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Post by Crazygar on Oct 11, 2018 12:31:03 GMT -5
REALLY! That's amazing! Thank you very much! Let me know the price so I can square up with you on Sunday!
Looks like prep for Hardscaping happens Sunday afternoon.
Gary
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Oct 11, 2018 13:30:20 GMT -5
Picked up a 20oz and a 55oz box .
Choice either one or both , your choice.
$11.50 + HST for the 20oz
$22.12 + HST for the 55oz
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 11, 2018 13:38:41 GMT -5
No Brainer I'll bring $30 with me for the large 55oz box. This way I can guarantee a good 2" depth in the tank. HC, Staurogyne and Blyxa are all heavy root feeders.
Thanks once again! I can start with the edging this evening.
I'll be setting up my B.kedagang order this evening as well. Busy busy but everything is falling into place.
Gary
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Post by gabor129 on Oct 12, 2018 6:34:45 GMT -5
Hey Les, if you are not using the small box I'll take it off your hand.
This is perfect. Members helping out each other! I love this club and hobby!
Gary, good luck finding all the plants you are planning on putting together!
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 12, 2018 6:38:52 GMT -5
This is on the way! B.kedagang 'mini'. After I get the Laterite from Les on Sunday (once again, thank you very much) I can start by mixing in my Peat with Laterite initial layer, setting up the hardscape and pouring in the Flourite black. I have a unique way on how I do this which I will document a step by step just in case others want to try it out. I am going to attach the Buce to the wood via the Superglue method. I know, me and adhesives, but a clinic is quite literally a walk down the road. I have to clean one side of the tank good again. No matter how many times I wipe it, it seemed dirty. Last night I ran my fingers across it and it's still some overspray from the PlastiDip Background I applied. Good that I caught this now. So this evening, a good cleaning. The Photoperiod is working on it's own now. Lights on at 12, off at 10. With the secondary on at 2, off at 8. I was tempted to get another lighting system, but I like these FugeRay lights. With two, I can grow anything and double up as a tanning bed. The FugeRay Planted+ (which I am running dual) is 64PAR at 12". Since the substrate is going to be 2-3", this gives me 128 PAR for 8hrs a day. NICE. So for 4hrs a day, I'll be high light, and for 8hrs a day, very high light. I think my needs will be satisfied with these 2 lights. Going to figure out how to keep the plastic over the top of the tank while I grow things out but I already have an idea... Gary
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Post by gabor129 on Oct 13, 2018 8:38:25 GMT -5
That is a huge piece of B.Kedagang “mini”, that is so many years worth of growth! Great find Gary!
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 13, 2018 10:44:46 GMT -5
The fun part will be attaching it to my Spiderwood and rocks. But it'll contrast nicely with the other plants.
Cleaned the snot out of the tank last night. Using cheapo paper towels leaves streaks... as I found out.
Going to place down the Flourish Black Sand edging this evening. When mixing layers, always edge 3 sides with your top layer.
The pictures will demonstrate this.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 14, 2018 15:59:34 GMT -5
Ok, this is going to be a massive update with quite a few pics. Go get yourself the fluid of your choice (maybe 2) and come back before starting to go through this. Also, a disclaimer, I live alone. Therefore I have the freedom to do what I want. Which means things that would normally get others in trouble, doesn't effect me. After all, if there is no one there to tell you that you are messing up, how do you know? LOL . I use anything I can find, this may not be the case for others.I have been eager to get this tank up and going since first realizing that I will not be flying as much until December. While that may change, the good part of the work is done now. Before you I present the steps to "The Anatomy of a Planted Tank"' Creating the partition. On the outside, Flourite Black Sand, on the inside, Laterite/Peat, Laterite capped with Flourite. Since a box of Halloween Candy was the the only cardboard available, I knuckled down and consumed a few. Actually, a good portion of the box. I may regret that shortly. Edging with Flourite Black Sand. This will hide the internal initial layer. Old Jedi trick. This is the size of the Peat Puck with the "wrapper" (a nylon mesh) removed. Make sure you remove the mesh. I ended up using 6 of these for this project. In order to get the Pucks broken down I had to add quite a bit of water. They are like little blocks of brick when super dry, add water, wait 10 min and you can break them up with 2 fingers. The bowl used was thoroughly cleaned afterwards. You may have to find an alternative if your Spouse/Partner disagrees with this behavior. Mixing in the Laterite. This is the initial layer for the internal section. This is the Laterite/Peat initial layer placed into the tank. Plants are going to love this! Capped with a little bit more Laterite. I still have leftovers, once again thanks Les! The last of the Flourite Black Sand placed into the tank. I used an entire 3.5Kg (7lbs) bag for this