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  1. Cazza

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I squeeze them in the water, to get as much air as possible out. They sink better after doing this.
  2. MichaelJ

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I just throw the veggies in the microwave wrapped in a wet paper-towel for a quick whirl (10-15 secs) to soften them up and then put them in the tank... I like the fork approach, it also makes it easy to retrieve the leftovers I suppose. 👍 Cheers, Michael
  3. Luis M

    Embarking on an Aquascaping Adventure:

    Thank you
  4. MichaelJ

    PAR meter apps, android and iOS

    @oreo57, I very much agree with pretty much everything you said above. However, I really want to learn more about @Aquahorti experiences on the matter. Heck, I may even join the optimal spectral distribution team... just as I joined the lean fertilizer team after being extremely skeptical...
  5. S

    Very first tank (planted, low tech)

    Considering white vinegar has a pH of about 2.5, this is unsurprising. Moss is such a sensitive little plant and is easily damaged. I’ve got a few different species around my pond and small upsets such as a hot day or a dog going to the toilet where she’s not supposed to causes disaster...
  6. J

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    For solid veg just slide a small fork (children's forks are ideal) through the tough skin, have the points of the fork pointing downwards. Don't bother boiling or blanching, rinse the veg and put them in the tank, they'll naturally soften up within a few hours. Not always practical but if...
  7. I

    My first aquarium, running for 7 months

    Slice of nature that is... legendary🫶
  8. Anfield1forever

    My first aquarium, running for 7 months

    Wow. Looks amazing 👏
  9. Anfield1forever

    Newbie with a new project.

    Been having a little algae problem so today I swapped the rocks with others I had. Think they are better placed now too. Monte carlo going crazy and cryptocorynes have produced under water leaves. Blyxa sending out runners and balansae has grown about 2 foot long.
  10. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Here's a couple of snaps I've just taken of the remaining oto's and as you can see one of them looks a bit red around the eye. Of the four remaining 2 look fairly healthy and the other 2 not so but they do perk up occasionally they appear to be still with clamped fins quite often. A bonus shot...
  11. The Miniaturist

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    My ottos were quite outgoing, buzzing around the tank. They slowed down a little as they got older but I still had them for a good four years. I called one of them Odd Eye as it had one eye bigger than the other! 🤪 That one lived the longest. I didn't bother blanching cucumber, it goes soft very...
  12. Mitchabbots

    90cm and right at the beginning

    ...biologist, who will not be best pleased if I kill anything.:mad: I am considering the following: 1. Aqua One AquaSys 230 (white cabinet), 90L*55D*53H cm 2. Oase Biomaster Thermo 600 3. Chihiros WRGB 2 (90cm), with hanging kit 4. CO2 – FE with regulator and solenoid and inline diffuser (Make...
  13. oreo57

    PAR meter apps, android and iOS

    Personally, this is kind of a big can of worms. Spectrum can influence everything from morphology to nutrient content. Also can be species dependent on the effects. Also my most fun thing to think about. Below the water the environment does a 180 where high blue ratio would mean low light...
  14. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    How do you feed your cucumber etc? I soaked some in boiled water for 10 minute but still had to weigh it down with a stone to get it to sink!
  15. I

    Low tech heaven

    Have you seen father fish videos on resurrection jars. I would love to try that out some day and introduce the microfauna from the resurrection jar to a 45p walstad type setup
  16. I

    Very first tank (planted, low tech)

    Possibilities are endless with the types of moss you could use for a moss wall or a collaboration with different types... Heaven for inverts and baby fry
  17. S

    Very first tank (planted, low tech)

    Good tip. I. had pinnatifida growing out of my tank like a tree! Its now in a jar in the kitchen window. Like a tree!
  18. I

    Hello from London

    Also a noob from South Africa... I intend to absorb as much info before starting my 90p
  19. I

    Plant suggestions

    Rotala lots of species to choose from, ludwigia, hygrophila polysperma, cryptocorynes,
  20. I

    Small wildlife pond. To dirt or not to dirt, that is the question ...

