Dachende

I think this looks MUCH better ! It's hard to see what it will look like once it's filled out . But with carpeting (or attempting to carpet) it should look stunning. I can't see any problems with adding more java fern on the wood ? :thup: Perhaps some clumps or Narrow Leaf or even Windelov would look fantastic. Perhaps some tall skinny plants e.g http://www.fnzas.org.nz/?p=856 Cyperus Helferi or similar would add some height to your layout from one or both ends of the tank ?

We did a flea bomb just recently , and had the same issue . Ended up taking the bubblers offline and using glad wrap over the parts of the tank where there is any gap allowing air in. No deformed fish, and lots of dead fleas :happy2:

Sounds great ! be wary of the angels - I had 1 large angel take out MANY tetras and harlequins But I've seen communities with these fish doing fine together too. so who knows ! Can't wait for next photo update :nfs:

I have to agree with the 2 themes looking a bit "thrown together" but I know you probably spent alot of time trying to get it to look just right. I've had a few layouts that no matter what I did, I couldn't get it to look natural or interesting . Sometimes it can be just one rock or a piece of wood which is skewing the theme of the tank. Don't lose hope, and keep at it until you're satisfied with the overall look . Much easier to make changes now than when everything starts growing in. From all the reading I've done in this thread, it comes across as you are more than willing to spend what it takes to get a great tank . - Layout is one of those things that will make or break it. Take your time and change things around until you find something that works for you. If the rocks & wood aren't doing it for you , change it up - Don't limit yourself to the stuff you already have on hand if it isn't working . There's a lot of ways to find good driftwood if you can be bothered hunting it yourself. (beaches / teatree roots ) I don't recommend paying petshop prices (like $40-50 for a small to medium chunk of wood, with saw blade markings and all.) All in all, your tank and setup is amazing. The layout isn't holding up it's end of the deal. I enjoy checking back every few days for updates, so keep us posted !

Welcome!

10-20% weekly

When I clean out my cannister, it does similar things - I think it's to do with air being trapped inside the filter. I've found I have to make sure the water level inside the filter is as high as I can get it to go when refilling - and also try to make sure there's no air bubbles in your hoses. Sometimes lifting / moving the hoses helps the big bubbles dissipate. Not sure if helpful , but sounds very similar to what happens with mine.

Your tank is absolutely stunning ! Where did you get your wood ? I see alot of nice bendy bits in there, never able to find anythign like that myself !

This bad boy ? We get alot of them in Takanini - Auckland, I'd never seen them before moving here last year. Got a hell of a fright when one walked across the carpet. This is one that had the displeasure of meeting my cat. http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/ResearchAtTeP ... pider.aspx

Is the lid/temperature idea to prevent pnuemonia when the fry make their first surface breach ? I remember reading about it Would regulating the temperature of the room in question also help this to an extent ? Thanks for your help

Stunning fish ! Now you're tempting me in that direction

Hi - Just thought I'd post a few snaps I managed to catch today - luckily I had a quick look in the tank, was on my way out ! Not sure if anyone is that interested, but it was very entertaining for a first timer ! :happy2: Apologies for quality, didn't really have time to change camera settings or play with lighting ! Step 1 , make bubble nest Step 2 , Show off new pad to the missus Step 3 , Lock the door behind you, it's pewpew time ! Methyl blue going in once they've finished their funky time to prevent fungus. Female will be removed to avoid aggression/murder. Plants coming out (2 stems of cabomba and some moss) Filter off so no current - Will replace with sponge filter tomorrow. Frequent small waterchanges . Question time : Have I missed anything ? Am I on the right track ?

small gloves ? :sml1:

Chef

Confusing yet somewhat entertaining :thup:

You'll want to make sure the wood isn't rotting firstly Also when cleaning new driftwood, I usually run boiling water over it (or, smaller pieces I boil in a pot) and scrub with a new dishbrush thing. If it's still bouyant, you can weight it down with rocks or lead plant weights until it's naturally bouyant, or alternatively you can soak it until it sinks on its own. I think the main thing to worry about is whether you're going to introduce some nasties into your tank - But the boiling water trick does the job. Same dealio for rocks

Try to ignore the pitchforks, it seems to be happening to everyone who asks for advice lately. Water changes will keep your levels down until the bacteria multiplies enough to handle the new bioload. Sounds like you're on the right track.

Stunning fish - I'm growing out some angel babies now, marble and golden - I wish I could get colours like yours has ! Definitely a keeper, I've not seen one with such profound blues.

Welcome ! It's an addictive hobby , isn't it ?

for shoaling / schooling - Harlequin rasboras

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.p ... cbb1a& Found this thread on legacy forums of all places - see how massive it is at the end. They will definitely eat your fish lol.

I've used it in all my tanks too, and never had an issue - BUT alot of people do have issues when combining the two. I've read numerous accounts on planted forums from people who have had issues when using excel and java ferns. Just googling "java fern excel" brings up a long list of hits related to this exact problem, therefore I don't think it's something that can be completely discounted.

If it were me, I would remove the dead and dying leaves since they are no longer contributing nutrients for the plant and will just decompose and improve the habitat for BBA. My experience is that as long as the rhizome is not badly damaged new leaves will begin to grow from a healthy rhizome in 2 - 3 weeks. So trim that puppy back as much as you have to, to remove dying / dead plant matter. I have also read that alot of people have issues when combining flourish excel & Java fern - perhaps this is a case ?

^^ You just quoted yourself, agreed with yourself and continued discussion , with yourself. Highly entertaining ! :sml1:

ahh, Fish paradise - they sell on Trademe with FP at the start of their auction names. I bought 5x baby angels there for $10.00 - all healthy fish. They are super cheap on food and other things if you don't mind not being able to read what is on the label...