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I would guess water height is the trick for the swords. My tank is 30cm deep, so maybe 20 cm of water above the substrate surface. I brought them with emersed leaves that were tall enough to break the surface and they've grown emersed leaves consistantly the whole time. I imagine if you start...

Eleocharis Acicularis (hairgrass) should be able to find it cheaper in the pond section rather than aquaiurm... although more likely to have hitchhikers. You could try soft rush, I have (I think) it growing and it stayed about 1' for ages, although over winter has decided to shoot up to closer...

Have you tested your tank water for nitrates, just curious what reading you got if you had? I wonder if you are actually having the opposite problem to excess ammonia - not enough ammonia/nitrates for the plants to grow well. A lot of fertilisers don't include nitrate they are more like vitamins...

I think the main concern is that in a canister filter, the bacteria may run out of oxygen and die and/or if you've got a lot of 'goo' in your filter and you take away the oxygen then you end up with stinky sludge... turn it back on an you could be dumping ammonia back in the tank as it...

If you wanted to use the tropica soil, you could stick it in a bucket for a few weeks with an airline and change the water regularly so any ammonia leached out before adding it to the tank. I guess it depends how much you were adding too - an entire substrate worth will obviously be more ammonia...

Which product do you actually have? Tropica Plant Growth Substrate is designed to be a 1cm layer at the bottom that's then capped with a couple of inches of gravel. It's like a fine powder that is mud when wet. Do you mean tropica soil? The soil can be used without capping it. If you've got an...

I don't know what the process would be but could you freeze it? Encouraging them to each frozen live is probably easier than dry. A bit of current and you can trick them into thinking it's wiggling. You could also try gel food - there are some diy recipies and again could be frozen for storage...

You may find this video helpful: It discusses plant species and ways to attach them above the waterline including using planters. The two plants you mentioned (monstera or pothos) are both very large and sprawling, but there are much smaller options that might suit you better. I've ferns...

I don't think a sump rules out floating plants - how were you planning on plumbing it? You can use a guard around an overflow to stop the floating plants being an issue. You can also grow floating plants in rings so they are limited to particular areas. You could also consider emersed plants...

Your RO water with nothing added is 50? It should be zero or atleast under ten. What type of shrimp? For cherry shrimp, you really want you gh atleast 6. Equilibrium only adds gh not kh - you might could consider a shrimp specific remineraliser if you are just keeping shrimp. Alternatively...

I wonder if all the non-planted aquarium owners look at us in horror and declare they would never add plants to their aquarium... they don't want to turn their home into some new age water treatment plant. Who would want to have to remove handfuls of floating plants and trim back a jungle when...

I can think of situations where if it achieved the same thing it would be prefereable to removing and replacing water e.g. if you were running a large system with different parametres to your tap water, you were in an area with water restrictions, water prices were high or your supply was very...

I can't see anywhere where he explains what his routine is. I would say it's technically possible, but doesn't mean he necessarily does what you imagine 'no water changes' to mean. For example - you could take your tank water run it through RO system, remineralise and pop it back in the tank the...

I think the TDS reading can be effected by temperature... have a Google for the science if someone doesn't pop in to expand. I can't remember the reasoning but that might be a starting point for research :) Glad your livestock made it OK!

When you tried this, other than the plants not waving, what issues did you observe?

What's your substrate?

I imagine you've probably read: 1 - add magic bacteria and you can add fish straight away 2 - you need to cycle a tank with ammonia and this takes weeks You are aiming for a 'cycle' where your filter takes the ammonia from fish waste and processed it to nitriate and on to nitrate. The bacteria...

You could try taking the photos in daylight? Sometimes it's hard to tell with the flash on what's silicone and what's reflected light. The important bits are the silicone squished between the two panels, which looks fine. Ragged bits on the bits you can poke outside the joint probably weren't...

I think some aquascapes would look quite good with a foggy repeat of the hardscape e.g. if you had an out of focus blurry shot of your tank wood repeated in the background it would give it depth - but I think a lot of people would also think that was cheating :) The white/frosted always look to...

