jvision

This is the reason why I cleaned up the cabinet under my planted tank. I haven't mixed up the chems... yet... but thought better get what I don't use out of there. Edm tap water has enough Mg, anyway. Glad you got it all figured out!

IMO/IME, it's dissolving. According to many on the APD, the CO2 mist is by far a superior way of getting it to the plants. In fact, having the tiny bubbles come in contact with leaf surfaces may be the ultimat goal. When I started feeding a venturi of bubbles into the intake of a couple of powerheads, instead of using the ladder, growth really took off!

My best results came when I placed a powerhead or filter output directly above the ladder, pointing across or down and away from it. Brought plenty of "new" water in contact with the bubbles and saw dissolution rates climb. Was able to lower the bubble rate to about 1-1.5/sec. One of the best ways to combat algae is to make sure plants are happy. Algae can't out-compete plants when plants are fed well; however, when there is a lack of one or more nutrients, algae will win. As far as other byproducts are concerned, the above-mentioned method helps keep it clear of debris. One thing to note, I've had numerous plants block the path of the bubbles. So, keep it away from plants that have any horizontal growth. Should do well behind a stand of Val. or a Sword.

Yeah, I took Val's suggestion and adopted Photobucket. Thanks, Val! I'm thinking of picking up some more pots, and stacking a bit higher. The fish love 'em, but they're all over the bottom of the tank... Either that, or add something for midwater. Is there a tetra/barb that would fit in w. mbuna? I'd also like to add a couple of Syno. petricola.

Here's what I think is the dominant Melanochromis cyanorohabdus. A bit of a crappy pic, but the batteries on the camera were on their last legs, and couldn't wait any longer for a better shot.

I had some fun last night! Here's my new set-up:

You know, I like my Hagen reactor. I can't remember if it came with the little device to hang it on the side of the tank, or if I stole it from an old powerhead. But, it's made so that it'll sit in one of the AC Powerhead hangers. It sits right against the tank at the top, so it stays warm. It's also closer to the CO2 output in the tank, so it doesn't have to pressure up too much to get bubbles. Just don't waste your money on the Hagen yeast and NaCO3. You don't really need NaCO3, and you can get yeast WAY cheaper that the grocery store.

I'll do so when I get home this evening.

I've had trouble attaching .jpg files every time I try to post a pic....

Have you been adding any ferts? Do you use anything to lower pH? Have any kind of 'mystery rock' that could be leaching? These are all common sources of PO4.

That could very well be the case. Right now I'm dosing just about as much KH2PO4 as I am KNO3. They tell me that Green Spot Algae is the result of low PO4.... I'm not so sure that's the case in my tank. PO4 is up, GSA is still there - tho not as bad.

That's interesting because it's usually when I miss a couple of days adding ferts that my Red Tiger Lotus' start to green up. Same w. Sunset Hygro and Ozelot Swords....

As I mentioned to you (posting it for everyone else ), terrestrial plants will such nutrients out of the water almost instantly! Pothos, Peace Lilies, Ivy... find a way to get their roots in the tank. I've got Peace Lilies planted in my ACs - they're loving it! (just like McDonald's!! )

Please do!

I've never used one, but have heard many a wonderous story about ppl using their diatom of Magnum to polish their water after cleaning. Christmas list!!

IME, this is correct. A larger container will last longer. I don't. I just rince it hot tap water, then fill 'er up!

The nice thing about stem plants is that as long as there's a leaf or two, it'll grow! R. rotundifolia also gets nice red coloring when it's got a slight excess of NO3 to feed on, and nice lights. Chris, you might start to see them red-up as they get closer to the top.

If you're running around a bubble per second, a 5 lb tank should last 6 months. I've heard of ppl w. a 20lb tank lasting 15 months at a time. Sounds like a good deal, to me! Although, not being used to change a tank out every month or so (I have a 15oz tank), it might make that once-per-year thing a PITA :bang1:

Is it for a planted tank? If so, your 10hrs are OK - if you keep things balanced, you could probably up it to 12. When you do that, expect a few of your plants to send up flowers - swords & crypts especially! FWIW, Some people have found that a 4hr-on-4hr-off rotation helps combat algea.

I've even cut pantyhose up, depending on the size of bag I needed. If you have a midsection of the hose (ie part of the leg w/o the toe), just tie it off at both ends.

This reminds me.... I was in Sherwood Park yesterday, and stopped in at Family Pet Superstore. They had what they were calling WC ramirezi. Looked like gold rams, but more fiesty than most that I've seen. Would have bought some, but I already have full grown Bolivians in the tank I'd put 'em in.

If they're what I've seen, picture a little tiny white grub that can jump up about 2". Probably about 1mm long, or less.

Yeah, I've seen them too - usually when duckweed or salvinia gets a little too out of hand. The best solution I've found is to keep the surface void of any floating leaves, and have it move around as much as possible - if it's not a planted tank, then get some surface aggitation in there.

One other way to go, is to get the Seachem line. It's expensive, but VERY easy to measure. Their droppers dose 1mL at a time, so it's easy to start slow and work your way up.

You mean to say, I have to tell my wife that I have to set up another tank??!! I'm on your side!! :thumbs: Hopefully, she is too!! :bang1: