questions

[tedr108]

Here are 2 questions that have been gnawing at me, but I've avoided asking, until today...

1) If I use a rubber band around a pre-filter, it deteriorates within a few weeks. I do not mind replacing it, but is there something getting into the water that is bad for plants or fish or other critters? I do 50% water changes each week, if that makes any difference. I haven't noticed any problems in my tank, but I still like helping my plants and critters any way I can.

2) I read one post in a thread that said Glossostigma was a higher maintenance plant. I am slightly concerned because I currently have some Glossso that is spreading like wildfire on my substrate. What is high maintenance about it? Let me guess first:

As the plant ages, it starts dying off (and feeding algae!), so you have to go in and trim it all -- which will be a pain for me because I do not have good gardening tools at this point. Hopefully you can just trim it and don't have to pull it ... I have fairly high light and my glosso is only about 1/4" high, so trimming would be tough.

 

[creighton]

Tedr,

Not really sure about the rubber band thing, but if fish aren't dying its probally not that big of a deal.

As far as glosso you know what to do. Just hack it back when it gets too crazy. They sell some super cheap scissors on AB that are over a ft' long and are curved for easy lawn plant trimming. They're not real sharp but it only cost me $18, shipping included. It would probally be smarter to invest in some ADA scissors. I wonder if there are any medical suppliers that would sell to individuals. I think that's mostly where that stuff comes from.

Please excuse my horrible spellnig...The spell check at school does not work.

 

[swylie]

The rubber band is almost certainly harmless. If you want something more durable, try an o-ring. I'm not sure what material the standard-issue o-rings are made of, but it's some kind of synthetic rubber, and has proved long-lasting in my tank.

 

[tedr108]

Thanks for the info...

Creighton, curved (angled) scissors sounds like the ticket.

Swylie, if O-rings last a long time, I'll definitely go out and buy some.

 

[Ardell]

On the subject of gardening tools... Quite a while back i was looking for some small scissors for the more delicate trimming. I stopped at the local beauty supply shop and found a pair of eyebrow trimming scissors. They come to an extremely fine point, are small to get tight spaces, and they are completely stainless steel. They also have a slight curve that makes them extremely useful. I honestly forget how much they were but i remember they were much cheaper than anything made for the hobby. I've been using them for about six months now and as far as being suited to the purpose i think they're my favorite tool.


Image of eyebrow scissors - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 

[creighton]

Ardell,
Good find, but I think those may be a little small for my tastes. Who knew they make scissors for eyebrows ?

 

[Ardell]

Yea, if the wife had'nt mentioned it i never would have checked the beauty shop. I deal with a 40 breeder so i can take the time to manicure every last inch and still not spend all day doing it. I could see them not being nearly as useful in a larger tank. Where i really noticed a difference though is trimming red tiger lotus, I have a hell of a time seeing which leaf im cutting off in a field of stems, with the super fine tip its much easier for me to pinpoint.

 

[creighton]

Cool. That's good to know. I'm gonna get me a pair. I'm sure it is super useful for nano's.