New Tank Build Thread

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jeromeit

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Gerry, I hope you dont mind me askin but what does the inside of the eheim 1103 supposed to look like behind the back plate? I just got mine and it looked like this...

4516f60a-ec90-cc23.jpg
now this is obviously not normal is it?

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1335487590.969031.jpg
 

Tom Barr

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Gerryd;82042 said:
Hi HJ,

Thanks, it is getting there...I already removed the clover :)

I like the crypt idea and guess you and JJ are discussing it LOL

C. parva or willisii would be nice, you'll need a lot.

I can send you some Elatine triandra.
You should easily be able to grow that.

Nice bright green foreground weed.

c51fc633.jpg


belem hair grass is another and UG...........
 

Gerryd

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jeromeit;82127 said:
Gerry, I hope you dont mind me askin but what does the inside of the eheim 1103 supposed to look like behind the back plate? I just got mine and it looked like this...

4516f60a-ec90-cc23.jpg
now this is obviously not normal is it?

Hi,

I don't mind you asking.....but I cannot say, as I never removed the back cover for any reason....Why did you?

I can open my spare later and let you know. I will ASSSUME that the one in line is the SAME as the spare, but do not KNOW that for a fact. It did work in a quick bucket test.

Are you having issues with yours?
 

Gerryd

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Hi Tom,

I would love to try the elatine if you can send me a bit...Yes, it is only downoi that I cannot grow apparently....

When your UG grows out and you have some to sell, I want to get some and use in the center to replace the blyxa.. Will look much nicer I think.

Thanks and let me know....
 

Gerryd

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Hey all,

Over the last 2-6 weeks I have done the following:

1. Gone to daily EI dosing. Well, almost daily :) Much better than before...
2. Added a Rio 1k for surface agitation. This is on almost 24/7 except for feeding basically.
3. Increased the flow from the MP40 now that fish are larger and the twin Rio 1k nw are out of the tank to replace that flow. This was at the lowest setting possible. It is MUCH higher than that. I like the lagoon modes and such as they vary speeds, slow, fast, etc. I like the swaying effect on the plants. The plants seem to like it as well based on their response!
4. Increasing c02 SLOWLY now that much surface ripple/agitation exists. Much more 02 entering the water. And now more c02 and better distributed.

Since that time I have observed the following:

1. Fish no longer show ANY signs of heavy breathing or c02 stress. This was an issue at times. They seem happier as well.
2. The surface now 'sparkles' more and less film on the surface. Not really an issue before but just 'looks' better.
3. Plant growth is much improved for those species, notably a.coffeefolia, that were lagging for me. They have added 30-40 leaves easy over the last two weeks alone. I am trimming all of the older stuff that doesn't look as good as the new leaves form, so it stays pristine going forward..Leaves are larger as well.
4. Fish seem more active esp in the am and during peak c02 times. The am was an issue as the canisters kept the c02 high..

So, now that I again have good flow and 02, I am able to bump c02 up as well. I had peaked before due to fish stress which caused me to dial it down...

This is making things even better although the ripple and increased mp40 flow did a lot by themselves. I watched for 2 weeks before starting to increase c02, and I saw visible improvement in the anubias w/o any c02 increase.

So, just getting back to basics. I was so focused on aesthetics, that I removed some vital components. Looking back at my archives, my best growth always had EXTRA flow and such, and was not what I was doing here. The twin eheims alone cannot support the FLOW requirements for this tank, but filter it very nicely indeed.

I can live with a PH and one cord :)

So, it 'SEEMS' so far that a single Eheim 1103 NW pump can service my 220 c02 requirements.

I removed all of the clover visible from a FTS POV and I like the look of the ADA bare...I am going to recarpet but use e.tiandra from Tom. I will leave the clover in the back FTS POV for now and see how the new carpet does. I can always replant with clover and just wait...

The removal of the clover now causes 'erosion' in that the flow from the mp40 causes a depression in the substrate where the bottom of the tank is visible! The clover 'sod' kept this in place. I remember this being an issue when the clover carpet was first forming.

Pics and vids later in the week.

Go anubias!
 
