Recent content by Nystina

One thing to consider is the possibility of increased surface agitation with the Emperor 400. Higher surface agitation = lower co2 levels, for the most part. If you have a pH and KH test, you can check your co2 levels. Here's a link if you don't know how to calculate co2...

Most Iron tests for our purposes are inaccurate. If you really feel the need to test for Fe, I would make up a stock solution in RO or distilled water and calibrate your test kit. If your kit proves to be accurate, then your plants must be using up all the Fe you're adding. Also, some kits do...

Marsilea minuta (aquatic clover) and Marsilea quadrifolia are fairly low light plants similar to glosso, but they are not as readily available.

Riccia, hairgrass(Eleocharis parvula and acicularis), lilaeopsis, pigmy chain swords, dwarf sagittaria and Glosso are the most common. Some are grass-like and others not. Most are fairly demanding as far as light goes.

As TankGirl said, I would suspect the water conditioners. Excess organic waste is often the culprit. I had this problem for a while too, and discontinued using "slime protectants" and it cleared up. This may help you http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/rev-cond.htm.

I spend $10 a year to refill a 5lb. tank. I have a med. planted, 50 gal aquarium. CO2 lasts just about the whole year.

Lighting and substrate play a big part on how successful you will be. Hairgrass does well in finer substrates and with a good amount of light, roughly 3 wpg. It will spread and over time create a "lawn." It is fairly easily uprooted, so, that's another thing to consider. One more thing you...

I personally never really had any problems with Bio-wheels. If you are planning to have LOTS of plants/high WPG/co2 injection, i would advise against them however. They CAN be used under this setup, don't get me wrong, but a cannister filter is much more flexible and efficient for planted...

I think you mean Nitrate is good.... not ammonia. You'll need to provide some source for that.

Hey everyone, i just noticed my black neon tetra has a white/brownish patch on its body. It is breathing heavily, not eating and i also noticed that its stomach looks like its full of some brown liquid or something. To describe the patch in more detail, it looks like it rubbed up against...

Sorry, i know this is an older thread but.... all searches i did on the Eco Aqualizer eluded to it being just a novelty item basically. However, none say that they have actually tried it. Has anyone actually tried it? I bought one the other day, only because there is a 6 month guarantee. I'm...

I just bought a Rena XP3, rated at 350gals/hr. for my 50gal. My last filter was a HOB and was rated at 400gals/hr. but didnt produce nearly as much current. My fish cannot even swim unless i restrict the flow quite a bit and angle the flow horizontal instead of 45 deg. downward. My background...

I'm having the same problem with my new filter. I'm told that the flow will slow down a bit over time. I suppose it makes a difference how messy the tank is and how long this takes. I don't want to drill anything until i know i have to.

Yup, parvula is the shorter variety. The AGA site is what inspired me to try it actually.... i saw a 2002 entry that i fell in love with :D

I have 4 wpg, co2, and the only bottom feeder(sorta) are my SAEs. Sounds like i have a small chance. :)