Aquaria Central - Planted Aquariums http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/ The place to discuss lights, CO2 and all other topics dealing with a planted aquarium. en Tue, 21 May 2013 07:15:32 GMT vBulletin 10 http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/images/misc/rss.png Aquaria Central - Planted Aquariums http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/ outdoor experiment http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272416-outdoor-experiment&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 17:46:56 GMT Set up a dirted aquarium on my front porch as an experiment. No filter, heater, or artificial lighting. Plexiglass top so nothing can get in or out.
Plants: java fern, hydrocotyle, wisteria, crypt (not sure what kind), anubias nana (might be dead, we'll see if it grows), dwarf water lettuce, and a pothos
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Going to be home to these guys, found in friend's pool:
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]]> Planted Aquariums qwe123 http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272416-outdoor-experiment 24x7 Water current flow in the tank? http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272329-24x7-Water-current-flow-in-the-tank&goto=newpost Sat, 11 May 2013 16:18:52 GMT i see many tanks with 24x7 water current and I may be wrong but I was of the opinion that very continuous 24x7 water current in the tank by power head or internal filter may not be a good idea (my thoughts). . I was of the opinion that this is like putting a man to run on treadmill 24x7 - the man... i see many tanks with 24x7 water current and I may be wrong but I was of the opinion that very continuous 24x7 water current in the tank by power head or internal filter may not be a good idea (my thoughts). . I was of the opinion that this is like putting a man to run on treadmill 24x7 - the man will tire and collapse. .

In that view is it a good idea to have water current 24x7 or to have periodic breaks after some 2-3 hours as I am doing with automatic timer switches to give fishes some 'rest' ?

Sure I understand rivers in nature don't have timer switches and hence fish genes must be used to very continuous water current but when it is possible in tanks, is this good to do or unnecessary or is this not good to do ?

I believe my external canister outlet and inlet also creates a flow but it is not as powerful as the power head or internal filter. .hence I want to understand this better and confirm..



(150g, 4wx3hx2d feet, pressurised CO2, 150wx2 metal halides, 4dkh light green - not yellow not blue, eheim 2217 external canister)




Sent from my GT-I9100 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App ]]> Planted Aquariums AqEnthusiast http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272329-24x7-Water-current-flow-in-the-tank Dwarf Lilys in Sand vs. Eco http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272276-Dwarf-Lilys-in-Sand-vs-Eco&goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 18:00:43 GMT Hi,

I want to switch out my 3" eco complete for (African dwarf frog friendly) sand (either aquarium or pool filter sand). Currently, I have 3 dwarf lily bulbs that are doing wonderful! Multiple sprouts/plants with 1" or so leaves on the largest and smallest bulb. The medium bulb has four HUGE 3"+ leaves (I think the different in size is due to that I cut off the bad leaves on the medium bulb first, as I wasn't sure if that was what I should do, and waited a week before cutting off the bad leaves on the other bulbs). I've only had them for a couple weeks or so, got them sprouted in the mail.

Would the dwarf lily's do as well in the sand as they are in the eco? Or would they need root tabs (any recommendations which) to continue to do well?


I know the swords would need the root tabs, but not sure if dwarf lily's are root feeders or not since they have the bulb.

I have 2 18Watt t5 bulbs, dose Flourish Excel daily, and Flourish 2x a week. The plants I plan to move/have in there are the dwarf lily's, amazon swords, and anubias.

Also, what depth of sand would you recommend? ]]> Planted Aquariums dani_starr http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272276-Dwarf-Lilys-in-Sand-vs-Eco algae eaters http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272245-algae-eaters&goto=newpost Sat, 04 May 2013 02:34:21 GMT I was wondering if trumpet snails are good algae eaters?:confused: and are they compatible with Nerite-snails? I was wondering if trumpet snails are good algae eaters?:confused: and are they compatible with Nerite-snails? ]]> Planted Aquariums michelv815 http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272245-algae-eaters Plant Tabs http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272242-Plant-Tabs&goto=newpost Fri, 03 May 2013 21:47:49 GMT I have been stalking the forums for quite a while. I need help in finding a solid product. I am looking to add plant tabs to my tank. I previously used Seachem Flourish, however, I see that they are not the best available option. They are expensive, and they do not have as many trace nutrients.... I have been stalking the forums for quite a while. I need help in finding a solid product.

I am looking to add plant tabs to my tank. I previously used Seachem Flourish, however, I see that they are not the best available option. They are expensive, and they do not have as many trace nutrients.

