75g planted tank journal

[aquabee]

I experimented a lot with amounts of peat granules to put in my canister. It typically has to be replaced every few months so it requires frequent pH monitoring. For a 105 gallon tank, I added one cup of peat at a time. The pH usually stabilizes 1-2 weeks after adding the peat.


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[mnemenoi]

Can you tell me if the link below are the peat granules you are talking about?

http://www.bigalspets.com/torf-peat-pellets-1l.html?utm_source=Google+Products&utm_campaign=Google+Products+Datafeed&utm_medium=Comparison+Shopping&gclid=CPWj_K241bgCFQto7Aod73EA4g

I did read from others that its a huge drop in ph, the most I read is going from PH 7.8 to 6.2. Hmm, maybe I'll try less then the recommended amount and see if I can just get it to drop slightly.

Yes those are the peat pellets. Most folks don't use/need them so they are generally never used. It is just aspects like this in which they can be very useful. It certainly can lower the Ph, but most natural manners such as this are more slight. CO2 causes huge and swift changes that are best avoided. I imagine adding a 1/2 liter to the filter and monitoring should give you a good idea on its capabilities. I would expect a strong tannin so some Purigen might be in order if tea colored water is not your desired result. We were able to lower our Ph in a low tech planted tank to well into the 5's and likely could have gone lower. We only used Brightwell Rio Escuro fine substrate and distilled water. It only took a week or so before it started plummeting. Weekly 50% water changes with distilled and it maintained crazy low TDS, GH, KH, and Ph. The Chili rasbora popped as well as the Eques pencilfish. Most plants crashed, except crypts and they grew insanely fast. They reminded me of stems and had runners all over the tank (it was even low light). So some plants are doable in that sort of system, but they are the oddity instead of the rule.

[wesleh]

Thanks for the info. I currently replaced carbon for purigen now and I do prefer the clear water. I was planning on using 1L as it says it treats up to about 30g. I'll try half though for a few days and see what my results are. I just want it low enough for there colors to come out but still keeping my plants alive and still keep it low maintenance.

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[mnemenoi]

Gotcha, that should do the trick and you'll be able to 'dial' it in based on those results. I agree about the crazier real soft tanks, like I said they can be fun, but far better as a secondary experimental/breeding/nerd out tank then a showcase... I have been wanting to do a bigger blackwater Amazonian biotope tank with no plants, manzanita, IAL, and sand for quite awhile. Use some spotlight leds for minimal lighting and see about actually breeding some south americans for fun. Probably not the most awe inspiring tank, but lots of fun and discussion at GHAC meetings.

[wesleh]

That sounds awesome. I have seen a few really nice looking blackwater tanks and actually would like to set one up but gotta take it one tank at a time. Even then my ideal quanity of tanks would be one fresh and one salt as I dont want to overload my self with maintaining more then two tanks. Look out for my next project!

[mnemenoi]

Sweet!, I like SW reefs. We have always tossed around the idea of a low maintenance reef with inverts, just need the motivation I suppose.

[wesleh]

Ah I see. Anything marine related is just beautiful to me and have always admired it. I always wanted a reef tank and now I finally get a chance to get one together!

[wesleh]

Just installed a acrylic lily pipe. The eheim 2217 just had too much flow. The samurai look much happier. Since yesterday night they been out and about and eating well.



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[mistahoo]

Looks funny. Side view?

[wesleh]

Might not be exactly like the real glass lily pipe but this definitely gets the job done and acrylic is a plus for me. Not bad for $50 on eBay.

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[suicune]

the problem with these pipes is when they get dirty... they show.....

[wesleh]

Yea I know but I don't mind it. They give you a cleaning kit with it as well.

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[Chester]

That's not bad at all. I've been looking for an acrylic version for my 2211 but don't think they get made at that size.

[wesleh]

That's not bad at all. I've been looking for an acrylic version for my 2211 but don't think they get made at that size.

There are difference sizes for them I believe. Just need to find the right diameter of your tubing. Also since its a China product shipping is estimated for like 1.5 months but it came in within 3 weeks.

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[mistahoo]

It's 9mm. They make it but you have to look hard. It may take a while. I sourced a guy on TPT selling for $40 something shipped a while back.

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