO3) compounds are potentially explosive. Urea (CO(NH2)2) might be an option? You would need to dose a smaller amount more frequently. I'll add in @Zeus. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Certainly does. Which leaves? Have a look at <"Duckweed Index says Nitrogen please?"> and <"Should i start to fertilize?">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, That would work, but you would need to limit gas exchange with the atmosphere. I think still would actually be better in this case, because you want to avoid out-gassing. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Yes. If you want more accuracy (and I'm guessing you don't) take 50g NaCl and add RO water until the solution weighs 1000 grams (1 kg). You could also call this 5% NaCl solution 50 ppt (parts per thousand) NaCl. To work out the ppm of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) in your solution...

Hi all, I'd recommend <"sparkling bottled water"> as well. cheers Darrel

Hi all, No. <"Best method for water changes when tap water has drastically higher pH than tank water?">. Not necessarily bad, just absolutely pointless - <"Seachem - Acid Buffer">. The link to the safety data sheet doesn't work, but I'm pretty sure it will be sodium bisulphate (NaHSO4)...

Hi all, It is a risk in a closed case. A lot of S. African etc. bulbs like a summer bake while they are dormant. The Scarborough Lily (<"Cyrtanthus elatus">) is a good one. cheers Darrel

Hi all, I had to look that one up. cheers Darrel (63 68 65 65 72 73 20 44 61 72 72 65 6c )

Hi all, Very clever. cheers Darrel (01100011 01101000 01100101 01100101 01110010 01110011 00100000 01000100 01100001 01110010 01110010 01100101 01101100)

Hi all, Caputia tomentosa? cheers Darrel

Hi all, That is really the million dollar question. I think the answer is "yes", but it is a guess. Hopefully some-one will quantify the relative proportions of "found it" to "sat waiting". Also another guess, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if a commercial company tries the <"Secret...

Hi all, I think our knowledge about nitrification has moved on really quickly in recent years, and we have much more understanding of the actual processes and microbes that occur in our filters. Unfortunately Takashi Amano is no longer with us, but if he was? He might have <"revised his...

Hi all, I'll post 2023's photo. cheers Darrel

Hi all, I've never seen one for sale, it was designed for Rice (Oryza sativa) <"Leaf Color Chart - IRRI Rice Knowledge Bank">, but there might be something similar for other cereals. <"http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/qualityseedcourse4women/images/stories/module...

Hi all, If you do want to go down the <"route of testing">, and I understand that <"some people will">, then <"titrimetric methods"> are more likely to give accurate results. <"Testing kit recommendations"> Cheers Darrel

Hi all, It would be so much easier if there was a test kit or probe that you could just dip in your water and it would give you accurate parameters. If you use tap water, the values you get from your water company should be accurate, mainly because they have a water testing analytical lab...

Hi all, If you look at the link that @Tim Harrison posted it gives some idea of the difficulties in involved. I've got a bit of a <"jaundiced view"> of the sellers of aquarium products, and in many cases they know the products they sell are of <"very limited value">, but they carry on selling...

Hi all, Try about 10 per 10 gallon and see what happens. cheers Darrel

Hi all, <"Same for me">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Rounded cobbles are always fine, you just need to give them a quick dip in freshwater and they are good to go. Only really <"hard rocks form rounded cobbles">, and really hard rocks aren't porous. Have a look at <"Large rocks for large tanks">. It is illegal in the UK without a license...

Hi all, I think that is the take home message from <"wastewater treatment in aquaculture"> etc. They either use <"Kaldnes K1" type floating cell media">, or just rely on the microbes <"forming microbial flocs">. Nitrification is <"really all about oxygen"> and <"then the time"> to develop a...

Hi all, In terms of <"bang for your buck">, you <"can't argue"> with these - <"Shrimp safe filter for 35l tanks">. I use them on all my filters & powerheads, and it the past I've used them with <"an air-lifter on air pumps, on HOB filters etc">. You can also <"cut them up"> with a really...

Hi all, Very true, I'm honestly amazed that everybody <"doesn't use a sponge on the filter intake">. I use really <"substantial foam blocks">, but Eheim etc. make a prefilter <"EHEIM Vorfilter">Item number: 4004320 . and OASE have an internal prefilter <"Biomaster Prefilter Foams">. cheers...

Hi all, What @_Maq_ says, it is really <"all about oxygen">. Have a look at <"Is expensive bio media worth it?">. The web site "Aquarium Science" has some figures <"7. Aquarium Filter Media">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Yes. Just add a couple of pellets of the Oyster shell chicken feed to the tank and see how the snails get along. They won't be able to repair the damaged shell, but hopefully they should be all right. I use rain-water and the Ramshorn snails <"never get very big, or very old">, but...

