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Post by Crazygar on Oct 7, 2018 10:45:44 GMT -5
Amazon.ca keeps telling me "currently unavailable" and actually for most Aquarium supplies they are unreliable. Though Angelfins is going to be getting a whopping big order soon.
As for Laterite and Crypts, that was my secret. They love this stuff. In a Crypt heavy tank, I would do at least a 1" layer (if not a bit more) to ensure that all the Iron hungry root feeders get their fair share.
From my experiences, lasts longer than Flourite Red.
Gary
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Post by gabor129 on Oct 7, 2018 11:53:15 GMT -5
Good to know!
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 7, 2018 20:37:57 GMT -5
I've put 2 coats of PlastiDip on the back of the tank. One more coat which I am doing tomorrow and I am ready for Phase 2... hardscaping.
Still searching for Laterite which is a main part of my setup. Had I known it was so hard to find it would have prioritized this.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 8, 2018 8:09:49 GMT -5
Tank looks wonderful! After drying, 2 layers of PlastiDip was enough. I simply wiped off the excess spray that managed to get into a few spots and that was that. You can rub this stuff off with your thumb if you apply enough pressure.
I'm getting the idea that Laterite no longer exists. My vendors in US and Canada keep repeating the same thing, "Currently Out Of Stock". Had I known that there is a Worldwide Laterite shortage (or something) I would have held onto the small amount I had left rather than toss it in the bin back in 2014. I bought the box in 2006 and still had leftovers in 2014.
Of course, back then, you could still find it on the shelves at the stores in Winnipeg. Wow. Without the Laterite I might have to hunt down Iron Substrate replacements. Dupla G would be wonderful if anyone in North America carried it. I haven't tried fleabay so I might give that a whirl. As I've said, Laterite is a HUGE part of my setup process.
Going to do my hardscaping today. If I can get that sorted, it's a step in the right direction.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 8, 2018 10:23:01 GMT -5
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (API) no longer sells or produces First Layer Laterite.
So now I have to find an alternative. I have found a source of Dupla G, will ship to Canada, but is located in Munich Germany. Not sure I am willing to go that far for an iron rich layer. Time to look for alternatives.
It seems, as usual, all the good stuff is over in the UK and Europe. Multi-R, Flora Max, Dupla G and K... surprised there are no North American dealers for these products.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 8, 2018 12:28:08 GMT -5
Glass still needs a good cleaning from me handling it for the PlastiDip Application, but as you can see, the background is a nice deep black color. I need one more Seiryu Stone to complete the rocks around the piece of Spiderwood. Since I can't get laterite, I might have to get some powdered AquaSoil - Malaysia instead. I'll only need a few cups out of this, so I guess I'll have the rest for a future, much larger project which will most definitely be in the works. Gary
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Post by gabor129 on Oct 8, 2018 15:17:03 GMT -5
Looks good so far! Did you try Sam’s Pampered Pets for the laterite? Maybe even Ruffen’s in Leamington? Someone is bound to have it!
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Oct 8, 2018 15:34:24 GMT -5
Looks good so far! Did you try Sam’s Pampered Pets for the laterite? Maybe even Ruffen’s in Leamington? Someone is bound to have it! I’m going to Ruffins in the next few days so I’ll check .
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 8, 2018 16:40:44 GMT -5
Thanks Les. If you find it buy it and I'll square up with you at the meeting on Sunday.
I'll hit Sam's soon. Ended getting sidetracked yesterday and today very little was open.
Gary
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Oct 8, 2018 16:45:57 GMT -5
Thanks Les. If you find it buy it and I'll square up with you at the meeting on Sunday. I'll hit Sam's soon. Ended getting sidetracked yesterday and today very little was open. Gary Will do Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 10, 2018 7:53:37 GMT -5
This week's targets;
> Setup photoperiod (get an extra timer for the second light) (Main Light 12hrs, secondary 8hrs - until further notice) > Setup the Hardscape (almostly accomplished, I have to cut a Seiryu rock in half, hello Hammer and Chisel) > Hold my breath that Les finds some Laterite out in Leamington. If not, order 3L of ADA - Malaysia Powder Substrate
I found that my piece of Spiderwood sinks like a piece of lead when placed into a tub of water. No need to presoak. Which means I can start with the Hardscape and include the Wood from the get go. I'm pretty stoked about that.
If I can get my initial layer (after Peat) I can start emersed growth before it gets cold. Heck I might even drive up to Angelfins (I am stuck in Canada for the next month or so) on a weekend just to get a change of scenery and physically pick up my plants (not sure if I should get two tubs of HC or 1) and other items I have on my "wishlist".
Would be nice to get a hold of that Bucephalandra Kedagang Original from Angelfins as well. Might have to inquire.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 11, 2018 5:58:11 GMT -5
Ca-Ching! I have managed to get some Bucephalandra kedagang Original from the Center of the Universe (also known as Toronto). I am ordering 10 plants from this person and will be attaching them to the wood promptly and starting with emersed growth while I wait for the rest of tank to fall into place.
> Setup photoperiod with extra timer complete. I believe 12hrs might be a little much, so I am going to back down to 10hrs Single, 8hrs double. I have a feeling I'll have to further reduce that
So tempting to get things moving, but that initial layer of Iron Rich substrate is super important to me. As stated, if Les can't find any Laterite, I am going to be ordering some ADA Malaysia from Angelfins, though through my searches yesterday, I found ActivFlora from FloraMax. Going to research that today. I just need a super Iron Rich cap for my Peat layer so I can begin this.
I will provide some pictures this evening.
Gary
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Oct 11, 2018 7:13:09 GMT -5
Been working a lot of 12 hour shifts this week but am heading out to Ruffins as soon as I get off today . You will know if they have any by this afternoon.
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 11, 2018 9:28:59 GMT -5
No worries Les if it doesn't exist I found that ADA Power Sand Special S makes a great initial layer. Angelfins has this readily available.
Turning out to be really HI Tech. More so than I thought. Leaving my old comfort zone for a new one.
Gary
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Oct 11, 2018 12:25:30 GMT -5
Gary , today is your lucky day . I found some for you and bought what Roger had left . 1 small and 1 large box .
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