I have been trying to find Oscomote+, but Scott's has discontinued the brand for commerical use. I can't find it anywhere reasonably priced. Amazon, Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. have all stopped selling this product. I looked on eBay and saw $125; I am not willing to pay that much.

I have also read that Oscomote for indoor and outdoor plants are not the best option because of ammonia.

I have also looked at RootMedic Complete capsules, and I could not find any reviews. I have also looked at AquaFertz Total substrate pellets. They have reviews on their website, however, I could not find reviews from an independent source.

I would like to know what plant tabs you all are using currently now that Oscomote+ is not readily available.


I am not looking to get into Co2 considering it is presumably a daunting task. (Maybe it's because I am a newbie.)

Thank you in advance. ]]> Planted Aquariums cheddruffles http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272242-Plant-Tabs amazonia mud removal? acrylic tank + bleach? http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272221-amazonia-mud-removal-acrylic-tank-bleach&goto=newpost Wed, 01 May 2013 23:04:53 GMT I was given an acrylic 55g, stand, CO2, etc, Awesome! But it has cyano & old aqua soil mixed with red/black fluorite, yuck. So I'm using a hose & 2 big tubs to try & rinse out the ADA mud. It's nice & warm here & I like the look of the substrate but my back's getting tired. Is it worth it? I'm planning on bleaching everything to kill the cyano, I have a gallon of Prime. But is bleach safe with acrylic? Does it cloud it or anything? This is my first acrylic tank, I know they scratch easily & need full bottom support, anything else I should know? ]]> Planted Aquariums fishorama http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272221-amazonia-mud-removal-acrylic-tank-bleach Lighting question http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272195-Lighting-question&goto=newpost Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:48:05 GMT I have 4 of these

http://apolloreefled.com/shop/solarblast-dimable/

Would these be OK to run a high light high tech planted?
They are left over from my reef and I'd hate to buy new. ]]> Planted Aquariums tidioute06 http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272195-Lighting-question First try at heavy planting http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272194-First-try-at-heavy-planting&goto=newpost Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:45:26 GMT So I've been planting my 75 gallon living room tank over the last few months and its starting to come together. I went out yesterday for some plants and came home with a couple melon swords that look awesome. I also set up a simple co2 system running 1bps. I'm using the seachem root tabs and dosing with flourish once or twice a week. I admit I'm new to heavy planting as this is my first try at anything besides java and anubias. Any tips are appreciated. Lighting is 1 36" marineland doublebright led and a 24" marineland in tank led. I'm not sure if that's enough. Here's a couple tank shots. Click image for larger version.  Name: ImageUploadedByMonsterAquariaNetwork1367246686.469590.jpg  Views: 32  Size: 155.2 KB  ID: 206548Click image for larger version.  Name: ImageUploadedByMonsterAquariaNetwork1367246702.652867.jpg  Views: 56  Size: 150.3 KB  ID: 206549Click image for larger version.  Name: ImageUploadedByMonsterAquariaNetwork1367246712.402904.jpg  Views: 27  Size: 164.8 KB  ID: 206550


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
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]]> Planted Aquariums Anchovie http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272194-First-try-at-heavy-planting Aquarium LED Lights http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272190-Aquarium-LED-Lights&goto=newpost Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:51:25 GMT Hi, I am new to this site and this is my first post. Currently I am looking for replacing my traditional aquarium lights with LED lights, the space available for installing the LED light is very limited, not more than 2 inches. my tank is only 2ft x 1.5 ft. Can someone advise where can i purchase... Hi, I am new to this site and this is my first post. Currently I am looking for replacing my traditional aquarium lights with LED lights, the space available for installing the LED light is very limited, not more than 2 inches. my tank is only 2ft x 1.5 ft.
Can someone advise where can i purchase it from? Is there picture available? ]]> Planted Aquariums yewkwee http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272190-Aquarium-LED-Lights 40g breeder tank build http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272177-40g-breeder-tank-build&goto=newpost Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:53:47 GMT Specifics:

Tank~40gallon breeder
Filter~Sun-Sun304(intake and spray bar DIY)
Lighting~156watt(4 bulb-T5HO)( 2-6500k/2-pink plant bulbs) dual timers.( 2.5hr each ballast with .5 hr overlap for 4.5hr total 2xper day)
Substrate~ 45lb's of Flourite with 50lb's of "paver" sand as a cap.
Plants~
1) Potamogeton gayi
2) Vesicularia montagnei (x-mas moss)
3) Alternanthera reineckii"roseafolia"
4) Zephyranthes candida (dwarf onion plant)
5) Hemianthus callitrichoides (dwarf baby tears)
6) Ludwigia repens "red"
7) Echinodorus cordifolius (marble queen)
8) Echinodorus bleheri
9) Echinodorus amazonicus
10)Echinodorus "Kleiner Prinz"
11)Echinodorus "ozelot"
12)Echinodorus tenellus (dwarf pygmy chain sword)
13)Eleocharis parvula (dwarf hair grass)

Fish~
1) Cleithracara maronii (keyholecichlids)
2) Laetacara dorsigera (red-brested flag cichlid)
3) angel fish
4)10-whitecloud mountain minnows( swap out for a pencilfish group??)
5) LF male bristlnose
6)??? school of cories???


And pics of course:
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]]> Planted Aquariums fish-n-chips http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272177-40g-breeder-tank-build Huge planted tank in the planning stages. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272156-Huge-planted-tank-in-the-planning-stages&goto=newpost Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:38:29 GMT Not exactly a new guy but its been forever. I just recently had to tear down my 300g reef. I still have the tank and im planning to set it up as a planted tank. I'm going high tech with co2 and LEDs. Should be fun. I'm looking forward yo sharing.


He's a pick of the tank just before it got tore down.
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]]> Planted Aquariums tidioute06 http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272156-Huge-planted-tank-in-the-planning-stages new guy http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272137-new-guy&goto=newpost Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:13:07 GMT New to the forum and wanted to share my 38 with you guys. I've been in the hobby for 23 years and worked in the fish industry for 17 years. Let me know what you think.
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]]> Planted Aquariums 38budgetbuild http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272137-new-guy My Planted 10 Gallons, Pics and Questions :) http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272136-My-Planted-10-Gallons-Pics-and-Questions-)&goto=newpost Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:43:24 GMT Hey everyone,

First, some pictures.

Here's the before picture of Sawyer's (male betta) tank :)

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The after:

FTS
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Left side-
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Right side-
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Random shots-
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And the before picture of my soon to be shrimp tank :)

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FTS
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Left side-
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Random-
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My unhappy balsamica hygrohila
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]]> Planted Aquariums dani_starr http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272136-My-Planted-10-Gallons-Pics-and-Questions-) 55g low light - low tech recommendations - suggestions much appreciated http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272107-55g-low-light-low-tech-recommendations-suggestions-much-appreciated&goto=newpost Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:18:44 GMT Well, my tank is finally cycled (been a week at 0/0/4). Started out by transplanting my bolivian ram from my old 20g tank this one. The pair of bn plecos will follow. Then I'll follow that up with more fish later (haven't decided what to add yet but I will worry about that later).

What I want to do is put some low light plants. I don't have as much time as I would like to do a higher light/tech setup so I gotta start somewhere. I've done a lot of reading here and elsewhere. Its so much to take in that I don't even know where to begin.

Any suggestions on what I can put in the zones that I labelled in my photo? I'm assuming java fern, anubis, and crypts would be a good start but I don't know how/where they should be placed. Consider zones E and F as taller background type plants.

Current setup:
Fluval 406 canister filter
Aquaclear 50 HOB
150 watt heater - set to 76 deg
Tahitian black moon sand/flourite black sand mix
The lights are currently just a pair of 18w lights but my coworker is selling me a pair of 48w T5 fixtures within the week.

Your help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated and seriously considered.

Thanks in advance.


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]]> Planted Aquariums t4runnr http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272107-55g-low-light-low-tech-recommendations-suggestions-much-appreciated My planted 6g Fluval Edge http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272102-My-planted-6g-Fluval-Edge&goto=newpost Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:01:17 GMT Hi all,

Looking for some opinions on my 6 gallon fluval edge tank. It's been running for about 2 months now and is stocked with a crowntail betta, golden mystery snail, zebra snail and 5 amano shrimp.

Plants are a crypt wendtii brown, pygmy chain swords and a moss ball.

No CO2 but I'm dosing daily with Flourish Excel and Flourish Comprehensive every 4 days. Plant growth is very slow and I'm thinking of taking out the rock to make room for more plants. Problem is the lighting really restricts my options because it doesn't give much light to the edges of the tank.

Any suggestions on live stock and plants? I'm thinking of adding some Ottos or Cories in there after adding more plants.
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]]> Planted Aquariums Bender81 http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272102-My-planted-6g-Fluval-Edge