Journal of a Mad Scientist: ADA 120-P (56K warning!)

[Nightshop]

Sweet . . . very impressing.

How are the water parameters? Ammonia spiking yet?

[SuRje1976]

Thanks guys! I just tested the ammonia for the first time tonight - got close to 3ppm...more than I expected actually. I've got quite a decent plant mass in there, along with an established filter. I'll be keeping an eye on it!

[Wingsdlc]

Very nice!

I saw all the set up pictures from the NJAGC site. Nice to see the tank with some plants in it.

[jt20194]

Sergio,

I have to say your tank looks great! Thanks for keeping us all in the loop. I have been so busy lately that I haven’t had much time to do anything but look at the forum threads. I am hoping in the next couple of months to start a new tank project and will document everything when I get started on this project. Until then, I’ll enjoy threads like this and the future Scolley incarnation.

Jim

[Betowess]

Whooo! That looks fantastic. I love the beach front and driftwood/plant layout! 5 Stars for sure.

[SuRje1976]

Wingsdlc - Glad to see you got over to the NJAGC site! Joe did a great job writing up the substrate/hardscape setup.

Jim - Thanks for taking the time to post! I really intend to keep this thread updated. I'm glad you like it so far.

Bob - Whooo! Thank you. I love sitting here and looking at this tank!

[SuRje1976]

Just figured I'd post this quick update. My water was beginning to turn tea colored again, even with the carbon in the filter. I decided to throw in a bag of Purigen to see what would happen, and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed!

This is the tank yesterday, before Purigen:




This is the tank this afternoon, not even 24 hours later:





I used the exact same camera settings (white balance, EV Shift, etc.) to take both pictures. Pretty noticeable difference.

[scolley]

Your tank is looking really nice Sergio! Gonna look great as it grows in, and I really like that open foreground.

Be careful with the Purigen though. I didn't see your fert schedule, but Purigen sucks ALL kinds of stuff out of the water, including things you want I believe. That said, I've used it with great success on a new tank also. Looks great!

[Jessica]

Wow. You win.

What an inspiration. How beautiful!

[Betowess]

Sergio, Your carbon was all spent, if the tea color came back, but I'm sure you know that. I really, really like this tank. I'm about to do a re-start, and I'm having a hard time talking myself out of a sandy foreground, mainly thanks to this tank.

[wood]

Awesome setup Sergio. The automation setup you have created is very impressive, especially that "multi-injectional-probe-fert-fluxcapacitor" I have a feeling that this tank is going to develop into something truly awesome.

The only qualm that I have is the CO2 diffuser in the front right corner. Is that its permanent position or just there for setup purposes?

Great journal dude! I love it when a journal is very detailed with a lot of pictures, helps all of us learn more.

Purigen is SUPERB for water clarity. I will never use carbon ever again! Purigen is absolutely PERFECT for removing tannins. If anyone out there has tannin issues, get purigen and you will be extremely happy. It is also able to be regenerated so you don't have to keep buying new bags. The regeneration works, I have done it a handful of times with good results.

Oh, one more thing... Please post a full front shot of the tank, un-angled. You are giving me vertigo or something with all the side angled shots

Thanks for the awesome journal. Can't wait to see the next update.

-Ryan

[Ankit]

I had the same results with Purigen - check out the Purigen bag in a while and you'll see just how much it changed color.

[fresh_lynny]

Great progress Sergio! I love it! I know that with a new setup and with wood/ADA AS, you get that tannic color for a while. I used Purigen in the past with great success. I know it does take out some nutrients, but with AS and on a temporary basis you will be fine using it. Your journal and progress are an inspiration for me....
I also love your sandy beach front, but I will likely not go that route because with things so busy I can't see picking out tiny bits of as bits, fish poop and detritus. Any insight as to how difficult that particular issue is woudl be appreciated since I am still contemplating whether ot not to skip it or not.
Wow..I had more to drink than I thougt..lol

[retoid]

Wow I am super impressed with this tank and your knowledge!
You are a big inspiration. Looks like you are having alot of fun with this.

[SuRje1976]

Steve - Thanks! I've heard that about Purigen too. I'm going to keep up on dosing and check macros in a few days. It will only be in there for another 2 weeks or so.

Jessica -

Bob - The sandy foreground is great! It has proven to be a bit of work so far though. Almost broke the garbage disposal siphoning Aquasoil from the sand! Would I do it again? Yup!

Ryan - I'll make sure the next tank picture I post is head on! As far as the CO2 diffuser - I'll be putting another filter on the tank in a few weeks. It's placement will be based on the water flow. I'm not sure where it will wind up yet. It does have to go in a corner though!

Ankit - I'm going to take the Purigen bag out in 2 weeks or so - I'll post a before and after picture of it...

Lynn - I think once the planting is done and things are allowed to settle it isn't much work at all. If you have bottom dwellers, it might be a different story. You can use your hardscape as a "barrier" as well. Well worth it to me, but aesthetics are subjective.

retoid - Thank you! I'm having TOO MUCH fun - it should be illegal...