project. It was just the right amount. If this had been a larger tank (10+ GALS) I would have ran short. Smoothing things over. I used an old Bank Card (from another lifetime ago) for my smoother. They are great multipurpose, as they have 2 different sized edges. I can't justify purchasing a stainless steel tool for $30 that I can do with an old Bank Card. Hardscape with 1 light on. I only used 2 of the 3 Seiryu Stones that I purchased from Aqua Mania. The 3rd was just too large. I will be doing final tweaks to the hardscape, but imagine the HC 'Cuba' growing in and around those 2 rocks. The bright green will contrast nicely with the subtle grey of the rocks. Staurogyne repens starting midway on the left to the back corner almost with Blyxa Japonica controlling the back behind the wood. I plan to put serious work into the transition. Also the B.kedagang 'Mini' on the wood with a few pieces on the rocks for accent. I can already see the tank, it's going to be nice. Two lights on. I misted down the substrate and tank a bit and once again used crappy Paper towel (leaving small pieces of "Paper Dust") to clean off the glass. I am going to order my big order from Angelfins tomorrow (just too tired, hungry right now) and possibly add a few more things onto the list. Included in the order is; 2 X Tubs of HC 'Cuba" 2 X Tubs of Staurogyne repens 1 X Hydor 15W Nano Heater (present to 77F) My B.kedagang 'Mini' will be shipping tomorrow, so if all the plants arrive around the same time, I can get to emersed growth while I hunt down Blyxa, which unfortunately I can not grow emersed. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 15, 2018 6:37:07 GMT -5
Hilarious! I go to order from Angelfins this morning, the HC 'Cuba' is out of stock currently. I emailed (expecting a response much later on today) and within minutes (really within minutes) I received a response that another shipment will be in Friday. Awesome! Looks like I am doing my big order on Friday as opposed today. Wonder if I should go for a drive to Guelph. It's only 2.5hrs away...
I can make a day of it, hit some of my old haunts, and then return in the late afternoon...
I did some tweaking to the Aquascape last night, some minor ones but I have things exactly where I want them now. Honestly, setting up a tank I think is 60% of the fun! I love having to research and go hunting.
Silly things I have overlooked and require;
> A small fine sponge for cleaning. I usually stick with 4X4 no matter the tank size. Might have to brave Michaels or Dollar Store. Even if it's a big sponge, I can always cut it down (done this in the past) > pH test kit. I'm old school, I prefer my Litmus Paper > High quality paper towels that don't streak or leave Paper 'dust' when using > Gorilla Glue for attaching the B.kedagang 'Mini' when it arrives. > Considering magnetizing suction cups (I hate Suction Cups, I'd love to meet the Inventor and punch them right in the nose) to ensure they don't randomly dislodge.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 15, 2018 11:24:09 GMT -5
Just ordered this; www.ebay.ca/itm/Aquarium-Tank-Spiral-Glass-CO2-Diffuser-Bubble-Counter-With-2-Suction-Cup/132782207746?epid=2119213383&hash=item1eea6fb302:g:WtQAAOSwxSZbnRNY:rk:2:pf:0This resolves my issue with having a Bubble Counter OUTSIDE of the Aquarium. Also, I can move it to the back of the tank and being glass, more clear than the Acrylic ones (to me, they look and feel cheap). At the price I paid $7.91 Canadian, you can't go wrong (well you can, but then you are just out of something under ten dollars) The Ista CO2 Professional Kit comes with the Check Value, so I'm good there. Ok, things are falling into place. Tonight, Canadian Tire, Petsmart, Dollar Store and Smoke'N'Spice (dinner is important and I miss Southern Cooking.. and so does my physique). So Tecumseh Mall. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 16, 2018 6:42:46 GMT -5
What I still need to get; > Sponge (which means Michaels, I'll call my daughter see if she wants to go for a drive) > High Quality Paper Towels (and I walked down the Aisle, couldn't figure out why I was there and left) Yes dinner was wonderful. I miss Southern Cooking. As for plants, B.kedagang 'Mini' is supposed to be here today (early this morning from the looks of the tracking). So I can start with my DSM (Dry Start Method) soon as it arrives. Ordering the plants from Angelfins on Friday. I cut down to 1 tub of Staurogyne repens due to tub size. 1 tub will do me fine for this plant, I still plan to get 2 tubs of HC. So far vendors used; Big Al's : Stand, Flourite Black Sand Petsmart : API pH Test Kit Ruffins : Laterite (55oz) Canadian Tire : Gorilla Glue, Single Noma Light Timer (Digital), Black Extension Cord Walmart (Portage Ave location in Winnipeg) : Peat Pucks Petcetra (Ellice Ave location in Winnipeg) : Fluval Flora EBI/Flora (the chain shut down, I bought the entire kit on the final day for 53!!) Finnex Online : 2 X FugeRay Planted+ 11" LED Lights (both for $70, as there was a sale) Wolfpack (online retailer on GTAAquaria Forum) : B.kedagang 'Mini' As more purchases flow in, I'll also update the list this way I can see how far I will go to get what I need. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 16, 2018 12:36:33 GMT -5
