The Squadron
New Member
Hi everyone, just introducing myself.
My tank is a 24" x 12" x 12" Juwel and I've had it for just over 3 years. When I first bought the tank, it had a built-in reflector for the light, but I removed this prettly quickly as I couldn't control the algae. I soon realised that I was not going to be able to grow plants (after many, many attempts) without an external filter. The internal filter for a tank this size just can't do it, you end up having to clean them all the time.
My tank setup is currently;
Eheim 2205 with EhfiMech, EhfiFix, EhfiSubstrat and Peat output to spraybar
1cm peat base
1 - 3 inches medium-fine grade gravel
(I also have an Eheim 2215 and may consider running these filters in tandem?)
Plants...
Java Fern
Echinodorus Tenellus
Cryptocoryne Balansae
and introducing...
10 x Serpae Tetra - THE SQUADRON!!!
1 x Blushing Angel (not exactly sure which, silver all over) - POTTER, bless her.
Everything is going really well now that I understand the benefits of good filtration and correct lighting. I guess now I would like to understand how CO2 can help me, I don't really have too many problems with my plants but did not manage Rotala Walichi which I think needed way more light than I'm providing. The peat also further reduces the light as it darkens the water. I like the effect though and I think the fish look better for it. I treat the tank once a week when I do a 20% water change, I use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Leaf Zone plant food, JBL Aquatrop blackwater additive, AP Stress Coat and AP Stress Zyme.
I would really like to hear from anyone who keeps any of the above for advice and tips or just generally join in.
Happy Christmas to all.
My tank is a 24" x 12" x 12" Juwel and I've had it for just over 3 years. When I first bought the tank, it had a built-in reflector for the light, but I removed this prettly quickly as I couldn't control the algae. I soon realised that I was not going to be able to grow plants (after many, many attempts) without an external filter. The internal filter for a tank this size just can't do it, you end up having to clean them all the time.
My tank setup is currently;
Eheim 2205 with EhfiMech, EhfiFix, EhfiSubstrat and Peat output to spraybar
1cm peat base
1 - 3 inches medium-fine grade gravel
(I also have an Eheim 2215 and may consider running these filters in tandem?)
Plants...
Java Fern
Echinodorus Tenellus
Cryptocoryne Balansae
and introducing...
10 x Serpae Tetra - THE SQUADRON!!!
1 x Blushing Angel (not exactly sure which, silver all over) - POTTER, bless her.
Everything is going really well now that I understand the benefits of good filtration and correct lighting. I guess now I would like to understand how CO2 can help me, I don't really have too many problems with my plants but did not manage Rotala Walichi which I think needed way more light than I'm providing. The peat also further reduces the light as it darkens the water. I like the effect though and I think the fish look better for it. I treat the tank once a week when I do a 20% water change, I use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Leaf Zone plant food, JBL Aquatrop blackwater additive, AP Stress Coat and AP Stress Zyme.
I would really like to hear from anyone who keeps any of the above for advice and tips or just generally join in.
Happy Christmas to all.
to the forum!
Merry christmas!
