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  1. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    All equipment now in for sale section. http://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/lots-of-equipment-for-sale-ada-tank-aquasky-co2-kit-eheim-2213-more.42252/
  2. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi, I have made the descision to close this tank down, fish have gone and equipment is drying out . Mainly due to it all going a bit wrong and me losing the will to live with it, I appear to be rather talented at growing algae but not a lot else. I already have my next tank waiting in the...
  3. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Chris which 'lower dose' all in one fert are you using. Legytt - I used to have a poppy style lily pipe but didn't get much flow as it deadened the water flow. Spray bar looks awful but much more flow. Thanks for the help guys
  4. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Unsure on GH, no test kit for it. Filter is a Eheim 2215
  5. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Tank all going a bit wrong, horrid film of surface keeps forming/ smells, sheets of green stuff on aqua soil/ glass/ clinging to plants which I think is cyanobacteria. Today water change about 60%, added fluvial internal to increase flow (any more and will be a jacuzzi). My last ditch attempt...
  6. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Well it's all done a bit wrong, horrid film on surface keeps forming (have fitted sprayer point upwards to keep surface broken to stop it forming) and tank definitely smells funny. I am putting this all down to cyanobacteria which keep forming on the plants/ aqua soil. Annoyingly this tank has...
  7. dfinn

    What's this white film on top of water?

    Hi Everyone, My tank has started to produce this weird particulate film on the surface (see picture). If you try and mix it in it just forms white particles within the water. I have to skim it off the surface to remove it. I was wondering if it was something to do with my EI ferts, could my...
  8. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    So I have just fitted the replacement CO2 inline diffuser. Turned it on and after a while now have tonnes of micro bubbles coming out of my return pipe (which I am assuming is CO2). If this is the case then the crack in my old diffuser may have not been very well repaired by me as I definitely...
  9. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    EI macro/ micro auto dosed 10ml alternate days. Have reduced to 5ml now. Tank 35l so in total system volume is about 50l
  10. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    You know when you go to the aquarium shop for a couple of plants, but it leads to you buying way more than that and doing a full re-scape? Well...... Sorry about the poor pic, will get a better one when the room is dark. I ripped out the carpet and the remaining hydrocotyle and added...
  11. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    All seems to be going a bit wrong, general plants not flourishing and lots of algae, turned lights off for 4 days which seemed to clear most of it, not just got lights on for 4 hours a day. CO2 for 6 hours, 5ml EI Maco/ Micro alternate days. Feel like just ripping all the monte carlo out and...
  12. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Still pretty poor Monte Carlo growth and getting algae issues, as soon as I try to turn the light up above 50% it just takes hold over a couple of days. My DC is green, but feel the diffuser may not be as efficient as could be as I did repair a crack in it initially, might just replace this...
  13. dfinn

    Hissing inline CO2 diffuser

    Thanks, I may well replace it just to be sure. I get green on the DC so CO2 is getting there, but don't want to be wasting it! Thanks
  14. dfinn

    Hissing inline CO2 diffuser

    Hi, I have been using an inline CO2 diffuser for months which I "repaired" a slight crack in using superglue. My drop checker reads green but the diffuser does make a slight hiss when in operation (?CO2 leaking). No bubbles form when I spray the reactor on the outside but wondered if the...
  15. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Must be near FE change time, but still bubbling!
  16. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Growing in
  17. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Re-scape done randomly yesterday, the algae seems to be much more under control after I dimmed the lighting a tad and shortened the photo period by an hour. Just need to let it all settle in. I have taken out the rotala as it was annoying me somehow, going for smaller bunches of bacopa and...
  18. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Clean up crew is just 5 ottos. Not sure if my tank is a bit on the small side for gobies? Never kept them before. Yeh I am manually removing as much as I can and trying to keep the plants pruned to encourage fresh growth. Thanks
  19. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi everyone, Current issue is all this horrid green stringy algae that is getting into my carpet and other plants. I have dimmed the lights a bit to see if that helps, would reducing ferts also help. CO2 is running on borderline yellow on the drop checker so not a lack of CO2, but circulation...
  20. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi, Yeh the brown algae is the next thing to battle. First it was the diatoms, then the green stuff, now this....
  21. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Decided to remove quite a lot of the hydrocotyle as it was over shadowing the monte carlo. Now trying to encourage a full carpet in front of the wood. Major trim of the rotala too. CO2 is looking a little on the low side too...time for a refill soon me thinks
  22. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Ha, yeh I've asked for the lily pipe brush from Santa so they might get a scrub in the new year.
  23. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Realised I had set the auto doser wrong (well the instruction manual was wrong) so the ferts were only getting dosed every 2 days, oops.
  24. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Major trim today, Monte carlo definitely picking up. I'm going to keep the hydrocotyle more limited as it get's a bit out of control. Aiming for a full backdrop of rotala!
  25. dfinn

