Darkseid76
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Okay so ive been a member of this forum since I got back into the hobby. I've learned a ton from reading threads and online research. But as we know all tanks are different and require different approaches. Therefore i decided to come and get some tips and advice, even criticism.
Okay for starters I'm well prepared. I have all my tank parameters and PICTURES! lol I mean who doesn't love pictures??
04-19-13
pH 7.4
ammonia 0 ppm
nitrite 0 ppm
nitrate 20 ppm
kH 4 degrees
GH 6 degrees
04-26-13
pH 7.4
ammonia 0-.25 ppm
nitrite 0 ppm
nitrate 5-10 ppm
kH 4 degrees
GH ?
How I reached my results? I use API testing kits. For pH I test both regular test( 7.6 ) and high range test ( 7.4 ), so i use high range results.
In the case of the other tests I record what I think is the accurate result ( on the color chart ) and then get a second opinion. As for the results this week the ammonia seemed slightly elevated but not enough to match the .25 result on the chart. Also the same for the nitrate result. I totally botched the GH test because I forgot to set aside water for it lol. As for measuring kH I got a pale yellow on the 3rd drop and a more definitive yellow on the 4th drop so went with that result. Anyone who is familiar with the API testing kits will understand me, so forgive me anyone else who doesnt.
Now for the pics:
This is my water sprite raft! Ive had this plant since i started my tank. Ive sold off tons of it and have really just let it do what it wants now. I posted views of its emersed leaves which some are displaying an odd coloring. Maybe someone can advise me on that? It started growing emersed by accident. I also added a side view of the raft. If youre lucky you might spot some newborn sword fry hiding in it. Water level is low due to pwc.
As you can see I broke the glass so the sprite started growing through it.
This is my Rangeri Sword. It has been doing great and adding a new leaf every week. My only issue is some leaves break off from the crown and because I don't know how to propagate the plant I just stuck them into the substrate to see if they'll take root. Some of the leaves have slight discolorations also.
My dwarf sag purchased from a member here. No new growth but I think its settled in now.
My anubias nana also purchased from an AA member. The bare rhizome (dont mind the shrimp lol) looks like it has 2 tiny green nubs, so I think it might sprout( fingers crossed ). The other 2 rhizomes already sprouted a new leaf apiece. Im hoping it attaches to the rock and runs its roots downward into the substrate. Thats the goal anyway.
Finally I have 2 pieces of dw laced in Java Moss. I dont know about anyone else but mines grows at a good rate. I also bought the moss from an AA member.
So my feeding regimen: Substrate is 60lbs of Eco-Complete. Ferts are Seachem Flourish Tabs( pic attached, all ten inserted ), Seachem Comprehensive 1 capful twice a week. Seachem Excel 1 capful every other day ( I was dosing daily but Im trying to propagate some Corkscrew Vals ).
Lighting is basic unfortunately. Two bulbs that Im using in a standard Aqueon Lighting fixture that came with the tank.
Okay guys/gals, tell me what you think!!
Okay for starters I'm well prepared. I have all my tank parameters and PICTURES! lol I mean who doesn't love pictures??
04-19-13
pH 7.4
ammonia 0 ppm
nitrite 0 ppm
nitrate 20 ppm
kH 4 degrees
GH 6 degrees
04-26-13
pH 7.4
ammonia 0-.25 ppm
nitrite 0 ppm
nitrate 5-10 ppm
kH 4 degrees
GH ?
How I reached my results? I use API testing kits. For pH I test both regular test( 7.6 ) and high range test ( 7.4 ), so i use high range results.
In the case of the other tests I record what I think is the accurate result ( on the color chart ) and then get a second opinion. As for the results this week the ammonia seemed slightly elevated but not enough to match the .25 result on the chart. Also the same for the nitrate result. I totally botched the GH test because I forgot to set aside water for it lol. As for measuring kH I got a pale yellow on the 3rd drop and a more definitive yellow on the 4th drop so went with that result. Anyone who is familiar with the API testing kits will understand me, so forgive me anyone else who doesnt.
Now for the pics:
This is my water sprite raft! Ive had this plant since i started my tank. Ive sold off tons of it and have really just let it do what it wants now. I posted views of its emersed leaves which some are displaying an odd coloring. Maybe someone can advise me on that? It started growing emersed by accident. I also added a side view of the raft. If youre lucky you might spot some newborn sword fry hiding in it. Water level is low due to pwc.
As you can see I broke the glass so the sprite started growing through it.
This is my Rangeri Sword. It has been doing great and adding a new leaf every week. My only issue is some leaves break off from the crown and because I don't know how to propagate the plant I just stuck them into the substrate to see if they'll take root. Some of the leaves have slight discolorations also.
My dwarf sag purchased from a member here. No new growth but I think its settled in now.
My anubias nana also purchased from an AA member. The bare rhizome (dont mind the shrimp lol) looks like it has 2 tiny green nubs, so I think it might sprout( fingers crossed ). The other 2 rhizomes already sprouted a new leaf apiece. Im hoping it attaches to the rock and runs its roots downward into the substrate. Thats the goal anyway.
Finally I have 2 pieces of dw laced in Java Moss. I dont know about anyone else but mines grows at a good rate. I also bought the moss from an AA member.
So my feeding regimen: Substrate is 60lbs of Eco-Complete. Ferts are Seachem Flourish Tabs( pic attached, all ten inserted ), Seachem Comprehensive 1 capful twice a week. Seachem Excel 1 capful every other day ( I was dosing daily but Im trying to propagate some Corkscrew Vals ).
Lighting is basic unfortunately. Two bulbs that Im using in a standard Aqueon Lighting fixture that came with the tank.
Okay guys/gals, tell me what you think!!