    You could use mesh bags with pond soil and cap like u do in a fish tank... Capping will eliminate dirty cloudy water and you can plant as you like
  21. I

    first house plant

    Do you add lights above for the terrestrial plants or will the aquarium light suffice? I have a peace lilly that I would like to add but still hesitant
  22. I

    Critique my hardscape What do you think?

    Little height on the right, just lower than the right will give a good contrast for a second visual point. I wouldn't worry about the left being too high on the rocks. Epiphytes like Bruce, anubias can be used at the base of the right as as the left.
  23. MichaelJ

    PAR meter apps, android and iOS

    For sure, I agree. Looking at the absorption curves and the photosynthetic rate curves for plants it's pretty clear what the preferential wavelength bands are and where they pickup their energy for photosynthesis. The choice of light is certainly not inconsequential, but I will submit that for...
  24. Tim Harrison

    Critique my hardscape What do you think?

    Nice, good job. You've got a very decent sense of perspective and proportion, and have filled the canvas well. I wouldn't worry about the uneven substrate level at the front. If anything I'd make it more random. It adds to the tension. When you plant you could try and create a bit more negative...
  25. I

    Critique my hardscape What do you think?

    Can u take a picture from the top
  26. F

    Cleaning Filter Tubing

    It works for me, mine is years old, probably time I got a new one 😂😂 I use curtain taunt instead of the plastic “line”
  27. I

    Is rotala blood red?

    I believe red plants do well with less nitrates, more iron & phosphates with good lighting
  28. I

    Very first tank (planted, low tech)

    A Java moss wall can replace the terrestrial moss... you can also attach epiphytes like hygrophila pinnatifida, anubias etc... Just a thought
  29. Scaperinc

    EI Half Dose

    I learned that the hard way initially going semi EI route and trimmingevery other week, atm i am doing nitrate limitation though water column and happy with results and growth has slowed and better colours on rotala hra
  30. S

    Cleaning Filter Tubing

    That brush looks awsome!
  31. S

    Cleaning Filter Tubing

    Yeah i have the taps, it makes things so much easier. But me pipes are still dirty!! Typical.
  32. MichaelJ

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Same here... In a densely planted tank they do tend to be extremely stealthy.... I have (had) 4 in one tank... it can literally be weeks between I see any of them. Not too long ago I saw 2 during WC. I am still hopeful that I have all 4, but I have nothing to clinch that hope on. They used...
  33. Bradders

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    What’s the filter, and what is the media inside. If you would not mind sending a piccy of the aquarium as well that would be helpful.
  34. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I mentioned in the OP I checked params and all well within acceptable margins. I do keep koi and have done for several years so am familiar with water testing. Now, i guess my ph could be considered on the highish side at 7.5 but I've seen conflicting information about this so forgive me if I'm...
  35. dw1305

    EI Half Dose

    Hi all, I'll be honest, I'm just <"incredibly lazy"> and always follow the <"path of least resistance">. I look on the requirement for limited intervention <"as a positive">. cheers Darrel
  36. oreo57

    Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium 34 Litre, hood light quick hack!

    Interestingly enough most will be about "1watt/gallon" in their respective size. Like 20g(30w), 40g(40W), 55g(51W)
  37. Bradders

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I would also, whilst we are here, take a step back and look at your aquarium, filtration, readings etc and just check that everything is good.
  38. Cazza

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Sorry to hear about your Oto problems. My tank has been running for a couple of months now. I introduced 4 Otos after a month or so. Saw them all the time, until I did some more planting, which they obviously really didn't like. I then added two more. I often see two out and about, but have...
  39. J

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    They are delicate for you. We get them from our own back yard in Argentina, and they are indestructible. Since they are barely a day's journey away, they are usually in pretty good condition. I think that goes to show it's just a traveling issue. Yours undergo a long process, and they end up...
  40. F

    Cleaning Filter Tubing

    https://charterhouse-aquatics.com/products/eheim-flexible-cleaning-brush-9-25mm?variant=40199713915015¤cy=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjZiPkLeXhQMV8ZNQBh2hfgMEEAQYASABEgIeUPD_BwE
  41. F

    Cleaning Filter Tubing

    Eheim sell brushes (like chimney sweep brush), mounted to a flexible line, that’s what I use
  42. Bradders

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I think this is very good point. My LFS has known me since my reintroduction to fish keeping - and they know that I don’t have quarantine. They are quite careful to show me fish which have been quarantined, and then on display for a while. It’s not an exact art, but it has helped me keep my...
  43. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I do have one nerite (was 3 but lost 2 early on due to poor acclimatization) and 4 amanos! On a side note I do have a tiny bit of cyano bacteria could that be a problem?
  44. Aqua360

    10l Bloody Mary Nano

    Haven't seen a single one since, doubt I will do either, I've used this stuff lots in the past and it's been very effective for me.
  45. S

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I think to a certain extent that is true. I've been miss sold fish that were too young before or just arrived in store. I'm guessing Otto's are high on that list As a side note, if it's a tank janitor your after I would look out for some snails. They are incredible.
  46. bazz

    Nymphoides and Cryptocoryne are melting, but epiphytes thriving. Whats going on?

    Keep us posted as to whether any of the Crypts start sprouting, I've lost plenty before now only to see them appear six months later after thinning out a patch of real estate.
  47. bazz

    10l Bloody Mary Nano

    What about the Planeria?
  48. bazz

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Good advice above and I also think that it is beneficial to take some time acclimating these initially fragile fish, your LFS may be using the same tapwater but I can well imagine it containing a lot of other compounds that are raising the TDS. I also think they stand more of a chance being kept...
  49. Bradders

    Cleaning Filter Tubing

    I have not found a great way to do this. I am going to buy some cut-off valves at some point so it makes life a little easier, but thus far I am locking the filter head (trapping the water between the top of the filter and the inlet/outlet) and then tipping that into a bucket, disconnecting and...
  50. megwattscreative

    Very first tank (planted, low tech)

    ...chelated iron (chempak sequestered iron) a couple weeks ago. I've attached some pictures of the floating plant leaf damage - assuming it's the bl**dy vinegar but if not, do you have any ideas? I've got the tank @ 22°c - is this potentially too warm, combined with the humidity, for UK...
  51. pollyandpear

    Cleaning Filter Tubing

    Hey guys, The tubs of my filters are pretty dirty, is there anything I can do to clean them without taking it all apart? It seems to build up quickly!
  52. Samuel.brown

    Nymphoides and Cryptocoryne are melting, but epiphytes thriving. Whats going on?

    This is very helpful everybody. Diolch yn fawr! Have a good Easter period everyone.
  53. bazz

    EI Half Dose

    A man of my own heart. I enjoy trimming an odd spent/unwanted leaf off of an odd Crypt now and again but two hours of trimming, removing trimmings and replanting per week is a thing of the past for me, that is after initial start-up and the gradual replacement of most of the stem plants.
  54. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Likewise, or, I'd take more care on where I purchase them from and look at they're conditions and ask what they've been fed on etc!
  55. F

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I obviously purchased mine, but having heard horror stories from quite a few people, I am not sure that I would purchase more, bearing in mind the reported survival rate
  56. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Well, I guess the moral of this little story is they are not such an easy fish to care for!
  57. Miniandy

    Is rotala blood red?

    I've had this kind of issue. I have rotundifolia, h'ra and green alongside the blood red. The h'ra was red-ish at the top amd the blood red was no different. The only thing is that the blood red had slightly larger leaves. I'll wait for the about to be released version from tropica
  58. F

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    you may also find that these same places are not too keen to courier them
  59. Aqua360

    10l Bloody Mary Nano

    Just to update on the No Planaria, no issues following the 3 day course of treatment, on either the shrimp or the plants.
  60. mrhoyo

    Any ideas how I've killed my fish?

    To confuse things further, I changed water on 2 more tanks in the same room immediately before and everything appears fine. Maybe I accidentally underdosed the prime on this one?
  61. Conort2

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Dwarf loricariids (otos, parotocinclus etc) struggle when newly imported but you have a shop or wholesaler who knows what they’re doing and get them feeding before they go on sale they normally do ok. You’ll see shops like pier aquatics that add branches covered in bark and lichen to their...
  62. dw1305

    Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) phytoremediation references

    Hi all, This one isn't great, and doesn't look at Amazon Frogbit, but does look at Azolla and Salvinia. Eder Carlos Lopes Coimbra, Alisson Carraro Borges, Ann H. Mounteer, Andra Pereira Rosa, (2023) "Using wastewater treatment performance, biomass and physiological plant characteristics for...
  63. Bradders

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Reading this, seems like a fish to avoid!
  64. dw1305

    EI Half Dose

    Hi all, The issue you have is the tussle between a <"quick win and longer term stability">. I'm going to guess that a lot of us have been there, after the initial elation of having mastered plant growth comes the realisation that <"you can have too much of a good thing">. It should be OK, but...
  65. Luis M

    Tank Tales: A 100cm x 100cm x 50cm Aquatic Adventure

    Many thanks.. looks great with water... Regarding the lights..yes one possibility is two or three Twinstar 900EA IV ... I love the color rendition on those
  66. G

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I've had success with some batches and then with others, they have perished very quickly.
  67. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Yeah they seem uninterested in cucumber and algae wafers.
  68. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Watched it, very informative. Was concerned when he said he only has 6 in his 800g (US) tank and I put 6 in my 70 litre tank.
  69. F

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Same with mine, they very occasionally feast on spirulina discs, but much more often are seen to be individually grazing on whatever is on the underwater branches When I first got them, they would often descend as a group on spirulina and sometimes carnivore pellets (Hikari)
  70. G

    Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium 34 Litre, hood light quick hack!

    Thanks Hoggie.
  71. G

    Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium 34 Litre, hood light quick hack!

    Good to know.
  72. Superpuma1

    Tank Tales: A 100cm x 100cm x 50cm Aquatic Adventure

    Exact same dimensions as a reef tank l once had, as you say, you’ll get a perfect sense of depth…. Looking foward to seeing this progress. Lighting wise l’d use a couple of Twinstar 900EA’s or SA’s on it, reasonable purchase price, great colour rendition, piece of cake to operate.
  73. L

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    My experience with them is that when they are recently added to the tank they swim around a lot, but after a while they become invisible. When I rebuilt my tank a good while ago, I was surprised to find many otos still alive, otos that I hadn't seen in so long that I assumed they all died.
  74. Andy Pierce

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I have found ottos can be fragile as well, but that seems to be individual fish specific - some individuals seems to be bomb-proof troupers that do their thing and seem to just enjoy life all the time. The usual advice is they like to group together where this leads to the idea that you should...
  75. Mike Singh

    Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium 34 Litre, hood light quick hack!

    I've see reviews on YouTube with excellent plant growth.
  76. GHNelson

    Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium 34 Litre, hood light quick hack!

    Hi I'm using it on a slow growing planted tank....so can't vouch for growing carpet plants as this light is situated at the back of the hood! It's pretty bright at the back of the aquarium on full power. No fish in this aquarium;)
  77. Luis M

    Tank Tales: A 100cm x 100cm x 50cm Aquatic Adventure

    Thanks. We thought these dimensions would allow for interesting aquascapes, good sense of depth and view from 3 sides which is cool. But definitely going to be challenging to hardscape..but excited about it. I'm definitely going for an emersed area at the back on one of the corners
  78. Conort2

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Always a good idea to add some botanicals like catappa leaves when introducing ottos and similar dwarf loricariids. They’ll feed off the bio film that is produced. The issue is with these fish is that if they haven’t fed in the shop for some time then they’re too far gone by the time you get...
  79. S

