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Thank you all! Much appreciated.

Apologies if this is a daft question! I have had previous tanks with and without injected CO2 and grown a range of plants, but with a heater and the temperature always being 22-25C. I'm thinking of setting up a new tank but keeping it unheated. In my centrally-heated-for-part-of-the-day NW UK...

OK an update on my shrimp! I tried increasing gH with Seachem Equilibrium at first but it made a big old mess of the tank, so I gave up and just stuck a cuttlebone in there, replacing it as it slowly dissolves over weeks. Original shrimp are doing great, all survived, grown, molting, active and...

I ordered the Twinstar III 600E with the 20% off from Captive Worlds. Very friendly and helpful on the phone, order arrived promptly and was extremely well packaged. The light is super and the 20% saved makes it even better! I'm happy to have a great experience with another sponsor.

Thank you! So - Seachem Equilibrium will do the job? (calcium and magnesium, raises GH but no effect on KH) Sounds like there's no harm to a calcium rich diet so I'll pick up some high calcium shrimp food. Also it's been suggested to me to just add a piece of cuttlebone to the tank. That would...

Thank you. So it's just the GH that needs to be upped? Not the KH / pH? And is it the water parameters I need to change, rather than feeding calcium-rich shrimp foods (or do I need to do both?)

I'm a new invert-parent to 10 cherry red shrimp, having never had them before. I have soft Manchester tap water - GH and KH both 1-2, pH around 6.8. And I inject CO2. Will the shrimp thrive and breed, or do I need to supplement - and if so how? I've got seiryu stone in the tank if that makes...

I am using a TwinStar diffuser at the moment and it works great, but the CO2 tubing is very noticeable in my tank. I've got an inline diffuser arriving which I plan to try, but have also seen the "hang on" style diffusers which I like the look of...

Ooh thank you so much for all the suggestions! They are so helpful. I am working my way through them all. I love the dedication to furthering knowledge coming through in many of these eg TomC's apisto adventure, the Ivan Mikolji footage, and the attention to detail in the biotope aquaria...

Aqua Essentials do a premixed 100ml version for £4 (or they used to). Edit: £5, but currently sold out... Neutro Bromo Blue 100ml [4dkhB] - £4.99 : Tropical Aquarium / Fish Tank Plants for Sale, CO2 Sets, Fertilisers, and more - Aqua Essentials, The Planted Aquarium Specialists

I have a big group of neons (30) and a big group of corydoras trilineatus (20), plus 5 otos (almost 3 years old!). 240l tank. There seem to be a few rivers where these co exist. I initially had somewhere along the Rio Ucayali in mind, but am open to suggestions! Was hoping to find more ideas...

Thanks all, some really helpful thoughts. I must confess this was an "am I missing a biotope section?" question and not "you really should create a new biotope section" iyswim ;) I guess I use "biotope" as a catch-all for a themed tank that tries to replicate a natural environment, in as loose...

I have always been interested in biotope tanks and have decided to do it seriously now. I have a shortlist of Amazonian rivers that my existing stock would mostly fit into. I would be really interested to see what others have done. If anyone can point me in the right direction that would be...

I have used Tetra SafeStart on two separate occasions, well in-date bottle, shaken well, followed the stocking instructions to the letter and tested the water for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates daily. It worked. Ammonia 0 throughout except 0.25 on day 3; Nitrites 0 throughout; Nitrates 10 by...

I'd just buy a new one. Got my 15m one from Homebase for £5. Never developed mould as I drain it fully between uses and keep outdoors.

I have used this on my kitchen mixer tap for 2.5 years, works brilliantly (Edit - looks like the link is not showing up - Google "Hozelock Kitchen Tap Connector") The metal part replaces the end of the tap but it's hardly noticeable and unobtrusive. The plastic connector just screws on and...

Just came across my old post here. Well, I was obviously impressed by the size of the ferns when they arrived, but 8 months on and they have surpassed themselves. (240l 4 foot tank for reference). I've been busy the last few months (hospital worker...) but think I'm ready for my next AG fix...

