Mahawka

Soil works well too if you are trying to save a few bucks. I have a tank using Micro Grow soil and it's not bad. However, I find dirt tank to be really messy. If you are trying to replant something, rescape your tank or just any sudden movements it will cause a horrible dust cloud. And clogs your filters up Also you have to think about the look of your tank. I personally don't find dirt to be appealing l in a tank that's why I went with ADA for my other tanks. But it's a personal choice. You can't go wrong with ADA. It looks great, it smells great, and it's great for plants.

I myself use ADA amazonia soil. They are a bit on the expensive side but I love it. I have a HC carpet and they work well with it.

I have also recently decided to start a reef tank. After doing my research I have came to the conclusion that RO water is a very very VERY good idea but not a must. I have talked to a few people in Calgary and they don't use RO water and still have a successful tank. In my case I decided to fork out for a $135 bucks for a RODI system. If I am going to do this I want to do it right. I have done my fair share of research on RODI systems. Many recommend a system with a reliable membrane (i.e. DOW) and don't cheap out on a EBAY one. After a few days of digging around and recommendations I bought this one. http://www.aquasafecanada.com/store/aquarium-ro-di-filter-systems/aquarium-ii-7-stage-ro-di-system It's on sale right now for $150 bucks Free shipping. You can use the promo code "waternow" for an additional 15% off. And Also you will get a Free TDS meter with it. The RODI system should arrive at my house by tomorrow I can take some pics and update you with a review after I have used it.

I keep my assassin snails in my shrimp tank too. I have not seen any problems with it. And I had about 30 assassins in a 10 gallon at one point.

+1 Assassin Snails I had a crazy snail problem in my tank for 4 months. I added 6 assassins in the tank. After 2 months it's impossible to find a single snail (excluding my assassins). They also were breeding like crazy for me. I sold maybe 40 Assassins after 6 months.

Water. I don't like getting my equipment oily

HEY guys !!! Sorry i have been super busy with work stuff. But here is a update for you !!

Quick Question for you guys. After 1 month of dry start and 2 months of cycling I am planning on adding some swimmers in to the tank. Currently I am running a system with the Co2 blasting (For my HC to transition from Dry to submerged). I have my photo period on for 6 hours/ day and achieve pearling one hour after the light turns on. I am using both a drop checker and KH/PH method to measure Co2, however, I don’t trust them!!! I am worried that I will gas out my fish since I don’t really know the Co2 level in my tank. 1) To my understanding when plants pearl it mean that my water is fully saturated with O2. Wouldn’t that mean that Oxygen level in my tank is very high and I should not worry about gassing my fish? Or am I wrong? 2) Is there other method for me to check my Co2 level with confidence prior to adding 75$ worth of swimmers.

Thanks Guys!!!!

Hey guys. I finally got around to making a journal to my new 30 gallon long. Special thanks to: Meeiu for the HC Cgy_Betta_Guy for the Flame Moss Mitch for building the tank This is still a work in progress. The HC has been in the tank for 1 month (drystart) and 1 month (submerged). The Flame Moss and Rotella was only planted yesterday. Since i don't want to keep track of two journals please click on the link below for the full journal. I will do a update post on here each time I update the other journal. http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=399185 to see future updates please go to: http://albertaaquatica.com/index.php?showtopic=41807

Didn't win. sigh .. haha

glad everything worked out

I bought 100 Tickets. Hope i win HAHA

good luck. if you need a hand give me a pm

Did you calibrate your heater? To calibrate the older models you have to pull out the Blue nub on top and adjust to the current water temp. Then push the blue nub back in.

I feel like this is going to be an Algae farm in a few weeks. Keep us updated

A picture of my RCS munching on some Green peas

I am using an API master test kit I would say i use on the "more" side when i treat my water. And that's crazy, i wonder if Calgary is effected. I am really thinking that my test kit is off. I am going to bring water sample to Pisces and get them to check it out. Also I will try the test kit on some bottled water. I waited 24 hours after my water change before i tested my ammonia. My plants are super healthy in there.