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Forgot to mention that he gives you some great information on them as well. Good luck mate!
  80. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I will take a look at the video, thank you!
  81. S

    EI Half Dose

    Lucky you aye. Farmer!!
  82. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Interesting and thank you. It's a shame as they are fascinating to watch and I hate loosing fish no matter how the losses occur!
  83. S

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    There's a YouTube thing from I think The Aquarium Co-Op on the journey those guys have been on before they get to the fish shops. It's pretty grim viewing. That's why I also find it stressful introducing new anything into my tank. Actually that is one of the reasons to spend so much time and...
  84. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Hi thanks for the response. The tank has been running for about 4 months now so figured it was well cycled and mature enough. I honestly didn't see if they were feeding in the shop and they were scattered over couple of tanks so assumed they'd been there a while.
  85. The Miniaturist

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    Ottos can be fragile, they can have a hard time when they are shipped due to not being able to feed. How long has your tank been running? Ottos like very mature stable conditions. Were they feeding in the shop & can you ask what they were using? Giving them something they recognise might help...
  86. G

    Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium 34 Litre, hood light quick hack!

    This is the site where it states, not suitable for planted tanks:confused: Twinstar B-Line 30B II
  87. F

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I wouldn’t say that otto’s are hardy, they are rather delicate imho especially for the initial few weeks I have heard it said by people, that due to the losses of these fish, that they wouldn’t purchase them I have a few, they are fantastic fish, but can be problematic
  88. Mike Singh

    Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium 34 Litre, hood light quick hack!

    ''The new Twinstar B Line is the perfect lighting for an aquarium with or without plants, where fish or shrimps...''
  89. Andy Pierce

    EI Half Dose

    One option is to gradually replace your fast growing (presumably stem) plants with slower growing species - that's what I mostly wound up doing. In terms of your original suggestion around reducing the EI ferts, I think you'd be better off turning your lighting intensity down. Controlling...
  90. D

    Tank Tales: A 100cm x 100cm x 50cm Aquatic Adventure

    Wow thats cool! Rather interesting dimensions too....... do you think you will be doing some emersed growth sections or hardscaping coming out of the tank for more immersive effect?
  91. Luis M

    Tank Tales: A 100cm x 100cm x 50cm Aquatic Adventure

    Many thanks Tim. It means a lot especially coming from you. Looking forward to getting feedback from members around what lighting they would choose, hardscape etc as with this unusual tank format it can be challenging but hopefully it will turn out well
  92. D

    Newbie here - hello!

    Hello! Welcome to UKAPS!
  93. mlgt

    Newbie here - hello!

    Hello and welcome :)
  94. N

    EI Half Dose

    Hi All! So since dosing EI i have crazy growth, I need to trim my plants almost every week and it is becomming a big annoying. So I was thinking to switch to half ei dosing , will it help to reduce growth speed and could it somehow affect the plants in a bad way? Thank you in advance.
  95. Fluxtor

    Anyone had problems introducing otocinclus

    I introduced half a dozen oto's at the weekend and I've already lost 2 and fear the remainder may soon follow.as their activity seems to be diminishing. I've tested params this morning and all well within acceptable margins. I do keep koi so am familiar with water testing but I know that does...
  96. Fluxtor

    What could I do to improve this?

    Thanks I appreciate that. I tried some red root floaters but they kept ending up getting battered under the return from the filter and I thought it was stressing the fish so I removed them. Maybe I should get floating ring :)
  97. Tim Harrison

    Tank Tales: A 100cm x 100cm x 50cm Aquatic Adventure

    Awesome looking build 👍
  98. G

    Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium 34 Litre, hood light quick hack!

    Just seen that this light is not recommended for planted tanks:confused:
  99. G

    Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium 34 Litre, hood light quick hack!

    So pleased to spot this thread, as I was about to post and ask about options for upgrading flex 34 light. Did you find this light to be a good choice for plant growth and fish colours etc?
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