Lauren A

February 13

On 2/11/2024 at 1:06 PM, Mmiller2001 said:

I think it looks fine, it’s just the light making it look yellow.

On 2/11/2024 at 3:11 PM, Tony s said:

May actually not be enough fertilizer. Nitrates should read closer to 50 when done dosing

Okay, thank you so much. I wondered this and might be underdosing because although it’s a 10, I usually dose .7ml instead or 1ml to take into account the fact that the tank holds less water with the space open at the surface. Hope that make sense.

The tank is full of plants though. I think I will start dosing for the full 10. Those Water Sprite love sucking up nitrates.

Thank you for your help! We’ll see what happens with this adjustment.

On 2/13/2024 at 10:40 AM, Lauren A said:

Okay, thank you so much. I wondered this and might be underdosing because although it’s a 10, I usually dose .7ml instead or 1ml to take into account the fact that the tank holds less water with the space open at the surface. Hope that make sense.

The tank is full of plants though. I think I will start dosing for the full 10. Those Water Sprite love sucking up nitrates.

Thank you for your help! We’ll see what happens with this adjustment.

I will also take a good look at my nitrate parameters before and after dosing.

February 11

Ohh ok. Thank you again!

February 11

Ok, I wondered that. Is it too much light or too little that would cause? It’s the Fluval 3.0 Nano so I can adjust it as necessary.

Thanks so much for your help.

February 11

I keep mine on the opposite end as my internal corner filter. Both in the back side areas. I keep a bubbler on the side of my heater too.

The reason I do this is for heat distribution in the tank. It’s probably not necessary but my heats stays the same throughout the tank.

February 11

Maybe it’s Magnesium?

February 11

On 2/11/2024 at 12:46 PM, Mmiller2001 said:

It doesn’t and I dose my tank immediately after water changes.

Thank you! Awesome. I should start dosing immediately too. Thanks for your help!

Added this as an edit to above but will repost:

I will add one more question, my Water Sprite is always a yellow ish green color. Not pale and grows, but not bright green like it should be. Is this iron if the plants are still healthy or maybe a lighting issue?

sorry another edit. Took out no yellowing. Made no sense!

Here’s a pic:

February 11

Hi!
This is a random question, but I heard recently is best to add ferts (I use Easy Green) 2 days after a water change when using Prime instead of that day or the next.

Is this true? I always add my ferts the next morning after a water change before lights go on.

For the tanks I use Easy Green, they’re both 10’a and are 1 year old and a 2 year old tank. Very healthy. They each have only a betta, fully planted with nutrient demanding plants and some snails. I have very little nitrates in my tank post wc and through the week so I dose 2x weekly. I have 2 other tanks I use dry ferts in daily. They all get Prime.

But today for instance, I did a wc yesterday afternoon on the 2 tanks I use Easy Green and I know my plants are hungry but will wait another day if Prime does effect it.

This is new news for me if true.

Thanks!

acryally I will add one more question, my Water Sprite is always a yellow ish green color. Not pale and grows with no yellowinh, but not bright green like it should be. Is this iron if the plants are still healthy or maybe a lighting issue?

February 19, 2023

On 2/19/2023 at 4:53 PM, lefty o said:

light amount of salt wont hurt plants. heavy doses may.

Excellent thank you. It’s a pretty light dose and shouldn’t be for too long. I appreciate your help. I’m not going to worry over it.

Have a nice night and thank you very much!

February 19, 2023

Hi,

I had to start treating my betta fish in a heavily planted tank with soil last night. She’s ok, suffered an injury but it was late and I didn’t want to move her to a hospital because I wasn’t sure if it warranted me to move her.

I added some AQ salt to her tank with extra tannins. I always use them but not salt.

This tank is gorgeous. Beautiful plants all growing so nicely. I hate to move her but will the salt kill my plants? I read on a blog on this site that at the tablespoon per a 5 gallon dose it should be fine, curious what you all think? And for how long do you think the plants will be ok?

It’s mostly Crypts, Rotala, Anubias, Buce, Sag Subulata, and Bolbitis - easy plants. And lots of floaters. Guppy grass, Anacharis, Water sprite. I’m not as concerned about the floaters. I have tons of extras. It’s more my planted plants.

Thanks for any help you have to offer! She’s doing fine. She’s a happy girl and it didn’t phase her and is not serious. I’m just hoping to prevent infection and reduce some swelling. Thanks!

