Recent content by Daxhua

The reason I suggested to cut back on adding liquid ferts is b/c until your plants acclimate and start to grow there's nothing to make any beneficial use of them. Also as Rivercats stated dry ferts are less expensive, you might look into making your own liquid ferts it's cheaper and will last...

Couldn't agree more, stable parameters and a good tank maintenance routine is all you need to worry about. I don't know how long you've had your tank setup but most recent setups have low nitrate levels. No worries though b/c over time your nitrate level will rise and you may start asking how to...

Your tank parameters and setup are good. You have a CO2 source, good lighting, nutrient rich substrate and water. I agree with everyone that should remove your plants from their pods, plant them, and just be patient my friend. Your plants will look hopeless at first but once they acclimate to...

Yeah I enjoy my tank much more without the noisy bubbles. If your wondering about the plant die off due to gas exchange it's b/c (without CO2 injection) the little bit of available CO2 is gassing out of your tank in exchange for oxygen. Too much surface agitation caused by filters, pumps, or...

Bulk Reef Supply sells a DIY kit to make a screen top for your tank, thats something that might work for you. If you have an air stone in your tank then you might consider removing it. Before removing my air stones my tank lids and HOB filters would get really nasty but now the problem is...

I purposely keep my planted tanks hardness at 500+ with wonder shells that slowly add calcium and magnesium that is beneficial for fish health and plant growth. At one time my plants weren't doing much either but I discovered it had to do with the lack of macro and micro ferts. Straight RO water...

I've heard that they can on smaller tanks like yours so maybe smaller water changes or a 50% every two weeks.

Have you tried using peat moss or driftwood so that it gradually lowers your ph overtime?

Try using some cheap LEDs for night time viewing. I have mine setup with a timer, they turn on after the main lights go off and turn off around 11:00pm.

Totally agree. That was a great answer

I've noticed my own reflection sometimes when I'm looking through the front of the glass if the my tank lights are dim/off and the room lights are on. So is it possible in a dim/dark room the fish can see their reflection with the tank lights on?

Why are you so concerned about your GH and KH levels? I recommend that you don't do anything your parameters are fine. I have met people who successfully keep soft water fish in similar water parameters as yours so if keeping soft water fish is your concern your fine. Maybe if you're going to...

Any time, keep us posted.

API sells a kit for both KH/GH testing you can find in most pet/fish stores. I've been doing a lot of research on aquarium water chemistry and have experience messing with own. This site has been very helpful to me http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumKH.html

Well the lack of KH buffers can cause low or unstable PH. My tap water ph is 8.8. But my tank sits at 7.4 and my KH is 5dk. You should test your tap waters KH and GH, you don't have to let it sit before you tests it