75g Freshwater - Fish/Plants Advice?
- Thread starter Darter02
- Start date
Oh, don't bow to me. I had a LOT of help from people online. I was doing a fishy cycle with all the fish already IN the tank. If it weren’t for people giving me advice on how to do water changes and how to treat the water I would have a much larger disaster than the few ones I did have.
I dose the Excel as directed on the label. After the initial large dosing, after a large water change, I put in a cap & 1/2 every day around the same time. I will do this until I get CO2 injection set up.
As for the algae, I have had my problems now and then. I had the “brown” stuff for a few days but the Otocinclus (around 12) ate it all up. I think a combination of them, the Bristlenose Pleco and doing frequent water changes has helped keep algae in check. Right now, I mainly have a problem with green spot algae on some slow growing leaves. I also get a soft, fuzzy mat on the driftwood, but it seems to get grazed down on occasion by the Pleco. It has a particular section of one piece of driftwood it likes to work over at night. Also, I added a lot of “stem plants” as I read they help absorb the nutrients that algae need to bloom.
It’s not “perfect” but it’s working for now.
Que
I wish I was a fish I wish.
Really nice tank. I'd love to have one like it but I just don't have the time for such an awsome set-up. Maybe someday whne the little one is going to school.
Q
Q
It’s been a while since I’ve been on this forum, so I thought I would just do a quick update. First, I want to thank people for the input and advice. I feel I have learned a lot from the online community, with more to learn everyday!
First, just a few photos.
Beckford’s Pencilfish
These are some really fun fish! They may be small, but they are very lively and add a lot of character to the tank. Constanly picking at the eages of leaves, sometimes they get sort of chubby, especially if they decided to gorge themselves on peas! LOL
Bleeding Heart Tetra
The school has been getting very active and I LOVE how pinkish the four big males in get. One in particular seems to “run the show,” with the rest all following where he swims.
Just Before CO2 Injection System Installed
I began to use peat moss in the filters and immediately grew a batch of Green Water Algae! I guess I put too much in at first.
The plants were all growing, if just a bit slowly. I also had other forms of algae appearing.
The “Alpha” Discus
My Discus generally get along, that is until I feed them. Then this one chases all the others into their hiding spots. I make sure they all get fed though.
Notice the green water algae…
Discus Eye
Bristlenosed Pleco – Male
This guy usually doesn’t come out in the light. With the Green Water Algae darkinging things up, I see it a lot more. I’d like to find it a girlfriend but am not 100% sure which species it is. It’s almost completely black, with just one white tip to its tail fin.
Otocinclus
I have only lost two, one right after introduction and the other just three days ago. It seemed to get a bad case of dropsy and died in the quarantine aquarium.
Sterba’s Cory
I really like the six I have!
One Week after CO2 Injection – Green Water Algae
I’ve installed a CO2 injection system last week. Aside from my recurring Green Water Algae problem, I am very happy with the results! I got a Rex Grigg regulator set up and LOVE IT! The plants are going crazy, growing at an amazing pace! The tank is full of O2 bubbles coming off the plants and some of them are so covered with O2 they are no buoyant! LOL
I am going to install a UV filter to help get rid of the Green Water Algae. The fish seem to really enjoy the murky conditions, but I can no longer see the back of the tank!
Java Moss – Christmas Tree!
Lots of O2 making the moss float…
First, just a few photos.
Beckford’s Pencilfish
These are some really fun fish! They may be small, but they are very lively and add a lot of character to the tank. Constanly picking at the eages of leaves, sometimes they get sort of chubby, especially if they decided to gorge themselves on peas! LOL
Bleeding Heart Tetra
The school has been getting very active and I LOVE how pinkish the four big males in get. One in particular seems to “run the show,” with the rest all following where he swims.
Just Before CO2 Injection System Installed
I began to use peat moss in the filters and immediately grew a batch of Green Water Algae! I guess I put too much in at first.
The plants were all growing, if just a bit slowly. I also had other forms of algae appearing.
The “Alpha” Discus
My Discus generally get along, that is until I feed them. Then this one chases all the others into their hiding spots. I make sure they all get fed though.
