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  1. mark4785

    Low Tech Guidance

    Due to work and miscellaneous commitments I am now finding that I have less time to devote towards the maintenance of my high-tech aquariums. As such, I am now drifting towards the idea of maintaining a low-tech aquarium that doesn't need as much rigorous cleaning and pruning. The footage...
  2. mark4785

    German Blue Ram Fry - What Should I Feed Them?

    I have removed another batch of 30 GBR eggs (attached to a pebble) from my main aquarium into a small fry aquarium, seeded with filter media from my pond. Over night, most of the fertilised eggs have moved from the pebble to the base of the tank and there appears to be waving fins poking out of...
  3. mark4785

    Nitrate being converted into Nitrite?

    My aquarium currently contains 4 albino corydoras which are all continually gasping for air. I have tested my ammonia and nitrite levels and the former is at 0 ppm while the latter is between 0 and 0.25 ppm. I'm finding that every time I dose the aquarium with nitrate (a fertiliser for the...
  4. mark4785

    New Additions To The Aquarium Not Eating

    Today I bought a pair of German Blue Rams (one male and one female). I thoroughly checked the pair while they were in the LFS aquarium for gaunt bodies, Hole-in-the-head and any other issues. Based on appearance they ticked all of the boxes and I was reassured by the LFS employee that they were...
  5. mark4785

    Aponogeton Longiplumulosis Bulb Advice

    I purchased an Aponogeton longiplumulosis plant just recently. It came with a lot of foliage and a bulb with 30-40 long white roots, each about 15cm long. I was simply wondering if the bulb needs to be fully submerged into the substrate, partially submerged or not submerged at all to grow new...
  6. mark4785

    Brown Algae on Leaf Tips

    I currently have an issue with brown dust algae growing on the tips of leaves that are about 5cm from the water's surface. At first I thought it was diatom algae as the aquarium that as this algal issue has only been running for 4 months and was not cycled (I know diatoms are often colloquially...
  7. mark4785

    Hemianthus Callitrichoides: Suitability with Dwarf Cichlids

    I am looking into choosing a foreground plant and have been drawn towards Hemianthus callitrichoides. The growth rate seems quite fast which is something that I was looking for. However, I know that this plant only has small roots and was wondering if they anchor themselves quite robustly after...
  8. mark4785

    Dwarf Cichlid Seclusion (Juwel Lido 120)

    I've acquired a new Juwel Aquarium which I'd like to transform into an aqua-scape that has the feel of a naturally propagated eco system, but one which also provides sufficient space and attractions (i.e. hiding spots and burrows) for a dwarf cichlid pair named Microgeophagus Ramirezi. While I...
  9. mark4785

    What is the best aquarium sand to go with?

    I'm looking for a natural sand which closely resembles naturally occurring beach sand and which does not contain PH, KH or GH boosting/lowering properties. I'm ideally looking for pre-washed sand. I know that Caribsea used to manufacture 'live sand' which was pre-washed. However, at present...
  10. mark4785

    Estimate Index Dosing Query

    I'm a big fan of the Estimate Index dosing regime which involves interchangeably adding macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients for 5/6 days of the week and then removing 50% of the water on day 7. I've found a minor downside to this though. The downside is that I'm not always near the aquarium to...
  11. mark4785

    Substance ID: Growing on Suction Cups

    I have 4 suction cups in an open-top aquarium and I have just noticed that they are covered in a white slimy substance (it has a very slight yellow tinge to it too). To the touch it resembles a cream that say you'd apply to the skin/face. There's also a bit growing on the output pipe. Take a...
  12. mark4785

    Natural Aquarium Sand Substrate: Any Recommendations?

    I'm currently preparing to set up a new planted aquarium, and after having the most horrendous experience with play sand which seemed to be leaching nasties into the water, I'm now on the look out for a decent alternative substrate which has a fin and minuscule properties just like play sand...
  13. mark4785

    Setting Up A New Aquarium - Advice Needed

    There is considerable preliminary details to consider as to why I'm seeking the advice regarding how to set up a new aquarium which I will detail in italics below. During autumn of 2012, I ordered a custom made open-top aquarium. I filled it up with dechlorinated water, assembled a Fluval 406...
  14. mark4785