Hi all, That sounds right and hopefully pretty cheap? (a couple of $ a pound?) you should be able to find some that costs "chicken feed". You just need to add a little and see how long it takes to dissolve (you can put it in a net bag in the filter, or the tank, etc). If it doesn't dissolve...

Hi all, How do you feel about snails? <"I'm a fan"> and they will help with the green algae. I also think you may have problems with your fertiliser, some-one will know, but I think you might need <"a bit more"> when you are adding CO2. I think we are somewhere in <"Liebig's limiting...

Hi all, OK, that helps, they use <"sodium carbonate softening">. Personally I'd go down that route. Can you get <"Oyster (or Cockle) shell Chick grit">? If you can't? the potassium carbonate (K2CO3) is fine. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Agreed something very strange there. The high TDS could be from salt water infiltration into the aquifer <"https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/03/us/louisiana-plaquemines-parish-drinking-water-advisory/index.html">, but after that .......... Like the others have said you need to stop...

Hi all, Agree with @Wookii , I should have also said that I would <"just be measuring conductivity at this point"> (which <"is a linear scale">), and I would want that to be in the 50 - 100 microS range. Conductivity isn't perfect, but if you have very few ions of any description? You have...

Hi all, There is "....... composed of an outer organic layer (periostracum) and an inner, mostly much thicker, calcified layer. ". <"Periostracum - Wikipedia">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, It is, but the problem is that pH isn't a linear scale, it is both a log10 value and a ratio. Have a look at <"pH curves (titration curves)">. If you have tap water that is 8 dKH it will have a ph value of ~pH8, via the <"CO2 ~ HCO3- ~ pH equilibrium"> - <"CO2 and pH: Understanding...

Hi all, Yes, something is wrong in the measurements somewhere. The "somewhere" is the problem. They should, so either the pH is above pH 7, or they haven't been in the tank long enough for shell attrition to show. Ramshorn snails are more tolerant of softer (less alkaline) water <"than many...

Hi all, It is definitely shell attrition. It just means that, at times, the pH is dropping below pH 7 . Have a look at <"Nerite Snails in high tech">. <"Diet is important">, but snails can only <"build shell at the mantle">, and they can't protect the older shell whorls. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Sort of, it makes the water softer and less alkaline, but it doesn't reduce pH. A favourite of mine as well, personally <"I'd use rain water">. Cheers Darrel

Hi all, Try <"Ste Chesters">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, It is a bit of a strange one, simultaneously it is both: true and untrue and totally irrelevant. Unfortunately pH always needs a bit of interpretation. Have a look at <"Consistency Deficiency">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, You normally naturally get some manganese in hard water, but I don't know how much hard water effects plant uptake. I'm away at the moment, but I'll see what I can find. Cheers Darrel

Hi all, Both, I think filamentous diatoms, <"Fragilaria / Synedra">. Cheers Darrel

Hi all, I think you are pretty safe with Alder cones. Cheers Darrel

Hi all, They would definitely be the main factors. I'll try and re-home the article I wrote about 12 years ago <"Filtration and flow for fish only tank?">, it could do with an update, but I still agree with the basic tenet of what I wrote...

Hi all, What @_Maq_ says. It probably doesn't make any difference. It is very unlikely that it will contain the nitrifying microbes that occur in planted tanks. In terms of the advice offered have a look at: <"The nitrifying microbes in aquariums and cycling"> <"Correspondence with Dr Ryan...

Hi all, Unfortunately that is ferric (iron (III)) oxide, and <"of no use to us">. That is the one you want, and it is the <"one in the calculation">. Personally I'd just add 1/2 a teaspoon and that should be about right. <"FE EDDHA"> cheers Darrel

Hi all, You just need the percentage iron (Fe) in the Fe EDDHA and your tank size. Just for this calculation, I'm going to assume 6% Fe, 800 litres tank size and that you want 0.5 ppm (mg / L) iron. One gram of Fe EDDHA contains 0.06 g of iron (Fe) and there are a thousand milligrams (mg) in...

Hi all, You should be able to get it fairly easily, hydroponics is a big industry in the Netherlands. I might start with ebay? cheers Darrel

Hi all, I use that <"one a lot">. I like the <"Seasoned Tank Time"> concept, because it is simple and it works. That would be my point as well. Take all the results with a <"pinch of salt">. If there was a simple and accurate <"plug and play"> test for nitrate (NO3-)? I'd recommend it. You...

Hi all, I'm pretty sure it isn't an issue. You would need very soft water before calcium (Ca) deficiency became a problem. <"Serial dilution"> fan as well, although I'll be honest <"I usually don't weigh the salts">. They don't, which is ridiculous really, as it is about the easiest metal...