Notice the green water algae…
Discus Eye
Bristlenosed Pleco – Male
This guy usually doesn’t come out in the light. With the Green Water Algae darkinging things up, I see it a lot more. I’d like to find it a girlfriend but am not 100% sure which species it is. It’s almost completely black, with just one white tip to its tail fin.
Otocinclus
I have only lost two, one right after introduction and the other just three days ago. It seemed to get a bad case of dropsy and died in the quarantine aquarium.
Sterba’s Cory
I really like the six I have!
One Week after CO2 Injection – Green Water Algae
I’ve installed a CO2 injection system last week. Aside from my recurring Green Water Algae problem, I am very happy with the results! I got a Rex Grigg regulator set up and LOVE IT! The plants are going crazy, growing at an amazing pace! The tank is full of O2 bubbles coming off the plants and some of them are so covered with O2 they are no buoyant! LOL
I am going to install a UV filter to help get rid of the Green Water Algae. The fish seem to really enjoy the murky conditions, but I can no longer see the back of the tank!
Java Moss – Christmas Tree!
Lots of O2 making the moss float…
As a rule, discus don't do well with a lot of light--one view of the black, tea-like quality of the waters of the Rio Negro and you'll realize why nature blessed them with those big eyes. Consider lessening the light.
I'll also agree with the others that the aquarium isn't fully cycled. You have to tackle that ammonia issue should you want your discus (and the rest of your plants and animals) to actually live. Also, keep the pH low (discus thrive in more acidic water), the temperature high (your 82F is great), and definitely do frequent water changes (25% to 50%).
This is all common sense....you'll do fine. Just remember that although discus are picky, they are resilient--after all, they are cichlids!
By the way, have you ever been to http://discusasahobby.com/ ? Looks like an interesting site.
I'll also agree with the others that the aquarium isn't fully cycled. You have to tackle that ammonia issue should you want your discus (and the rest of your plants and animals) to actually live. Also, keep the pH low (discus thrive in more acidic water), the temperature high (your 82F is great), and definitely do frequent water changes (25% to 50%).
This is all common sense....you'll do fine. Just remember that although discus are picky, they are resilient--after all, they are cichlids!
By the way, have you ever been to http://discusasahobby.com/ ? Looks like an interesting site.
So I am having all sorts of problems establishing balance in my aquarium. I know I’ve a problem with nutrient control, and maybe trace element control as well, but I can’t seem to get a grip on things yet.
I’m going to post photos of some of the problems I am having and see if anyone can give me ideas on how to correct things…
Water Parameters:
82°F (~28°C)
PH: ~ 6ish (drops lower from CO2 – was 6.5 before CO2 injection)
KH/GH: ~ 3 – 4° (I think…)
Ammonia/Nitrites: 0ppm
Nitrates: 10 – 15ppm
Phosphate: 2pmm
I do not know the Fe or any of that stuff yet… no test kits yet…
First, I did clear up my green algae water using a UV filter. I also need to really TRIM back a lot of the plants now, I just will not have time until this Sunday…
Look ma, no green water!
Of course, this means the underlying nutrient over balance went somewhere else! I just can SEE it better! Yoinks!
Algae around the Micro Swords
I’ve no idea what this stuff is. It ONLY grows around the Micro Swords, and not anywhere else. You can see how the roots have been pulled up by the cories on the right side. This stuff seems to grow where roots are exposed. I am thinking about just removing this plant as I have the wrong substrate for it.
Also note the fine algae on the substrate gravel…
What Java Moss???
I had a really nice growth of Java Moss here. It turned into some sort of lengthy algae. I have no idea what kind it is as no two sites with photos seem to agree on what is what. It only grows on the Java Moss, though some has ended up tangled in the plants around it.
Java ALGAE detail
Tangled in the Bacopa australis
This algae also likes CO2!
The stuff growing on the Java Moss also seems to make a LOT of bubbles!
My Crypt (is that how it’s spelled?) plants are also doing strange things. All of the pre-CO2 injection leaf growth is “melting” and new growth is appearing, but a darker color. Is this normal?