Hey guys, I took 3 Ammonia water tests today. 1) 10 gallon Shrimp tank - 0.20PPM 2) Planted Tank - 0.20PPM 3) Tap water (Calgary) - 0.20 PPM I was wondering if this was normal. My Shrimp tank has been set up for 10 months, fully planted and have the proper filtration media. I would expect that even if my tap water has ammonia in it, the tank bacteria would remove the Ammonia Do you guys know what's going on with the water ? Should i buy a bottle of prime and see if i can lower my Ammonia? or is my test kit wrong? Thanks

Just FYI - On Friday i bought my 5lb refurbished steel cylinder (filled) from the Recharge Center for $97. They had 3 in stock, i bought 1. So 2 left. After doing hours of research and driven around town i think this is the best deal in town and online.

ADA 5 Elements Hey guys, I have a quick question for you. I am working on a new 30 Gallon Long planted Tank. My plan is to use 2 bags of ADA - Amazonia and a bag of ADA Power Sand special. My question is. Should I get the 5 elements? If if so how much would i need ? 5grams? 200 grams? My tank dimension is 48x12x12 inches ADA Clear Super Improves water quality while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. A highly refined activated carbon powder mixed with several nutrients that promote the growth of beneficial nutrifying bacteria. Supplying some to the substrate and some to the water, Clear Super absorbs excess organic substances and promotes the appearance of nitrifying bacteria. Clear Super thus removes organic substances from within the aquarium and keeps the water crystal clear. Highly effective when added at the bottom of the substrate with Bacter 100. ADA Tourmaline BC Turmaline is a mineral compound of iron, aluminium, sodium, boron, lithium and magnesium which are gradually dissolved, enriching water of important elements. Turmaline BC is an electrostatic mineral that increases roots plant nutrition. In particular Glossostigma Elatinoides grows 50% more than its normal development. ADA Bacter 100 Containing more than 100 different kinds of micro organisms in a dormant state. Bacter 100 improves the conditions in the substrate and the aquarium water and then stabilizes the eco-system within the aquarium. To be applied at the bottom of the substrate at setup or to the aquarium water when necessary. ADA Penac-P Through intensified development of the hair roots and soil microbes, the supply of nutrients in the plant is optimised. Greener leaf colouring of the leaves shows an increased ability for photosynthesis. Together with the optimised nutrient supply this allows a healthy plant growth. Moreover, now the plants build up enough reserves to produce natural antibodies against diseases and pests. ADA Penac-W Penac W helps to improve the substrate environment. Penac W should be applied to the very bottom layer of substrate.

I tried to get a 5lb from j&L today, but they are on back order.

I just found one on j & l aquatics for 20$

Hey guys, I know there have been a few thread on this topic already but most of them are out dated. I am planning on purchasing a custom tank 4ft x 1ft x 1ft (viewing side as starphire glass) - no top, rimless I was wondering if you guys know a good place to order this in Calgary. I have done some research and found a few places like elite, gold, and the infamous bow valley aquarium. My biggest concern here is both price and quality. I am a patient guy and I don't mind waiting for a month or two for my tank, as long as my two criterias are met. Furthermore, this is my first time purchasing a custom tank and i have no idea what is considered as a good price my specific tank. I called BVA and Mitch gave me a quote for 180$. Is this a good deal? can i bargain for a better deal? I am planning on going with BVA but have heard alot of horror stories regarding customer service. Has this gotten better? Do you guys have any advice? Thanks.

Hey guys. Happy Surprise March snow storm. I am planning on getting a API freshwater Master test kit. I was wondering if you guys know the best place to get one for the lowest price. I live in Calgary. Both big al's and Pisces are selling them at 40$/ each. On ebay it's about 35$ including shipping Thanks