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Thanks guys, this makes sense... I was thinking I'd like a check valve immediately after the needle valve and before the bubble counter, but I really want the bubble counter in a fixed possition, not in-line, as such... So, I think I'll buy a new bubble counter with built in check valve and...

Hi, thanks for the reply... Perfect! I can do that, no problem. Brilliant, but... as I don't trust my bubble counter not to allow back flow, (I have read the built in check valves CAN fail) I'm concerned the glycerine would not have to travel far before gumming up my reg. Am I worried about...

Hi, I'll try to keep this brief, but I have a few issues, maybe I can wrap them all into one thread... 1) My bubble counter looses water - fast. It's a standard issue co2 art "with built in check valve". I removed it while full of water the other day and water literally drips from the bottom...

Hi and thanks for all your comments, I'm getting somewhere here... So, just in case this is an issue, I may as well add extra cheated iron from APFUK...? This is edging into a-bit-complicated-for-me territory, but as I understand it the duckweed index is the use of floating plants to expose...

Hi, I have hard water... so are you saying I should therefore not use Clive's or Full EI, as that's more for RO or soft water and I should just stick to the APFUK regime? Thanks

I once found a guy who worked for a fire safety company who'd give me out of date fire extinguishers for 3 quid each, but I found it was a pain to have to mess about making sure I didn't run out and disposing of the empties etc. So now I have 2 canisters, one to run while I get the other...

Thank you all for your advice... maybe not such a stupid question after all. I completely agree Wookii, I don't really want to get into tailoring my recipe at this early stage, as I'm more likely to just balls the whole thing up, with my limited experience. However, looking at the comparison...

Sorry if this had been covered. It may be such a stupid question it wasn't even mentioned due to bleeding obviousness... Anyway, here's my question... In a Co2 injected, heavily planted tank, with increasing light levels as the tank matures and grows in, I am using Aquarium Plant Food ei kit...

This is literally the exact information I needed. I am having the same experience with my co2 art needle valve. If you so much as LOOK at it too hard, the bubble rate shifts into ridiculously low or dangerously high levels. It also creeps up and down when nobody's looking, which I find extremely...

All I can say is the best planted tank displays I've seen (I travel up and down the country for work and try to pop in to every fish shop I pass) is Maidenhead Aquatics Farnham. Truly inspiring scapes. I don't know much more about the shop except friendly staff and some super cool fish on...

Thanks for all the advice Alto. On the Frogbit... (I'm on Android and I didn't even have to correct that. Proof possitive that Android is better than Apple! :p) I have hard water, but now you mention it, I do have lots of surface movement. Since not injecting Co2, I had assumed this would not...

Hi Darrel, Thanks for the info. You just reminded me, I have a few little Frogbit floating about too. I'd forgotten them, as I impulse bought them some time ago, but having not added any ferts, they've almost curled up and died, but I hope what is left will now perk up. If not, I'll buy some...

Thanks Alto, My hope is that with such low levels of nutrients as I'm 1/4 dosing EI, the low light should balance out and I can take it easy, watching it grow in nice and slow. If need be, I'll upgrade my light later, but I'm more worried about over doing it, than under doing it with light...

Thank you Tim, Good to hear I should be off to a reasonable start then... Understood re deficiencies. I'll adjust ferts as they grow. Pleasantly surprised to hear I have enough light and will definitely start off with 6 hours. Also, I forgot to say, I have 2 air stones running, which must...

Hi, I haven't posted here in years, since I went plantless for a while, but now getting back into it on a more low-tech setup. Could you please let me know if I'm heading in the right direction, or am I about to mess this up (again)? I have the tank set up and running for a month or two now...

I ordered the curved aquarium plant food ones in the link above... I needed some other bits off them anyway and I really like them as a company, so that's me sorted now. Cheers :) Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Thank you both. After much researching and deciding I stumbled across Aquascape Pro Scissors S-Curve 210mm on The Green Machine for £7 (Deal of the week!) So I've ordered them! Then I wanted some spring scissors too and I'm sure it's not critical, but I can't decide between curved or straight...

Hi, I need some new scissors as mine are RUBBISH. I want decent ones that will last and I don't mind paying for them, but I don't want to spend a fortune... My old ones are long and curved and I think that works well for me. Can anybody make a suggestion please? Thanks Sent from my SM-G850F...