Hi all, I'm not usually a bottled water fan, but in this case? cheers Darrel

Hi all, That is it for me, <"everything else is less important">. I think @_Maq_ is of the same opinion. Yes, exactly that, use <"simple and robust mechanisms"> to oxidise any ammonia (<"TAN - NH3 / NH4+">) and nitrite (NO2-) and then use plants (and water changes) to mop up the nitrate (NO3-)...

Hi all, <"No">. I'm guessing it works fine as an aerobic filter media, mainly <"because of its shape">. Floating cell media is probably <"the best filter medium">, but <"they all work">, as long as you keep <"them fully oxygenated">. <"Best Filter Media">. The only issue surrounding...

Hi all, You will add a lot more potassium (K) with potassium nitrate (KNO3) on its own. This is because urea (CO(NH2)2) <"just supplies nitrogen">. That would work, or you could use a horticultural fertiliser. I'm using <"Solufeed 2 : 1 : 4">. Have a look at <"Solufeed 2:1:4 and Solufeed...

Hi all, Yes, there are <"crumbs everywhere">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, I think most aquarium based literature underestimates the effectiveness of <"plant / microbe"> biofiltration. The prime metric in nitrification <"is dissolved oxygen"> and plants are, massively, <"net oxygen producers">, so even if we ignore <"direct uptake of fixed nitrogen"> by the...

Hi all, You are welcome. It will <"only be the new leaves">, that grow when iron (Fe) is plant available, that will be green. The plant can shuffle iron around, which is why iron deficiency effects new leaves, not old ones. Cheers Darrel

Hi all, I think they are both <"iron gluconate based">, and that may <"be you problem">. Can you get another chelator for iron? I like <"FeEDDHA">, but it tints your tank water. The problem with iron (Fe) is that it forms a lot of <"insoluble compounds">, particularly in hard, alkaline...

Hi all, It looks like chlorosis of the newer leaves, which is very suggestive of a deficiency of available iron. Rotala spp. look to be <"very prone to this">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, We may all have <"been there">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Looking at your Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) it looks like it has been through <"iron (Fe) and / or magnesium (Mg) deficiency">, but is <"now recovering">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, I honestly think that is why people were shorter in the past, they'd all severed their feet with a scythe. I've seen some-one good at it and they make it look incredibly easy. He told me "an acre" (0.4 hectare) is how much a man could scythe in a day, and that they must have been...

Hi all, I always struggled with <"boom and bust"> using yeast (and gram flour and paprika), so eventually I went over to @tam 's method. <"Daphnia Culture Advice"> It isn't anything like as productive, but you don't have the same issues, I originally got the method from <"Results from...

Hi all, I had a go at scything, I think it would be fair to say that I wasn't a natural (or even semi-competent), but now I'm going to blame the grass ("too dry"), rather than my own incompetence. On the bright side I still have two legs, which might not have been the case with a sharper...

Hi all, I just saw this on the Aquatic Store, Bristol FB group <"The Aquatic Store Bristol">, and it looks very interesting (and definitely a good idea). I don't know if anybody knows any more? The original is a short video, but basically a cabinet with lights and a fogging system...

Hi all, Not words I've ever heard, but I'm not surprised that they have ancient roots. The presence of dew would have been quite important when people were cutting cereal crops (or hay) with a scythe (or sickle), it makes it a lot easier <"Scything the Meadow | Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa">...

Hi all, I think so the new shoots (at the ends of the runners) look fine. Edit: what @Fletchie said. I agree with @Wookii , the only way it could be a CO2 effect would be if you had a huge amount in solution and it managed to lower the pH to <"Carbonated drink"> levels. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Good. It is a Lymnaea type species, you can tell from the "antennae / tentacles", broad in these, and thread like in Physella spp. Have a look at Marcel's @zozo post in <"Snail Identification">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, I'd probably top the tray up until the water level is near the top and then let it reduce to "no standing water" before repeating the filling. I'd be more worried about "too dry", rather than "too wet". cheers Darrel

Hi all, That should be fine. You just need a gel formulation of cyanoacrylate super glue. Don't let the wood dry too far and keep spraying the moss <"and Java fern">, (if you are using it?) with water as you go along. I've given up trying to attach my "epiphytes", they mainly just grow in a...

Hi all, Yes, more CO2. It could be microbial respiration because of the damaged / dead / dying leaf tissue, but you also have the reduction in oxygen production because the plants aren't photosynthesising. As soon as the plants are in active growth photosynthesis will be a net oxygen producer...