    miniMal (thread closed)

    Oh no! It's a great little scape, salvage what you can, have a break and get back to it in the new year!
  26. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi, Well the diatoms seemed to have just disappeared over the past week. I have the lights running on full and that seemed to clear them! Also the Monte carlo is picking up and even Santa's in on the scape now :-) Dan
  27. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    I'm just manually removing the algae now and letting things ride themselves out. I don't want to keep changing things as it will just make everything unstable. I know my CO2 is fine at the drop checker is spot on and even goes yellow by late evening (fish fine). I may just play with improving...
  28. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi, Thanks people. I have ADA Aquasoil Amazonia Powder Type with Powersand Special S below. I tried dosing easycarbo last night actually but my too's seemed to go a bit mad/ distressed and the drop checker went yellow so I did a 50% water change. I think my CO2 is ok as the drop checker is...
  29. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Some pics of the diatoms, still struggling to keep these under control, manually removing what I can. Ottos don't seem to be that bothered for them! What should I be doing, should I be increasing water changes or will this worsen things? Dan
  30. dfinn

    miniMal (thread closed)

    Love this scape, don't give up! I am having my own woes with the Monte carlo so feel your pain! Dan
  31. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Inhabitants are now present. 10x Neons 7x Otos Still waiting for the Monte Carlo to pick up... lights on 6 hours at 50%, CO2 on for 8 hours, EI ferts auto dosed. Dan
  32. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Lights dimmed to about 50% and on for 6 hours per day. 50% water change today and had to replant the back left background plant as the deeper stems went black, assuming they aren't getting enough light. Diatoms still occurring, keep removing as much as I can... I also removed more of the...
  33. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    I've upped the water changes to 50% twice weekly as I had slacked before with only once weekly. Lights are dimmed to about 70% output on for 7 hours a day.
  34. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi, Thanks for the replies, I have done a couple of water changes so nitrite is much better now. Next problem is algae, got brown patchy stuff and then brown fronds (highly technical I know). Monte carlo still melting in patches. I have removed these bits as they weren't rooted well and...
  35. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Sooooo I was thinking of adding some fish this weekend, so thought I'd test the water.... Looks like I will be waiting a bit longer. Nitrite and nitrate are through the roof, but ammonia is looking reasonable. Am I right in thinking that the cycle has started and the ammonia has been cleared...
  36. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Update: Plants growing in nicely, still struggling a bit with the Monte carlo though, although I think it is still growing... Getting this annoying speckled film on the surface, half wondering if it is the EI ferts crystallising. Dan
  37. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi, Thanks Bacms, I have the lighting on 6 hours and have reduced the intensity further today as have started to get some monte carlo melt. I guess getting some is inevitable as it transitions from being a tissue culture plant to immersed: Melting Monte carlo... Had just gone a water...
  38. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi, Thanks, OK will change the timer, how long should I leave it at that, should I gradually increase it over a few weeks? I Have a dimmer on the Aquasky so I have dimmed it to about 70%. Should I do the same with the CO2 or keep that on 8 hours? All the plants are in and everything is...
  39. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Superglue appears to cure all woes... Looks like it is ok for now, will get a replacement at some point. Couple of pictures, ignore the rock weighing down the wood, should have soaked it! Dan
  40. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Cracked diffuser! Not happy. Turned everything on and it started bubbling from the casing, must have cracked during the move as it was fine before. I've superglued over the hairline crack for now and think I will need to order a new one. I also forgot the wood would float as it had dried out so...
  41. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    STC 1000 wired up, things look nearly ready to go. Just need to set up the bubble counter, fill the EI bottles and tidy up a bit! Dan
  42. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi, Thanks for the feedback! alto I like the Didiplis diandra. It may be a later addition. Haha my patience is more down to finding the time currently has been difficult but the plants have been dispatched and can only pick them up on Saturday from the postal depot (crossing fingers they will...
  43. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Ordered fewer plants as I think my previous list was too much Micranthemum 'Monte-Carlo' Tissue Culture Bacopa 'Compact' Anubias Nana 'Mini' Rotala Rotundifolia Hydrocotyle tripartita Japan Better wire that thermostat up! Dan
  44. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Thanks guys, How many pots of the MC/ HC would I need for the tank, imagining that everything is carpeted other than say the back 2" strip of the tank? Dan
  45. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi, Right, been thinking about plants: Plants: On the wood - Anubias nana bonsai, (what is the smallest form of this I can get?) Rotala rotundifolia Bacopa austrilaris Echinodenorus tenellus Micranthemum umbriosum Hydrocortyle verticillata or tripartite especially around the wood and...
  46. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Sorry for the lack of updates - Now moved house and have been reconnected with the internet! Everything is in place and ready to go at some point... Here's a teaser, just me playing with a blue LED strip. [/URL] Just need the plants now! Hope to progress more soon! Dan
  47. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Sorry for the lack of updates. Not much going on at the minute but managed to get the STC 1000 into it's project box last night. Dan
  48. dfinn