Old Crypt leaves melting
They have lots of holes, and sometimes just fall off completely. They also produce a lot of bubbles coming out of these wholes and tears.
New Growth on Crypts
New leaves appear to be darker in color and grow large quickly. You can also note some green spot algae on the old leaves near this leaf.
Tiny new leaf
Algae on Stump
This thing has been like this since almost the beginning of the tank. I see a lot of things picking at it, SAEs, groups of Pencilfish, Otos, the Pleco and now Nerite snails all take turns at it. It doesn’t really bother me too much…
Algae on Rocks
I don’t think this is the same stuff as on the wood, it’s shorter and darker and bubbles now that I have CO2 injection. As with the wood, I see everyone graze on it. It too doesn’t bother me too much.
Algae on the Ludwigia
OK, this fuzz DOES bother me! This on the newest growth too!!
Dying Java Fern
My Java fern, which had been doing well, is now turning brown and rotting. The daughter plants seem OK though. Is this normal??? I also have green spot algae on the leaves…
Algae Fighters!
Added a few Siamese Algae Eaters and some Olive Nerite Snails. They seem to be enjoying themselves but I know are not the answer. I still need to get control of the nutrient problem.
I’m going to post photos of some of the problems I am having and see if anyone can give me ideas on how to correct things…
Water Parameters:
82°F (~28°C)
PH: ~ 6ish (drops lower from CO2 – was 6.5 before CO2 injection)
KH/GH: ~ 3 – 4° (I think…)
Ammonia/Nitrites: 0ppm
Nitrates: 10 – 15ppm
Phosphate: 2pmm
I do not know the Fe or any of that stuff yet… no test kits yet…
First, I did clear up my green algae water using a UV filter. I also need to really TRIM back a lot of the plants now, I just will not have time until this Sunday…
Look ma, no green water!
Of course, this means the underlying nutrient over balance went somewhere else! I just can SEE it better! Yoinks!
Algae around the Micro Swords
I’ve no idea what this stuff is. It ONLY grows around the Micro Swords, and not anywhere else. You can see how the roots have been pulled up by the cories on the right side. This stuff seems to grow where roots are exposed. I am thinking about just removing this plant as I have the wrong substrate for it.
Also note the fine algae on the substrate gravel…
What Java Moss???
I had a really nice growth of Java Moss here. It turned into some sort of lengthy algae. I have no idea what kind it is as no two sites with photos seem to agree on what is what. It only grows on the Java Moss, though some has ended up tangled in the plants around it.
Java ALGAE detail
Tangled in the Bacopa australis
This algae also likes CO2!
The stuff growing on the Java Moss also seems to make a LOT of bubbles!
My Crypt (is that how it’s spelled?) plants are also doing strange things. All of the pre-CO2 injection leaf growth is “melting” and new growth is appearing, but a darker color. Is this normal?
Old Crypt leaves melting
They have lots of holes, and sometimes just fall off completely. They also produce a lot of bubbles coming out of these wholes and tears.
New Growth on Crypts
New leaves appear to be darker in color and grow large quickly. You can also note some green spot algae on the old leaves near this leaf.
Tiny new leaf
Algae on Stump
This thing has been like this since almost the beginning of the tank. I see a lot of things picking at it, SAEs, groups of Pencilfish, Otos, the Pleco and now Nerite snails all take turns at it. It doesn’t really bother me too much…
Algae on Rocks
I don’t think this is the same stuff as on the wood, it’s shorter and darker and bubbles now that I have CO2 injection. As with the wood, I see everyone graze on it. It too doesn’t bother me too much.
Algae on the Ludwigia
OK, this fuzz DOES bother me! This on the newest growth too!!
Dying Java Fern
My Java fern, which had been doing well, is now turning brown and rotting. The daughter plants seem OK though. Is this normal??? I also have green spot algae on the leaves…
Algae Fighters!
Added a few Siamese Algae Eaters and some Olive Nerite Snails. They seem to be enjoying themselves but I know are not the answer. I still need to get control of the nutrient problem.
I thought I’d just post a recent photo of the changes I’ve made.
