So far the taiwan made tube seems relatively bright. Definitely brighter than my powerglo 18000K and Aquaglo (forgot how many K) that are 1 and 2 yrs old. I dont expect it to last, i guess, but will switch to something else later when i have gain enough experience.

Anyway, anyone know how a surface skimmer works ? I dont seem to be able to adjust it correctly. As I shut close the skimmer, the in-let below (when no water can get into the skimmer at the bottom) and only surface water will flow into the skimmer at the top, my canister will start making noises as though air are being suck into it my canister causing loud sound and it is although it will not function anymore ? Is this right ?

If I open the in-let below to allow water to get in from the bottom, then my skimmer will not suck the surface water. ??? Any idea what I am doing wrong or how it should really work ?

Normally would need to consider changing tubes after around six months of use, especially if you are using conventional ballast. Good news is that you can get the Philips 865 or Osram 860 for less than what you paid for the Taiwan tubes.

thanks, just want to be correct. Are you refering to the normal tube 18w for Philips 865 or Osram 860. I think i saw them and there have either daylight or soft light or something like that for around under RM10. Is that the one ? I think you can also get them anywhere in the supermarkets like Tesco, Giant, Ace Hareware. I am thinking of changing my aquaglo tube which is 2 yrs old already.

Just some update on my 3 ft planted tank, so far after I week of planting, i have notice some whitish sort of stuff being developed at certain parts of my gravel especially places that I have not planted anything (where it is expose) Are those algae being developed ??? How do i get rid of them. Shld I off some light so that algae will not grow ?

On liq fert, Standoyo, your input on it is a bit difficult for newbie like me to understand some of the terms, anyway, I am not sure what is in the PDMM. Can I use the PDMM by ytlim as a one-for-all that have all trace element ? If not what else should I get beside the PDMM to ensure sufficient nurtient for the plants. Like Sera tablets ?







I have changed some water about 1/6 of it only as the water also getting a bit more green.

Kevin, got pictures of the whitish stuff?

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The nose runs and the feet smell - go figure
Steven

Not sure about YT's formula but that should be a broad spectrum fert that include macro and micros.

You can take your time to read up at other forums regarding fertilization as the topic is very wide.
With a a basic understanding you can then start to understand how your plants respond or what you should do when you notice certain growth aspects.

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no lah, I cant take close up shots with my camera. Anyhow it is like a ghost sort of stuff float/sticking to the gravel. My CO2 tester - at the bottom also have the same white stuff.

Do you think I should start introducing algae eaters ? My tank is 1 week old after planting, I have been reading that I should wait for 2 weeks (so the the bio-medium in my canister get developed) before getting the alage eaters.

I will up load some pictures later, but no close up.

If your water has been clear for more than 2 days then you can.
This is presuming the ammonia>nitrite>nitrate.
If you're not sure wait a little longer.

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I'll take a stab at this. The whitish stuff is probably some fungus action that normally appears in a new tank. It's OK, it'll go away. Even in my non-planted cichlid tank, the fungus appeared for a while.

__________________
The nose runs and the feet smell - go figure
Steven

This is my planted tank. Any ideas what all those plants name are ? I know of a few, but most of them the lfs also do not put names. I bascially got what look fresh, new and avaliable at the lfs. For a start, mostly cheap plants.

So far I have changed water (1/2 the tank of water) after 1 week since my tank water is quite green and was told that there is too much nurient in it. I have also reduced the lighting from 80w to 40w (switch off 2 tube) It still looks quite green after 2 more days. Should I change the water again ?

My Co2 level indicator seem to show low Co2. I have increased the bubble count fr 2 to 4 bps, but the indictor still show low co2. I believe my canister water current is a bit strong maybe a cause of losing co2. Anyway, will have to do some more testing and experiment to see what is wrong.


Anyway, I have also put in the following into my tank :

2 Siam A E
2 Oto
3 Yamato Shrimp
3 Cherry Shrimp
2 Tiger Shrimp

Hoping this will get rid of any algae that is developing.

After this probably another 2 weeks, will be looking to put in my fishes !!

Neon Tetra (a variety of 6 per group, will get 3 groups)
Bosesnami Rainbow fish (3 each)
Pink Danio (6 each)
Zebra Danio (6 each)

Will this Danio get along with Tetra ? Also will these number of fishes too much for my 3ft tank ?

To view tank pictures : new.photos.yahoo.com/clsweq177

Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Kevin,

Hold on the fish.
Let the plants start to grow first.
I noticed you chose to plant the hairgrass in large bundles. You need to separate them to smaller bunches of 5 or ten then plant them with a tweezer. Space them an inch apart to get a nice lawn.

As a rule, the wood you have should not make a line right thru the middle. This cuts the tank in two equal halves. This is not good in terms of layout. Suggest to reposition it to one side to create imbalance. funnily this makes a more pleasing layout. Avoid symmetry. This makes a layout stiff. Meaning don't plant same plant on the right and left. This refers to the java fern in the back corners of your tank.

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