The tank has arrived! - Salt to Planted

[eklikewhoa]

There are ways to minimize the outgassing of co2 with an overflow tank and it would be an awesome addition IMO, you get to run all your equipment in the sump and out of the display area also the surface skimming of a nutrient rich tank is ALWAYS a PLUS.

the BPS mentioned is really outrageous but it would be slightly higher than with a tank that has minimal circulation.

If anyone has real world experience with running co2 on an overflow tank please do add your input cause I really believe it's doable and not as drastic as everyone makes it seem to be.

[mnemenoi]

I've never had much experiance with Co2, much less in an overflow system. If Darrel is anything its crafty and enjoys a good challenge. His last tank was a nice 40 gallon with a self sustaining ecosystem that was awesome to go and watch.

[fishman1]

depending on what you're growing you might not even need co2

[Nitekry D Paul]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Much to consider. A new action item, As I am looking at the tank I see loads of scratches. Some of the light ones come right out with Jewelers rouge. some, will not.

Any suggested services in Houston that will do an overall scratch removal?
Any suggestions to take it on with the painful one at a time methods? =/

Thanks,

[eklikewhoa]

think the most painless solution is to get the front pane replaced.

[mnemenoi]

I'm at a complete loss for scratches. Some slight ones seem to disappear when its filled, if nothing else we can clean it up, fill it and reassess...

[mnemenoi]

Here is a site that offers an ingenious suggestion

[eklikewhoa]

I've buffed glass at work and tried it out a few times at home. if you don't do it right it could make it worse.

You need just the right speed buffer and not let it dry up.
Too hot and you'll get a haze
Too slow and you'll be left with a bunch of swirls (imagine that nice buffed Black car on a bright day)

This is probably the only method worth trying.

I still think replacing the whole pane would be less work in the end.

[eklikewhoa]

Here is a site that offers an ingenious suggestion

I thought I was a BEAST when it came to googling and finding good articles but you sir have given me a mad run for my monies! I bow to you


Great to see someone on their A game instead of reading to crap post all day long about someone crying or just too lazy to help themselves.

[Nitekry D Paul]

Thanks Roy, I saw that one, I lack the large buffer. I have a lot of buffing experience, just not so much with glass. It may be good to fill it and just see how bad they look.

[Totenkampf]

With a planted tank, there is usually a huge amount of decor (hardscape and the plants). Many planted tanks have very little open space. All the detritus is allowed to filter into the substrate where it can break down and be used by the plants. It's not even recommended that planted tanks be vacuumed very strongly. You actually want that mulm in the substrate.

some mulm yes. like all things, the key is balance. too much mulm will actually deplete CO2 via the nitrification process. all the checks and balances in the natural life cycle have always given me a profound appreciation for creation.