Not sure about that, but have you tried Aquarium Plant Food? https://www.aquariumplantfood.co.uk/fertilisers/dry-chemicals/dry-salts.html They're back in stock with potassium nitrate now after being out for a while. At least you'll know the quality is reliable.

Thanks both. Just to clarify, the BBA is now gone so there is nothing to spot dose - I am keen to keep it from coming back. The Excel always seems to be the thing that gives it the final push to go away, but I don't know if I need to keep dosing it to get the benefit.

I posted previously about my redmoor root which keeps getting covered in BBA. Most of the rest of the tank stays clear, except a few tufts on the glass. I have tried to address the core issues by optimising pressurised CO2, flow, halved light intensity, stepped up cleaning a lot and manually...

Thanks all. Yeah I think that the wood is the culprit. I did take it out for a while but the tank just doesn't look very good without it, despite adding more plants. I could try getting a different type of wood but worry that the same would happen... Is it less like with certain types or is it...

Thanks Sacha, appreciate the thoughts. Yes have tried everything you listed - plants grow really well and are algae free, it's literally just the wood. It's redmoor root - I guess it leaches organics and attracts the stuff. It is highly light responsive. Excel work if I apply neat but it's...

I've used pressurised CO2 for 18 months and it's done wonders for my plants. However, I'm sick to death of recurrent BBA on my hardscape and the only thing that seems to control it is lowering the lights right down - currently 50% of the "planted tank" pre-set on my Fluval Plant 3.0. (Yep, I've...

I've been buying from Aquarium Gardens for two years now and think I have a slight addiction to their wonderful shop. Luckily I am 5 hours away so this goes some way to avoiding bankruptcy. I have always found them to be very helpful and responsive on the phone, talking me through setting up...

Gorgeous and natural looking tank. I love C.balansae and dream of mine growing as well as yours. Really like the look.

Thanks, I did email and hadn't heard back when I posted the thread - John has replied now though and said it's been an issue with getting a few salts, but they are hoping to have everything back in stock in January. So that's good news :)

Thanks! I have bookmarked and will get it from there if APF UK are still out of stock when I run out (I've got a couple of months left). I hope APF UK are sticking around though.

I've been using the APF UK EI starter kit for the last 15 months and been very happy with it. When I've gone to buy refills for some of the things that are running out, it seems that they are out of stock of a huge amount of what they sell (all starter kits, all complete mix dry and in bottles...

Absolutely stunning! I love the autumnal colours. Would never have thought it was your first aquascape. Is that just standard mini landscape stone? I'm planning on getting some and love the white veins in yours.

I've always just used warm water straight from the tap, and never had a problem. I have cardinals too. I have a little cheap glass thermometer tucked away behind plants, like this one: glass-thermometer-for-aquariums Simple and reliable, and not too prominent. I am not at all keen on the stick...

Big water changes work for my tank, been doing them religiously every week for years and fish are incredibly healthy and long lived, breeding like crazy etc. I don't have shrimp and parameters are matched. Clean water = good IME ;) Every tank is different of course, do what works for you. I...

Would love a photo! Never tried rotala.

Ooh now this is where I'm so conflicted!! I would LOVE to be able to just never move things or vacuum. I suppose I still don't know if the BBA was caused by the excess waste organics. My tank isn't heavily stocked (240l with mostly small tetras - 73% according to Aqadvisor) and the speckled...

By "deep clean" I mean lift/remove hardscape to get rid of all the waste organics collected underneath, and thoroughly vacuum the substrate. Rather than a simple weekly water change and glass wipe. I didn't do this at all for a long time, and the tank looked fine and fish were healthy, but I...

I was fearful of CO2 for a long time but bit the bullet and bought this about 15 months ago: https://www.aquariumgardens.co.uk/aquarium-co2-kit-pro-se-complete-system-673-p.asp Never given me a day's trouble. I use with a locally sourced 2kg CO2 fire extinguisher and rigged it up in 10 mins...

You're right. Look at the size of my monster sword! 240l tank for reference...

What causes them to blow their lids off / explode / do dangerous things? I have a couple that I bought serviced that were coming to the end of their official working life (so around 10 years old), that have been in my attic a year now. I don't mind if they just don't work when I come to use...