    Help! - Orange Slimy Matter Growing On All Surfaces

    For the past 3 months or so I've been trying to rid one of my open-top planted tanks of this orange slime that forms on the aquarium glass, inlet/outlet pipes and all other surfaces in the external filter. It usually forms 3-4 days after having cleaned it up with a sponge/cloth. At first I...
  15. mark4785

    Best way to disinfect a Planted Aquarium

    I have removed all of the plants from my planted aquarium and detached all equipment so it's not really a 'planted aquarium' anymore. My question is, what is the best way to remove bacteria/fungus/parasites (assuming they are in there) from an aquarium without causing the silicone to become...
  16. mark4785

    Co2 Issue

    I use the Dennerle Comfort Range co2 system (the system in which you buy replacement 500g co2 cylinders as opposed to having the cylinders refilled). The co2 supply is timed to enter the aquarium at 4pm in preparation for lights coming on at 6pm. I am finding that a few minutes after the timer...
  17. mark4785

    Introducing Play Sand to a Tank

    What must be done prior to putting natural play sand into a fish tank? Must it be disinfected or just washed to remove dust or is just a case of putting it in without doing anything preparatory? Many thanks, Mark.
  18. mark4785

    120 Litre Planted Aquarium (Journal)

    120 Litre Planted Aquarium - Journal This particular aquarium has been running for a total of 2 years now; in the last 6 months plant growth has excelled and algae formation has come to an halt. Despite the aquarium being quite established and well-planted, I think there is still room for...
  19. mark4785

    120 Litre Open-Top Planted Aquarium (Journal)

    120 Litre Open-Top Planted Aquarium - Journal This particular aquarium underwent a thorough fishless cycle (pure-ammonia was employed) throughout August and September of 2012. At the end of the fishless cycle in which all water parameters were within normal range, the aquarium was stocked with...
  20. mark4785

    Newly Acquired Fish Dying - Advice Appreciated

    This weekend I purchased 5 Black Neon Tetras for a fully cycled open-top aquarium. Before going to purchase the fish I double checked that the ammonia, nitrite, PH and nitrate levels and temperature were all at suitable levels; they were all within range, as can be seen below: Ammonia: 0 ppm...
  21. mark4785

    Open-Top Aquarium - Your thoughts

    For around 3 months now I have been undertaking a fishless aquarium cycle on a open-top aquarium. While undertaking this boring and sluggish ammonia-cycle, I've been re-arranging the hardscape to try and figure out exactly how I could go about creating a scenery which depicts a natural-looking...
  22. mark4785

    Strange Spots on Cichlid - Diagnostic help needed

    I have recently opened a thread (found here: http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=22841 ) in which co2 issues have lead to unfortunate stress on my tank inhabitants due to increased pressures to increase co2 injection rates in order to keep plants thriving. It would appear that my German...
  23. mark4785

    Lighting Advice Needed

    I currently own a planted aquarium which has two 22 inch 24w high output fluorescent tubes by Hagen. I have tried two kinds of bulb with the above specifications called 'PowerGlo' (found here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HAGEN-POWER-G ... 500wt_1056 ) and 'LifeGlo' (found here...
  24. mark4785

    Eleocharis Parvula/Acicularis

    What is the best method for encouraging either eleocharis parvula or eleocharis acicularis to spread and form what looks like a grass patch? At the moment, these plants are growing in height very quickly and only spreading at a slow rate; how would I reverse this? Also, can either of these...
  25. mark4785

    What Kind of Algae Is This?

    For the last month, my planted aquarium has been receiving significantly more stronger rays of light from 2 x 24w HO Hagen Fluorescent tubes since the removal of around one hundred Amazon frogbit from the water surface. Ever since making this change for the betterment of plant growth and...
  26. mark4785

    Super CO2 Diffuser Issue

    For two months, up until today, I have been using a very good product named the 'Super CO2 Diffuser' (found here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320922762257? ... 763wt_1141). I say up until today because up on checking the aquarium today, the diffuser wasn't producing a fine mist of co2 bubbles, but...
  27. mark4785

    Plants That I Cannot Grow

    I have been involved in the hobby of planted aquariums for around 2 years now and throughout those years I have learned about the many aspects of the 'golden triangle' (i.e. light, macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients) and how light is the most crucial determinant to what kind of nutrient dosing...
  28. mark4785