    Non-return valves for dosing pump

    CO2 PVC pipe has a thicker wall and narrower bore so it must get a better seal with connectors?
  49. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    I have figured out CO2 tube is much better than standard air line. Just need to order some more now to change it all to CO2 tube and hope that works. Dan
  50. dfinn

    Non-return valves for dosing pump

    Aaron I've found that my problem was actually with the airline I was using. I changed CO2 pipe and it seems to have improved. Dan
  51. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Non return valves seem ok now, I have fitted CO2 tube to them instead. The only areas leaking now are the plastic connector from the pump to the tube grr. Dan
  52. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Thanks Chris, I have figured out that patience is definitely beneficial and you need to right kit/ parts to get things right. I think I am going to hold off cutting the cabinet as I think the hoses might be ok as they are. Half the problem is that my lily pipes only have one suction cup on so...
  53. dfinn

    Non-return valves for dosing pump

    Right I have the non-return valves installed but I think they are a bit cheap and nasty and are leaking a bit meaning I am getting back flow. Does anyone know of a good non-return valve for use on an auto dose that won't leak? Dan
  54. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Thanks people. I know drilling is more difficult but I think it will be better aesthetically, plus it means I have fewer pipe joints/ leaking risks? Dan
  55. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    That's the great thing about buying things second hand, you don't get the instruction manuals telling you all the boring rules! I did scan the eheim instructions online and didn't see anything but will check again. Just some minor leaks around the Hydor and diffuser which I might have fixed...
  56. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    After pretty much 3 days work the hardware is near enough all installed. Currently running everything with an empty tank to check for leaks. I suspect I may need some new non- return valves for the auto doser as they is a bit of back-flow going on. Also need to figure out what to do with the...
  57. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    I've decided to use one of the shelves from the cabinet for the backing board so have got that all measured and cut for pipes/ cables etc. LED strips fitted to the top board for cabinet lighting.
  58. dfinn

    Boulder Dash - Mini S

    Yeh the Hc is looking great!
  59. dfinn

    Auto dosing pipes

    I am very new to auto-dosing and peristaltic pumps but I have been researching and it looks like contact with the water is best avoided. I suppose also if both macro and micro solution were to slowly seep out near each other they could react together which again you want to avoid. Dan
  60. dfinn

    Auto dosing pipes

    Went with these in the end: Dan
  61. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Not much going on except I have acquired a few bits and bobs, loving my glass EI fert delivery pipes though, these are meant for in-tank CO2 diffusers to make the pipe-work tidy but I am using them the other way around to delivery ferts from a peristaltic pump without the pipes contacting the...
  62. dfinn

    Amano RIP?

