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I wasn't doubting your preparedness. It looks like you are as ready as they come. Still, a new tank can take some time to balance......lights, ferts, co2. No two are the same. Sometimes things go great out of the gate, sometimes there is some tinkering to be done to get it right. Either way I...

I just had the same thing happen. Compared a new kit to one that is about 5 years old. Not even close. One read about 20 and one easily over 80. How did you make your reference solution? I would like to keep some solution around to keep an eye on my calibration.

This is the craziest thread I have seen. Talk about jumping in with both feet!!! That is one healthy order of plants. I can't wait to see how these tanks evolve.

No tips but looking forward to seeing what you do. Should be an adventure.

Wow Jay that is a lot of water changes. How much are changing each time? I do about 75% once a week, I can't say I would have the stamina to change it 3 times a week. You suffer for your aquatic art! 40ml of metricide?? That seems like a pretty strong dose. Have you ever had seen any negative...

More than likely the reason your stem plants melted is that your bulbs have lost so much of their power. I have found Coralife bulbs in particular lose par value more quickly than most. Be careful, you might find that new bulbs could be much, much brighter and start an algae farm. You may need...

Jay what is your dosing schedule like now? I'd love to hear what you are doing with ferts. One thing I never skip are the water changes. It's Sat. morning after breakfast and coffee. I have found it helpful to streamline the process. I use a pump which really speeds up draining, and keeps the...

Jay I've often wondered if you were able keep that massive amount of anubias algae free. I have a little in my tank, but am about ready to toss it. I also get new leaves but the old ones much like yours. It's the only plant I have with any significant algae. It seems in order to have high...

Added a couple new plants tonight, and thought I would share my plant list and thoughts several months into this journey. First off, for someone going down this road, I would start with fast growing easy plants. It will build your confidence and help you get light/ferts/co2 figured out (as much...

Jay thanks for the kind words. You made a comment awhile back that with all those stems I would have to do a lot of trimming to keep enough room for the all the Rainbows. You were correct. The stems are growing fast. The tricky part for me is I can't go too wild with the plants, as the Rainbows...

I've gotta ask....who is Cara from Consolidate? Maybe I should know but I don't.

Most Rainbow breeders sell through aquabid. But it's hit and miss, it's not like they always have something available. Here are a few I would recommend----- Johnnyb, Rfman, alloddballaquatics, Roseline There can be big difference in the adult color of poor quality to higher quality fish...

I bought the Quiet One 4000. I couldn't tell if you if it's better or worse than any other brand, all I know is it works for me. It has really streamlined the whole process.

After many years of using a python, last year I purchased a pump to help with water changes. It drains the tank much faster, and doesn't waste water. Especially with a larger tank. While I was always happy with the python, I wouldn't go back. I usually change around 80 gallons, and my sink is...

Wow that is deep. My 120G is 26" tall, and it's a good reach to the bottom. At 40", you may need to buy scuba gear and get right inside! If you are planting, it will offer some unique challenges, like getting light to the bottom. Very interested to see how this develops.

A ph controller is not necessary. However, it does provide some benefits. For me, I can keep the CO2 turned up a bit higher, which gets to my optimum ph quicker. Also keeps the ph in a stable range which in turn keeps the CO2 in a stable range. I really didn't want to get one but now am glad I...

At green you are in no danger. Lime green to almost yellow is good. If you want to get more precise you can calculate using ph & kh. As always, keep an eye on the livestock when you increase the CO2. I know there or lots of pros and cons, but I feel better now using a ph controller.

Looking good and coming along nicely. I hope everything goes well. You might consider getting some fast growers locally. More plant mass would be good, and will help you get the balance of lights, CO2, and ferts dialed in. Consider it practice for when you invest in more expensive plants. It...

The yellow stripe down the nose is referred to as "Flashing". They can turn it on when they want to establish dominance, and it is part of the mating ritual. Even with no females, they still like to determine who is the boss. My display it daily, but it's usually for a short time. I look...

Here's one more.....not a Bow, but pretty photogenic.