<![CDATA[Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community - Freshwater & Brackish - Planted Tanks]]> http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/ Aquatic gardens. Some of the most wonderful freshwater tanks are planted tanks. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:35:57 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community - Freshwater & Brackish - Planted Tanks]]> http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/ does anyone know how to get rid of java moss? http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/does-anyone-know-how-to-get-rid-of-java-moss-123467-new-post.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:43:03 GMT ok so i bought a whole bunch of java moss and i added son co2 and all of the java moss died:mad: but my amozon sword plants didnt. so i want to get rid of the java moss. i have a low light aquarium setup and i would also lide to get some more low light plants and driftwood and i am willing to... ok so i bought a whole bunch of java moss and i added son co2 and all of the java moss died:mad: but my amozon sword plants didnt. so i want to get rid of the java moss. i have a low light aquarium setup and i would also lide to get some more low light plants and driftwood and i am willing to trade some guppies for them so thanks and please pm me bout the plants and driftwood.
thanks:eek2: ]]> skyler1354 http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/does-anyone-know-how-to-get-rid-of-java-moss-123467.html White cloudy film/growth on CO2 ladder http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/white-cloudy-film-growth-on-co2-ladder-123387-new-post.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:47:58 GMT Well I have a 10 gallon planted tank with red cherry shrimp. I have a DIY Co2 system set up. I have the bottle with the mixture with a tub to a gas separator. The tube from the mixture goes almost to the bottom of the bottle. The tube that goes to the tank is close to the top. It them goes to... Well I have a 10 gallon planted tank with red cherry shrimp. I have a DIY Co2 system set up. I have the bottle with the mixture with a tub to a gas separator. The tube from the mixture goes almost to the bottom of the bottle. The tube that goes to the tank is close to the top. It them goes to the CO2 ladder. This is where the growth is. Its at the exit of the tube, and on the bottom rung of the ladder. It effects the bubbles as the get disrupted and get knowcked off the ladder. It is white, kind of translucent. It only grows when the Co2 is present. I had trouble with the reactor for a few weeks and didnt have any co2, it was fine. I started it up and within a few days the growth was back. Does anyone have any clue to what it is or how I can fix it? I have had this exact set up befor on the same tank, a few years back and i never had this problem...... ]]> mbjrc http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/white-cloudy-film-growth-on-co2-ladder-123387.html lighting question http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/lighting-question-123347-new-post.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:49:07 GMT We have a 40g breeder tank that is heavily planted. The light strip is a full double bulb, 36inch length and it takes T12 bulbs. (It was a gift) I know bulbs should be 6500k but does that apply to the double bulb fixtures too? Would both bulbs need to be 6500k? Also, what is the watt per... We have a 40g breeder tank that is heavily planted. The light strip is a full double bulb, 36inch length and it takes T12 bulbs. (It was a gift)

I know bulbs should be 6500k but does that apply to the double bulb fixtures too? Would both bulbs need to be 6500k?

Also, what is the watt per gallon "rule" so that I can make sure all our tanks are getting the right lighting. ]]> DragonFish71 http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/lighting-question-123347.html Anubias Nana - Is this a normal color? http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/anubias-nana-is-this-a-normal-color-123342-new-post.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:28:30 GMT I have been growing this Anubias Nana for around 10 months and am concerned about the color of the leaves. They seem yellower than normal, although it has been growing a lot faster than ever before. I have been growing this Anubias Nana for around 10 months and am concerned about the color of the leaves.
They seem yellower than normal, although it has been growing a lot faster than ever before.
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]]> Azimuth http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/anubias-nana-is-this-a-normal-color-123342.html CO2 for 135 low lighplanted tank http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/co2-for-135-low-lighplanted-tank-123280-new-post.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:12:58 GMT I am having some difficulty finding info on co2 for a 135 gal tank. I have 195 watts of light...wanted more but cant afford the $700 plus price tags for a lighting system. So, I guess my first question is: would my tank benefit from a co2 system? I was told by my local aquarium store that it would.... I am having some difficulty finding info on co2 for a 135 gal tank. I have 195 watts of light...wanted more but cant afford the $700 plus price tags for a lighting system. So, I guess my first question is: would my tank benefit from a co2 system? I was told by my local aquarium store that it would. I am inclined to agree. My second question is: should I use a dual manifold on the regulator to disperse the co2 to opposite ends of the tank...or is there another way to use two diffusers? (Hope I have all my terminology right). Anyone have any ideas?:confused: ]]> Wizardndog http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/co2-for-135-low-lighplanted-tank-123280.html Snails from plants http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/snails-from-plants-123278-new-post.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:17:19 GMT There must have been some hitch hikers on my recent plant additions. I now have about a dozen snails in my tank. The question I have is should they be removed or will they be good for the tank? There must have been some hitch hikers on my recent plant additions.
I now have about a dozen snails in my tank.
The question I have is should they be removed or will they be good for the tank? ]]> jim692 http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/snails-from-plants-123278.html my Aquatic http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/my-aquatic-123214-new-post.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:32:25 GMT hi:this is my Aquatic Tank hi:this is my Aquatic Tank
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]]> cupfish http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/my-aquatic-123214.html bleach-spots on bleheri? http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/bleach-spots-on-bleheri-123095-new-post.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:31:03 GMT About a week ago, I moved the two bleheri from my tank (55gal, 2*15W bulbs) into my boyfriend's tank (50gal) because several of the leaves were beginning to decay. He has a much nicer lighting setup, a T5 double strip with full spectrum bulb and 6700 plant bulb, so I thought they'd be better in his tank. However, checking on them now I notice that several of the leaves have white-ish spots, not like paint but as though the color has been drained in a few sections.