    Sagittaria subulata Issue

    I recently introduced some Sagittaria subulata plants to my planted aquarium, in fact they were only planted around 4 days ago. They are now starting to turn brown at their tips, while other strands are going transparent. Do these plants wilt on initial introduction to a new aquarium or in...
  29. mark4785

    UV's and Fertiliser

    Well this post is mean't to be concise so don't be alarmed! If a UV steriliser (integrated into a filtration system) is added to a planted aquarium that is being dosed with nitrate and phosphate fertiliser, will the UV reduce the effectiveness of the fertiliser or do nothing? I'm a big fan of...
  30. mark4785

    Nitrate Query

    Is there anything known as a healthy or optimum nitrate level for a planted aquarium? The reason I ask this is because I maintain a planted aquarium with a nitrate level of 50-60 ppm after finding that a multitude of algaes (including cyanobacteria) grow at nitrate levels around 20 ppm. I was...
  31. mark4785

    Ram with HITH again

    During December 2011, I bought a dainty female german blue ram from an aquatic store. Up on getting home with the fish I noticed that it did not have the ability to eat any form of food, possibly because all the other cichlids in the aquatic shop tank were feeding first, thus it had never...
  32. mark4785

    Hygrophila polysperma alternative?

    I planted some Hygrophilla polysperma throughout my aquarium and I am finding that several translucent leaves are floating away from the plant and getting clogged up in powerheads etc. This is the only plant that is decaying like this so I'd like to ask if there is an alternative plant that...
  33. mark4785

    Hygrophila polysperma; small leaves??

    I recently purchased a set of Hygrophila polysperma plants which had some very broad leaves on them. Once planted in my tank they continued to grow but the stalk is slightly smaller and the leaves are very small and almost folding in on themselves! The entire aquarium is algae free and all...
  34. mark4785

    My Planted Aquarium

    Aquarium specifications: Lighting: 2 x 24w HO fluorescent tubes (surface has an Amazon frogbit plant covering). Lighting period: 5pm to 11pm. Filtration: 2000 LPH internal with integrated UV, 400 LPH internal by Cayman and 2x powerheads transporting co2 in a certain direction. Fertilisers: Yes...
  35. mark4785

    White Clumps of Algae?

    I recently highered the light level in my aquarium by removing some floating surface plants. Within a week or so white clumps have started to appear on my bog wood which can be seen in the pictures below. Pic 1: Pic 2: Pic 3: I'm not sure if it's algae or not. I'm 90% sure it is but I'd...
  36. mark4785

    UP Atomiser Leaking

    Today I filled up my tank with water and primed my external Fluval 406 filter to fill it up with water. As the tank water travelled down the outlet pipe to the filter chamber the segment of the pipe where the UP atomiser is connected started to drip every 2-3 minutes right next to plugs and...
  37. mark4785

    Vallisneria Spiralis Query

    I've had some Vallisneria Spiralis planted in my tank for about 2 weeks now and although new shoots are growing perfectly well, some of the longer shoots are losing their chlorophyl and becoming semi-transparent from the top down. Why is this happening? Do they just naturally do this or is it...
  38. mark4785

    Best Way To Start A Planted Tank?

    I have bought a new aquarium with all the necessary parts with the intention of creating another planted aquarium. In addition to adding plants I'd like to add some sensitive species of fish, possibly a german blue ram as it is my favourite tropical fish. My question is, if I get started with...
  39. mark4785

    UP Atomiser Concerns

    Hi, Over the past 2 days I have been connecting up a external fluval filter and co2 system that interconnect using an external UP Atomiser co2 diffuser. The UP Atomiser came with no installation instructions with the exception of a small diagram on the box showing where it should be situated in...
  40. mark4785

    Round White Lump

    My mikrogeophagus ramirezi has recently developed a white lump just above one of his eyes. Initially it looked like a displaced scale in that I could see something the same colour has the other scales bulging outwards. However, now it's just a small lump that looks like its filled with white...
  41. mark4785

    Sudden Water Parameter Changes

    Hi, Just recently within my pond (holds around 1400 litres) my ammonia level has increased to between 0 and 0.25 ppm and the nitrite is also between 0 and 0.25 ppm. I am also witnessing a nitrate level of around 80 ppm. The above readings have been apparent for one month now. Earlier than one...
  42. mark4785

    Is Sand Enough?

