KimW

Thank you so much for the pics, makes it a little easier to understand to see it like that!

Ok, so I was doing some more reading LOL, I'd swear everytime I do this I wind up with more questions! As I said before, running Fluval FX5 filter. What media should I be using for this, for the planted tank? Are there some things I should omit or add? Also what effect does having lunar lighting on at night have on a planted tank? I'm sure I could find a wealth of information online about these two questions, but I prefer to ask here

I was thinking of an option like that too. Do you have that tank planted?, and if so do you find you have problems with the plant matter gumming up the holes/slots, or your filter? (because this is the tank I am planting) That is part of the reason I wanted to do the sponges, so they act as almost a pre-filter for the filter. I am thinking if I used sponges the way shown, that 1) it will prevent plant matter from gumming anything up 2) if a fish does for some reason get sucked towards it, it shouldn't harm them as much, if at all. 3) If I wind up with snails in the tank, it should keep them out of the filter. (Had a pile of pest snails in a smaller cannister filter a few years back and took forever for me to get rid of the lil buggers. LOL) 4) Possibly less filter changes due to a lot of "Junk" not getting into the filter in the first place

That was my concern. I don't want to damage the filter or alter the flow I just need to have the amount of current coming in to be drastically reduced. This frigging filter has sucked in a bunch of my smaller fish already and I need to stop it from doing that. So you say coarser sponge? Where the heck would i find something that would work for this sort of set-up. Basically it will be acting as a pre-filter if I do mod it all up this way. I almost wish I had the know how to build a sort of basket mesh system around the intake that wouldn't move at all when the filter is in-taking water. Something rigid but removable for cleaning sake.

So I was wondering if anyone has had any DIY experience with this? What I am thinking of doing is modding up some PVC pipe to make my own spray bar for the FX5 as I do not see anything currently available after-market or otherwise for this type of filter. I am also thinking of modifying the intake so as to not decrease the amount of water going in but to decrease the amount of suction going in on the overall. Ie. stop sucking my little fishies in. If anyone can let me know what if any experience you have had with this it would be greatly appreciated. Example of what I am considering for modifying to make my own spray bar. Materials would be 3/4" PVC Pipe ( Hopefully in Black ) Holes would be approx 3/8" and spaced about 1 1/2" apart Example of what I am considering for modifying the intake Again would be with 3/4" PVC I would use 2 of the sponges stacked on top of each other Does anyone foresee any problems with any of this. I do not want to damage my filter.

What is your opinion on a DIY source of C02? I think I can pull it off fairly easily and low budget at the moment. I ask only because Hubby ( AKA the money) has issues with sinking money into "My" tank. So I know until I can show him I can successfully pull off a planted tank he won't want to pony up the dough to get an actual C02 system. LOL

Ok so it's been eons since I have posted here. Been so busy with life ( 5 kids will do that ), however now that the kids are getting older I have decided to turn my 120G into a planted tank. I will apologize right now for the length of this....what can I say I am chatty LOL This tank used to be a cichlid tank but with the heavy bio load the cichlids just got to be too much, and all the aggression was beginning to get excessive so I have opted for a community tetra tank. I want to start off fairly well ( so semi-planted ) and see how it goes. As of yet I have not been able to purchase a C02 system. I am hoping I can sweet talk my husband into it, if the planting goes well. Tank Information: Lighting: 4x 80W 60" T5 HO Lighting Filtration: Fluval FX5 Substrate: Approx 2" Seachem Flourite Black Tank Dimensions: 26" H x 18"W x 60" L I am a firm believer in do it right the first time so.... for the questions: I plan to aquascape this as best I can with a limited budget, what is the best thing/material to use to bring the back of the tank bottom/substrate up in height a bit. I am thinking about 6-8" ( maybe more )? What is the best foreground plant to use to get a grass-like feeling across the majority of the bottom of the tank that is fairly fast growing, can handle a high light tank, and no C02 at present? I am looking for a variety of colors for background plantings...any suggestions? What are peoples opinions on (I believe they are) resin aquarium shelfs? I have seen them and am interested but if they will not hold substrate in any form then they are a waste of time/money. Just wondering if anyone has any experience or knowledge on these. Filtration? As I said before I am running a Fluval FX5, will this be too much current for a planted tank? If yes, how do I modify the filtration so as to not wreck the filter, but tone down the current from the intake and out-flow? Last but not least, Fertilizer? Best brand, Format? How often would/should I dose? I trust AA's members opinions as you all have more experience with this stuff at this point than I do, and research can only get you so far LOL. I am sure I will have plenty more questions as time goes on but for now this is what I am wondering as I am getting to the point of purchasing plant life. I do currently have a pile of some variety of Anubias (some of which I intend to trade ) in this tank and they are doing well so far so I guess that is a good sign LOL If anyone has any plants they would like to donate/trade for some of the Anubias (-snails), I of course would be forever grateful.

I glue everything outside the tank (just thread tape or compound for PVC-barbed fitting for flexible pipe connection to FX5), and everything inside the tank is tight enough not to need gluing. Thank you so much for the information! Very appreciated! Now to send hubby to Rona to get what I need LOL!