February 1, 2023

On 1/31/2023 at 4:05 PM, Lennie said:

I haven't used either but, as an addition to nabokovfan's suggestion, Sera Black gravel also looks cool and seems suitable for the size you want. Their page says it does not affect water parameters. I couldn't see any experiences because it is super duper expensive here. You can easily buy aquasoil here for that price instead of a gravel here.

https://www.sera.de/us/product/marine-aquarium/sera-gravel-black/

Seachem's one seem to be more commonly used tho.

What I would advice is, I commonly see some black colored substrates having so much iron in it. So in some forums, I've read some people having hard time keeping snails alive or having iron related algae issues, or even some sort of rust build up over time! So I would make sure to search for experiences and confirm the one you will buy has no issues.

You’re also right, I spend a fortune on Aquasoil so it may be worth the splurge. So tempting!

February 1, 2023

On 1/31/2023 at 4:05 PM, Lennie said:

I haven't used either but, as an addition to nabokovfan's suggestion, Sera Black gravel also looks cool and seems suitable for the size you want. Their page says it does not affect water parameters. I couldn't see any experiences because it is super duper expensive here. You can easily buy aquasoil here for that price instead of a gravel here.

https://www.sera.de/us/product/marine-aquarium/sera-gravel-black/

Seachem's one seem to be more commonly used tho.

What I would advice is, I commonly see some black colored substrates having so much iron in it. So in some forums, I've read some people having hard time keeping snails alive or having iron related algae issues, or even some sort of rust build up over time! So I would make sure to search for experiences and confirm the one you will buy has no issues.

It’s so funny you mention the Sera because that’s number one on my list. I can only find it on EBay and it’s shipped from the UK so the shipping is more than the gravel, but it’s an option. I’d really love to find it without the hefty shipping charge.

Thank you too about letting me know about the iron. I definitely don’t want to harm the sbails. I used the Dark brown/reddish Flourite in a tank I’ve since torn down. I’m not sure I will go that route but will research first.

Thank you again! If you know of anyone that sells Sera besides EBay, I’d love to know. But I’m thinking prob not since I’ve been on the hunt.

On 1/31/2023 at 4:54 PM, sankaz said:

I've put this small gravel in a 10g and I like the color and how it looks. It's big chain product but it doesn't affect the water, not coated with anything and claims to be kiln dried. The 20 lb bag is 24.99 at PetSmart, Aqua Natural Aquarium Gravel - Midnight Pearl. I don't like to promote the chain store stuff but this gravel has been safe for me and looks good.

Nice, I will check this one out too! I really appreciate your help!

February 1, 2023

On 1/31/2023 at 3:47 PM, nabokovfan87 said:

I use the seachem fluorite black.

For a Betta tank you might be able to get some pond style gravel (those black river rocks common for gardens and planters).

Anothera Stones for Plants, 3LB Smooth Natural Black River Rocks, Plant Aquarium Gravel Stones for Succulents Bonsai Terrarium Vase Fillers Fish Tank Indoor Outdoor Garden Decor（6-9 mm） https://a.co/d/eFlkR8n

Nice, thanks so much, I will check it out! Appreciate your help!!!!

January 31, 2023

Hi!

So, I can’t believe it. I said the planted tank I just finished up a couple months ago was my last and I’m taking a break but I lied!! I’m at it again. I’m planning another 7 gallon cube. I’ve got the tank and the lid. I will house a betta in this tank as well.

I’m seeking some help finding a dark colored gravel. Just black or grey but not coated with anything. I will use root tabs to support mainly Crypts and some stems. The rest of the plants will be Anubias and Buce and tons of floating plants.

If anyone uses a dark colored or non coated black gravel or has experience with any - good or bad,I’d love some feedback. Any brand or store recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! 🙏

I’m sorry, 1-2 mm or 2-4 mm for the grain size. That would be helpful! Thx again

January 18, 2023

On 1/17/2023 at 6:16 PM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:

I personally don't use any ferts, but I could be wrong when I say, if you're using a true plant substrate you don't usually need ferts for a while. If you capped it- you might have bought more time even.

Hi, I didn’t cap it but thank you for letting me know this with the soil. It’s definitely a substrate made for aquatic plants and my plants seem to be doing well so I will hold off and if I notice deficiency, maybe just dose for those. I have a feeling I won’t need them right away so thank you for confirming this!

On 1/17/2023 at 7:58 PM, Patrick_G said:

I have a couple of little cubes with aquasoil. They seem to do fine with very little or no liquid fertilization. However, it might be worth it to buy the little nano bottle of Easy Green just in case you start to see some deficiencies.

Wow! Those are gorgeous! What types of fish or other livestock do you keep in them? They’d both work awesome for bettas. I love the full lush look with the carpets. I tried doing them when I first got into planted tanks but never had great success. I’m sure I made a million mistakes though. Thank you! I have both Easy Green and the Thrive C and will hold off until i see deficiencies. Thank you for sharing those pics - I’m inspired!

January 17, 2023

What do you all think about liquid fertilizer in this tank? Since most plants are planted in the soil, do you think I should do a full dose, half dose, or not use it altogether? I don’t want to overdo it, but I also don’t want the plants to suffer.

I did check my potassium yesterday and I definitely have enough. I’m not sure with these active substrates if I need an all-in-one, at least over the first few months.

Thanks for your help!

lauren

January 17, 2023

On 1/17/2023 at 2:21 PM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:

I agree with you on the cube keeping. I recently started one for my Betta rescue. Cubes are pretty, easy to plant/stock and in the case of a Betta tank- heating is a lot easier- it keeps 80 degrees nicely and I think it's a good size for a single Betta.

Absolutely. This is how I feel too. Even cleaning/wc’s are a breeze compared to my 10 gallons and really, she’s totally fine and has plenty of space to move around and stay interested. So true on heating it too. The water circulates so well and the tank stays consistent all over. There’s no “dead” areas. I will probably put her bubbler in but I wanted to get her used to the filter flow since she’s been kept in a simple bare bottom with heater and bubbler for most of her life.

I have limited space and it takes up very little of since it’s a cube. Plus, I love the look!

On 1/17/2023 at 2:27 PM, Patrick_G said:

Very nice!

Check out the current sale going on at Petco. Aqueon Rimless cubes are 50% off. I own both Aqueon, UNS and Aquatop rimless tanks and in my opinion the Aqueons very close in quality to the other brands. The only difference that I can see is UNS has those neat mitered corners.

Thank you!!! I’m going to check it out!!! I always love a good sale. The shipping is what killed me on the UNS since I had to order it online. If I remember correct, it was around $50. Possibly more. I’d love to find a nice one locally. Thanks again!

On 1/17/2023 at 2:50 PM, Levi_Aquatics said:

Looks amazing! The plants look great!!

Thank you so much!! 🙏🙏 Fingers crossed! 🤞

January 17, 2023

On 1/17/2023 at 1:25 PM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:

Great variety of plants! Nice little Betta home for sure!

On 1/17/2023 at 1:19 PM, Sora said:

wow! so pretty im sure your little betta loves the upgrade 🙂

Thank you both very much! It’s a whole new world for her so it’s really fun watching her explore. And I’m super happy the tank is doing so well so far. Fingers crossed🤞 everything keeps growing and doing so well! I love these smaller cube tanks too. I’ve got another male betta coming in a few weeks so I’m planning my next tank - and will definitely do another cube. Sand this time and super low tech.

Thank you again for checking it out! I was super excited to share pics! Take care!

January 17, 2023

Hi!

I want to share my newest creation - The Puddle! It houses an adorable female betta, Penny, Ive had in a 2.5 gallon QT for quite a while - life kept getting in the way of the build.

This is a 7 gallon UNS cube tank. I have a Dennerle Eck corner filter with the Neo Therm Pro heater. The glass lid is by ADA. Light Fluval Nano Spectrum 3.0.

Most of my plants, if not all, were purchased from a few different amazing sellers on Etsy. And also used some plants from other tanks I have.

I did a 6 week fishless cycle with plenty of plants. For aquasoil, I’m using my new favorite Aquario Neo (although I do use a small amount in an older tank) but it is phenomenal. It created a massive ammonia spike initially but cycled the tank rather quickly considered I used no pre-seeded media. I wanted to start fresh with this one. I highly recommend this soil if doing a fish-less cycle. For media, I’m using a course sponge, a finer sponge, filter floss and a filter polishing pad. I use the Sera Siporax biomedia. The filter is stuffed.

I won’t need root tabs for about a year or two. I spoke with the distributor for instructions. I had been dosing NilocG Thrive C as instructed. I read the Rotala can pick up more of a reddish tone by restricting nitrates, so I’m going to cut back to half dose as an experiment to see what happens. We’ll see! If anyone has advice on whether they think I should continue dosing at a normal dose, please let me know. Nitrates sit around 15-20. My water is very soft with a Ph of 6.5. I don’t want to strip them of nutrients so any comments are appreciated.