    A very sad day, although I am only really beginning my journey into the nature aquarium world I have seen the amazing works this man created, a true talent.
  63. dfinn

    Non-return valves for dosing pump

    Hi everyone, I am just wondering what non-return/ check valves I need to buy for a Jebao DP3 pump? Do normal air line check valves used for air pumps work or are there different ones of liquids? Also do I just need one per line or do I need two, one before and one after the pump? Thanks, Dan
  64. dfinn

    Auto dosing pipes

    Hi, I am going to be auto dosing on a rimless ADA tank and am wondering the best way to fit the pipe work feeding the ferts into the tank. As I understand it the pipes cannot be on contact with the tank water to prevent over dosing etc so I was thinking of using two of these attached to the...
  65. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Wisey I agree, I quite liked how the "arms" made little arches and how the main body of the wood adds height to the scape. I am just leaving it set up dry for a while and will keep trying new layouts until I decide. Dan
  66. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    I've been thinking about the plants. I think I will have a carpet of Eleocharis sp. mini throughout. Then additional plants around the wood/ rocks - things like Echinodorus tenellus and hydrocotyle. Background I would either have taller hair grass or something like Rotala rotundifolia. Attempt...
  67. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Or it might take me 30 seconds to try what you said out Dantrasy. Now what am I meant to do as you are right, it also looks pretty good (to me). This could take a while... Dan
  68. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi, Haha fair enough, I was used to a 180 litre to this is teeny for me. Added another rock or two, I really like the driftwood as it is, I have had it the other way before on an old scape so was to use it this way for a change. I still have loads of other bits to do before I am ready to...
  69. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Dantrasy, thanks for the comment. Where would you put the bigger rock? I feel like I need to limit the amount of hardscape footprint so I can actually get some plants in there. Dan
  70. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Thanks Chris, indeed lots of trimming will be needed. I just want the rocks to add a little something with the wood being the main piece. Found that you also need to use a hammer for scaping these teeny tanks to get the size stones you need... Been playing around with the layout of all the...
  71. dfinn

    Green Pekoe Pond - 40 litres

    Thanks, glad I went for an IKEA one instead. Dan
  72. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Received a little delivery from TGM today, complete with Seiyru stone. Dan
  73. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Update: An impromptu trip to IKEA ended up meaning I have a cabinet for the tank! It's pretty sturdy but I am going to replace the back board with chip board so that I can fix extension leads, heater, dosing pump etc to it. I have an order from TGM on the way with aqua soil and seiryu stone etc...
  74. dfinn

    20% off at TGM

    Yeh I capitalised on this too. Liking the new site as well! Spoke to them on the phone too today, very friendly and helpful!
  75. dfinn

    Dan's 180 Litre Jungle (ish)

    Update: This scape unfortunately had to be closed down due to a pending house move. However, the next one is already well in the planning stage: http://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/dans-45p-a-blank-canvas.37423/ Dan
  76. dfinn

    Green Pekoe Pond - 40 litres

    Hi, Bit of a random question. Did you have any issues with having the tank on the wooden sideboard, it looks like solid oak rather than laminated chipboard. Did you tend to get water marks/ damage to the wood. It looks lovely and thinking of doing this for my 45p which is currently sitting...
  77. dfinn

    45cm Nature Style - Update 5 'Let there be Light'

    Loving this journal. I have a 45p sitting waiting for me to do something with. Love the hardscape, will be watching this closely. Dan
  78. dfinn

    Lyria

    I prefer the first one, odd numbers always look more natural in my opinion.
  79. dfinn

    Dan's 180 Litre Jungle (ish)

    Helloooo Had to let it out!
  80. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Might be onto a winner now? (getting obsessed with this)
  81. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Upside down we go, quite like this, gives the scape some height. Dan
  82. dfinn

    ADA Aquasoil - Normal or Powder Type?

    ok, might need a cap of powder type like you said, cheers. Current mock-up of scape, will be all carpet and taller thin grasses between rocks background
  83. dfinn

    ADA Aquasoil - Normal or Powder Type?

