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I can't believe anybody gets upset by this, He makes fun out of this hobby. He makes caricatures out of nature. He decides that he doesn't want to follow the norm. Outrageous, doesn't he realise there are rules. He'll be growing a moustache next. ;) Oh, thats cool as well now. bloody trends...

Unbelievable. There are so many 'scapes' only possible with 60 WPG and 345 BPS, and someone comes up with a 'low tech' tank like this. Tom, love the fact that you think the technical aspect of the photo's is even important To be honest you could go back 20 years and take this on a polaroid...

I hope I'm back from Poland for the Stockport event. would love to swap my 'taking plants out of pots and prep for planting' expertise for ' keeping plants alive and not needing to 'take plants out of pots and prep for planting' expertise! This is a great chance to increase exposure to the...

"cities not so good". Fantastic quote. perhaps Pompei......

I take it you are running purigen in these tanks, excellent water clarity! ;)

If your running CO2 the flow is the key. from what I've read on hear you want to be aiming for 10x turnover. I think this is more important than the type of filter of the media you load it with. dont get bogged down with brands or types of media!

Weasel, are you planning on running CO2? This will probably be the biggest factor in your filter choice for a planted tank...

Love your optimism Tom that there is actually informative and entertaining shows. I'm assuming US TV is as bad as in the UK! 99 crap shows for 1 good one. I'd love to be a TV producer right now, hmmm I've got an idea and it won't cost us very much because all I'm going to do is follow annoying...

Not cheap, but to be fair they know their stuff! where do you shop in the NW, seems to be lacking in decent shops to say the least. I'm not exactly loaded so tend to sell out to the chain with Tropica deal! The puddle is awesome by the way, reckon this is the way to go with tanks, so much depth...

weasel, think the consensus is that the plants reduce the worry regarding ammonia and nitrite as they love to eat it! I've read that they will 'use' ammonia as food before they use nitrate.

Alastair, I'd certainly be up for a manchester / stockport meet. Would be great to meet at some point, although I must point out I'm a newbie so may be one way traffic with the info! quick question, did you happen to get your shallow tank from TGM about march time last year? only been over once...

unbelievable. I must have watched the videos 10 times and it keeps getting better! Also love the fact (should probably whisper this on the aquatic plant forum) that you have stayed fish orientated. I have a request, which may sound crazy given how nice the big tank is, but do you have any videos...

Hi Alan, fingers crossed for you. It's very deflating when you can't seem to find the 'cure' and everything you see online is pictures of incredibly lush green tanks! This is like watching the Champions League, getting up for a kick around and realising that you aren't Messi! I've had the same...

Hi Alan, fingers crossed for you. It's very deflating when you can't seem to find the 'cure' and everything you see online is pictures of incredibly lush green tanks! This is like watching the Champions League, getting up for a kick around and realising that you aren't Messi! I've had the same...

luxury?! you make this sound like a hobby! Everything thing you read about amano's suggests this can't be done, but I guess that's because they are written for the average bloke who can get cherry's breeding, or more probably from a commercial point of view. If someone's out to make cash a...

Hi Alastair, I'm in Didsbury, couple of miles from city centre. basically if you look for west cumbria on a map, I'm about 130 miles south east! :)

haha! Your target audience of amano shrimp breeders must be limited! could be a tough crowd. I've absolutely no experience breeding shrimp of any kind, I'm a bit of a nature geek though... i think in the wild, even seemingly fresh / clean water is absolutely full of potential food for the...

this is exactly my point, nobody got nowhere without pioneers! Just think it's brilliant, suspect you had a jar full of beetles when you were a kid! if you do get to the stage where you can sell let me know!

might be a pressure issue?

Given how much time you've put into this, hope it works out in a big way and you can make some cash out of it. Realise that you've done it out of interest more than money, but I reckon there would be shed loads of buyers on here willing to give money for some UK bred Amano's! love it when...

Hi Willard, I don't think there is an all in one answer. Depends on your fish, and the frozen food. If you've got more insectivores like maybe rams (?), I don't see why it should be a treat only - it's their natural diet. Bear in mind that they don't only eat one type of creature though so mix...

however it's happened it's a bummer, sure you'll get the numbers back up though, fingers crossed for you pal.

function over form! I'm sure enzo ferrari said the same!

its like food shopping if you haven't eaten for a day. your wishlist starts in there! goes to show what happens when you have a well run shop - good stock and knowledgeable staff who love what they do. went in when i first got hooked and made a comment about how additive this hobby is. response...

Victor, Almost too far ahead! does anyone still use blue tooth?! maybe we'll see these bulbs released in the shape of an apple. 'ifruit'...

its one in the tank, cant do inline with the fx5 hoses. not capable of doing a reactor for it either, hoping someone starts manufacturing them and spray bars for the FX5! unbelievable tank by the way, also loved it 'pre trim'!

awesome scape. BTW the water in the Alwen is possibly the coldest water I've ever known without actually being ice! had a dip in there once when visiting a friend in Ceregedridion!

thanks for reply stu. so, basically have the strainer and the outlet on the left (or right!) with flow going along the width of the tank? would this mean placing the diffuser at the opposite side of the tank, so the flow hits it and pushes it down? there seems to be loads of info suggesting CO2...

put your ear next to the tank - if you hear "you spin me right round baby, right round" you could be on to something!