Thats a Fantastic Idea! Do you use a particular type of PVC or just any one available at say RONA? Also when doing your "T" do you glue this together? or is it all a snug enough fit that I wouldn't have to worry about that? I am fairly in-experienced with all this so forgive me if it's a silly question.

So I am planning on turning my 120G Tank into a community schooler once all the cichlids have found new homes and the tank has been given a good clean, substrate added and re-cycled. First Question: I am looking for lighting that would provide a decent light for plants, mainly mosses and other spreading ground cover at about a mid-light range. Without breaking the bank, and while still really making the fishies colours pop. This will be my first planted tank so I am hoping someone has some decent advice. I am also on a VERY restricted budget with this tank! Right now I am running one hood light standard housing which has a 24" flourescent as well as one 36" Standard Flourescent Both of hoods were rescued from old broken tanks (Like I said.....Tight Budget) Tank Dimensions 26" High, 60" long, 18" deep Second Question: I am planning on using DIY C02 later on down the road. I have a feeling it will have to be a larger DIY system due to the size of the tank. (I do have plans to eventually ; After I can save the money, invest in an actual C02 system but that is a long way down the road) For this size of tank what are the general recommendations for a DIY system.? How many bottles? How often would I have to change these out? Bubbler opinions? Best Method of delivery? Etc Etc Etc. Any And ALL advice is welcomed.

So I currently am in the process of Re-Homing My African Cichlids, as I have chosen to turn my 120G Freshwater into a community schooling tank! I am running a Fluval FX5 Canister and am a little worried that once all the cichlids are out and the smaller fish go in (after a good tank clean and Re-Cycle) that the poor things will get sucked into this filter. I do not have another filter for this tank ( So this is my only option) , and I am wondering if someone knows of what I can do to help stop the little fish ( Rummynoses, Small Zebras, Neons etc) from getting sucked into the filter and killed? I am concerned if I use a sponge on the intake that it will restrict the turn-over rate somewhat or that because of the mass amount of suction pieces of the filter may wind up clogging something it shouldn't? I am also concerned if I use some other type of intake build that again it may restrict the water flow and ultimately damage the filter. If someone has some DIY options for me ( As I am really restricted on budget ) that would be wonderful.

Thank you for the suggestions. I am kinda stuck with having to go mail order. Won't get into the details, lets just keep it with....this is the only route I will be able to use as far as getting any plant life into this tank to get it started.

I am just wondering if anyone has had any luck purchasing plants via mail order ie. from a website in the US, or from Ebay? I know right now it is way too cold for a plant to sit in my mailbox for any length of time but I am thinking once the temps are above 5-8 I shouldn't have any troubles with them surviving. If anyone has any suggestions of good reputable sellers, or sites I would love to have access to that information. As well any tips anyone has in regards to what I should be watching for when ordering this way.

Well wish me luck, going to get the tank cleaned and prepped today. Gonna test it as it has been sitting for quite some time, make sure there are no leaks. Everything looks intact, so it should be fine. I realized today too after I dug it out that the hood has two incandescent bulb outlets. Will this pose a problem for correct lighting? Is there a specific bulb I should be looking at to maintain the proper light spectrum?(as I no longer have bulbs for this tank I will have to purchase two) I am considering 2 of the Zoo Med 6,500K Ultra Sun Mini Compact Flourescent 10W, as it screws into this type of base and should hopefully keep my temps down while still providing the light I need, if anyone has an opinion on this matter I would really appreciate it before I go out and purchase these I do plan to eventually replace the hood altogether but for now this will have to do. I am watching a couple of light fixtures on ebay that if one of them goes for a decent price I may order.

You say it has long term nutrient sustainability....basically my question to this is, if I go big so to speak and use the flourite will this save me money with having to add ferts in the long run? I am assuming I will still have to do some sort of dosing whether it be liquid or tab/stake format but will I have to do this less frequently? Also sand over top of the flourite would be fine??, can't see as anyone answered this for me as of yet. I am thinking of doing a black sand of some sort ( As I really like the green/black contrast), is there a larger grain sand available to avoid the anaerobic possibilities? As well any suggestions for a reliable LFS to purchase plants? Has anyone had luck via mail-order, ebay etc?

Ok well with that being said, how big of a bag of the flourite would you figure I would need for a 15G tank? I have to keep my budget pretty low, as I already have a 120G African Cichlid tank that my hubby squawks about me sinking money into LOL. As well is the flourite basically just a base to use ? Is that something I could top with sand for that finished look in areas where I am looking for that effect? I plan to plant fairly heavily, and after doing some research am debating between two possibilities of biotopes Amazon, Asian Riverbed. In addition to the research I have done, will this color the water at all?, and I am assuming I will have to cycle the tank prior to adding fish, but does the process speed up at all when it's a planted tank? With a 15G is there any need to add a co2 system at all or is it a small enough tank that this is not required?, or would it still benefit? As far as filters I have an HOB filter from an old 30G that i want to use, now I guess my question here is, would this be alright? A lot of the reading I have done says you want minimal water surface disturbance, and minimal contact of the water with oxygen itself?? Someone help me here not really sure about this there seems to be sooo many contradicting opinions on this matter. Sorry if these seem like silly questions but I want all the information I can get before I start this project. When I started fish keeping I went into it kinda blind and I lost a lot of fish as I was learning, lesson learned....research, research, research! LOL I figure here is the best place to ask because you all know yer stuff

Just an update.....Mangano's eyes are already better! After a 50% W/C and a carbon change, all appears well. I really am hoping I do not lose anymore. I watched the tank from a distance for nearly an hour this afternoon post w/c and am not noticing any outward aggression from the Brichardi, however just to mix things up a bit I did a re-organizing of the tank so I am hoping in conjunction with the w/c that whatever established territories that anyone could have been fighting over have been re-set so to speak. My Ice blue definitely seems a lot mellower now LOL.