Hi all, Yes, I have to make sure I visit (any) LFS at a time when it is going to be quiet, and if it is in a garden centre etc? I try and avoid visiting when its actually open to the public. I need to preserve what little sanity I have left. I also struggle with the (garden) plant side of...

Hi all, I come from a <"farming background">, but I would agree. I didn't agree <"with BREXIT">, but <"I hate the CAP with all my heart">. In August 2022 we drove to Norwich (from just E. of Bath) for my daughters graduation. Some bits of S. England (<"Therfield Heath"> etc.) looked like a...

Hi all, We have some threads for both of them. <"This is Azolla">. It tends to have cycles of growth. and <"this is one for Phyllanthus fluitans (Red Root Floater)">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Yes, most people use <"it to water the garden">. I use rainwater in the tanks and in the garden (I only water the containers), but it goes through the tank first. It just means that the tanks get a larger volume water change when it is dry. Even though it rains a lot in the UK <"water...

Hi all, That is both the advantage and the issue, really good plants for phytoremediation <"Stopping the World’s Worst Aquatic Weed – Northeastern University Political Review"> are always going to be potentially invasive aliens. Salvinia "auriculata group", Pistia stratiotes and Eichornia...

Hi all, We would, but we should. cheers Darrel

Hi all, I will, and I have tried <"https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/tds-tester.67962/page-2#post-673830">. That is the <"technique I use">, but I'm not a CO2 user <"https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/nerite-snails-in-high-tech.33556/page-3">. The problem you (and your snails have) is that...

Hi all, Yes, I think the problem is just getting the <"wider fish keeping community"> to join the choir. The problem for people is separating the <"coffee from the froth"> or the <"wheat from the chaff">. I <"have tried">, but it hasn't always <"gone very well for me">. I honestly think that...

Hi all, One of the "problems" with "plant and wait" is that nobody <"makes any money out of it">. I have to apologise to @Miss-Pepper, but this is what I really think - <"Bedside Aquarium">. I have (tongue-in-cheek) thought about <"monetising some options"> (links below). I think the bird...

Hi all, Have a look at <"3 week into cycling my tank."> and I'll add in @Cor. I think your LFS is right and you only need ammonia based cycling in the <"Mbuna scenario"> - <Who needs a tank for a dark start…. Let’s see.">. Have a look at <"Seasoned Tank Time">, it is a version of <"plant and...

Hi all, It is just because the pond is new. Mosquitoes are incredibly good at finding ephemeral water bodies, but you don't find them in established ponds etc. As the others have said <"mosquito larvae are caviar"> for most fish <"https://cdn.buglife.org.uk/2019/07/Bug-friendly-ponds.pdf">...

Hi all, You can use an "all in one" mix from Tropica, TNC etc. You just need one that contains all the essential plant nutrients. I use a horticultural fertiliser "Solufeed 2 : 1 : 4". Cheers Darrel

Hi all, Yes that is it, measuring dKH is slightly problematic, because the kits <"measure alkalinity via titration">, rather than the actual amount of bicarbonate (HCO2-) ions. You have another layer of complexity from the added CO2 <"Ph drop & high alkalinity">. Once the water is in the tank...

Hi all, It is like @_Maq_ says, calcium and magnesium carbonate technically aren't soluble in water, but are soluble in weak acids. Pure H2O becomes an acid when CO2 dissolved into it, but the excess of H+ ions is rapidly mopped up by any HCO3- ions dissolved in the water. At 420 ppm...

Hi all, Mobile phone, which is one reason (of many) why you don't see the tanks very often. Cheers Darrel

Hi all, River limpets, <"Acroloxus lacustris">. <"Mind your own business"> (Helxine soleirolii (Soleirolii soleirolii)), but it never does. Cheers Darrel

Hi all, Not really my sort of thing as a tank, but <"I was just admiring"> the <"green patina on the rocks">. Personally <"I love a green rock">. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Next time I have a real rant I'll leave her out. cheers Darrel

Hi all, It is. C10H12N2NaFeO8 <"Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, iron(III) monosodium salt, Thermo Scientific Chemicals, Quantity: 100 g | Fisher Scientific">. People tend to ignore the sodium, because it is irrelevant for most uses. I <"used to make my own">, but more recently I've just...

Hi all, That is really the issue, people want <"black and white"> answers in a <"shades of grey"> world. A real problem is that people are more willing to <"believe in a magical number"> rather than the evidence of their own eyes, and then will argue "that wrong is right " even when it...

Hi all, That means that your <"tank water is saturated"> with calcium (Ca++) and bicarbonate ions (2HCO3-). Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) solubility is dependent on pH (via the <"CO2 ~ Carbonate ~ pH equilibrium">), and this means that you have about 17dGH and 17dKH at ambient CO2 levels. <"Global...