It's a NW cichlid tank and his water parameters are okay (ammonia & nitrite = 0, nitrate = 20-30). The plants are in clay pots with gravel and he doesn't use any kind of root tab, plant supplement or CO2.

I can post pictures if that would help but any idea what might be the cause? ]]> hbeth82 http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/bleach-spots-on-bleheri-123095.html Remaking 29g...need light and ground cover advice http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/remaking-29g-need-light-and-ground-cover-advice-123058-new-post.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:30:12 GMT I'm starting over on my 29g tank, I just moved across the country and get to start from scratch (mostly).

Standard 29g
Current compact fluorescent fixture...one "dual" bulb so I'm guessing 65W?
Here is the light I have...Freshwater bulb
no CO2 yet, have done DIY in the past with pop bottles..am considering a full pressurized setup but don't want to spend the money.
Red Flourite substrate (used in my last tank...reusing it in this one. About 1.5 years old)


My questions:
First I want to do another light upgrade. I'm concerned that the light that I have doesn't have the power to reach to bottom of the tank (usable light for the plants...it is illuminated just fine). I am considering a T-5 HO setup, but almost all the 30" fixtures seem to only have 2x24W bulbs in them. I'd like more wattage for the tank. Will the T-5HOs give the penetration I need for the taller 29g tank? (my biggest gripe about the tank...wouldn't do a 29g again if I decided to buy a new tank...would do 20g Long). Any suggestions for a fixture? Looking at something less then $300. Are there any double bulb CF fixtures that would work (if the penetration is enough)

I want the penetration because I would like to grow a low ground cover in the tank with a pile of rocks slightly off center as my aquascaping. Nothing really high growing in the tank. trying to simulate a big meadow with a rocky outcropping. What should I grow as the ground cover? Anything that will stay 1" - 1.5"? I don't mind trimming and it doesn't have to look like "grass" just a nice covering. I don't know what to try. I don't really want to mess with the riccia because its a floater and seems like quite the hassle to weigh it down, Especially a tank full of it! I need some advice!

Thanks! ]]> nonameface http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/remaking-29g-need-light-and-ground-cover-advice-123058.html CO2 setup help http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/co2-setup-help-123055-new-post.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:52:26 GMT OK I searched for a little while but didnt have much luck there is just so much info around here :p I want to piece together my own compressed CO2 setup. Any ideas on how let me know. I currently have a 20 gallon, but will hopefully (fingers crossed) be upgrading to a 30 or (toes crossed as... OK I searched for a little while but didnt have much luck there is just so much info around here :p

I want to piece together my own compressed CO2 setup. Any ideas on how let me know. I currently have a 20 gallon, but will hopefully (fingers crossed) be upgrading to a 30 or (toes crossed as well on this one) 55 Long. I want something that I can put in my new bigger tank when I get it. Any threads here already someone knows of that you can send me to... or a particular site with step by step directions. all DIY stuff I keep coming up with is the method I have now which is the yeast/sugar mix ]]> TheNamelessPoet http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/co2-setup-help-123055.html 48L Aquascaped tank - where am I going wrong? http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/48l-aquascaped-tank-where-am-i-going-wrong-123025-new-post.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:39:37 GMT About 8 months ago I set up my first Aquascaped tank. I've done my best to read and learn as much as possible but for some reason it just has never quite established itself properly and looks nothing like the examples I see in the magazines and online!