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jerrybforl

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Will come up this week to see it Gerry! Can't wait.

I agree that flow is important part that is always overlooked. In my 29 gallon, I noticed that placing a pump in the middle the CO2 gets to the whole tank giving better growth.
 

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If you had gone with the wet/dry instead of canister filter, the added O2 would had been there from the start, but many have issues adding CO2 because they lack O2, not because a certain ppm of CO2 is bad etc.
It's both the CO2 and O2 that make this an issue for fish.

I think the surface scum layer is the main issue for degassing or retention of the CO2/O2.
The filters are sealed for the most part, the scum layer removal seems to be the biggest factor.

I suppose a canister hooked to a surface prefilter might answer if that is the big factor along with an O2 meter to measure differences.

.
 

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Gerryd;82141 said:
Hi Tom,

I would love to try the elatine if you can send me a bit...Yes, it is only downoi that I cannot grow apparently....

When your UG grows out and you have some to sell, I want to get some and use in the center to replace the blyxa.. Will look much nicer I think.

Thanks and let me know....

I have a nice pad or two, want both of them? 60$ and the Elatine is free. One of the pads is sold though, but not the other two.



UGsales.jpg






Look at my thread on the 120 Gal for planting methods and plant that dense.
Call me if you need more detail on how.

I won't hang up:)
 

Gerryd

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Hi Tom,

Sold! I will take both thanks.....

If you can also ship some fire shrimps, it would be appreciated. Add it to my bill:)

I can't call you as I don't have your #. Probably the only client that doesn't :)

Thanks again for all. Looking forward to the new plants....
 

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Gerryd;82224 said:
I can't call you as I don't have your #. Probably the only client that doesn't :)

Tom,

I was kidding here...Thanks for the PM.

E-mail and the forum work well for me... You are always responsive and prompt. There is no need to call, but would like to say 'Hi' bi-yearly.

If I need to call, then is most likely a catastrophe and the call will be after the fact LOL
 

Gerryd

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jerrybforl;82182 said:
Will come up this week to see it Gerry! Can't wait.

I agree that flow is important part that is always overlooked. In my 29 gallon, I noticed that placing a pump in the middle the CO2 gets to the whole tank giving better growth.

Hey JJ,

Welcome anytime! I agree that flow is vital and often overlooked, but I think the bigger issue for me was the lack of surface ripple. With no 02 entering, and c02 on, and using canisters, the 02 levels were FAR from optimal, and the fish suffered. Additionally, it capped my ability to add more c02, so the plants suffered.

I have now increased the c02 3 times over the last 2 weeks, and so far so good. Growth maintains and improves.
 

Gerryd

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Tom Barr;82190 said:
If you had gone with the wet/dry instead of canister filter, the added O2 would had been there from the start, but many have issues adding CO2 because they lack O2, not because a certain ppm of CO2 is bad etc.
It's both the CO2 and O2 that make this an issue for fish.

I think the surface scum layer is the main issue for degassing or retention of the CO2/O2.
The filters are sealed for the most part, the scum layer removal seems to be the biggest factor.

I suppose a canister hooked to a surface prefilter might answer if that is the big factor along with an O2 meter to measure differences.

.

Hi Tom,

Yes, we went back and forth on wet/dry but I couldn't deal with the overflow....The twin eheims work very well for me though and am glad I went with that choice. Quiet, efficient, etc. Just need to compensate for the loss of 02.

I think my bigger issue was that the lack of good 02 forced a ceiling on how much c02 I could add. This always resulted in a c02 deficiency for the plants, but too much for the fish at times...

I see from the pics on your 120 that you have better ALL AROUND ripple than I, but yours seems less intense than mine if that makes sense. I do want to leave that section calm for the penclls. Then again I have a bit more surface area too :)

The big thing is the rummies or other fish no longer show signs of c02 stress and/or heavy breathing. This was a recurring issue for me and them...

They no longer have these issues at those times of peak c02 or early morning when c02 was off for hours... The fact that I have increased c02 several times since (slightly each time) leads me to believe that I have a good balance at the moment.