Thanks both! The floating plants to do the heavy lifting sounds a good idea, then I can focus on the long-term plants that really want. Agree that patience is key, wish I had more of it ;)

Just curious! I've had a mix over the couple of years I've had a planted tank. I am impatient and like the way that stems can quickly fill up an area, the vibrant colours etc, as well as the fact they seem to help with algae. But I always seem to end up getting bored with them and ripping them...

Now with wood and rocks added back!

I use this drinking safe one, just in case: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hozelock-Tricoflex-Ultraflex-Hose-Yellow/dp/B01BWN2IFS?th=1 Not sure if it's necessary but the "free of heavy metals, phthalates" etc spiel made me feel better. Plus it doesn't kink which is handy and worth the extra on its...

Thanks all. I took the advice and bought two lots of the Crypt Balansae potted version, and took a punt on the 1-2 grow Crypt undulatus red for the foreground. Will clear out overshadowing plants so they get decent light. Should arrive tomorrow. Will do an update in a couple of months! I might...

Amazingly helpful, thank you all so much.

I have a 240 litre tank with the Fluval Roma Plant 3.0, pressurised CO2 and EI fertilisation. I want to get some more crypts - C.balansae v.crispatula probably, plus a couple of smaller ones. I don't know whether to go for the potted version or the Tropica 1-2 grow version as they're available...

Thanks, that's really helpful :) I use full EI fertilisers from Aquarium Plant Food (starter kit still going strong after a year!). Plus a Seachem Flourish root tab under the swords. I'll try adjusting the pebbles as you say, good idea. It's actually just one massive sword on the left (I used...

Here is my unusual attempt at an actual scape rather than a jungly mix of random plants thrown in! I want something lower maintenance and like George Farmerish stuff. Criticism and advice welcome. Thanks in advance. Fluval Roma 240 (240 litres), 120cm L x 40cm W x 50cm H, established 18 months...

I have the Fluval Roma 240 litre tank (with a good light, CO2 injected, Excel, root tabs and EI ferts) and have just pulled out 2 of my 3 E.Bleheri monsters that had taken over almost every inch of space. The growth sort of exploded a couple of months ago after a year or so of fairly pedestrian...

Thanks, that's really helpful. Sounds like you were in the same position as me. I've pulled out the wood to scrub a few times and it does have some soft patches that might be releasing organics though it's been in my tank 18 months... And the BBA on older leaf edges. I will try the same pattern...

Thanks all. I haven't done a pH profile but have done everything else recommended including increasing CO2, improving flow, reducing light period, keeping tank clean, cleaning filter, big weekly water changes - these have helped significantly and the hair algae and BBA is much reduced. What's...

I use pressurised CO2 but have a bit of pesky hair algae/BBA so after trying various other things (including increasing CO2) have started using Excel. Spot dosing has worked well but I wonder how I should use it now to try to keep algae to a minimum. Should I follow the instructions of 5ml per...

Thanks very much! Unfortunately I might be getting rid of the pump. It is SO noisy. It goes through periods of being quiet then a really loud noise. I thought it would settle down but it's ongoing... grr.

I'd appreciate thoughts. My tank is the 240 litre Fluval Roma and I use pressurised CO2 via a Neo diffuser. The filter is a Fluval 406 which has a 1450 lph output. I've added a Hydor Koralia 1600 lph powerhead at the other end, positioned above the CO2 diffuser, which seems to circulate the...

I'll PM you! :)

Stunning tank and lovely to see a "children's" tank that isn't full of coloured gravel and Spongebob (didn't even notice the orange cave, it blends in well!) I have a 6 year old and he appreciates a nice natural tank too. (He did want a small alien ornament that I bought but it didn't find its...

Wow, thanks so much for the detailed replies! Such an education being on here. Appreciate you all taking the time.

Oh now there's a good idea! Thanks :)

True... but then I'll need to buy and store a bigger container ;)

Thanks both! I'd already boiled the water this time so made up a double strength solution with it - there is no precipitate so that seems fine. Next time I'll try it with plain tap water.