I was inspired by this nano aquarium that George Farmer set up and have closely followed this: Nano nurturing | Practical Fishkeeping magazine


I've spent a lot of time and money on trying to buy/do what my tank needs but no matter what I do it doesn't seem to work right. The main problems are:

1. The plants are growing but not particularly well. The Blyxa Aubertii in particular is really ragged.

2. Having both the aqua soil and the HC makes it extremely difficult to clean the bottom of the tank and it always seems a little bit dirty somehow. I try to use the vacuum above it to pick up the muck but I either stir up the aqua soil which makes a big mess or I end up vacuuming up the HC!

3. Recently I've developed both Blue green algae and Oedogonium algae. I read that these can be due to nutrients being too low so I changed from Tropica Plant Nutrition to the plus version about a month ago with no luck. I also increased the Excel dosage slightly as I heard this can help and I have been cutting out the blue green algae each week.

4. Even though I do weekly 40% water changes and have added a more powerful external filter to the tank the water just never seems clean somehow. Perhaps I’m being realistic but I never seem to have that beautiful crystal clear water with nice bright green plants. It always just seems a bit of a brown/green mess.

Overall I’m just not particularly happy with it and it hasn’t turned out like I’d hoped at all (I’m sure this is quite common!).

The good news is that all my fish seem to be happily chugging along and I haven’t lost any at all.

I have a few questions that I’m looking to answer and would really appreciate any thoughts/ideas:

  • The problems I’m having and the fact I haven’t been able to solve them makes me wonder if perhaps I’ve just been too ambitious and unrealistic with what I am trying to set up. Should I modify the setup to make it easier to maintain and change some of the plants? The Aqua Soil just always seems to look dirty for some reason and I wonder if pebbles and removing the HC would make things a lot easier (I love the look of the HC in planted tank examples but somehow it’s just not the same in my own!). What should I use instead of Aquasoil in this case?

  • Where am I going wrong here? I’ve read a lot of posts about aquascaped tanks and it doesn’t seem like I’m doing anything obviously wrong but clearly something isn’t quite working. The filter is apparently a good one, the Aquasoil is supposedly very good, I have increased the lighting, I am adding liquid carbon, I’m using what I’ve heard is the best plant fertiliser, I’ve added Otos to help with algae etc.

  • If anyone has any advice on how I can improve the aquascaping of the tank that would also be most appreciated!


I’m taking images now so will add these in a few minutes which will hopefully illustrate what I’m meaning. Thanks so much in advance for any help given!



Details:

Aquarium:
48L Aqua Pod aquarium
2211 Eheim Classic filter (I replaced the internal filter that came with the AquaPod)
2x 15watt daylight bright bulbs (I replaced the night bulb with an additional day bulb to get additional light) – 10 hours per day
24 degrees

Fish:
6x Endler Livebearers
4x Cherry Barbs
4x Otocinclus
4x snails

Maintenance:
2ml Flourish Excel each day
2ml Tropica Plant Nutrition plus each day
40% water change each week
Light gravel vacuuming each week
Wipe algae off glass each week
Check water parameters each week

Setup/plants:
ADA Amazonia Aqua Soil
Pogostemon Helferi
Hemianthus callitrichoides "Cuba" (HC)
Redmoor wood
Tropica Plant Substrate
Knife stone from Aqua Essential
Blyxa Japonica Dwarf soft rush
Blyxa Aubertii
Anubias Barterii (growing on the Redmoor wood) ]]> cdewsnip http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/48l-aquascaped-tank-where-am-i-going-wrong-123025.html Help, I have cloudy water. http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/help-i-have-cloudy-water-122982-new-post.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:19:25 GMT So I have no idea what the deal is with my 10 gal. I am running a tetra whisper filter and a sponge filter. I have red florite substrate. 10 plants, tetras and ghost shrimp. My tank,since the last time, I cleaned it has been very cloudy like substrate has been stirred up. Should I buy a better... So I have no idea what the deal is with my 10 gal. I am running a tetra whisper filter and a sponge filter. I have red florite substrate. 10 plants, tetras and ghost shrimp. My tank,since the last time, I cleaned it has been very cloudy like substrate has been stirred up. Should I buy a better filter? I am even using filter floss. Any ideas? ]]> LittleMossHead84 http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/help-i-have-cloudy-water-122982.html 20g Selecting Plants http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/20g-selecting-plants-122959-new-post.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:16:00 GMT I am just starting to look into plants for my aquarium now and am looking for a some opinions. After spending some time on plantgeek I updated my previous plant list to include a few more med-high/high light plants. I have no idea what combination of these I want to use, but I am starting to get a... I am just starting to look into plants for my aquarium now and am looking for a some opinions. After spending some time on plantgeek I updated my previous plant list to include a few more med-high/high light plants. I have no idea what combination of these I want to use, but I am starting to get a pretty good idea. I'll maybe post some pictures within the next while of the current setup (with no plants).

