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I don't feed much at all. Every other day. I wondered about the substrate. Should I try upping my daily fert dose?

Ok it has been a good few weeks. I have adjusted the title of the thread to better reflect the content. Finding a proper balance in the tank seems to be what I am looking for. I feel I am 90% there but Glosso and HC are still not happy. Everything else is doing great. Co2 diffuses into the...

Interesting. Water circulation was something I addressed some weeks ago and this should be adequate. Anymore and it might get a little stormy in there. The water circulates from the top rear, down the front glass and back across the substrate. I thought that running the Co2 into the pump was...

I didn't realise that moving the Co2 to run through the filter would make such a difference. I can no longer see any bubbles. Drop checker still looks good so we will see what happens this week. I have made up a batch of nitrate/phosphate at recommended ratio. A lot of people say that HC needs a...

Co2 moved to filter intake. We will see what difference this makes. Some extra ferts in the post.

I've only seen benefits from upping my light so far. Everything has improved with no signs of algae. I will be moving the Co2 to the filter intake tonight and sorting out some additional ferts.

The new shoots are still rather new. I imagine they will darken somewhat. I will move the Co2 to the filter inlet this evening and look into ordering some dry-salts and making a nitrate/phosphate top up mix. Thanks again.

I will try and get the Co2 running through the filter. The existing Marsilea has 4 leaves. Most of the new shoots only have 1 leaf. I may try adding some nitrate and phosphate next.

Thanks for the insights. They are not technically powerheads in the traditional sense. They are small pumps made by Tunze. They use an impeller in the same way as a filter and i have fitted a spray bar to the output. I could run the Co2 into the filter however and see if it makes any...

Hello, Basically I am struggling to get HC and some other carpeting plants to establish in my tank. As well as seeking advice here I would be very interested in meeting an expert in my area to discuss. I will set out my tank parameters first, then explain a little about my tank and the...

Excellent. I may re-visit the LED setup in future. I will have ago with fluorescents and establish a bench mark. I may need more LED's. Currently running 7 x 3W CREE. We will see. Cheers.

Hello, I've been running a DIY HO LED setup over my tank for nearly 4 years now. I have made vast improvements of the years to my Co2 distribution to the point where I don't think there is really anymore that can be done. The tank is 40cm (16") cube and approximately 64 litres (16 US gallons)...

5 weeks in. HC has not been growing very quickly at all. I would have expected more. There has been little growth in the last 3 weeks so I have decided to take action. The tank is still completely free from any sort of algae which I will take as a good sign that my flow and Co2 is adequate. I...

An update and a couple of questions. Due to a blockage I accidentally reduced my flow for about a week and I saw the HC start to loose some weight. Since sorting that out and upping my ferts to combat a few yellow leaves things have sorted out. 1 month in and no algae, no yellow leaves and...

Everything has been going great. HC is growing fast as is everything else, however, my blyxa is melting. Is there anything I should do? Should it grow back? Its been 1 week with 1 water change. Dosing 6ml of TPN+ weekly. Co2 drop checker yellow/green. All other plants are growing strong. Cheers

Re: "Green Mountain" - 60lt Cube - 3rd times the charm Here are some photos of the light. I built the whole unit in a 15cm perspex cube. There is a computer fan at the top, a 12v live wire followed by a metal chassis carrying the heatsinks and LED's. The live wire has the drivers soldered...

Re: "Green Mountain" - 60lt Cube - 3rd times the charm Ok, other than the slightly wonky side board things are really moving. I really can't believe how well it is working. It just goes to show that you really cannot cut corners. A larger filter plus spray bar, plus a nutrient rich substrate...

Re: "Green Mountain" - 60lt Cube - 3rd times the charm Ok, here are a couple of photos. Will get some better ones soon. As for start up regime. What would you recommend for photo period and frequency of water changes. The rotala rotundifolia green is in the back. It will grow in and fill the...

Re: "Green Mountain" - 60lt Cube - 3rd times the charm Ok, tank has been planted and flooded. Today is day one. Co2 drop checker is reading yellowy green, flow is good and I dosed some TPN+. What would be the best startup method. Daily water changes? Every other day? Pictures to follow this...

Re: "Green Mountain" - 60lt Cube - 3rd times the charm Camera will arrive later this week. As will my plants. Can't wait.

3rd times the charm. After 2 previous attempts at the high tech tank I am putting all I have learnt into an all new setup. With added patience and perseverance. SPEC: tank: 40cm x 40cm x 40 cm filtration: Fluval 205, spray bar flow/co2 dispersal: 300lph powerhead, spray bar heat: Hydor 200w...

