Search results

What size PC T5 lamp is it? The Daylight Plus is a nicer colour rendition if it's more than 18w - not purple like the Triplus. For some reason Interpet don't do it in 18w. The 24w PC T5 is 12" so fits perfectly on your tank. It's what I had above my nano.

OK. Your original post stated dimensions 47x20x10. 4 x 30w T8 with reflectors should be enough to grow most plants.

You need to plant more heavily to avoid algae issues, especially with that much light. Covering well over half the substrate with plants i.e. fast growing "weeds", is typically necessary. Anything over 3wpg you will also need good/stable CO2, best go for a pressurized system, and regular water...

Oh cool! The PFK contest closes 31st Aug. Enough time to enter this, Graeme?

Plants are remarkably unfussy re. spectrums. Go for what looks best for your taste.

I agree. 2 x 38w 42" T8 tubes should be fine. That's an odd shaped tank. 10" wide or high?

Sounds like a regulator issue, rather than extinguisher. I've been using extinguishers for several months now, with no issues. I know of at least two other members that have used them for years. I use a Dennerle reg. It's flawless - but relatively expensive.

Cotton thread is fine, or all the above. I use cable ties.

Fascinating topic. Sudden changes in the mineral content of water seems more dangerous than rapid pH or temp fluctuations, in my experience. [my attempt to keep on topic]

Volume it can hold before any displacement.

Yes, funerals suck... Running two tubes without CO2 would be ok, but you'd need to plant heavily. I'd probably try running one of each of the tubes - one 12000K and one pink. This way you may actually get good growth as plants like red and blue spectrums. If you do use the Nutrafins be sure...

I'll be going Eheim. I've never owned one yet but haven't heard a bad thing against them. At the moment I'm going for ultra-filtration - Eheim 2080 Pro 3 and Eheim 2028 Pro 2. I've managed to save a fair bit on my custom cabinet so the extra cash is going on better filtration and water...

Looks good to me. You may need to swap the supplied tubes though. A midday burst would work well i.e. 3 hours 2 tubes, 4h 4t, 3h 2t. I assume you have pressurized CO2 and are well-planted with that much light. My deepest sympathy for you recent loss too.

Yes.

Pearling is visible oxygen production from plants. It normally occurs when enough light, CO2 and other nutrients are present. It's a sign that the plants are still producing oxygen when the water column is already saturated in oxygen, hence the bubbles.

It's common in planted tanks. Trying increasing surface agitation, but you may need to boost CO2 to compensate. Floating foods contribute too, as does general overfeeding. Some fish like to eat it. Platies and mollies can do a good job. You can physically remove it using paper towels.

You need to add the Tropica Plant Nutrition as it contains micronutrients. 5ml 3x week should do.

nice avatar... ;)

You don't need that much light over a 5x2x2'. The wpg guide is more leanient with larger volumes. Anything over 2wpg is high lighting with that size tank, so you'd need to plant heavily, inject CO2 via a pressurized system and add fertilisers regularly. Lots of maintenance. I'm using just...

Does anyone know if the Eheim 2180 Pro 3 with the intergral 500w heater has an external temp. probe, like the 2126 and 2128? If so what size and colour is it? I've tried finding it on the Eheim website but no joy...

This is an interesting question, as I'm also planning a 5x2x2', as a planted discus set up. I've narrowed it down to two main decision. One big filter or two smaller filters. Big filters (x1) - Eheim 2080 Pro 3 Eheim 2260 Classic Fluval FX5 Smaller (x2) - Eheim 2028 Pro 2 Eheim 2217...

I think the "new" technique of using high-light works well with the midday burst, so you can grow demanding plants with low algae risk. I think most ADA-heads use this now i.e 5 hours of metal halide with 1-2wpg T5 for a couple of hours either side. I seem to remember Tom actually saying...

Why? Growth may be that bit slower but that means less maintenance, less algae risk, lower electric bills etc. The end result, in terms of the aquascape, won't be much different. Have you seen Tom's thread? http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=205611

55w PC T5 will get too hot in your tank. 63w is enough to grow pretty much anything with good CO2 and EI. Overheating won't be an issue either. This was growth with 2 x 18w T8 and 1 x 25w T8.

36w PC T5 is only 16" long, so only half the length of the tank. This will leave dark areas so take that into account with plant choice and position. Also there are no PC reflectors, so you'll have to DIY a T8 or HO T5. Personally I would have added a 25w T8 that is 30" and with reflector...

Overtank luminaires tend not to overheat as they're not enclosed. Evaporation is a consideration though. Emma, I would wait until you are more heavily planted before starting EI. 75% substrate covered is the ball-park. You may know that already though. Good to hear you're losing the...

It is black brush/beard algae (BBA). Very stubborn and only Siamese algae eaters (Crossocheilus siamensis) are known to eat it. Seachem Flourish Excel can also be used to treat it. It will return unless you address the cause. Normally too much light and not enough healthy plant growth. In...

Yes, big tank in Dec (hopefully). Jeremy likes the shop too. That's a good sign...

Cheers. Yes, moved a couple of months ago. A nice big 6 bed-detached so plenty of room for my big discus tank... :D

Thanks Tim. I'll be sure to come to you for any planting advice, of course... ;) Glad you like the 'scape. It's still growing in and probably won't peak for around another 4 or 5 months yet. It will look even better with a Life-Glo to reduce the awful purple hue of the 2x Power-Glo. You can...

Sweet. Coming along nicely, Dave. Are you starting to wish you used bigger rocks yet? lol I reckon if you ever compete with this (the PFK contest closes Aug 31st...) then a cropping would work well.

Just to let you know that the step-by-step article for this nano is in the next issue of PFK magazine... :)

Have I missed something? What light and what size tank?

Ha, ha. Yes, the client did a water change before I came over. Growth is very slow but as you say, low-maint and low algae risk is the key. There is signs of light deficiency on some of the plants so we're getting some proper reflectors, as the built-in ones are rubbish. Once the plants...

Quick update. Taken 2 mins ago, at the clients' house, after a lovely roast dinner and glass of Cabernet Sauvignon... The lady was very happy with her surprise.

Rams are generally quite delicate and need soft acidic water to thrive.

Fair enough. Just keep on top of changing mixtures and you should be ok. Also consider a midday burst photoperiod i.e. 3 hours 2 tubes, 4 hours 4 tubes, 3 hours 2 tubes.

You can keep a stable CO2 using yeast-based but I'd recommend using two units and alternating the mixture re-fills. Unstable CO2 with 4 x 24w HO T5 over your tank is asking for algae. Consider investing in a pressurzied CO2 system and use an Arcadia 2 x 24w HO T5 I-bar, that replaces the Juwel...

Is your water out of the tap and hard? Hard water can cause yellowing with Aqua Soil. That's why ADA released Aqua Soil Amazonian II. Scroll down to near bottom - http://www.adana.co.jp/index_e.php