Si's Low Tech Tank Journal

[PDSimon]

lol, I didn't think it changed that much from the last picture though

Thanks ll, I thought maybe as echs require a lot of iron that increasing it may help. Cheers

 

[PDSimon]

I've gained more spare money than I expected throughout the last couple of weeks which means I want to buy something!!

Any one got any suggestions?

I was thinking about getting a co2 kit but I then thought, i'd have to get a new substrate? new lights? and therefore probably a new lid(whatever you call it..) for more powerful lighting which would be too much money and effort, I don't want to take all the substrate out and uproot all the plants and everything

So i've gone a bit of that idea but there may be something else I could get in addition?

 

[ian]

why would you need to get new substrate? or new lights?
I'm running about 1.4 wpg t5's with reflectors and this is fine for me. I wouldn't got back to none pressurised in my current set up. I always had a small battle with BBA when using easycarbo/excel. I also did run DIY C02 which obviously didn't help me. My plants have never looked so healthy, the BBA has all but cleared. Theres no messing with DIY cannisters. The fish don't seem to mind 3bps and i'm lime green all the time. For the money it cost me, i'm chuffed with pressurised c02.

 

[PDSimon]

Well I wanted to go for the full whack if I did it so I could make the most of using pressurised. I have about 1.3WPG i think with T8s... not the best really? I suppose it would atleast cover any deficiency with of co2. You could certainly see the positive effect it had in your tank. Cheers for the input.

hmmm

 

[PDSimon]

I've pulled of loads of java fern plantlets - what should I do with them... is it worth taking the bogwood out and sticking them all down?

 

[Biulu]

It is worth putting some on them, but not all, I think. I always love to see some of the wood, so covering them completely would not be my choice.

 

[PDSimon]

It is worth putting some on them, but not all, I think. I always love to see some of the wood, so covering them completely would not be my choice.

Thanks biulu, I agree, but there isn't anywhere really to put them and its a bit of a hassle to take the wood out too.

I think i'll just throw 'em!

 

[ian]

or sell em on here, Si.

 

[PDSimon]

Update:

I've ordered a drop checker, bubble counter + non return valve and a reactor all ordered from aquatic magic. A regulator and solenoid from a German aquatics company and will be getting a co2 bottle, 5kg for about 10 quid from down the road. All for under 150 quid I think.

Plants doing well, trimmed the difformis right back, theres two ech. Rubin in the back there now where the difformis was going mad.

Loads of these coming out since my easycarbo dosage increased, bit algaeish though

two ozelot plantlets that are growing, look quite dead but if you look closely they're growing new leaves. Oh and a greedy ram!

young female cockatoo:

young male cockatoo:

Any thoughts, comments, suggestions are very welcome

 

[SuperColey1]

I've pulled of loads of java fern plantlets - what should I do with them... is it worth taking the bogwood out and sticking them all down?

Get a propogator. Put an inch of compost in. Put water in until you can just see it getting toward the level of the compost and then rest the 'babies on it. Put the lid on and leave it for 6 months. Then sell the (now) adults.

I was showing Ian on Sunday. If I am setting up a tank then I superglue. If later I am attaching at a high level I drop the water level and superglue. If later I am attaching at a low level I cable tie

AC

 

[PDSimon]

Cheers AC, I stuck them in a tall plastic tray with loads of water so cheers for the guidance

 

[ian]

looks good mate, like the photo's better with the flash off.

I have bought myself 2 propergators like AC and are now growing some micro swords, thanks to andy!

 

[Verminator89]

Wow stunning tank. Any chance of a quick update what your regime is currently on this tank. Lighting still x2 20W T8? CO2? ferts? ect ect

Do you by any chance have a link, or the link, to that german regulator and solenoid you say you've bought. I have everything i need for my DIY CO2, but i can't for the life of me find a regulator/solenoid that is right that isnt in Taiwan, China or Hong Kong.

 

[PDSimon]

looks good mate, like the photo's better with the flash off.

I have bought myself 2 propergators like AC and are now growing some micro swords, thanks to andy!

Thanks I also turned all the lights off in the room and closed the blinds, which seemed to help the wider pictures. I was playing around with a new camera so will try it without the flash more next time

I just stuck them in a tub but shall look into the propergators.

Wow stunning tank. Any chance of a quick update what your regime is currently on this tank. Lighting still x2 20W T8? CO2? ferts? ect ect

Do you by any chance have a link, or the link, to that german regulator and solenoid you say you've bought. I have everything i need for my DIY CO2, but i can't for the life of me find a regulator/solenoid that is right that isnt in Taiwan, China or Hong Kong.

Cheers

Current stats:

Fluval 125
APS 100LPH filter (x10 filtration)
2x 20W t8 bulbs but I think the ballast may be restricted to 30W (havn't checked). So somewhere in the region of 1-1.3WPG.

tropica substrate
argos play sand
tropica root tabs

Dosing:
5ml TPN+ per day
5ml easycary per day
feed everyday

waterchanges = 30% a week

No co2 yet other than easycarbo but I will have co2 about mid september hopefully

i'll PM you the links

 

[SuperColey1]

just stuck them in a tub but shall look into the propergators.

If not Poundland then Wilkos. Ask Ian if I pay for anything it is pennies

AC