From a land far away with no resources and thinking dirty

**THE V** · 06-30-2012, 11:49 AM

Koi and common pleco's are notorious plant eaters. I only had luck with anubis and E. bleherii in with plant eaters.

I'm actually surprised the Elodea is still in around. I used to use it as a distraction to let the other plants survive.

**jpappy789** · 06-30-2012, 6:05 PM

That would be your problem. Smaller plecos are in general better than larger species.

**fattboa** · 07-05-2012, 2:17 PM

Originally Posted by THE V

Koi and common pleco's are notorious plant eaters. I only had luck with anubis and E. bleherii in with plant eaters.

I'm actually surprised the Elodea is still in around. I used to use it as a distraction to let the other plants survive.

Actually they did not touch the anacharis at all! Maybe they have an elevated palate?
Thank you for replying. I added some young canned coconut milk today and will update in case there is any difference. However I am having problems keeping the DIY Co2 from leaking even with silicone but that is a minor issue.

Originally Posted by jpappy789

That would be your problem. Smaller plecos are in general better than larger species.

They are small.
Thank you for replying as well. You and THE V have been very kind in assisting me build this tank.

**fattboa** · 07-12-2012, 6:04 PM

Update: canned coconut water* made a mess, one day after Co2 started flowing (DIY),a white precipitate formed throughout the tank. I did not check its solubility in solutions other that water so I am not sure what it was. Perhaps calcium carbonate?
Maybe I will need to add less next time - since it was changed the water no effect can be reported. Will need to experiment more and perhaps not on a 45gallon tank :P
Moved the swords to an area of higher light (next to a translucent door) and seems they are doing better. I definitely need stronger lights (4x14W T5). Did not find T5HO bulbs in the country. So it seems I will need to convert the canopy to CF or even better - open canopy with halides if I can find them.
Found regulators for 20-30$ so seems I will invest in pressurized Co2 afterall. DIY Co2 cannot generate enough pressure to open check valve, only when shook.
Egeria densa growing fine - almost reaching the surface of the water even after being pruned. Just a question, when removing the top and replanting, should I expect the apical end to elongate once more? Or only side shoots? I only got side shoots. The cut area is brown in colour. Tried propagating and it was sort of a failed experiment.
And I need a plant ID (taxonomy is not my strong point, especially plants). I could not find it in a few databases so maybe its a terrestrial plant?

I am contemplating going to dirt but will experiment first.
Thanks everyone

**fattboa** · 07-14-2012, 8:24 PM

Apologies for triple posting but it seems that this has sort of become my journal/soliloquy. Any help with the plant ID?
Bought 3x 150W metal halide floodlights with Vossoh-Schwabe remote control gear containing + 3x Osram 150W 5600K bulbs for a total of 60$. Also bought a Smith regulator for 30$. Both at the flea market. Need to find a few other parts/CO2 tank. Im thinking of replacing the substrate with dirt after soaking/drying for 3 times and hope for the best.
Yet another question and apologies if I bored you, The regulator is a dual stage but the second delivery pressure gauge is in LPM/CFH. Some sites say yes it will (8-9psi per LPM) and the others say it is too much flow. Any ideas? I did find a Victor dual stage regulator that was huge but had broken gauges.
Any ideas?