I've been using Aquarium Plant Food EI starter kit for about 4 months and am happy with it. But as my tank is 240l, I get through it quite quickly and find mixing it up rather tedious. I wondered about the following: 1. Can I mix up double concentration and dose half? 2. Do I really have to...

Sorry, just seen this! Yes, it definitely does. You can also adjust the different colours very easily to suit your fish - eg mine look much better under a higher pink/red light component. You realise once you get the 3.0 how weak the light that comes with the tank is. (Though I did grow a nice...

Yes it does fit neatly under the hood :) I've been really happy with it, definitely recommend. I was a bit worried about how hot it gets to touch, but I decided to just stop touching it and no harm has been done. It's the same one, the light itself it 115cm as there are a couple of cm at each...

OK so just to be sure - I've added a full cuttlebone to the filter. I plan to replace it with a new one every month when I clean the filter, unless there is loads left. Does this sounds reasonable? I'll continue to buffer up to 5 degrees of KH with potassium bicarbonate though will be conscious...

Thanks - I'm dosing EI though which seems to have heaps of magnesium and potassium - wouldn't it be overkill to add even more? I considered equilibrium but a lot of reviews say it's very hard to dissolve.

Thanks very much. I'll go with cuttlebone (full one in the filter? It's a 240l tank) because it's easily available to me and reduce the potassium bicarb (like halve it do you think?) Also while the experts are here ;) - I'm about to start EI dosing tomorrow (APF starter kit bottles all mixed)...

Thanks very much for replies! Thanks for link to RO mix. I already buffer KH to 5 with potassium bicarbonate to keep the pH stable. So just need to sort out GH. A cuttlebone in the filter would bethe easiest option, do you think that would provide enough calcium for plants' needs? My fish are...

I live in the North West and have very soft water (GH 1-2, 1.82 Clarke). I have recently started using pressurised CO2 and have the APF EI starter kit on order, which comes with magnesium sulphate. But I'm wondering if I need to add a source of calcium. My local water report states I have 8.81...

It's back now, I've just ordered from it! First time so can't help with your questions. Edit: just read on APF website that solutions will last 6 months after mixing. I guess for most tanks you'll use them up well before then.

Oh, just had a thought. I have a spare external filter (Fluval 306) that I could rig up if there is a reliable way of running the CO2 through the inlet?

Thank you! Great to see how helpful CO2 Art were. I'd love to see how your tank progresses, it is really stunning.

Thanks Conor. That's what I had in mind for mine, it's good to know you've found it helps. Can I ask what size tank you have and what diffuser device you use? And what ppm you aim for? Would love to see a picture of your tank.

Thanks for responses. The whole set up will cost £150 plus £12 for each 2kg fire extinguisher through a local source. In your experiences, will it be worth it (ie make a noticeable difference) to add this via an in tank diffuser, if this is my only real option? Or will it probably be so...

Thanks. Considering just sticking with low tech now. I have decent growth, just very slow, and no algae. Pressurised CO2 seems to throw up a whole world of complications that I hadn't even thought about.

Look beautiful. How did you break the regulator? Just asking as I'm planning to get the same one and want to avoid doing the same!

Thanks. I have a Fluval 406 external which is 1450 lph turnover, so about 6x tank volume. I can place the diffuser anywhere in the tank.

Oh I do have an infrared one for my kid. Will dig it out.

I'm considering setting up pressurised CO2 for my tank, which is the 240 litre Fluval Roma. It has an external filter but it comes through the base of the tank and apparently the tubing is not compatible... and I'm just not keen on cutting up the tubing and messing with it. I was planning to get...

That made me laugh. I am officially reassured now.

Thanks everyone, that's really helpful.

Thanks - is there a difference between nitrates from fish waste and nitrates from fertiliser? Is it not the same chemical compound? I'm not running pressurised CO2 and my plants look OK, just slow growing which I guess is normal for low tech.

So I ended up getting an Echinodorus Argentinensis XL. Have placed it in the back left corner. It's lovely and healthy with massive roots. Not as big as I expected but that's probably a good thing. I'll report back in a few months as to how it's getting on! I also got some Alternanthera...