Oh, I just realised the bag with 100ml of Purigen is sealed... So maybe I'll get 2 and put one in each filter and it'll just last twice as long...? Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

And Merry Christmas.....!!!! [emoji318] [emoji319] [emoji320] Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Great! So, I'll buy 2 x 100ml packs of Purigen (which come with bags) and remove half from each bag. Result = 100ml to treat approx 300 litres of water and another spare 100ml to use when the first batch is exhausted or to alternate (regenerate one, use the other...). This way I also get to...

Ok, I'm sold. Today I ordered enough plastic pot scrubbers to last a lifetime. That is, if I scrubbed lots of pots... (Which I don't!) I intend to use them to replace the bottom 2 trays in both filters. That's the first 2 trays the water goes through after the coarse foam, which are...

I have 15 litres of this... ...under a thick layer of Unipac Limpopo Black Sand. Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Thanks Jonny. I'm glad you like them.You can get a Flameback form of this species which has a wide bright red band on their back - this is not them. As far as I know these are just common Bleeding Heart Tetra. They do improve with age, so perhaps the ones you saw were just a bit too young to...

Ok, I get it... Thank you. I'll do some more research on this topic. Very interesting and I hadn't even THOUGHT of it before. It makes too much sense for me to ignore the fact that I'm massively over filtered and I'm strangling the flow rate out of my filters... I'll probably still add a little...

Oh wow! That seems drastic for me... I do seem to have lots of little particles flying about and I have lots of little white dots settling on everything that I can't identify except as potentially just "bits", so I can't imagine with no fine pad what the water would look like. Plastic pot...

Nope... I just have the standard media that came with the filters (Eheim Pro 3 600 (2075) Thanks though :) Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

I have the 2 identical filters set up as they came. Course filter pad first, followed by (from bottom to top) Mech Pro Mech Pro Bio Mech Substrat Pro Fine Filter pad All original Eheim media except the foam pads, which are Ebayed copies, which seem to be identical to the originals. I...

I meant the filters are full of media! Not Substrate...! Hahaha ;) Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Thanks again... James, I see what you mean. Think of the wood as a dog (it looks like one to me) the "dog's head" would break up any jets before they hit the front glass, so I don't think it'd work that way, but I could go from left rear. Remove the pray bars, point both outlets the the front...

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Aaron, I guess that kind of makes sense now I think about it... I won't do that then, thanks. James, your suggestion makes sense too, but my concern is I need to drive Co2 down 2 feet, so the whirlpool effect leads me to thinking the lower levels may still miss out, but this is definitely an...

To be honest, anything with Echinodorus in the name worries me... My BNs have produced a few offspringin the past and are likely to do so again and it's those little ones that seem to do allot of damage, as they have a ferocious appetite! And sadly, the moss has kind of withered and turned a...

I particularly like the look of Barclaya Red. Although it may be a bit too tall, I could just remove the big leaves and it'll send up new ones no? This is a strong contender, but will it actually be red...? The Crinum looks like something I plan to use in the background to compliment some tall...

Or would 2 of something like this, one just under each of the spray bars be better? Just to turbo boost the flow from the spray bars..? http://charterhouse-aquatics.com/shop/aquatics/aquarium-aquariums/koralia-pumps/hydor-koralia-nano-evolution-900-circulation-pump I'd say 600 LPH each? Do...

Hi, I have a couple of specific concerns and I'd appreciate your help chosing and positioning a new power head. Current set up - Tank: 110 x 55 x 60 (340 litres) - 2 x Eheim Professional 3 (600) 2075 filters (rated at 1250 LPH each) with original media - 2 x spray bars at top rear, facing to...

I've been pretty hot on cleaning the filters. I actually thought I might be over doing it, but I haven't been so good with removing dead leaves and stuff and many of my plants have been struggling. I also have lots of dead and dying moss, so maybe just bits of crap from general fish and plant...

Only Assasins and their eggs are bigger and kind of square... Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Hi, These tiny little white dots have been settling on / sticking to every surface in the tank for a while now. Not the glass, but wood, rocks, plants... I was hoping it was just a temporary flourish of something that would clear up, but it's still happening. They brush off with no effort, but...

I'm very grateful for this. I'm so pleased to see there's still hope for me to successfully grow moss on this wood. It's been tormenting me for ages. I will read back through all this and go and get learning about algae control rather than just constantly fire fighting by curing rather than...

I like the look of this! Thanks. I think I'll definitely incorporate this...

Thanks. Both look like great suggestions. I like the Lagenandra meeboldii 'red' for the centre, as it looks different to anything else and I think that's cool and now I'm thinking maybe I'll put an undulates kasselman in the front right corner, where I currently have a Cryptocoryne Wendtii...

