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 Sun, 26 May 2013 03:33:29 GMT vBulletin 10 http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/images/misc/rss.png Aquaria Central - Planted Aquariums http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/ gonna make another attempt at a planted tank.... whats needed http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272487-gonna-make-another-attempt-at-a-planted-tank-whats-needed&goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 04:18:40 GMT Ok hey guys I am making an attempt at replanting all my tanks again and I forgot what's needed in order to do so..... so if anyone could remind me what is needed and what you would recommend for me to use it would be very much appreciated :) ]]> Planted Aquariums Martina1997 http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272487-gonna-make-another-attempt-at-a-planted-tank-whats-needed Floating Bacopa http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272472-Floating-Bacopa&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 01:01:10 GMT Have any of you tried bacopa as a floating plant?

I trimmed a section and planted it, but it came up, and I was too busy for last week's water changes (when I would have replanted it) so it's been floating ever since. During that time, it's started putting out roots on the bottom side, and opposite the roots, some leaves are growing emersed. Is this normal? Is it problematic? ]]> Planted Aquariums authmal http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272472-Floating-Bacopa Hornwort Not Floating http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272438-Hornwort-Not-Floating&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 21:40:39 GMT What do I do when hornwort isn't floating? Does that mean it is dying or something? I really want it to float so how can I get it to float? ]]> Planted Aquariums CinnamonPearl http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272438-Hornwort-Not-Floating Seachem Flourish Excel http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272437-Seachem-Flourish-Excel&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 21:13:57 GMT Is it true that seachem flourish excel will cause hornwort to melt? I use it in my 38 gallon and want to add hornwort, but not if it'll just kill the hornwort. ]]> Planted Aquariums CinnamonPearl http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272437-Seachem-Flourish-Excel 46 gal FW planted tank with the lighting blues: need lighting system recommendations http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272435-46-gal-FW-planted-tank-with-the-lighting-blues-need-lighting-system-recommendations&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 19:58:30 GMT Greetings all. My 46-gal tank has been established (rainbows, various small cats, rasboras, hillstream loaches) for over five years. A couple of years ago I tried live plants for the first time, and after some experimenting I settled on java fern and Anubias barteri, which are lower-light species... Greetings all. My 46-gal tank has been established (rainbows, various small cats, rasboras, hillstream loaches) for over five years. A couple of years ago I tried live plants for the first time, and after some experimenting I settled on java fern and Anubias barteri, which are lower-light species (30w per 25 gal). The GLO HO single-bulb T5 light system that I got at the time of planting was too powerful for these plants, was too bright for my sensitive eyes, and caused the fish to lurk under leaves. So I changed the HO bulb to a Colormax NO T5. Everything was fine for about 22 months, and the plant-biofilter-fish nitrogen cycle was going well with fertilization. Algae was under control with snails, bristlenose and other cats, and hillstream loaches. Then one day the ballast died. The light was still under warranty, but (short version) Hagen does not make this fixture any more so they could not replace it with a new one. After much delay they sent me a check; slow process, but satisfactory. Amazon still had some units in stock, so I bought two successive units of the same fixture. Each died after a few days. I returned them both to Amazon as defective (also they were not packaged protectively for shipping). The upshot is that my plants have been without good light for about 4 months, and they are in terrible shape. The java fern in particular is in tatters. Each time a fixture dies, I've had to set up a jerry-rig system with two full-spectrum OTT lights, one standing and one task lamp. (These are excellent lamps for human eyes but are not intended for aquarium use.) They have been in place for several weeks since the last defective light was returned. Now I want to buy a new system for my tank that will properly light the plants and fish for their health and to bring out their beauty. I want to stay with lower-light species of plants; I don't want to use CO2; the substrate is medium-light gravel; and the tank takes a 36" fixture. Recommendations, please? I am willing to invest in a better fixture that suits my needs. Thanks! ]]> Planted Aquariums Flory http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?272435-46-gal-FW-planted-tank-with-the-lighting-blues-need-lighting-system-recommendations 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


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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