How did you move it? With the tank completely empty? It looks like the substrate has been disturbed as there are some roots showing. Disturbing the substrate in a tank can upset the balence as you kick a lot of mulm up that's settled and I imagine mix up the layers of bacteria etc. that live in...

I think there is a bit of jumbling between terms e.g. lid/glass cover/hood. You can have a glass cover panes with or without a hood, and a hood without it necessarily having a top e.g. you can have a 6" tall trim around the tank that cover the water line/hides a light bar without the top being...

I checked and can't see any tubers. I also quizzed my brother and he confirmed he foraged in a reptile shop for this one and it was a 'boston fern' of some type - AKA Nephrolepis. - as usual Darrel nailed it! :D

Here's a leaf picture. I ran it through a plant ID app and it suggested a Fragile Bladder Fern (Cystopteris fragilis) but I think IDing ferns is a bit of an art lol It came from my brother who keeps terrariums and he probably collected it from somewhere so it's likely to be a UK native. It seems...

Both these two people grow out the top of tanks, which I would imagine involves the occassional decaying part without any reported harm. I would imagine maidenhair ferns are too delicate to be very good for the aquarium though. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) Maidenhair fern (Adiantum...

First thought is yikes glass, but I guess it's actually no different to sitting a glass tank on a steel frame which is pretty common. I guess things to check would be does the glass contact the frame evenly all the way around - if the frame isn't level then that could be an issue with that much...

Off topic ish... but Anubias is pretty tough. There is a 'disease' refered to as 'anubias rot' or similar but I'm not sure if it's been confirmed as an actual disease or it's just symptoms of an unhealthy plants. If you notice the rhzome starting to rot, cut it cleanly above the effected area...

I think it would work perfectly fine, but if you wanted to be fussy, I feel like some of your rocks aren't the right way up - the natural striations aren't all going the same way e.g. that big rock on the left, looks like it is on it's side and the big surface facing out should actually be the...

I would say that's a fairly low on the scale of feeding routines. Most people feed once per day as a minimum and maybe skip one day a week. From your nitrate levels, the tank is able to cope easily with your current routine so increasing your feeding is perhaps a good way of naturally increasing...

Bit late, but popping them in the fridge? They'll probably survive in there a few days with no other intervention as their metabolism would slow down. Works with the life food you buy anyway.

Scoop out a glass full and see if it settles?

Mines the same, never measurable, I don't think it's that odd in a planted tank. It's why so many people with planted tanks add ferts with nitrate, where as fish only people tend to be horrified at the idea as they are always trying to reduce it. Plants will also uptake ammonia before your...

You can get monitors that plug in between your equipment and the wall and track the actual draw if you are curious. It's going to vary a lot depending on the temp you run your tank, room temp, what lighting, whether you have a hood etc. It would be interesting to experiment with techniques that...

That's a snug filter! I'd be tempted to pop a bit of course filter sponge in front of the inlet as backup. Got a photo of the inlet. These tiny nano fish fit into surprisingly small gaps, particularly if they are unwell and not up to usually swimming power. I think I waited 2-3 weeks to stock...

Just to add to the confusion for you.... It seems a bit odd to me that in a 8 week old, reasonably planted tank you are getting nitrites. Have you tried testing your tap water? Then testing again after you add whichever dechlorinator you use. Might it be a test/tester issue leading you down the...

There are companies that offer tank maintaince if that's something that would enable you to keep the bigger tank longer :) You could also set up a webcam if it's watching the tank you are missing, I know some people do this when they go on holiday to keep an eye on things!

You could enclose the kallax so it gave you the look without taking the weight e.g. a bit of wood supported by the wall along the back edge, then a vertical board supporting each end (made of something other than cardboard). You could oversail and add a support leg at the front centre too. I've...

Running an airline to maximise oxygen might be helpful too :)

There are some products designed for underwater use e.g. Aquascape Epoxy | D-D The Aquarium Solution I would suggest preping for a water change post using them though.