Thanks EnderUK, The temp is 25. I think what's left looks pretty dead, but do you think I should trim the moss back now and stop the liquid carbon and see what happens...?

Thanks. That must be it! The liquid carbon is killing the moss, but before I used liquid carbon, I had lovely moss, covered in hair algae...! Sadly, if I kept shrimps, they'd either be eaten by or hide from the Golden Wonder Panchax, so they'd never dare to venture up to the top where I need...

Hi, I have tried and tried! My dog sized piece of wood look ridiculous without a good covering of moss all over the top, but it just won't seem to grow...! It did once, but I had horrible hair algae, so I sprayed liquid carbon directly all over it and in a day ALL the moss died! Lesson learned...

Hi, I need a plant for the centre of my tank. I will be removing the Echinodorus Bleheri (otherwise known as "salad" by my Bristlenoses...!!!) from the rear and replacing it with Hygrophila Polysperma at the left rear and Cryptocoryne Usteriana and Cryptocoryne Aponogetifolia at the right...

I used 1/3 dose EI until I started the Co2. It seemed to do the job. When I started with the Co2, I upped it to full dose... http://www.aquariumplantfood.co.uk/ei-starter-kit.html Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Thought I'd add these, just for fun... For the Bleeding Heart Tetra Apreciation Society (Derek) ;) I noticed they were showing off last night so I took a quick video and these are stills from that. Poor quality, but you get the idea... Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

So here's a pic of one of the remaining swords and a close up, Then a full tank shot (it's not looking it's best). I need to re do the whole rear, I need a nice new centrepiece plant to go behind where the Ram is, (just left of dead centre, slightly behind the rock) I tried an Echinodorus...

Great! They look like another good choice. Thank you. What I'll do is, use these at the left rear, as I like the appearance of them and it's a nice contrast as I have leafy plants everywhere else... And I'll put the tall Crypts across the right rear as a sort of curtain bwhims to wood. I'll post...

Thanks, crap pic of the plants now I look at it. I'll get one tomorrow as the lights are going down now. And yeah, they're gorgeous and I absolutely love them...! (The Bleeding Hearts) Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Mick, Looking like I'm going to have a serious crypt jungle back there by the time I've finished... Thanks for the suggestions! They look spot on! :) Derek, do you mean photos to identify the plant or to diagnose the problem? I don't have any of the mess they ended up in and I've now removed...

Thanks Mick! Exactly what I needed! I'll take a look through these options tomorrow when I have time. Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Wow! I love your fish! Beautiful! Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Hi, I've been struggling with (amongst other things!) my background plants for a long time now and I'd like to re-think altogether. My current set up was designed for my lack of experience (and talent) and busy schedule work, baby, other kids... life! At the moment I have Echinodorus Bleheri...

I'm interested... [emoji4] Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Precisly how I see it! Sent from my SM-G850F using Tapatalk

Thanks for the suggested books. I went for The Optimum Aquarium. I like how one for the reviews describe it as "...not a how to, but more of a how it works..." which is exactly what I need. Technology may have moved on since the early eighties, but the plants don't know that, so this seems a...

You know what, sod it. I think I'll just get that second filter sooner rather than later. Cheers :)

Hi, (I am injecting co2 via an in-line atomiser into the outlet of my filter.) I currently use the spray bar on my Eheim Pro 3 2075 (600) in a vertical position pointing straight across the back of my 110cm long 340l tank. The inlet and outlet are both in the right back corner. I have a power...

I have read this entire thread and you're right, I didn't expect a simple solution. Nor would I want one really... If it was easy it would be no fun and not nearly as satisfying when I got it at least partly "right". And the reality is, the day (if it ever comes and I'm sure it won't) that I...

Can anybody recommend a good book to help us newbies with the basics please? I know there's allot of conflicting info out there, so my big worry would be reading a book and forming a basic starting point from which to learn, only to later find that half of it was inaccurate or outdated...

Thanks Hoggie, That's just what I'll do then. Cheers...

Hi, After all my stem background plants got spindly and ugly and outgrew the tank every few days, I decided to go for a more leafy, lower maintenence background option. I started again and planted a combination of Echinodorus Bleheri and Cryptocoryne Balansae across the back, thinking they'll...

In stead of learning to drive in a small car they wanted to step in a formula3 car and drive away immediately. No learning, it just needs to be perfect, and quick please......... That's me... I'm embarrassed to say, I feel like I'm skidding around the corner in my Formula3 narrowly missing a...

