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Post by Crazygar on Sept 11, 2018 11:55:03 GMT -5
Yes. This is one of the 7 Signs of End Times. Since my schedule is starting slow down when it comes to flights and I've been tired of talking about it... I am going to revamp one of my Fluval Flora/Ebi (not sure which is which, I just have the tanks left) as a small Nano Planted Tank. I am sure if Gabe is reading this right now, he is in a complete panic, as I've been talking about this for quite some time. Before I get to setting up, there are a few things that I need; > Aqueon Pedestal Stand from Big Al's. Canada is super limited when it comes to Aquariums and Aquarium Decor. I could go to Detroit and shop, but I like the look of these > Finnex PX-360 Compact Canister Aquarium Filter. I've always wanted to try one of these which brings me to the next item > 13mm Lily Pipes (both Intake and Outflow). Not sure if I should just order from GLA or take my chances with fleaBay > 3.5Kg bag of Fluorite Black. I've had nothing but good results using this > Microheater. Would be nice for an inline, but I don't think they are made this small. I have 2 X Finnex Planted+ FugeRay LED Lights, which will be more than enough to grow anything I want in the tank. One of the tanks is quasi-setup (initial layer of Peat, Spider Wood, 3 rocks) but it's been sitting for months in this state. A fresh start is needed. Another quick cleaning and once things arrive, I will piece together everything before moving onto the fun part; planting. Here are some pictures of Office Space I, when I was living in Winnipeg from 2013 to 2017; Neons! In the right environment, these are nice fish! Let there be light! Can clearly see a Kuhli Loach in the tank I plan to do things different, less Jungle look, more Iwagumi. Of course, this may change during the finalization of the tank as it usually does. I always end up tweaking and doing something more of my own. And yes, make sure that Thermometer is at the side, out of view. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Sept 13, 2018 13:45:37 GMT -5
The stand and Flourite Black has been ordered from Big Al's. 2 Business Days, so it'll be here sometime next week. Unfortunately I'll have to put off building the stand until the 2nd week of October (Dog sitting my Parents Dogs while they are on vacation, makes me glad I am a fish owner). Sigh. Thankfully I am not in North Carolina until 2 weeks from now.
Starting to formulate which plants I want. Wanting to venture out, want to try my hand at Glosso again. So many new plants to try. Maybe even hunt down C.lingua again.
Usually when I get plants, I grow them out in Tupperware tubs (Hairgrass, Gloss, HC and Crypts excel in this format) before planting them. This way, you can get a good yield out of one or two pots without the expense. Mind you, it does take a bit of time, but emersed growth is a great way to cut down on algae and snails and have enough to plant the tank outright in one session.
Tupperware Grow Ops (I know what some of you are thinking) are quite easy to setup. Tupperware Tub (we all have one or more around), Dirt, plastic wrap and a mister of fresh water. Place near a Window or good source of light and let nature take it's course.
Gary
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Post by gabor129 on Sept 16, 2018 6:42:04 GMT -5
Well Gary I'm glad to see you getting ready for the tanks. I highly recommend looking up equipment you need on Angelfins website. I believe they have the lilly pipes as well!
Good luck with the dog sitting! I know you are ready to strangle the poor thing by now!
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Post by gabor129 on Sept 16, 2018 7:41:07 GMT -5
Also, if you not happy with the jungle look, you need to trim some places buddy! However with the plants you mentioned that might not be as often as others would be!
I was staring at the picture for 15 min and can't find a loach in there! Then I realized that it was the top picture you referred to! Well I feel a bit stupid!
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Post by Crazygar on Sept 17, 2018 7:49:27 GMT -5
Yeah, should be fun getting this at least planted and filled with water (when the time comes). Yeah, Angelfins is on the Hanlon in Guelph, I know exactly where it is, there was another place (gone out of business unfortunately) that was called "The Glass Zoo" and it had incredible deals on Aquariums and Custom ones.
I'll compare GLA Prices vs Angelfins, I hate going to websites and seeing "Out of Stock" splashed everywhere. Either you carry it or you don't.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Sept 25, 2018 10:50:13 GMT -5
Darn you with Angelfins, I found a needful thing; angelfins.ca/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28310_28311&products_id=1902&zenid=1720a335159998d552e399e7905fd0f8Now I'm already considering upscaling to a larger tank, this way, tank will stay much more stable during my absences. Finding equipment would be easier as well. 18 X 18 X 18, is a good sized tank. That's an awesome price for the tank. I could drive up, get the tank, lily pipes and even maybe a stand (rats, just bought one) and set up this instead. Really really considering this tank. Sure wish I looked at this last week. Gary
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Post by gabor129 on Sept 25, 2018 19:58:30 GMT -5
You are welcome!!!