I missed this thread, I had the same issue. I dribbled boiling water over the tap until I could open it and then dribbled more until the inside of the tap defrosted and then water came out. The top of the butt was frozen, but obviously enough in the centre to work it's way out once the tap was...

The 50% and maintaining an equilibrium with the estimative index makes sense, but seven days is also quite an arbitrary number - probably picked because a lot of people water change on the same day of the week. I imagine, you probably wouldn't see a difference if you water changed every 10 days...

I've brought tissue culture sold that way (split and sent in bags), and it's a cheaper way to have lots of species if you don't mind growing them on yourself to get more. Do watch out for sellers that are just supplying cheap plants particularly stems as they may be imported/treated with...

That's interesting, I'd have been inclined to let it drop lower at night on the grounds that it would take longer to warm up so stay lower for longer in the day time. I sometimes wonder about how much fluctuation there is between night/day in the wild, and would the fish actually prefer a...

I did accidentally forget to switch the heater on after a water change, so one of my tanks was at 19/20oC for a week or so - they weren't acting any different (ember tetras) but I wouldn't leave it that chilly usually.

Mines set to 23/24 oC.

Have you looked at bespoke? For that price I'd want something that ticks all the boxes. Pick what you like from it and then change what you don't. I imagine you could pick up the same lights separately if you want them. I've used Aquariums4Life Custom Aquarium Manufactures for tanks before and...

I don't think tropica substrate leaches ammonia, I've used it a few times and never measured any. Usual wisdom would be to let the plants start actively growing then start adding fish. However, that is aimed at fish that poop and get fed and are producing ammonia which needs actively growing...

If you were concerned what would happen in future if you wanted to add fish again, you could either gradually increase the amount you fed them - what comes out is proportionate to what goes in and/or just transfer a bit of cycled media from your other tank. But a tank with that many actively...

You could try scattering a couple of the smaller rocks on top - easy to try and remove if you don't like. I think that would continue your mixed sizes into the distance rather than stopping at a big rock. I don't find it offensive looking though and it will look more natural as they have time to...

I'm not sure you'd fit a school of Otos - when they swim in a group they zoom along my 90x45 tank. I quarantined in a smaller tank and had to be careful not to startle them as they'd hit the glass. Haven't kept rams. Galaxy or Chili would suit that size tank well though.

Clearseal do a 24"x15"x12"H i.e. 60x38x30 (70L). That would give you that sort of footprint (60x38cm) without as much extra volume as going 40cm tall. Aquael do a Leddy set 60x30x40H (72L) - which is extra height but not depth. It depends on the style tank you want too - are you looking for...

Go for bigger. You aren't making much difference stepping from 30 to 40. I think if you are going to the work/cost of swapping out a tank then you might as well make the bigger swap - is it worth having a look at a 60x40 footprint to give you a little more front to back too? I'd imagine a chunk...

Frogbit is a floating plant and can grow very long roots. I've had it grow 18" and attempt to root itself in the substrate. I think it does depend on conditions though - I think less ferts in the water column the bigger the roots.

Maybe try pro-shrimp? They sell the Leddy 60 which is those dimensions but a full kit. Might be worth asking if they can order you the other style if you'd prefer it.

I've (what I think is) a clearseal 30"x12"x12" in my kitchen - it does have a back/front brace but the top black trim came off easily. I think it's 6mm glass.

Maybe the water change triggered a moult and the parameters aren't quite right for the cherries and that's causing an issue - the water change made it really obvious as they did it in bulk?

Treated other pets for fleas or similar, touched someone else's pet that could have been treated?

Keep in mind though, your tank/filter is 'cycled' to cope with the waste of one fish. That doesn't mean you can put lots more fish in and it will cope. I would wait a few weeks until your plants are actively growing and doing well (and your nitrite disappears) before considering adding any more...

Got all the non obvious stuff e.g. buckets, syphon tubing etc. tweezers for planting are handy although not a requirement. Bit of superglue for hardscape/epiphites.

It depends, if you want simple then an all in one liquid fert is the easiest. It will cost you more than the dry fertiliser mentioned but you don't have to mix powders which may feel like too much if you are just starting. The TNC Complete has everything and is one of the cheaper options. Just...