For plants I have the following:

Crypt Wendtii Green

Crypt Wendtii Bronze

Crypt Jacobsenii (cannot wait to see this fully grown)

Crypt Nurii

Crypt Spiralis Red

Sagitarria Subulata

Anubias Nanas

Bolbitis “mini”

Rotala Rotundifolia

Anacharis (floating)

Guppy Grass (floating)

Bucphalandra’s -Kedagang, Mini Coin, Brownie Coin and one more and I have to look up the other name and I may have some names wrong. They’re all beautiful whatever species they are!

Water Sprite (floating)

I think that’s it. I use Indian almond leaves and liquid tannins in my tanks. I added 4 horned nerite snails I purchased off EBay about 3 weeks ago. Penny went in 2 days ago. She’s very happy exploring her new surroundings.

After major water changes or filter floss replacing, I am using Stability that day to be safe.as far as BB goes.

Thanks for checking it out! I’d love to hear comments!

January 17, 2023

On 11/16/2022 at 6:16 PM, glenn anthony said:

hey Lauren,

I once thought pennywort was like duck weed, bought some from the co-op and it took off some was submerged some was floating. it was growing like 1.5 leaves a day even had some extra in a bucket, I loved it big round leaves aprox, a quarter-half dollar size (i've seen some people say their leaves never get bigger than a dime, mine was practically bursting thru the lid, but I don't know waht went wrong 'cause it slowly started to melt away and die, the portion in the tank and in my little holding container/bucket

wish i knew what happened (cause i was dosing extra ferts)

Pennywort is so finicky for me. I envy you for growing nice big leaves, even if short lived. Mine aren’t even close to a dime - more like a pinky fingernail - even that’s generous! They never die, but never grow. Even when a new leaf pops up, they stay teeny.

I wish so bad that both of us could get them to thrive! And speaking of the Thrive C, it helped all of my other floaters - Water Sprite, Anacharis and my Tiger Lotus is insanely gorgeous. My other floaters benefited as well. So, I don’t know. I actually wondered if my dosing was too much so I’ve been half dosing twice a week for about a month now and my plants are doing great except the darn Pennywort!

If you figure this puzzle out, please let me know!!! 🙏🙏🙏

January 17, 2023

On 12/3/2022 at 4:31 PM, nabokovfan87 said:

I think what you have is probably pretty good. There's a few things at play here.
1. The light is above the tank (mounted) and that does things with refraction of the light. With the lid, you can also get humidity spots that block out some of the light as well.
2. Floating plants will reduce the light that gets through to the substrate too. (I can't say it specifically, but corralling the floaters to a ring or using a plant ring to keep an opening will help some of the plants at the bottom to get light).
3. Having the plants marked as each light intensity is awesome! Where they are planted, how much light is getting to them will determine how fast they grow too.

If you have a fast growing plant (high light needs) with high light and it's easy for them to access the light, then you'll have that plant in particular go pretty bonkers. Some plants are "shade plants" like anubias where they don't want to be directly under the light or they have a high risk of algae on the leaves.

Looks good. Let us know how it's doing after a month or two!

Hi! I’m sorry for the delay in responding to your reply. Thank you SO much for your help with this. My plants seem to be doing well, but my floaters are taking over big time. It’s a good thing for my betta, but I do think my sword may need more light so I’m going to set up a corral to at least group some together to give it more light.

I’m so glad I’m at least been using the light settings I need and haven’t been over or under doing it. I don’t see much algae, a bit here and there, but i also have four great employees that are on the go constantly (my horned nerites) I’ve had this same setting on another tank I built about 7 weeks ago, and that tank is doing phenomenal.

Thank you again and Happy New Year!

December 3, 2022

On 11/18/2022 at 7:26 PM, nabokovfan87 said:

Sometimes that can be an indication of PH issues (or low oxygen. If you need to add an airstone and then just verify PH. Best of luck in the future with the fish. You'll get there.

Hi,

Ok thank you so much.

I believe the tank could be infected with Fish TB. It’s only a guess but I lost 3 of my Kubotai over a matter of days. And the first jumped, so 4 in all. I’ve been so upset over this. I feel so bad because it’s only the 6 of them now in the tank - it’s 10 gallons and only tank mates are snails. They seem fine, but I realized I lost all males so now it’s 5 females and 1 male. It really stinks because I can’t add more now in case the tank is infected. And I really don’t know how I’d figure out if it’s infected. Luckily they are all doing great. They were stressed and holding tight with each other for about a week but now they are acting normal.