No issues with diatoms. The only thing I have had to do is clean the glass once. It got a few browns spots on it after about 3 months. It hasn't really come back since cleaning either. I did get surface scum up until about 1 month ago when it disappeared one day, but all of my tanks have done...

Yes, I agree that the right side is a little barren. I setup up the rocks etc, before the plants. Once the plants went in I thought that side needed something but there's no soil over there. The top of that rock has actually started growing moss all on its own as well as the wood. I once used...

Regarding growth rates I have been really surprised at the growth in this tank. It has grown a lot more and quicker than I thought. I always got the impression that things would be painfully slow but I really dont think that is the case. It is certainly a lot more relaxing and to be honest which...

I've uploaded new photos to my journal. Check it out.

UPDATE! Not much to report other than good growth. All Crypts are filling in nicely. It's been 5 months now, I have added nothing and changed no water. Just topped up the evaporated with tap water. No sign of algae either. After about 3 months i had a few brown patches on the glass that cleaned...

Thanks for the great information again Ceg, I was posting quickly from my phone so I did over simplify. I was referring more to the establishment of a tank where you may start with more co2 and ferts than needed and reduce them to the point where you have good results in relation to the given...

I thought as much. The crypts in my 16l walstad tank are fantastic. The most success I've had. The high tech tank is a lot of work and for less reward. It's a lot less stable and has never really thrived. I would like to convert it to a lower maintenance tank as I don't really want to invest...

Hello, About 6 months ago I setup a small 16l tank using the walstad method. I started with potting soil capped with gravel and planted densely with crypts. No ferts, no co2, 3w of HO LED and no water changes. The tank is a resounding success. No algae at all. And the crypts are bright green...

I bought this 8l nano from TMC for my fathers christmas present. It is a great little tank with everything you need included. We set it up using the Walstad low tech method. Compost on the bottom capped with tesco cat litter. A piece of wood from the LFS, 5 pots of crypts and 4 Cherry shrimp. So...

Thanks for the comments. I am really enjoying this tank. It is so easy! I was worried about everything just melting and wasting the £30 I spent on crypts but so far so good. The first week saw some leaves melting but I reckon it was just those leaves that were damaged during planting. The light...

Finally got a couple of slightly better photos. So far things are great. About 3 weeks in now. No algae what so ever. A few Crypt leaves have melted but only a couple. The rest seem to be doing well. No inhabitants at present.

Yes, I tried that first but due to the position of the inlet it didn't fit as well. As it is the inlet fits neatly in the corner. Not the end of the world. I may try it again if it might help improve things. Cheers.

Hello, Yes, it is the Mignon 60. It is really quite. Seems to be to the job really well. I put a foam over the intake incase I put shrimp in this tank. I have had a few leaves melt in the first couple of days. I am hoping its just down to the handling whilst planting damaging a couple leaves...

Apologies for the phone snaps. The wife is away with the camera but i thought i should get something up.

cool. sounds good. cheers, Daniel

Hello, Last night I got in late and I noticed that all my cardinals had lost their red. The blue stripe was fine but the red patch was gone leaving a translucent body. This morning however they were all red again. Anything to be worried about. I have Co2 on 24/7. Might it be a reaction to...

Thanks for the tips. The plan is to leave it be and to watch for deficiencies. I will get some photos up soon. I wanted a shrimp tank but my wife really wants a dwarf puffer so we will see. I have already transported a few snails from my high tech. I will probably round up a few more tonight...

Well I took the plunge last night. I set it all up. The wife is away with the camera so no pictures yet. I bought some gravel and yet another crypt. It is very dense. The HOB filter seems to work fairly well and I have kept the nano heater from the last scape although I have re-positioned it...

I would love to see an article even if it is only quite general. At least here from other experiences. High tech gets so much attention it is hard to get info on this stuff. I am starting my first 'el natural' this week and would love to here from others doing the same. Maybe people who have had...

Mature water. I have that. Thanks for the tip.

Slow is fine by me. Having such a small tank means I can plant it dense enough that I won't need fast growth. As long as it's healthy then I am happy.

Hello, Today I started my new nano. It's 16l and is going to be proper low tech 'el natural'. Equipment is a simple HOB filter and a small heater. Lighting will be a single 3w high power LED. I've started out with John Innes compost topped with gravel. Some rocks and red moor roots for...

