ckmullin

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex14769 Myriophyllum spicatum Imo. For me it was picked up locally in a pond was key. That stuff is all over ponds in my area.

Superstore. They've given it to me for free at times.

It's how to setup a tank like this which is the key. I've heard sooo many times that a tank with soil is a mud bowl that the water is always brown and always prone to algae. LOL I'll put my dirt tanks crystal water against any other tank including that are bare bottom! heh

Hello and welcome to AA. Nice to hear another doing soil unfortunately it's gotten a bad wrap and many haven't taken the plunge.

Nitrite at zero on a cycled tank is fine, you will only get a nitrite reading when a tank is being cycled...so good news perhaps on that. Nitrate is needed for a planted tank so if you have nothing that will be an issue, if you don't want live plants don't worry about it then. Something is just weird. Throw up a picture of your tank. Is there waste at the bottom which is rotting? Is there dead fish which is decaying? No, don't keep adding that conditioner to make a test yellow. When the store tested your water, what level did they find with the ammonia?

Hello and welcome to AA.

Sounds strange. Old test kit? They do expire. Is this strip tests or drop tests? Have you EVER got any other readings than 1ppm ammonia, 0 0 nitrite nitrate? For a a 6 week tank it should be fully cycled. Not saying you are not but have to ask...are the instructions being followed correctly?

congrats, always interesting to watch ( in a scientific way I'll add! )

Looks good. I know of using standard cement for our hobby but never heard of using hydraulic. Will the admixtures leach into the water or is it a stable product even if the water will be slightly acidic - slightly basic? Some of the hydraulic manufacturers even list their admixtures as propriotary.

I'll give that to you as well.

Hello and welcome to AA. I don't do much fish however if you have any questions regarding planted tanks, your welcome to hit me up.

I'll give ya a pm.

I'll give ya a pm.

12 on 12 off is what i always recommend.

What's the ph? Adding this gas lowers the ph which can affect the exoskeleton.

Hello and welcome to AA.

Hah, that happens. Some good info can be found within these virtual walls.

Hello and welcome to AA.

Hello and welcome to AA.

If someone is going to do a true planted tank then a filter is quite secondary however there must be flow! If you have questions about substrates or anything of planted tanks give me a shout.

I'd suggest the switch back as well. The original filter IMO will give better flow for a planted tank. Since your getting new grow, keep on with that bulb.

Was that the aquarium silicone topic?

If your worried about jumping fish then close it. In regards to planted tanks there is better airflow, less build up of heat, having aquatic plants flower when the hit the surface etc etc. If the hood light is incandescent then rip out that junk and throw in a mini florescent. I've done conversions like this and they work perfectly.

grab a sunblaster 12" fixture and hang/affix it above the tank. don't use a closed lid on a planted tank suggest to take a picture and add it here so people can see exactly what your describing

Hello and welcome to AA.