Recent content by lectraplayer

Update: my test strips are shot, so I'll have to get some new ones. ...though another thing I found of them says my nitrates are fairly low (maybe 10PPM)

I'm trying to get my tank back right after letting it sit for months relatively unmaintained (so to speak, but not completely). While I still have many of my plants and fish still going with few ill effects from my neglect, I do need to test my water and see what I need to make it exactly what I...

The ug filter I will be taking out is the tile style which creates individual cells instead of one large space for the water to flow through, so I will replace it with one that gives me this single large cell with unrestricted water flow underneath the gravel.

I've been kinda in a hiatus from just being tired, and have let a couple tanks go a bit. Now I'm looking to rehab both. Main tank: 30 gallon planted tank with sand over Alabama dirt, fertilized with Miracle GRO spikes (6-12-6 formula), mostly with cryptocorne plants which have taken over...

My house was built in 1949, and, yes, they had some rough stuff then. Who would think about building with creosote saturated lumber today? I think Agent Orange was also in use then. Still, I got away with it. I bet using dirt from away from all buildings helped.

That's exactly why I'm wanting to check with ALGF before I begin. Bessemer got in trouble for maintaining the property by washing away thousands of darters by clearing a beaver dam. I know, sometimes (especially with higher order animals such as deer) the animal learns more by being made to...

That is a big part of what I want to do. With ths political and social climate of Bessemer, AL, and their home being about the size of a couple city blocks, I would bet the days of these fish are numbered. Their home also drains into the creek anp river that comes near my property. It will...

My DIY HOB metal halide light may give you a few ideas. It's a bit strong for the tank I have it on, but may otherwise be perfect for your project.

I did the same with my first planted tanks and will probably do it again with my next tank. All Alabama dirt has tanins, which results in tea when you put it in an aquarium. Cycle as planned. The color will eventually go away with water changes. Then, keep root spikes in the dirt. The dirt...

That don't sound right Demon. I understand he wants an UG filter that drains into a sump. Sent from my Android with one arm in the tank.

Does light kill the eggs?

I would be interested in that as well. I know you have to let the nitrates rise, then change lots of water (per Wikipedia) to simulate the wet season back home. Other than that, I am clueless. Sent from my Android with one arm in the tank.

It may be up to a year before I check into this heavily, but after I clear it with the Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Alabama Dept. of Game & Fish, what are your thoughts on keeping endangered fish like the Rush Darter, Vermilion Darter, and Watercress Darter? I am thinking about later...

Which one was your favorite? Sent from my Android with one arm in the tank.

If something is suspect (like right now) I test with the API liquid test kit. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4454&cmpid=03cseYY&ref=XXXX&subref=AA I also asked the question about transporting the fish, and the consensus then was to leave them in. Sent from my...