Hello, Thanks for the reply. I am excited to start this tank. I have been wanting to have a bash at a low tech for a while. So much attention is given to the high tech setups but I think that this could be just as rewarding. I am planning a crypt only tank I think. I have ordered a small HOB...

Hello, I have decided to go low tech with my 16l nano. I have been doing my research but I still have a few questions. So far I plan to use soil capped with gravel, 1 x 3w high power LED (i may need to add a second but it has sufficed this far). I plan to plant it heavily with small crypts and...

Making some more progress Clive. The film I've been getting at the surface has finally gone. It used to come back about 2 days after water change but no sign of it now after a week. Also, the HC's new leaves are looking fatter and the remaining algae is really not spreading or growing at all. It...

I was a little embarrassed to admit but 2 days ago a spotted of few patches of BGA on the substrate near the HC. About the size of a 5p. However, after considering your advice and making some adjustments it has already disappeared. I couldn't believe it when I got home yesterday. It looked like...

I have been dosing 2ml easy carbo everyday along with the TPN+. With no visible detriment to anything in the tank. I am thinking about a DIY spray bar for my filter output. Maybe a xmas project. Also thinking about another Tunze mini pump. Perhaps a spray bar between two mini pumps either side...

Excellent stuff. I think my nutrients are ok at present. Either way I will tackle the flow/co2 first. This all makes quite logical sense. As for making adjustments to flow and co2 (i know it must vary greatly from tank to tank) how long should one try a new flow pattern before moving on. Say...

All really great information. I do appreciate your wealth of knowledge. Been reading a lot about light colour and the general consensus seems to be that it doesn't amount to much at least under water that is. As for Co2 distribution. It has been about 8 days since I moved my diffuser. The HC...

I can up the lighting if required but I thought it would be best to start with lower light and a nutritious base. I can always increase light to the optimum but in order to avoid algae I'd like to start fairly low. I will double check though as this was second hand information. It may be that...

Hmmm, I will see what I can do although I feel more flow might rip the HC straight out of the substrate. Also, I moved things about a little only a week ago. Placing the ceramic diffuser under the pump. I will see if i can take a video. Perhaps it will take a little more time for the benefits...

Thanks for the reply. Always learning. It does get rather complicated. I will keep on researching. Maybe I will have to consider more light intensity for a shorter time period. Thanks

That is what I thought. I just wondered why the sun made the plants pearl and my lights didn't but it may be down to other factors that the sun has that my lights obviously don't. Being that my lights are DIY and high output LED there is little I can do to judge how much light I really have. All...

Hello, I am planning a redcaps of my fathers tank. It needs to be very low maintenance and therefore no Co2. The tank is 190l. I am keeping the light low with a single 25w bulb running the length. I plan to use soil and cap it with tesco cat litter maybe. I would like dome recommendations on...

My tank is not in direct sunlight most of the year but come winter when the sun is much lower in the sky there are a few morning rays that hit the tank. The tank is 60l with pressurised Co2 and DIY lighting. I occasionally my plants pearl. Often the riccia but not much else. I have noticed that...

Hello, What is the relation between light intensity and photoperiod? Would it be beneficial to lower the light intensity to reduce the demands on the plant and increase the photoperiod to give it more time to grow in a day. I have pressurised Co2 and dose TPN+. Just a thought really.

I really like it as it is.

As you can see the Riccia has grown in nicely. The rest of the tank is not yet living up to the name but it will in time. More pogostemon at the top of the hill to come and maybe some staurogyne. Hopefully the HC will take off along the front and the hairgrass will fill in a little. I trimmed it...

First an update, then a few questions. Photos to follow this evening. Things have been much the same for the past few weeks. I have been making 50% water changes every 3rd day after a little algae clean up. The algae has certainly stunted but has not gone yet. I believe the algae was triggered...

This looks really good. I am also in Brighton. Where do go for your plants and fish etc? Cheers, Daniel

I just bought some HC from these guys also and its very good. Well impressed.

Already the little bits of algae at the dead leaves is melting. Cleaned up a little more, trimmed some grass and another water change. I think we will be alright.

Ok, I had another clean up. Removed as many dead leaves as I could, removed all the strands of hair algae and did a big water change. I have cut the photoperiod down by 1 hour to 6 and have kept the co2 quite high. I will keep dosing TPN+ at 1ml a day and continue to change water every other...

I ran out of Co2 last night. I went through a 600g bottle in a 60l tank in 3 weeks! Is that too much? I would have thought it would last a little longer than that. I have attached a new bottle and I have turned it down somewhat this time. As for the plants. The riccia is growing well and pearls...