Lily Pipes are on the way; www.desertcart.ae/products/36775387-glass-lily-pipe-mini-inflow-amp-violet-outflow-aquarium-nano-planted-tank-aquascapingI purchased them for $64.15 (including shipping) off Amazon.ca. Yes, I know Angelfins has them, but the cheapest I could find was $135, ugh, while I realize, some money will need to be invested, if you can get it for cheaper... and these are the Nano Pipes, 13mm, so they'll fit the Finnex PX-360 which are readily available on fleabay. Big Al's : Stand, Flourite Black Sand Petsmart : API pH Test Kit Ruffins : Laterite (55oz) Canadian Tire : Gorilla Glue, Single Noma Light Timer (Digital), Black Extension Cord Walmart (Portage Ave location in Winnipeg) : Peat Pucks Petcetra (Ellice Ave location in Winnipeg) : Fluval Flora EBI/Flora (the chain shut down, I bought the entire kit on the final day for 53!!) Finnex Online : 2 X FugeRay Planted+ 11" LED Lights (both for $70, as there was a sale) Wolfpack (online retailer on GTAAquaria Forum) : B.kedagang 'Mini' Amazon.ca : Nano Glass Lily Pipe Set (Inflow and Outflow, 13mm) Still pondering the positions of the larger rock. I have a feeling I need to break it into 2. The Odds of Even (awesome song by Marilyn Manson) tells me that 3 is better than 2 when it comes to Aquascaping. This is how the tank looks this afternoon; If anyone has a good idea, don't be shy, I'd like to hear it. Remember, this is a tiny tank, but I think I need to break the larger one into a small and medium piece. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 17, 2018 10:47:23 GMT -5
The Buce arrived this morning. Glad I wasn't in North Carolina. When the lights come on I'll take a small picture of it still in the bag, but I don't plan to plant it until later this evening after dinner. Having myself a good old fashioned planting party. Saran Wrap, Gorilla Glue, beer and good music. LOL
2 more days, and I'll be doing up my Angelfins order.
Wow, their hours are pretty limited, looks like UPS (according to their website, OCS orders will backlog Canada Post, forgot that the Potheads are final legal... sad..) will be the way I'll be shipping this stuff.
Saturday their hours are 10:30am to 2pm, but that's still a short window, and I am usually busy Saturday mornings up to noon.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 18, 2018 6:40:54 GMT -5
Well the planting party took an unexpected turn with unexpected visitor arriving. While I did manage get all the Buce attached and take pictures of the process, I obviously didn't do anything here last night. Now, here is my further progression of Office Space II; The bag of Buce far left corner and some plastic grocery bag on the substrate. Why the grocery bag? When I put water into the tank, I pour directly on top of the plastic ensuring that it does not disturb the substrate and splash everywhere. I fill the tank to 1/2" from the top of the substrate. Why? This will generate the humidity. As you can see the dark layer underneath the dry, light gray substrate. NEVER have standing water and puddles! Then I spray down the entire tank to get things moist! Never wet. Moist is the key. Buce Planted. The Gorilla glue is messy (actually it's me, I have a long standing history with adhesives and Clinic Visits). I plan to clean it up on Saturday, giving time for the plants to settle into their routine. I have some nice Surgical Scalpels that will do the trick for cleaning up the excess glue. Then I sealed the aquarium with Saran Wrap (don't cheap out, get the good stuff) and used painters tape at the sides to keep things firm. I left front and back open for Misting depending on what is easier. I left a 1/4" gap at the back of the Saran Wrap to allow Air/Co2 to exchange to avoid stagnation. Each day, open up for 10 to 15 min to allow Air/Co2 exchange, mist and then close up again. I plan to continue this procedure until I have a full lawn of HC (when I get it). Also this gives me time to source out my CO2 and Filter and not having to feel rushed. The worse thing you can ever do in this hobby is rush. Since no one has had any suggestions about the rock placement, I'm going to keep it where it is. It's growing on me. I might slip down to Aqua Mania to see if they have tiny pieces of Seiryu Stone and if they do.. add one more near the larger piece. The adventure has begun. The plants arrived prompt and in great condition. Wolfpack from the GTAquaria Forum has all sorts of Buce Plants available. Decent prices, nice plants and extremely good to deal with. My Lily Pipes from Amazon arrive tomorrow. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Oct 18, 2018 12:25:34 GMT -5
Order from Angelfins has been placed. To avoid Canada Purge err... Post... I have used the UPS option, which is a more reliable service.
I used the one day ship, so maybe, just maybe, I'll be having another planting party tomorrow (wow, I know Friday night a definite testament to my Social Life, or lack of). Then it's ordering my NPK and Plantex CSM + B (my dry ferts were lower than originally thought) and work out my EI for Office Space. Tom Barr has a wonderful calculator on his Forum, so I'll be using that to determine my dosage.
What's left; filtration and CO2 Setup. Funny enough, the easy part. I plan to let the DSM continue for 2-3 months. So I am guessing after the Holiday season, sometime in January, starting to flood and get'er going.
I'll be doing weekly updates once everything is planted and in place until flooding.
Gary
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