Aquarium Services

[tritan]

Originally Posted by Otis

If your getting much of a film on the surface you should agitate it some more. That film cuts down on your gas exchange. You need co2 but your fish need o2 more. I have one walk-in client that was losing a few fish on a regular basis because he had the return from his fluval canister set too low in the water column. I got him to move it up to agitate the surface and he hasn't lost a fish since and has also added 4 discus.

i do have both returns at the surface and it keeps two holes open at all times. The return doesn't have much left after splitting. if I run an air stone or a tube to my powerhead I can break up the scum quickly but i know if hurts the CO.

[esarkipato]

if I run an air stone or a tube to my powerhead I can break up the scum quickly but i know if hurts the CO.

I really don't think this would hurt the co2 and plants too much.

That many fert tabs seems like a lot, esp. with the "loach load" in there.

[Otis]

We have room for your fish if you want to trade them in. Be patient with crypts when moving them. They are one of the quickest to react to environmental changes and it usually doesn't mean they are dying, it means they are adapting to their new digs. People ask me all of the time to identify their crypts which is almost an impossible task unless I grew them. The same plants will vary in color and height in different tanks. Plants that come from nurseries and then through shops are generally grown emersed with the top of the plant out of the water. They are obviously going to change when dunked under water. The good news is that they adapt better to that change than plants(from nurseries) that were growing submersed already. There will always be exceptions of course.

Have you tried running your powerhead with an airline buy also putting a single valve on the end so you can adjust the airflow? Don't be too afraid of eliminating co2 at the expense of good circulation.

Tim

[tritan]

i do run the tube with valve but found it doesn't seal to good. I have to sink the tube under the water to suck up some water to completely shut off the valve from sucking in air.

I will pack up the loaches and be in on Saturday after I get done plowing snow.

[tritan]

Ok got the rummy noses in there new home , mounted the surface skimmer and will give it a try to see what happens in a few days.

What is the lilly looking plant in this photo?

[tritan]

fishvideo3-4-07002.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

tank layout above

Here is a video on the scum surface skimmer. I didn't fert this week but it seems to keep the surface rippled a bit to keep the scum from forming. Its a bit short and one of the suction cups keeps coming off because it's so stretched.

skimmer video below.

fishvideo3-4-07001.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[tritan]

http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/pro...01002400020101

Found that fluval makes the same skimmer but it looks like the same thing still to short of hose.

[C_perugiae]

I believe the lily looking plant in that photo is Nymphoides sp. "Taiwan" I think that tank was entered in one of the APA contests, maybe in 2004... I know I've seen it somewhere... and remember discussion about the placement of that plant.

[esarkipato]

Originally Posted by C_perugiae

I believe the lily looking plant in that photo is Nymphoides sp. "Taiwan" I think that tank was entered in one of the APA contests, maybe in 2004... I know I've seen it somewhere... and remember discussion about the placement of that plant.

I know I think I read the same thread....couldn't find it though. Thanks for the plant ID!

[tritan]

Sent an email to fluval and they state the only way to get the surface skimmer to stand on end like it is meant is to extend the hose. They don't make any hoses that will attach to the existing hose so he is going to send me a piece of 404 fluval hose to rig up an extension. With the skimmer after a fert wed night I have no scum. I only get the scum after ferting those tabs must let off something in the water. Now that I have found the source of the scum I wondering what I can change to maybe someday get rid of the skimmer. Lost a cherry and rummy nose this week. This is craziness but still fun to diagnose.

[RedIrocZ-28]

Hey Tim, you don't by chance have any more Crypts, Anubias, or Swords left do you? I'm finally gonna get my 60gal Cube tank up and running. In need of some plants by the weekend.

[Otis]

We still have a good selection of plants available.

[RedIrocZ-28]

I'll likely see you on Saturday then, I get out of work at 8pm M-F and I think thats your closing time right? If its 9 I may see you Thursday. I seem to be striking out in the Swap-n-Shop forum...

[tritan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5InNVJ_Ythc

check out this vertical tank.

[Otis]

I would love to install that at a client's office and hope it works