I wouldn't add a bristle nose - big, but also very messy. Pygmy's aren't really a bottom dweller they are mid water, you could look at habrosus cory though - still small but more traditional in cory behaviour. Otos are nice, but again wouldn't really call them a bottom dweller - they'll be all...

I like tanks that look pleasing from a distance, but then you can put your nose to the glass and admire a little 6" section and it be full of details you don't notice until you look. And that create a good environment for the fish - some scape are a bit bright and bare and make me feel sorry for...

12l is too small - that's less stability and quite a small colony. 25l would make a ok shrimp only tank. Lets be honest though... it sounds like what you really want is a second planted tank, that just has a lot of shrimp in... so 120L would be perfect :D Bigger volume of water is easier to keep...

I think a lot of people think tanks take a lot, but use a lot more on other household appliances if they actually worked it out. It depends on the tank you run though obviously if you are running high tech and towards the upper temperature range you are using a lot more. I think my...

Not at all, I've nicked them out the sandpit before. A plastic scoop (slightly higher sides than a spade) might work. Try the options in your local pet shop under cat litter scoop too. They usually have a few holes which lets the water through but the substrate is damp enough to hold together...

I think you'll find it too heavy with wet substrate in. 25L brewing buckets (wilko etc. sell them) are great as they hold 25l and have clip lids which keep water and/or humidity in. I would use several, transport fish and plants in one, hard scape, substrate etc. You can run an...

I'd do three male endlers (different colours) and some cherry shrimp :)

For a lid that looks tight, I would probably go with perspex, use a separate rectange piece(s) to go around your pipework if it's complicated. Then a panel over the top resting on the rim, with cut outs to overlap your rectangles. Then add a lip at the front (and optionally the two sides) only...

The tropica website has photos of tanks with the plants growing in and diagrams of the planting scheme so you can work out what is what: Inspiration for aquascapes and planted tanks - Tropica Aquarium Plants

To be honest, I'd be inclined to agree with the landlord/handyman. An open top container full of warm water evaporating could certainly contribute. Maybe look at ways you could mitigate e.g. you might suggest that you add a lid and purchase a dehumidifier and then the landlord reinspects in 3...

Here's a photo, as you can see it can grow out of the water, but the leaves do suffer. It's big too, the rhizome on this is about 20mm thick and the leaf stalks about 30cm long. The rhyzome goes from just above the substrate, diagonally upwards and splits into two near the top, there there is...

Yes, I'm pretty sure that's the species mine is. I would say it suffers slightly and would prefer a smidge more humidity as the older leaves tend to get dry crispy tips as they age. However, it's been doing it's thing for a couple of years now so it's certainly surviving. An occassional misting...

Snail will be fine. You'll probably get a spike anyway from all the disturbance. I agree with angus' advice. Only thing I'd add is it's a bit nippy so I'd be inclined to put a blanket or similar around the tank just to keep it a little warmer for the critters. Keep in mind though they get sent...

Yes, but I don't think tetley - it has to be specific types. Tea is just chopped up botanicals after all :)

What plants have you tried previously? Do you have plant preferences? Your javafern looks very healthy. With your tank, I'd be tempted to consider some branchy wood for towards the back and tie on a nice selection of anubias. That would give you some height and they are easy to grow. I've also...

I agree, plain gravel can grow great plants. Failing at one plant doesn't mean you need a new substrate. It might be other things in your tank aren't suited to it, or just pop a couple of root tabs in and you are sorted. Have you got a picture of your tank?

I don't see why not, only benefit of a filter in that situation is collecting debris but you can do that with a syphon/water changes.

Keep in mind too, that if you are running a business with shrimp etc. you won't be able to sell fish etc. that do fall under licensing under the 'hobby' heading.

Couriers need to be licensed to transport fish, not sure about shrimp. Royal mail isn't though, I think there are only a couple that are. https://ornamentalfish.org/courier-services-that-carry-fish/

Best place to check would be your local council licensing department - even if you don't need one you are less likely to run into problems if you've contacted them to check rather than they chase you to see if you are in scope.