Light rig is great. Flow is good. Riccia is pearling a little, should i up Co2 anymore? So far I can see plenty of new hairgrass shoots, fresh HC growth and some new leaves on the pogostemon helferi. Keeping a close eye on it. When would be a good time to turn down Co2 and add live stock? I was...

Here are some photos. About 10 days in now. I have been keeping Co2 quite high and so far everything is good. I took the braces off of the tank and made a brass support for my DIY led light. This has cleaned up the look massively. I have also moved the Co2 over to the left side and swapped the...

I got it from ebay but there are other aquarium suppliers that stock it. It really is very good.

This weekend I got the tank setup. Tesco cat litter substrate which was a bit of a trek to find. The local Tesco was sold out. Never did I think I would find myself in such want of a Tesco. I was surprised at how good this stuff appears to be. Good consistent size, good colour and not too much...

Next bit of kit. I wanted to increase flow, without much cost and without too much visual impact on the tank. I never liked the look of powerheads and they are always too big. I found this little number and I must say it is fantastic. The Tunze 106 mini pump. It is tiny, a little more than a...

The needle valve looks and feels to be really good. Very fine. I will let you know how it goes when I get it set up. In welding an inert gas is used to shield the molten metal from atmospheric gases like oxygen. Oxygen causes the weld to become pitted which will make it weaker and allow moisture...

This will be a re-scape of my 60l cube and my 3rd scape ever. I have learnt a lot on the first two and I am hoping to take this one up to the next level. For starters I will be using pressurized Co2 this time. The general specs will be much the same with a few changes and upgrades. SPEC: tank...

Here is the first photo, a few days on. So far so good. This was just taken with my phone. Will get some proper photos taken this week. Going to put my minnows in there tonight a I think.

Sorry for the long wait. Busy Summer and I never got around to getting this set up properly. So last night I planted this tank, cat litter with a bit of mixed aquarium gravel. I used 2 granite stones and some roots. I have had the moss growing over the roots all summer and are well established...

This week I am putting together a 16l nano. The tank itself was rescued from my green house. I found it here when we moved in with a crack in the bottom. It is a clearseal tank, 40cm x 20cm x 20cm. I have replaced the glass on the bottom and cleaned it up to good results. What I am planning is a...

Ok, need some advice. Tank is going great. I have a little hair algae problem but i have it under control and its not getting any worse (thats not what i need advice on). What i am looking for are suggestions for carpeting plants. My dwarf hairgrass is doing nothing. It is not dying but it is...

Cheers for that bazz but you are infact wrong. The Java Fern is tied to a small stone with cotton thread. The Samolus Valerandi and the Anubias Nano are there to disguise this fact. Cheers for the advice though.

I will see if there is anything similar available at the weekend.

Yes, C Helferi would be great. I will look into that. Although, I haven't much fear of melting at this point as it has been 3 months already and its had some good root growth.

Also, I have two alien seedlings that have sprouted at the front. Not sure where they came from but they are growing well. Still too small to tell what they are but i will keep you posted.

Re: Daniel's 60l cube -UPDATE Did some work this weekend. First, I bought some more plants. I got two bunchs of Java Fern, an Anubias Nano, a Samolus Valerandi and a Sagittaria platyphylia. Second, I did some tidying and crop the hair grass down low. Third, started dosing TPN+. I have done two...

I really love this tank. Such a lush green oasis. I hope to get mine somewhere close to this level of green. Good work.

I do intend to remove those. However, at the moment my light sits on a piece of glass that is supported by them. I will eventually hang my light from above.

The plan was for 10 to 20 green neons but the LFS only had 4. I will be getting more. I found various articles online for converting the PSU. I picked bits from the best ones and went down to my local electronics shop for the components. It works really well, stays cool and provides a really...

These photos were taken yesterday. About 10 weeks since I started. This weekend I will start dosing TPN+. The aquarium sits on the end of my sideboard next to the rum with all ancillaries in the cabinet beneath. My converted PC power supply providing the 12v for the LEDs. Finally, my pregnant...

SPEC: tank: 40cm x 40cm x 40 cm filtration: Fluval 104 heat: Hydor 200w inline light: DIY High Power LED, 6 x 3w Co2: Easy Carbo, 1ml daily Fert: TPN+ 1ml daily Substrate: JBL Aquabasis, black sand Flora: Sagittaria platyphylla, Samolus valerandi, Anubias nana, Microsorum pteropus, Elocharis...