As far as plants I'm going fairly basic for now, as I am just a beginner. I am figuring on doing an asian theme riverbed type tank, so whatever plant life will fit into that. I haven't yet done all the research on specific plant species that belong in this habitat or the exact lighting and current requirements. Is a flourescent light generally better to meet lighting requirements? As well what sort of general wattage should I consider that will basically cover all of my needs plant wise, that will in conjunction with providing suitable lighting for my plants bring out the vibrant colors of the fish? As far as fish Rasboras for sure will be in it. They are an interesting little fish, that's about as far as I have gotten with it. I am thinking I will probably go the sand route as I really like the look of sand over gravel.

What type of potting soil would you recommend? Also i do plan eventually to keep community fish in this tank, do i plant it then cycle it or how does that work? Maybe a silly question but where I am new to this I want to get as much information as I can, before i start it.

So I have a 15g tank and a spare hob filter from an old 30g, and I have always wanted to attempt a planted tank. I am on a considerably tight budget and am wondering what would be the best substrate and amount in a tank this size, that is relatively well priced? Also what would be recommended for lighting?

It is entirely possible. I had about 3 breeding pairs and about 26 of them until I donated them to a lfs. Down to 8 now including one breeding pair. On another note last night while looking at the tank I noticed one of the mangano's eyes is slightly cloudy so I am going to do my wc today and swap out the carbon. He is the only fish that seems afflicted by anything, and as cloudy eyes is usually a sign of poor water condition, I am tossing my test kit and waiting expectantly for the new one to show. I am seriously wondering what the shelf life of the liquid kits is? As that is all I have ever used since childhood, with my father testing his tanks. Does anybody have a rough idea? Oh and I also ordered a new jet just in case this was part of the problem as well. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and I have a new aquarium test kit set coming, ordered it today just to be safe

Ok so after the babies were put to bed I had a chance to test my water...again LOL and I recorded the parameters so i wouldn't forget, Ammonia - 0 Nitrite - 0 Nitrates - 20ppm give or take (hard to tell the differences in color) Ph - 8.2 KH - 8 So everything seems fine. I am due to change my carbon out in my filter this week so I will be doing a 25% water change at the same time. I dunno what the heck it could be.....maybe just age.... the fish lost i have had for quite some time, although I am not really sure of their lifespan.

The motor on the one jet/water pump not sure of the technical term for it ( low flow for minimal additional circulation, so i have no "dead" spots in the tank ) just gave up the ghost. Water parameters will get back to you, will do a test again today have 5 kids so have to make time for the tank when kiddies are sleepin

Ok so I haven't posted in forever.... I have had a 120G Cichlid set-up for almost 2 years with no troubles. Water parameters are all good ( I know good is a random statement but can't remember my numbers exactly right now) I test with liquid kits. Running a Fluval FX5 filter. The last month the only change to the tank is 2 things....I added some decorative rock pieces to go on the bottom of the tank, and my jet died. In the last 4 weeks I have lost 3 fish. Two Brichardi's and 1 Mangano(sp?) No one is showing signs of sickness, all are eating well, active and everything appears normal. Water changes are done about once every 2-3 weeks, and I do a 50% change each time, prime water etc etc etc. I have observed the tank from a distance and aside from one semi-aggressive Ice Blue male the tank does not appear to be in upheaval with aggression. I have three possibilities, as they do not seem to be showing any outward signs of sickness..... there was something on the rocks ??? ( cleaned/boiled prior to entry into the tank), my liquid tests have gone kaput? ( about 3-4 months old) or because the water is not getting the circulation it used to in the tank this has caused an issue?? Now i have seen a couple of damage spots on my baby brichardi's but this looks more like they have rubbed up against something in the tank than anything? No fuzz, or fluff like stuff, no spots, red marks etc... eating and swimming well. Any Suggestions? Brichardi's are still spawning, as well as the ice blues?? I am sooo confused right now. I love my babies and wanna figure this out before I lose anymore. Current Tank Residents: 2 Yellow Labs 2 Taiwan Reef 2 Kadango 1 Sulpherhead 1 Large Pleco ( 6") 2 Mangaino (sp?) 8 Daffodil Brichardi Varying Sizes 3 Catfish (Can't remember exactly what they are, given to me) 1 Spotted Pleco 5 Ice Blue 1 Random Black & Red Fella have no idea what he is as he was given to me 1 Tretocephalus