Hi Guys, sure I'll get a response to see how it looks once set up, BUT, hoping for some pointers as early as poss. New FX5 arrived yesterday, purely to improve flow. have a 190 litre with an aquis 1050. loads of plant melt due to poor co2 distribution. at this stage would like to try the...

Hi Nealag, a fair point, but (I'm clearly no expert!) wouldn't increasing the CO2 increase the rate of O2 the plants produce? I'm starting to get my head round the fact that increasing CO2 doesn't decrease oxygen, it just increases Co2. If we can get the balance right, the water would be...

father UKAPS, I have sinned. despite hours and hours of reading your site I still frazzle my plants with too much light, not enough CO2 and poor flow. Brother FX5 has offered to help out tomorrow, may the deaths of far too many plants not be in vain.

evening chaps, did you get anywhere with this meet? I'm in manc but don't drive - would always be up for a meet in manchester.

Hi Russ, kept to the APF mix, just added more. seemed to do the trick. I believe its the nitrate that BGA doesn't like, so I guess you could just add more KNO3, but i couldnt be bothered complicating things! now just got to master CO2, oh and install my new FX5 this weekend! happy days! rob

awesome. 42 minutes in, to see the sheer passion of this guy is unreal. exactly what this is all about.

Jacaranda / Russw, I believe this is the correct stuff. I upped the dosing and the BGA has pretty much gone, only a very small amount between substrate and glass

sounds good, I'll give it a go and see whether I can get the flow patterns to work. Thanks again for the help.

that sounds like a plan, tank is not much bigger and moderate light so should get similar duration. Happy days!

amazing tank. started thread from previous page and thought how good some praecox would look in there. and they do! fair play.

haha, awkward banter about stem plants. I suppose normally it's unexplained to find a stiff fish in your tank, this would be a Mulder and Scully moment.

Paulo, Do you buy 5KG fe's and then chuck when they are done? I've managed to get a huge Pub bottle but cant find anywhere to refill in Manc. (no car so limited in travelling). How long do they last and what size tank etc? considering how much I spend on everything else this may be the way to go!

eBAY?!

Beers packed with CO2. Just don't mix stella with Betta's or there could be a potential domestic issue. TBH you don't even need to worry about measuring spoons, just keep the levels fairly similar each time and all is good! I think the beauty of EI is that chemistry isn't important, unless you...

hoping the dramatic title will trigger a read or two! Brief specs are; 200l (ish) tank - 2xT5 Aqua one Aquis 1050 (1200lph?) dosing EI Pub CO2 I've been in the world of OZ regarding my tank and how it will work. had algae issues which have been sorted thanks to Ceg and other expert advice...

Jerry, I'm new to EI as well. It's daunting at first, and feels like complicated science (coming from someone with a degree in Environmental Science this is ironic(?)) The premise is to ensure that nutrients are no longer a factor in the growth of your plants, that is to make sure they have more...

Less Monty Python and more Kevin and Perry Go Large....... I would have thought Brown Trout would be to large for your tank! :)

Apologies for the lack of activity, I've not had much chance to work on the tank lately. firstly thanks to everyone for helping me out. My BBA is now gone, I think largely down to stability in CO2 and addition of Glut. I'm still having issues with melting, which I realise is down to Co2...

Hi Ed, apologies for the delay replying. open top is not an option on this tank, although is a plan for a second tank in the future (once I've learnt how to keep plants alive and algae at bay!) I think it will be replaced with something more reasonable sooner rather than later, not sure I...

Good luck, however you decide to do it. I read your entire journal on your reef tank at lunch today, a great read. It looks like you're up for a challenge and won't shy away easily! I love the fact that people are coming across from the marine side which seems to have historically considered...

Hi there, sorry for the dramatic title but I'm working on the Sun's level of marketing "jordan's had a baby thats eaten the neighbours dog" etc. I'm in the process of sorting my tank and algae issues, part of the problem is likely to be low plant mass. My local, nameless chain pet shop...

Hi AWB, I definitely think its a faulty batch. I've got some bromo and 4dkh solution (seperate) on its way. In terms of filter maintenance, I see where you are coming from in terms of bacteria colonies. TBH, I've read a lot recently about keeping the filter clean at all times, obviously as a...

Hi Clive, sorry, i extended the spray bar across the tank the other day. I thought this would be most efficient in terms of CO2 distribution, however it has affected the velocity of the water coming out. The water starts to drop about 2 thirds of the way across the tank, i.e. towards the front...

Hi Clive, Apologies for the comms black out. Christmas is a horrendously busy time, even for an atheist. I've not had time to sit down with the tank and do the pH test, aiming to do it this weekend and will get the results posted. I've upped the CO2 slightly with no affect on fish, but don't...