    I recently bought a 120 litre aquarium with the idea of turning it into a mid to high light aquarium with vast variety of slow-fast growing plants. Co2 injection and a clip on light will be added to the aquarium at some point. My question is, in order to get excellent plant growth, do I need...
  43. mark4785

    Lighting levels

    Are there any available articles that explain the 'wattage per gallon' principle? I'm looking to set-up a planted aquarium with a mid-level light intensity. The aquarium will be 60cm in length, 30cm in width and 50cm in height and will hold around 120litres of water. I'd ideally like to know...
  44. mark4785

    Inline co2 Diffuser - help!

    Hi, I've recently put up for sale my old aquarium here and will soon be picking up a new larger 120 litre aquarium which I intend to set-up as a planted aquarium with external filter and co2 introduction via a inline diffuser. The questions I have are as follows: 1. Which external filter...
  45. mark4785

    Nitrogen Cycle & The Planted Aquarium

    When a person has completed a fishless nitogen cycle (with pure ammonia solution), should there be any concern of the nitrogen cycle failing or becoming disrupted if the aquarium is promptly converted into a planted aquarium? The reason I ask this question is because many nitrogen cycles are...
  46. mark4785

    Appropriate Lighting for 60cm Aquarium

    Hello, I was wondering if I could get any advice on an appropriate light for an aquarium that is approximately 60cm in length. It currently has a black plastic cover on the top of it with flaps that you traditionally open up and drop food through. Due to it being plastic, it makes a lot of...
  47. mark4785

    Species of Moss: Which Is Most Suitable?

    My question is simply, what species of moss will grow in the following aquarium conditions: PH: 6.6 Temperature: 27 degrees C Lighting: 2x24w T5 HO 'life-glo' lights (Amazon frogbit segregate light source from water). Dosing: EI-dosing; approximately 10ppm of nitrate and 2ppm of Phosphate added...
  48. mark4785

    High Tech Aquarium: Advice Needed

    I currently own a 120 litre planted aquarium which I've been running for about 1 year now. Due to the aquarium hood requiring 2 x 24w HO fluorescent lights to be installed and working properly simultaneously, it would be fair to say that the lighting output is very high. This high/powerful light...
  49. mark4785

    Bog wood: Anchoring and Stability

    I was recently reading THIS article and one thing that has always puzzled me is how aquascapers manage to branch out their bog wood pieces horizontally from a central point. If you observe some of the pictures you can clearly see that a lot of the bog wood is arranged like this. How is this...
  50. mark4785

    Witnessing a Natural Death???

    Exactly 1 year and 3 months ago, I purchased a Mikrogeophagus Ramirezi (German Blue Ram) from an aquatic store. At the time the fish looked as though it was around a year old which means that, at present, it's age could be 2 years and several months old. As some of you may know, the life span of...
  51. mark4785

    Fish Not Eating - Advice Appreciated

    I have a small 60 litre aquarium which is home to a female Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (there were two of them yesterday) and a female German Blue Ram. They are both refusing to eat any form of flake or pellet food; they even refuse to eat specialist flake food with high amounts of beef heart and...
  52. mark4785

    Pond Protein Skimmer?

    At the moment in my pond I have a minor green water problem. I can still see my fish about 30cm below the surface, but if they go any further down I struggle to see them. I have tackled a recurring blanketweed problem by planting lilies (to block out sun light) and applying barley straw but I'm...
  53. mark4785

    Sick German Blue Ram - Help Urgently Needed

    Hi, I introduced a female GBR to my aquarium about 2 months ago and after she spawns the male I paired her with eats all of the eggs she lays and then becomes quite aggressive towards her. While the eggs are visible, they get a long very well and the female actually shows more aggression...
  54. mark4785

    Ready To Throw In the Towel

    Here are my aquarium's specifications: Tank specifications - 120 litres Lighting - 2 x 24W T5 Hagen fluorescent bulbs (4000 K each). Photoperiod is: 6 hours. CO2 - Pressurised (Dennerle Comfort Range c02 cylinder). Filtration - 1x Bluwave 05 internal filter (only 350 LPH), 1x unknown brand...
  55. mark4785

    Dry Fertiliser Dosing & Nitrite

    Hello, I was recently referred to this website by the owner of a company named Fluidsensor who supplied me with the dry fertilisers needed to start an estimative index dosing regime. I purchased from him, the following to make to two separate forms of nutrient solution: Macro-nutrient Dry...
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