Alto, my guy is a pro and I'm sure he can check them over. MedicMan, I'll let you know how many I have and we can PM details to meet. Tim, I can give you a FE for £10. If you can re-fill the one you have for that, fare enough, unless you want a spare...?

Thanks for your feedback. Having looked into it, I'm not prepared to send them. It's too risky or costly and probably both. I don't think being out of date should be relevant if not being relied upon as a fire extinguisher. (If a FE fails, people may die, if an aquarium co2 injection system...

Hi, I may have stumbled across a (legitimate) source of cheep out of date 2kg fire extinguishers... Is this something people would want to buy off me...? More to spread the love than to earn money. My guy doesn't want to deal with lots of people, so I could act as a middle man and we can all...

Thanks tigertim. I hadn't seen your post. That's actually what I plan to do, but I do think I'd better make sure the flow is still getting around.

I'll check the flow from the filter is making it across the back of the tank and reaching the powerhead at the other end. It will have reduced due to growth and I'll probably have to re direct the flow. I'm using an in line atomiser, so this will have a big impact on co2 distribution. I'll...

Oh, I just saw your second post... Is there anything else I should do...?

Thanks Jose. I'm injecting co2 and I think I'm pretty much at maximum. I'm also using ei ferts, so in theory they have more than enough of all nutrients. I was not using co2 to begin with, the lighting was at 40% and I was dosing 1/3 ei ferts. When I started with the co2 I increased the ferts...

Hi, I have 4 different types of crypt which have been happily growing for 4 or 5 months with no problems. 3 of them have started to melt, some worse than others. Thank God, so far, the Cryptocoryne Balansae at the back seem ok. I REALLY don't want to loose them as I'm waitng for them to fill up...

And after some pretty brutal snipping last night... I actually saw lots and lots of bright green little "buds" under the old leaves that looked like they can't wait to burst into life, so I think I'm in for some serious re-growth... :)

Brilliant! Thanks guys...! :)

Thanks guys. It's not in the best position for flow. Think of the whole tank as a whirlpool and this is in the centre and yes I believe there is algae on those leaves... But, the plant has only been in a couple of weeks, it almost immediately started showing signs of trouble and the new leaves...

Hi, Please can somebody tell me what's wrong with this plant? (Good lighting, ei ferts, injected co2.) Many thanks...

Fair enough... I now have a plan a b and c... ;) Can't wait to get it in. I only want a small area at the front carpeted for now, but I think it'll make a big difference and I'll enjoy watching the progress... (If anybody told me when I grow up I'll spend all my time and money on a hobby which...

Ooooh! I think I prefer the lilaeopsis brasilensis. Nice and short... I don't think a red crypt would work as it'll be next to a broad leafed red crypt (which I've misplaced the name of...) But lilaeopsis brasilensis is deffo the winner for the foreground for now... Thanks. It's great to have...

Yeah, that's a good point. Even if the shrimp don't get eaten, they'll be hiding well away from the moss... Ok, so I'll just try with new moss and hope the SEAs can keep on top of it. I could try Java Moss again if any other moss is likely to be just as prone to algae I guess...?

Hmm...... Food for thought. You may have sensed, I'm a novice really, so I don't want to make life unnecessarily difficult with "demanding" mosses, but they will have excess ferts, high co2 and lots of light, so I assumed I couldn't really fail to grow them unless the hair algae I was suffering...

Thanks Ghosty! Sold! I think I'll try the Pygmy Chain Sword... :) I'll post back with updates on how it goes.

Thanks, but aren't they a bit tall? The current grass is like 1.5 inch. It doesn't have to he so tiny, but those 2 mentioned get pretty tall don't they?

Thanks guys. My concern with shrimps is that my Golden Wonder Panchax will end up eating them...! I (think) I understand that because Java Moss has such low light requirement that causes the algae to take over, so a moss which prefers higher light would at least reduce the problem...? I think...

Hi, I have been trying for months to grow java moss on a very tall piece of wood under high light and it just becomes engulfed with algae. Should I be using Flame Moss, Christmas Moss... Other...? The wood is very large and I want to cover a large area. I was thinking different types if moss...

Hi, I need 2 new plants and would like advice on which to choose. I'm injecting co2, I have good flow and brights lights... My background is made up of Amazon Swords and Cryptocoryne Balansae and another dark crypt which is right next to this corner. I need one final plant to finish off the...