Many thanks both. Oscar that is reassuring. I emailed Fluval and they gave the same explanation i.e. that they are high power LEDs and it is normal for them to get hot. I'll keep the email just in case but for now I'm using the simple solution of just not touching the light ;) I am using it on...

I have a 240 litre tank and a full stock of fish, and my nitrates at the end of the week are 20ppm. I do a 50% water change every week. So they basically never fall below 10ppm. Ammonia and nitrites have always been 0 since cycling. Does this mean that I don't need to add a fertiliser...

That's great to know, thank you. Did it end up growing / lasting well in your tank?

That's good to know, thank you. Looking forward to them growing up. Re the vallis - I only started using Easycarbo after I got rid of it as I had heard the same as you, that it could be sensitive to it. It's a shame as I like vallis.

Thanks! Yes the swords in there at present are E. Bleheri. They have been steadily putting out more leaves but aren't getting any taller. Will they eventually grow up to fill the space, or just keep growing sideways?! The vallis that I previously had did the same (never grew up but propagated)...

Changed a few things, is this better?

Thanks - my details are as follows: - Fluval Roma 240 litre tank (4 foot long, approx 50cm deep) with a Fluval 406 external canister (upgraded from original 306), established for 8 months - Fertiliser - Easylife Profito 4ml daily - Light - newly acquired Fluval Plant 3.0 on the default "planted...

Do you think that would work better? I'm open to anything. I feel that something is lacking but can't work out what! I've recently got a better light and started using Easycarbo so hopefully that will help the existing plants to grow.

Thanks very much both. It's a 240 litre tank (Fluval Roma) and I feel I am lacking height. Photo attached. I was thinking either a big java fern or big ozelot sword for the back middle / left area. Any thoughts welcome though. The idea of instant plant mass is very attractive as I am low tech...

I am tempted by the selection of XL / mother plants for sale at Aquarium Gardens and Aqua Essentials. They are about 4x the price of their standard counterparts and much bigger. I don't mind paying for a centrepiece if it's likely to stay healthy and thriving, but I can't find any information on...

Thanks. Ammonia and nitrites have always been 0 since cycling, tank has been established 8 months. I do a 50% water change weekly without fail, definitely not planning on skipping this. Will look into EI dosing. Appreciate the input.

Thanks. I've already got the Fluval though :)

Thanks very much for replies both! Yes I guess as I'm putting in the liquid carbon anyway I may as well dose daily. Edvet - I have a pretty much full stock of fish for the tank - if the water is testing positive for nitrates (it usually gets up to 10-20 by the end of the week), won't that mean...

I have a tank that has to date been low light and low tech, though I have just started using Easycarbo daily and got a Fluval Plant 3.0 for better light. I previously dosed my fertilizer (Easylife Profito) twice a week. But I wondered if there is any advantage to dosing daily. It's easier for me...

Thanks both. I emailed Fluval about it fitting in the hood and they said it does, and that's how they use it in their display Roma 240s, so it seems it is supposed to be used that way? I have emailed them again to double check. I don't mind removing the hood altogether if that would help, there...

Hi, sorry if this is in the wrong place. I've just got a Fluval Plant 3.0 (the 59W 48-60 inch version) for my Fluval Roma 240 tank. It's brilliant but I'm a bit concerned about how hot the top of the light gets - not quite too hot to touch but not far off. Is this normal? I have it a little...

I have got my own now and can confirm that it does fit comfortably under the Roma LED canopy :) It looks great and I'm very happy with it. The only thing is it gets REALLY hot. Not too hot to touch, but just a shade below. Dimming the light only helps a little (plus surely it should be...

Thanks so much, that's perfect and just what I needed! Really appreciate it. Let me know what you think of the light. Would it be OK for a low tech set up? I don't have pressurised CO2 though have started using EasyCarbo, and have generally low light plants (swords, crypts etc) but growth is...

Oh that's really kind of you. If it's not too much trouble, it would be great to know how what the highest point is above the bit that rests on the sides, if you see what I mean. The depth? I think there is only about 2-3cm clearance between the inner rim of the Roma, where it would sit, and the...