Ask your lfs they may know a company locally that do maintenance. I'd be reluctant to leave that long - maybe just have someone come in once a week to check on it and feed the fish.

2l jug emptied into 10l bucket, empty and repeat. Clean intake sponges in the bucket before emptying. Then refill. About 10 minutes if I don't fuss around.

I'd just leave it as long as it's not filling the tub. I found leaf litter was good food without being too much maintenance.

I'd set up a nice woody hardscape that looked good with no plants. That will give it basic structure that the fish will like and some height without using stems plants that need maintenance. Then use bolbitis and anubias on the wood - you can get a few different anubias varieties for interest...

I would opt for new, it's going to be a pain to do either way and with a tank that age you could fix it up and then have a problem with another area shortly afterwards. New tank, you could have an opti-white front glass (I bet there are a few scratches on your glass at that age too) and the...

I think it depends on what your routine too - for example if you are doing big regular changes, your water is going to be close to tap plus your ferts. If you are not doing such big changes (often lower tech too) you might find testing, at least at first for nitrate will give you a sense for...

I don't know about nutrient requirements, but I'm sure I've read Utricularia graminifolia likes to snack on insects so might be worth seeing if it has similar tastes.

I would water change as normal, whatever you do weekly unless their is ammonia you need to get rid of. However, also thinking about feeding - what food you are adding is what makes a difference to your load more than the livestock itself. Shrimp are pretty good at feeding themselves so I would...

If you don't already, I would add oxygen. Then work on keeping the room cool as possible. Open your windows/doors once the outside temperature is lower than your inside temperature to cool the room/house. During the day close the windows once it's hotter outside than in and shut the curtains/blinds.

Most of the time not doing anything is best. Cool the room (open windows in evening/close blinds in day), add air to the tank to increase oxygen and sit it out. Mine was up at 32 late yesterday and even the shrimp are fine. I think people often do more harm trying to yoyo temperatures than just...

In summer most will do fine as long as it's humid not just hot. Most are tender over winter, although a few will survive e.g. hairgrass.

This. To confirm you can test the water change water before adding it to your tank :)

My anubias is flowering! The rhizome has just breached the water surface (the leaves escaped ages ago) so I wonder if that's the trigger. Or maybe it's just enjoying spring.

Yes, that's nettles. I think once dry they don't sting but handle with care. I imagine the leaf variation is time of year - it's a bit early for them to really get going. I would imagine dead nettle might be ok to feed too as that's edible for people and land animals. Also safer to pick. The...

If you waterchanged out the ammonia from the substrate (and I don't remember tropica producing much when I set mine up), the reason you have zero ammonia and nitrite is because nothing is producing ammonia. As soon as you put a source of ammonia in there i.e. fish - you will have ammonia but...

Any reason you can't run the old filter temporarily on the new tank? I'd do the setup, get your 'scape' sorted, add plants - let the tank run a few weeks so you have active plant growth. Then double check your ammonia is ok from substrate and move the old filter and fish over. You can remove the...

Because when you are advising random strangers on the internet you usually assume the skill/knowledge down. Yes, there will be some people that do the research and pull off high tech first time without a hitch (and with some luck involved), but odds are most people will have more success...

I have carried a 3m length (very heavy!) just redid my kitchen :) It's on worktop at the moment, as have been a series of smaller tanks for the last decade or so, but there is a foot spare either side and trim at the back so the edges have never got wet. It has support on the front edge too...

Haven't got too far into plans, but I think I will baton (e.g. 2x4) along the back, side and chimney wall - mine are brick - to give a level surface, and build down from there. I'll probably use a piece of kitchen worktop for the top surface. The tank is currently supported in a sort of similar...

I don't, but I'm planning the exact same thing :) I have the same alcove and have one of those style fitted units in the front room, which I plan to replicate in the 'dinning' room to put my 90cm tank on. I can't remember without measuring, but I think I have slightly more side to side space...

I presume the tank was originally filled with the same tap water? If you are worried just do a couple of smaller changes inside of one big one :)