Some base information about my tank.
  • Size: 20 gallon high
  • Occupants: 4 Peppered Corys, 1 Albino Cory.
  • Lighting: Hagen Glo T5 (2x24W) (ordered)
  • CO2: Pressurized (ordered)
  • Ferts: Root tabs
  • Substrate: PFS
Full thread can be found here.

Possible Plants

Background Plants
-----------------
Hygrophila salicifolia
Vallisneria
Cyperus helferi

Mid Plants
-----------------
Hygrophila Corymbosa
Amazon Sword [Echinodorus bleheri]
Dwarf Hairgrass [Eleocharis acicularis]
Anubias barteri v. ' nana'

Foreground Plants
-----------------
Microsword [Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis]
Riccia [Riccia fluitans]
Glosso [Glossostigma elatinoides]

Floating Plants
-----------------
Water Hyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes]

I don't plan on including all of these, especially at the start. I happened to find these ones intriguing.

If anyone has a favorite plant or any recommendations I would be glad to hear them! Also if people have any of these plants in their tanks I would be interested to see some pictures or just hear about how they are growing and a little about their setup.

Also, would it be possible to recreate anything like this? It is a 15g tank that I find amazing! ]]> Arical http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/20g-selecting-plants-122959.html Another Fish question http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/another-fish-question-122925-new-post.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:22:47 GMT Howdy! Yes.. another thread asking questions about fish stocking... but since this is an aquarium forum it is the best place! Right now I have 14 tiger barbs. Normally they are good. And have been in the past, but last night they almost killed another fish before I got him out of the tank.... Howdy!

Yes.. another thread asking questions about fish stocking... but since this is an aquarium forum it is the best place!

Right now I have 14 tiger barbs. Normally they are good. And have been in the past, but last night they almost killed another fish before I got him out of the tank.

So, now I'm thinking of getting rid of the barbs in order to stock with more docile fish so I can get more of a variety.

The question is if there are any fish that are better/worse for a heavily planted tank. The only remaining fish after the barbs are gone with be the cory cats, 2 bolivian rams and a rhino pleco (I also have some loach type fish but they are really aggressive too so will probably try to take them back as well).

When I say heavily planted, this thing is a jungle. I really like having the plants in there, so want fish that are more suited to that. I'm thinking of Gold rams and possibly some dwarf gurami. I really like the colorful fish like ciclids, but obviously can't have those in a low-aggression tank.

Here is my current jungle: (click for bigness!)

]]> Smitty http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/another-fish-question-122925.html Beginner to planted tanks http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/beginner-to-planted-tanks-122866-new-post.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:06:13 GMT Hello everyone. I'm obviously new to this site, but so far it seems like there are some knowledgeable people who could help me. Here's what I'm planning on doing:

I'm looking at setting up a 55 gallon planted tank. About the only thing I know for sure is that I'll need about 120 watts of lighting. Beyond that, I'm a little lost. I plan on having a pretty good amount of plants, so I'll need some sort of CO2 injection, but I don't know the best route to go. It seems I've got 3 options:

1: Automated CO2 injection with a controller. This seems like a very hands off setup, once it's up and running, but I don't know if I'm ready to spend the $250+ for a controller, regulator, ect. I do like the fact that the controller will handle the PH balance for me, as I understand.

2: Semi-automatic CO2 seems like a lower cost option, but I'm not sure about the reliability. I'd hate to loose a bunch of plants/fish just to save a few bucks on equipment. I don't mind chasing the right settings during the initial setup, but I don't want to have to constantly do that.

3: Some sort of yeast based fermentation seems like the lowest cost option, but before the year is out, I probably could have bought a top of the line CO2 setup for what the replacement costs of the fermentation system would be.


So, could someone please shed some light on this for me? I really don't know enough about any one method to have a well-informed opinion. Is there a way to make a good do-it-yourself setup that's still reliable? I'm pretty handy, so I don't mind doing a little building/tinkering on my own.

Thanks in advance!! ]]> jestes http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/beginner-to-planted-tanks-122866.html