I will work to see how best to balance these things out. I will most likely add another small rio (500?) to just keep the surface moving better. I do get a great around the tank pattern so is working well. The biggest issue is the tank is so deep front to back, that the middle of the tank loses flow. Plus the two big trees take some space as well :)

I think this surface ripple issue was the bigger missing piece for me. We knew there was not enough c02, but I couldn't add any more.. The plants had a deficiency but I could not address it w/o hurting/killing the fish...

Now that the artificial c02 cap is gone, it makes a big difference. The added flow helps as well.

I think that perhaps now the tank will really take off as I had wanted...It looks better and healthier all the time..with no reversion to the poorer patterns and has held steady now for 3-4 weeks.

Just need now to keep seeking the right balance. The plants are guiding me as are the fish...

Thanks for listening and advising...
 
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jeromeit

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Gerryd;82140 said:
Hi,

I don't mind you asking.....but I cannot say, as I never removed the back cover for any reason....Why did you?

I can open my spare later and let you know. I will ASSSUME that the one in line is the SAME as the spare, but do not KNOW that for a fact. It did work in a quick bucket test.

Are you having issues with yours?

Hey Gerry thanks for your response mine is kinda noisy so I took it apart and there it was.. All weird haha I may return it and buy a new one.
 

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Gerryd;82245 said:
Hi Tom,

Yes, we went back and forth on wet/dry but I couldn't deal with the overflow....The twin eheims work very well for me though and am glad I went with that choice. Quiet, efficient, etc. Just need to compensate for the loss of 02.

Yep, I totally understood.
The overflow was big and you'd need to do a few modifications to reduce noise.

I think my bigger issue was that the lack of good 02 forced a ceiling on how much c02 I could add.

Well put


This always resulted in a c02 deficiency for the plants, but too much for the fish at times...
I see from the pics on your 120 that you have better ALL AROUND ripple than I, but yours seems less intense than mine if that makes sense. I do want to leave that section calm for the penclls. Then again I have a bit more surface area too :)
The big thing is the rummies or other fish no longer show signs of c02 stress and/or heavy breathing. This was a recurring issue for me and them...
They no longer have these issues at those times of peak c02 or early morning when c02 was off for hours... The fact that I have increased c02 several times since (slightly each time) leads me to believe that I have a good balance at the moment.

Well, you'll know if you have good CO2 a few different ways,
Lack of algae.
Cleaner well balanced tank
Fish are healthier/eat better/frisky behavior
You can grow any plant in the tank without that much issue.

Petex suggested an old method I used maybe 15 or more years ago: Riccia rocks, the Riccia will pearl nicely after 2-4 hours if the CO2 is good, this does not tell you how the fish will do on the upper end of CO2.but it will tell if the plants are getting enough.

Slow progressive adjustment and watching.


I will work to see how best to balance these things out. I will most likely add another small rio (500?) to just keep the surface moving better. I do get a great around the tank pattern so is working well. The biggest issue is the tank is so deep front to back, that the middle of the tank loses flow. Plus the two big trees take some space as well :)
I think this surface ripple issue was the bigger missing piece for me. We knew there was not enough c02, but I couldn't add any more.. The plants had a deficiency but I could not address it w/o hurting/killing the fish...
Now that the artificial c02 cap is gone, it makes a big difference. The added flow helps as well.
I think that perhaps now the tank will really take off as I had wanted...It looks better and healthier all the time..with no reversion to the poorer patterns and has held steady now for 3-4 weeks.
Just need now to keep seeking the right balance. The plants are guiding me as are the fish...
Thanks for listening and advising...

Well, you can see how the CARD'S behave in the Video I did of the 180 Gal tank.
You can see the flow.

I'm pushing 2500-4000gph through the tank. The Vortechs should do the trick for you along with the Filters.
Hiding the equipment and the stuff inside the tank is troubling though for your scape, it makes changes and access easy though.
If you like building models etc, then styrofoam inserts can be custom made to hide some things.

Your plants should arrive soon.
If the UG does not grow well, then it's most likely a CO2 issue, refer to the most recent 180 Gal pictures for packing the UG in for the initial planting.
 

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Many folks I think experienced what Gerry has with CO2, they know it's CO2, but feel they are the limit, but it's O2 also.
 