I have two filters, one is the Fluval Aquaclear 20 and a Dennerle Eck corner filter, so I think I’m going to move the corner filter to the opposite side of the tank to increase movement and add a bubbler. My ph stays stable and I have soft water that stays consistent. My tap has a Hydroviv filter to remove contaminate and PFAS specifically. I will go ahead and increase the oxygenation.

If anyone has experience with Fish TB, I’m open to learning more about your experiences. It must have come in on plants I did not sanitize beforehand. Unfortunately I also move floaters from one tank to another so I’m praying my bettas don’t fall ill. I do keep and always have kept equipment separate so at least I have that on my side. And I wear gloves.

I am extremely diligent with my maintenance schedule as well so it shouldn’t be water quality. Sorry to go on and on, it’s just stressful.

December 3, 2022

Hi, I have a 10 gallon planted betta tank with the Fluval Nano 3.0 and a variety of plants. I made a chart to determine the light requirements for each of my plants and most of them fall into the moderate category. This is a betta tank and eventually the surface will be covered in floating plants for my lil guy. The floaters are getting there but I often wonder if I have way too much light intensity for my plant needs.

I was curious if anyone could offer me some advice and take a look at my settings to see if they are appropriate. Also, how high up I should have the light? I have attached a screen shot of pretty much how I’ve had them running for the last 3 months plus. I do make adjustments here and there but I honestly don’t know if they make a difference. My plants are doing good.

I switched over to NilocG Thrive C all-in-one 2 weeks ago from Easy Green (because of the lower Nitrogen and higher Iron). I dose 2 times a week at 1.4ml each time with a syringe.

I’d just like to find that healthy balance. Thanks so much for your help!

p.s please don’t laugh at my failed attempt to make a sandy path. 😂. Jasper (my betta) doesn’t seem to mind.

November 19, 2022

On 11/18/2022 at 3:24 PM, nabokovfan87 said:

very sorry for your loss 😞

Thank you very much. It’s been a tough week with them. I won’t get into it too much - but one jumped while I was cleaning the outside glass about a week ago. It always makes them a little skittish and I’d just finished cleaning the tank and didn’t not have my jump guard on and he jumped and died instantly. Another I found a few mornings ago wedged behind the filter intake sponge on my Fluval HOB. I am now not sure if he fell sick as well and was swept up and ended up stuck to it or if it was yet another freak accident. I pray the tank isn’t sick. I appreciate your condolences. Sorry for the long message. 🙏🙏

On 11/18/2022 at 6:46 PM, glenn anthony said:

My condolences once again...

they are a awesome nano fish alot grighter than, say a green neon tetra, actually first time i saw some all colored up thought they were glo-fish for a moment, at the time I had never seen them.

wishin' the best for any you still have

Hi, thank you again so much. I feel like I’m losing my mind with this. We’ll see what tomorrow brings. I’m hoping it’s an isolated incident. I feel bad their number went from 10 to 7 over days. They’ve been grouped real tight so I’m thinking they are stressed and feeling vulnerable. I will buy more but the newbies will have to QT a month. SOO, just stinks. I’m glad she’s no longer suffering. I think she was a she.

Sorry for the long message although I know you don’t mind. 🙏🙏. Take care chat soon

November 18, 2022

Please disregard. She passed.

November 18, 2022

Hi,

One of my Microdevario Kubotai/green Neon Rasbora has a swim bladder problem. She’s not inflated or bloated, she actually looks very thin and flat and long. This all started last night. She’s been spending most of her time at the bottom of the tank. Rolling onto her back and trying so hard to right herself. I feel so bad.

All of the other fish look fine. I think she was probably overfed. They’ve had a new steady supply of springtails being pushed into the water by the filter. They’ve been snacking on them and this is a “new” thing. I think with the cold weather outdoors, more springtails have taken up residence in my tanks on my floaters.

I’d like to alleviate her symptoms if there is anything I can do. I know epsom salt is recommended with bettas and SBD but she is not bloated and actually looks the opposite, so I’m not sure that’s the right call. I did see on a YouTube video someone recommended dropping the water level down to reduce pressure in the tank.

Im just curious if anyone has any ideas or thoughts how I can help her. Thanks so much.

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