CO2 – Week 3 – Post 1st Trim
I’ve tried some of the suggestions from here as well as other forums, so will be posting this same thing around. So far, most of the advice has been really helpful. I really love the online community! It’s amazing how much I am learning!
First, I increased dosing of Potassium and also adding some Iron. I’m still using Floursh and Excel but stopped the Flourish for now.
I removed all of the Java Moss. The algae that was on it was just too embedded. There are still some strands stuck to the locations where it was. I’m hoping the moss will come back and not the algae. I can still find bits of it here and there, not connected to anything, but tangled in other plants. I just remove it.
I trimmed the Bacopa australis from the front stands and replaced the Rotala to the middle/back left with the cuttings. I hope to do the same with the stand on the middle/back right as well.
I installed a UV filter in the back left corner. It really worked on eliminating the Green Water Algae! I removed a lot of the bottom growth of the Western Milfoil and the center/back stand. I used the cuttings to hide the UV filter. It’s amazing how fast that plant grows!
Gymnocoronis spilanthoides
In the very back center, I was able to trim one my Gymnocoronis spilanthoides stalks in two. Now I have three growing back there. I hope to eventually have this as my main background plants, replacing the Ludwigia and Milfoil. I’m told it will really suck up the extra nutrients that cause me so much trouble.
Chain Sword
The Chain Sword in the front is exploding with growth! Runners are heading out in all directions. I’m letting the daughters grow a little more before cutting the runners. I can see where I’ll be pulling this plant up soon enough to keep clear substrate areas. I need to leave space for the Discus to feed after all.
Almost all of the old leaves, which had algae on them, are gone. I see no algae on the new growth!
Runners
Dwarf Sublata
It’s finally starting to grow and spread! Again, no algae on the new growth!
(Note the “pug” face of the Bleeding Heart? She came that way and seems to do fine. I also have one with only one eye… )
MINE! IT’S ALL MINE!!
I just thought it was a funny pic… LOL
Also notice all the tiny bubble? My tank is now full of these, both from the CO2 and also off the plants!
CO2 – Week 3 – Post 1st Trim
I’ve tried some of the suggestions from here as well as other forums, so will be posting this same thing around. So far, most of the advice has been really helpful. I really love the online community! It’s amazing how much I am learning!
First, I increased dosing of Potassium and also adding some Iron. I’m still using Floursh and Excel but stopped the Flourish for now.
I removed all of the Java Moss. The algae that was on it was just too embedded. There are still some strands stuck to the locations where it was. I’m hoping the moss will come back and not the algae. I can still find bits of it here and there, not connected to anything, but tangled in other plants. I just remove it.
I trimmed the Bacopa australis from the front stands and replaced the Rotala to the middle/back left with the cuttings. I hope to do the same with the stand on the middle/back right as well.
I installed a UV filter in the back left corner. It really worked on eliminating the Green Water Algae! I removed a lot of the bottom growth of the Western Milfoil and the center/back stand. I used the cuttings to hide the UV filter. It’s amazing how fast that plant grows!
Gymnocoronis spilanthoides
In the very back center, I was able to trim one my Gymnocoronis spilanthoides stalks in two. Now I have three growing back there. I hope to eventually have this as my main background plants, replacing the Ludwigia and Milfoil. I’m told it will really suck up the extra nutrients that cause me so much trouble.
Chain Sword
The Chain Sword in the front is exploding with growth! Runners are heading out in all directions. I’m letting the daughters grow a little more before cutting the runners. I can see where I’ll be pulling this plant up soon enough to keep clear substrate areas. I need to leave space for the Discus to feed after all.
Almost all of the old leaves, which had algae on them, are gone. I see no algae on the new growth!
Runners
Dwarf Sublata
It’s finally starting to grow and spread! Again, no algae on the new growth!
(Note the “pug” face of the Bleeding Heart? She came that way and seems to do fine. I also have one with only one eye… )
MINE! IT’S ALL MINE!!
I just thought it was a funny pic… LOL
Also notice all the tiny bubble? My tank is now full of these, both from the CO2 and also off the plants!
