ubr0ke

updated the charts for different lighting..led's, cfl, etc

stem plants start to rot in hopes of breaking off and floating to a more favourable environment in nature. So its a process of elimination. Lights, nutrients, carbon. You have enough light and the plants you listed have a lower demand for co2. Nutrients are what i would say is you issue. Start dosing more.

imo...inorganic ferts are safer for fish. You know what your adding. There are way to many examples of tanks using inorganic ferts with positive results to merit any worry. Organic, however is a risky endeavour. I used to use worm castings. make sure to rinse then dry in sun to avoid ammonia cycle.

swagelok has every fitting you will need. You can order right off the website. the check valve your looking for is here http://www.swagelok....f1-2a086c6523b7 thats npt to npt..thread to thread..you could also use the thread to tube. the part number is b-2c2-1/3.. I used stainless steel but you could use brass for a lot cheaper.. As for the needle valve and solenoid, I bought from the states but you can try ebay..The problem with building these setups is you need to know the specs your looking for or you may buy something that doesn't really work with our use.

nicest tank ive seen in awhile..congrats. very natural feel

if your unfamiliar with the build of a co2 system look in my Journal.

Ya your ok. Its for oxygen but for our use it will work.

Just make sure the regulator is for inert gas or there can be issues..whats the model # of the victor and ill check. You should not use regulators that are made for fuel or anything but inert gas.

For those of you that are new to planted tanks, this is a good read. http://aquariumalgae.blogspot.nl

its young..but thanks for the info

Not the best pic.. not even sure its an african Cichlid but any info on its id would help thank you

A salt..haha It will kill snails, worms etc, remove organics, kill algae and stain your hands purple haha.

blah...

csm+b has 7% chelated iron but I don't suggest mixing macro and micro ferts together. imo.

I use this method. Patience is the key. I have mostly fairly easy plants with a few trickier ones. Glosso and hair grass doesn't spread very fast but its healthy. Plants include: Crypt parva, crypt wendetti, hygro, anubias, glosso, christmass moss, flame moss, hair grass, dwarf hair grass, and rotala wallichii. its hard to believe but there is around 20 fish and 60 shrimp in there. impressive! that's what new hobbyists need to see. so tell me it's stock 30w t8. yes it is...sorta.. It has a decent reflector.