    Cheers people, So normal aqua soil is still ok for planting carpeting plants like HC or hair grass?
  84. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    I am thinking of just buying the power sand and aqua soil (powder type?) and setting the tank up somewhere and just hardscaping it until I'm happy with it.
  85. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    When you find that piece of drift wood in a box somewhere.... this could take a while. Dan
  86. dfinn

    ADA Aquasoil - Normal or Powder Type?

    Hi, I am setting up a ADA 45p and wondered whether I am better going for Normal or Powder Type Aquasoil Amazonia. Am I ok to go all powder type as this will give me a smaller grain size and I suppose a better aesthetic for this small tank. I was worried that if I mix the two that the powder...
  87. dfinn

    Dan's 180 Litre Jungle (ish)

    Update: Not only are things not dying but I think my crinum natans is going to flower! I didn't even realise it did. The stem has grown about 5cm in 24 hours! For plants to actually flourish in my hands is something of a miracle! Dan
  88. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Thanks alto, I think I can only dream of achieving anything like that! I feel my carpeting plant will be Eleocharis sp. mini, with echinoderms tuneless between the wood/ stones. Lots more planning to do... Dan
  89. dfinn

    CO2art Lily Pipe Question

    Many thanks, order placed :-) Dan
  90. dfinn

    CO2art Lily Pipe Question

    Hi, Quick question: Would this lily pipe set fit an ADA 45p reasonably well? Given substrate depth etc? Also do they come with the suction cups are these separate? http://www.co2art.co.uk/collections/lily-pipes-12-16mm/products/hand-made-glass-aquarium-poppy-lily-pipes-set-o13-12-16 Thanks, Dan
  91. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    I think I will be going for glass Lily pipes to keep things as aesthetic as possible. Latest scape: Now what plants/ livestock to have. I feel a shoal of Ember tetras would look good here? Dan
  92. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Playing around a bit more with the hardscape, again still only with sand and an old tank. Feeling something along the lines of this: Dan
  93. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Playing around with scape ideas. Tried a couple of Iwagumi type layouts in an old tank with some spare rocks I have (unsure on the rocks) and also a piece of wood which I really like. If I went for the wood I feel it would have to be surrounded by small rocks at the base. More of a fan of wood...
  94. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Next on the agenda is glassware. I can't decide between a lily pipe outlet or a poppy type. or I feel like the poppy type will reduce the flow slightly. The filter is a Eheim classic 250 so think the poppy might be better given the tank is only 36 litres, any thoughts? Dan
  95. dfinn

    Fallen leaves

    Love this scape!
  96. dfinn

    Dan's 45p - A Blank Canvas.....

    Hi everyone, So I've taken the plunge and done a bit of investing. Met up with Chrisintheuk today and left with a few goodies to start my next challenge including an ADA 45p, Aquasky light, Eheim classic 250, CO2 kit and a hydor external heater. Now I have decided to start my journal...
  97. dfinn

    Dan's 180 Litre Jungle (ish)

    Getting there...
  98. dfinn

    ADA 60P Lighting Options

    Hi, Thanks for the help. Well I am soon to be adding a full FE CO2 setup to my Rio 180 which has relatively easy plants in. I am currently bubbling DIY yeast CO2 in but am slowly working my way up in terms of complexity. I may have to move soon and may need to shrink tank size a tad (/ have an...
  99. dfinn

    ADA 60P Lighting Options

    Hi, I am considering shutting down my current setup and trying something smaller but more hi-tech. I like the look of the ADA 60P but am a little lost as to what would be required for lighting. The plan would be to run a high tech setup with fire extinguisher CO2, Aquasoil, etc. I have had a...
  100. dfinn

    Dan's 180 Litre Jungle (ish)

    Sorry my bad yeh it is, I'll have a bit of a play next time I'm due a water change, but I may be ripping the internal filter out all together, or shutting the whole lot down and getting an ADA tank to start a whole new project....
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