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Mike Wyatt

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  1. Balance is the key. At the core, understanding the nitrogen cycle will inform any aquarium keeping. From my experience, a more hands-off approach -- benign neglect -- works best for anything other that hardcore biotrope aquaria, high-tech planted tanks, or breeding demanding species. In any case, better to first work on keeping a balanced tank, which means getting a handle on water quality, light, and nutrients. Reduce variables; don't add more (i.e. carbon additive). Shield the tank from direct or strong sunlight. Don't overstock or overfeed. Work with your lighting levels (time and intensity). Ensure adequate filtration and water changes. Once you have things balanced and have whipped the green water, then branch out into wherever the hobby leads you: more plans, more tech, more demanding fish, etc.
  2. I have a Hygger Full Spectrum on the 55 and a SANSI 40w Full Spectrum hanging over the 20. Much less fussy about lighting as I am not running CO2 (no demanding plants) this time around. I've used Finnex in the past -- good light. With any led light, I strongly suggest a glass cover on the tank if you've any surface water moverment (airstones, filtration, etc.) Most lights are not well-sealed and lifetimes can be appreciably shortened with even small exposure to water.
  3. Most likely the green water is due to a phytoplankton bloom. It is all about finding balance.Too much light and/or too many nutrients (from food, fish, ferts). Stop or greatly reduce dosing ferts. Regular water changes. Add some fast growing plants, like duckweed, to suck up some nutrients (it will also reduce light, in spite of wee fingers on the switch).
  4. Hiya! Two up and running -- a 20 and a 55 both heavily planted, low-tech (and 11 stored in the garage). Ran CO2 my last time 'round. Focus this time is more on husbandry, happy-critter habitat and breeding, less on aesthetics/cosmetics. I see you've also recently returned to the hobby. Your guppies are looking happy and fecund!
  5. Just returning to active fishkeeping after a hiatus of 7 years. Kept three tanks going with self-sustaining populations of Corydoras sterbai, Otocinclus vittatus and emperor and black skirt tetras (a matter of benign neglect). Thought it was time to re-engage. Looking for sources of healthly ottos. Intent is to breed. Cory, et al, wow! What a tremendous job you've been doing! Growing out the business manificently! Top-quality online content (great production values), authoritative, accessible, and eminently practical information -- all in all, a go-to resource that delivers great value to the aquarium community. Thank you for all your hard work (and it looks like ya'll are having a lot of fun doing it!) Regards, Mike Wyatt
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