Gerryd

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If the UG does not grow well, then it's most likely a CO2 issue

Hi Tom,

Well, the UG is gone and was NOT c02 :) and $60 down the drain....

I know you stated that rummies do not eat plants, but IME that is not true.

Within 15 minutes of me planting the UG in different spots, the school of rummies had eaten or pulled out 90% of it to make a mess of the tank with leaves.... They would actually eat the smaller leaves, but the bigger ones were too big to swallow so they were just pulled out. About 12-15 just kept going back over the UG even as I chased them away. It was like a drug to them....

Very frustrating indeed to see them eat expensive plants, when there are pounds of other plants available.

I watched them do it too, so I am not guessing about what happened to the plants...

Not like I starve the fish either.

Previously, I had seem them chewing on my downoi (fresh shoots), hygro difformis, stargrass, and other soft leaf plants..

So, needless to say, UG is also out as a plant. I have a feew strands left but will be gone today. Can't transfer to another tank as that is not meant for the UG.

I think that will be the end of the rummies too. I like them but at least for me, they DO eat or aggressively pull out certain plants where I can't have them. If I wanted fish to rearrange my scape, I would get some large cichlids and be done with it.

Next week of so the rummines will be caught during a large water change and removed.

I will post when they are available if someone local wants them.

I have between 60-75 really nice ones...

I may go back to cards in the big tank. They will be more visible than the rummies, which school low and blend in with my ada/hardscape colors. The cards will stay higher in the water column and are much brighter and more easily seen than the rummies. Plus, they are one of my fave fishies! I had cards and diptails years ago in the 180 and really loved that look. I didn't have as nice a scape for them as now....

I can steal the 45 or so from the 57 gal for a start, and I know Henry has a good line on them. About 200-250 sounds about right.

Once they are gone, I will try UG and downoi again, just need to source them.

Later!
 
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Gerryd

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Hi all,

A few video links to how the tank looks now.

1. You can see the lack of carpet in the front :) The clover still covers 50% of the border though...

2. I have to clean the wood scape closest to the substrate of the remaining BBA and other stuff. I will brush it on with a paintbrush with some large w/c and that should make it really nice again.

3. The bolbitus in the right corner on the intakes will soon (I hope) be replaced with either the java trident (smaller and more compact) or I would like to build a simple mesh structure covered with Fissidens that could simply cover them... zI like the java needle on the other side but don't want to duplicate it here.

4. I am off to Henry's to get some fish perhaps...

W/o further ado....

Enjoy!

FTS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMN7gKNp9Tw

Pencils from afar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR8dLy5EiI8

Right side:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiqfhZW6Q_0

Back view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoPonvwh2r8

Back view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MoG_1reMvs

Surface ripple 24/7:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR5Bxk7LEKE

Left End view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqZJ4nJUbjA
 

yme

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great video!

very nicely shows the ripples! I like :)

I couldn't find it back quickly in this thread, but what happened to the carpet?

greets,

yme
 

2wheelsx2

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Gerryd;82466 said:
Hi all,

A few video links to how the tank looks now.

FTS

[video=youtube;TMN7gKNp9Tw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMN7gKNp9Tw[/video]

Pencils from afar:

[video=youtube;oR8dLy5EiI8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR8dLy5EiI8[/video]

Right side:

[video=youtube;JiqfhZW6Q_0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiqfhZW6Q_0[/video]

Back view:

[video=youtube;LoPonvwh2r8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoPonvwh2r8[/video]

Back view:

[video=youtube;3MoG_1reMvs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MoG_1reMvs[/video]

Surface ripple 24/7:

[video=youtube;qR5Bxk7LEKE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR5Bxk7LEKE[/video]

Left End view:

[video=youtube;jqZJ4nJUbjA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqZJ4nJUbjA[/video]

Got nothing to add, but I love this setup and just wanted to make the videos visible without going to the link.
 

Gerryd

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Got nothing to add, but I love this setup and just wanted to make the videos visible without going to the link.

Appreciate it. I forget we can embed links/urls.... Appreciate the nice comments...
 
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