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Post by Crazygar on Sept 28, 2018 11:11:24 GMT -5
I've decided to let Common Sense win (this time, we don't talk very often if at all, we like it that way) and stick with the original plan of the 7.9GAL. Now that I know that Angelfins is a mere 2.5hr drive up the road, I can return to my concept of a larger (I mean larger than 24 GAL) Planted Tank in the future. I plan to get some of my equipment there though. Would be nice drive on a weekend.
What I need from Angelfins;
> Glass Lily Pipes > Magnetic Thermometer > Some sort of CO2 setup (or maybe going with the Flourish and dosing routine)
Right now I am going to get my feet wet again with the 7.9GAL. I am assembling the stand this evening when I get home (if I am not too tired). Figured I'd take this time during layovers to write up my thoughts.
Going back to my original concept. I need to master 7.9 again before advancing forward. Since it will be a shrimp only tank (for as long as I can hold out buying Boraras merah) once I get water in it (very important).
Gary
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Post by gabor129 on Sept 29, 2018 9:20:02 GMT -5
I'm glad you are not jumping in with both feet! It is important to take your time. Specially with a small setup like that. Do you think you will use RO water for the shrimp?
Angelfins is a great source of nano products! Jarmila is very supportive of our club! She will go out of her way to get us the what we need!
Good luck with the setup, and let us know if you need anything!
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 1, 2018 8:19:53 GMT -5
I picked up a can of Black PlastiDip yesterday at Crappy Tire.
I plan to use this for the background. Since it creates a thin plastic solid color background, removal will be easy. Also, considering the fact, it's only a 7.9GAL tank, i'll have plenty left over for the other tank I have sitting here for another project down the road.
Stand is going to be assembled this evening. It's rainy and crappy and no reason for going out today after work. Trying to figure out what type of stone (Grey preferably) to be put into the tank as well. If I can get the hardscape redone, I might start emersed growth.
I am leaning towards Dwarf Baby's Tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides) for my ground cover, along with Bucephalandra for around the base of the Spiderwood and rocks. Most definitely getting more plants in, but these are the two that keep coming back to me. Might as well give them a whirl.
I've tried Glosso, it's a pain in the backside and don't want to repeat the episode.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 2, 2018 6:52:56 GMT -5
Stand is assembled and leveled. The floor was a little uneven in one area, so I used Styrofoam to help balance out. Never go or do anything without a level. My next move is to find the proper stones and hardscape. Once the hardscape is to my liking I will start with my emersed growth.
I am adding Alternanthera reineckii mini to the mix. And from the looks of it, Angelfins has a good deal of what I need. So for plants I have;
Dwarf Baby's Tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides) Bucephalandra (has to be darker leaved variety) Red Temple Plant var.Mini (Alternanthera reineckii mini)
I am considering 1 Echinodorus quadricostatus var.Tropica for a "background" plant to fill out the space. Still deciding...
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 2, 2018 12:11:22 GMT -5
Plant List (updated);
Blyxa japonica Dwarf Baby's Tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides) Bucephalandra (has to be darker leaved variety) -- Still haven't found what I am looking for (Bono had it right) Red Temple Plant var.Mini (Alternanthera reineckii mini)
Less is always more. I plan to stick to these 4 species. Each will have it's own plan, but I believe this is a good matchup. Yes, I'm visiting more often, I'm using this space to record my ideas and thoughts.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 3, 2018 6:56:29 GMT -5
I found my Peat Pucks last night. Awesome! I ALWAYS use an initial layer of Peat at the bottom of ALL my planted tanks. As it (Peat) decomposes, it releases vitamins directly into the root system of the plants and helps with natural softening of the water. It also lasts a long long time. I forgot to do this in the previous version which sat bone dry for months.
Hopefully by next week I'll have some pictures to show at least. Going to do some "wandering" around the town and city for Grey Rocks. Anyone seen any that would be nice in a 7.9GAL tank?
Gary
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Oct 3, 2018 9:24:36 GMT -5
I found my Peat Pucks last night. Awesome! I ALWAYS use an initial layer of Peat at the bottom of ALL my planted tanks. As it (Peat) decomposes, it releases vitamins directly into the root system of the plants and helps with natural softening of the water. It also lasts a long long time. I forgot to do this in the previous version which sat bone dry for months. Hopefully by next week I'll have some pictures to show at least. Going to do some "wandering" around the town and city for Grey Rocks. Anyone seen any that would be nice in a 7.9GAL tank? Gary How much do the Peat Puck affect the Ph of the water and do they release tannins or does the cap on top of them stop this ?
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 3, 2018 10:23:05 GMT -5
I usually crumble up the puck(s) enough to create a 1" layer at the bottom of the tank. Yes, it's slow release which is great, it gives the plants a great start right off the hop.
Tannins are also slow release and don't discolor the tank (depending on amount used). It helps maintain a softer, more acidic environment. Even with Saskatoon water (which was liquid rock at 8.1) I was able to keep a constant 6.8 with Phoenix and Nim's Island (a Blackwater Biotope, it was down to 5.2, Nim was the A.agassizi 'Tefe').
Gary
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