Hi Manrock and Jack - Rythm, I have 4 otto's in there, think the algae has been too prevalent for them to cope with. I've never seen a true SAE in any of my LFS and don't want to end up with a look a like which won't touch the BBA. I also want to solve the issue, or at least improve it so...

Hi Clive, apologies for delay coming back to you. drop checker has 4dhk bromo blue solution bought from AE. My confession here is that it already looks like a yellowy green not blue, which is why I take it to yellow. however this also means I'm not really getting any accuracy from it. I'll...

Hi Clive, Apologies for wasting your time on this, you diagnosis is correct, its BBA. I already know flow and CO2 need improving so the plan is; installation of 2nd spray bar, done today, now have spray bars across whole width of tank. Not a huge surprise with CO2 distribution as its only...

close up of algae.

complete amateur at this so hopefully should work. various poor pics of algae and also Potassium Nitrate. http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag48/thelats1981/20121221_181849_zps47b1d998.jpg http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag48/thelats1981/20121221_1821221_zps5168a7b4.jpg...

Hi Clive, Yeah it came from APF, I'll upload a picture over the weekend. happy to get more from elsewhere if needed. I guess no reason why I couldn't remove a bulb. They also have deflectors, guess these should definitely come off for the time being? I'll get pictures of the algae uploaded...

Sanj, they look absolutely amazing. I'm really happy with mine and the personalities are what really works for me, but the colours of your males are ridiculous! I'm a very jealous man. BTW loved the massive Rainbow tank in PFK, unreal! Apologies if I'm stealing the thread, based on your ratio...

Hi Clive, filter is cleaned weekly, although having said that the pipes are not, will sort this. Will also double dose and look to do 60%-70% water changes, although can only do once weekly. In terms of distribution, I know I cannot rule this out, since I only have one spray bar running...

Hi Clive, Thanks for the reply, I was hoping you may catch this thread! Apologies, I'm still getting my head round the maths (not my strongest subject) hence the vagueness which is clearly not useful. The dosing regime I'm using is as follows; 4 tsp Potassium Nitrate 1 tsp Potassium...

Hi Antipofish, no expert but have had Praecox for 6 months or so. Absolutely great fish with brilliant personalities. 1) They do shoal, but not tight like tetras, and tends to be if something disturbs them or if one of them moves off to investigate something - they all follow! I have 14, 9 males...

Hi all, I'm hoping someone may be able to help me with some advice and pointers. Apologies in advance for the length of this, but I feel I'm getting to the point of defeat and this may be last attempt to sort things out. I've been having ongoing issues with various algae since setting my tank...

Good luck with the new tank mate!

Water change is a good shout, any change from the norm. Some corys are sensitive but you would still expect some behaviour change from other fish?

What i was going to suggest was trying a larger shoal of small corys. ive got 10 arcuatus and they are ridiculously funny to watch. The worse thing when a fish dies is that you assume you are doing something or not doimg something which is to blame. Your tank is clean, well maintained, you keep...

Checked out ur journal earlier mate. Ace pal. im no aquascaper and cant grow plants (hookin up pub bottle co2 this weekend!) and have inert substrate! error, but no chance of rescaping cos of fish BUT am geek in terms of fish health or at least other peoples knowledge of. If u havent changed...

Wont be constipation unless they are gettin bloodworms every day! also be unlikely both affected at same time. the ada substrate leaks ammonia, but only early doors and your testing for that anyway so not that. could i make a suggestion?

From my limited knowledge i would say the reasons are different for corys and kuhlis. Kuhlis would probably be happiest in soil only substrate covered with loads of leaf mass. Never going to happen?!. in average aquarium, ie one or two plants and a bit of wood they will tend to hide or bury...

Ok, 2 apologies- spelling and speed of response. its coming from mobile! What is the substrate? have u added any root tabs or supliments at all? in fact have you changed anything at all in last few days?

Hi jason, sorry wasnt sayin was def stress just tryin to work out possibles. Tank and substrate look really clean which would normally be first concern with corys. not in your case. it is def wierd that 2 fish acting weird at same time. May also suggest that this isnt a chemical or parameter...

Noticed your still online, whats status on cory?

Were the bloodworms full defrosted? Sounds daft but fish struggle with cold food. may also be stress if theres a real frenzy with feeding the bloodworms? cory's do better in larger shoals, feel more secure and can deal with active tank mates better. im not convinced this would be an oxygen issue...

i guess this explains my persistent crypt melt in my non CO2 tank. have been blaming nutrients, substrate etc. etc. have now got pressurised CO2 on the way, hopefully not too late to bring them back!

For the record this was not meant to be derogatory to tgm in any way, they are fantastic, as proven by the tank full of crypts sitting at home! Just wondered what peoples thoughts and experkemce on this would be.

Apologies everyone, as in life ignorance is no excuse.

Certainly was geoffbark, didnt know where best to post it!

Hi, has anybody got experience with TGM's Blue Rock in terms of it affecting Iron levels. I'm sure it's aquarium safe however there are areas which look almost like rust, and I am concerned that this will elevate the FE in the water column. Any help / advice would be hugely appreciated.