Learning towards a new hobby - Small Slow Steady and Low

[bogeh711]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new and keen into picking up shrimping after poisoned by the many photos of shrimps after bumping into AQ forum out of nowhere. Been fascinated by the nano-sized and varieties of colors.

Truth to be told, i've been lurking in AQ and AF forums for the last 2 months reading up threads and articles, absorption rate has been slow and its time to learn it, practically. I hope the gurus here can enlighten me with some queries, perhaps i still hadn't read enough...

So paycheck comes, hands itches and i jumped into C328 and grab whatever i need, randomly under preference(if you get my drift), Haahs!
i'm wanting to start small, slow, steady and low before i moved unto the challenging, cherries first on room temp before dreaming...

Stuffs i grabbed from C328:
Gex Glassterior 300
Gex Red substrate 2x2kg
Mosura Old Sea Mud
Gex Corner Power F1 filter with 2x replacement media - need nettings
Gex 1000sb air pump
Gex S thermometer
Oceanfree New Water something - for de-chlorinate tap water
Sera test kit - PH, Nitrate and Ammonia
Plants - eleocharis mini(for grass-like feel) and raccia(carpetting) dumb move, my tank is still dry...

Stuffs recycled from friends:
Clip-on tube lamp (1/2ft), going to DIY 1ft LED stripes soon
2x boyu small fans
1 long piece of dried wood(from friend's aquarium, unknown type) unsure if i can just break them into smaller pieces.

Stuffs to addon:
ANS tank mat - anyone knows where to grab?
Oyama paper or maybe go Daiso buy those colorful Felts to stick on
Gex UGF snap on kits - can't find anywhere
Some aqua rocks - suggestions?

1. Is there any crucial or essential items i've missed out from the list above?

2. I've search, but can't seems to find answer for this, on how to control the growth of carpeting plants. Example, i want to create a sandy path from back to front in the middle, will laying a path of normal sand or colored sands on the substrate prevent the plants from growing over? Or should i replace the desired path's depth filled with sand?

3. Creating a slope, will low foam blocks helps? or simply top with substrate only?
I feel like will waste the sea mud under the foam block...

4. Should i replace the Gex corner power medium with just wools and mini CRs instead?

5. Lastly, any thoughts on Gex Mega Power 2045 filter(mini canister)? Feel like ordering from taobao, can't find in SG Lfs... I like the look and shape, the uniformity of 20cm fits my tank...

Sorry for my first yet lengthy post, need to minimize damages to wallet as i was advised by friends on the cost involves...

Thanks in advance!

[wongce]

What shrimp you intend to keep? since you already lurk around, you should know there are a lot of nice but demanding shrimps out there.

Your tank is a bit small, i would recommend at least a 2feet tank to house shrimps so you have easier life controling the water parameters. however, since you already buy, just use it.

Plants : are you saying RICCIA?? i can sense disaster in making...lol

Tank Mat, there is no need to go for branded mat, a simple polyfoam will do the same job nicely
Oyama, sold is almost all LFS:- black looks nicer when you have shrimps
UGF, undergound filter? we normally do not use UGF for planted and shrimps...UGF will drain the soil nutrients fast
Rocks, not all rocks are neutral in PH, do a simple soak/vinegar test to check, some rocks will raise GH and cause shrimps to have molting problems

1) things you left out:- biomedia, plan for scape, refer to my blog http://adf.ly/4253880/starting-new-tank
2)sand can't stop hair grass from creeping...stones/ manual removal might help
3)you can use ceramic rings in bags, refer to my blog
4) depend on individual, whether you can stuff in the media/wool.
5)you can use canister like eden 501 as alternative.

Lastly, Post PICTURES when you scape....hehe

[limz_777]

Gex Mega Power 2045 does look nice , but prefer powerhead to be external as local weather sometimes already quite hot , this month still ok

[Naraki]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new and keen into picking up shrimping after poisoned by the many photos of shrimps after bumping into AQ forum out of nowhere. Been fascinated by the nano-sized and varieties of colors.

Truth to be told, i've been lurking in AQ and AF forums for the last 2 months reading up threads and articles, absorption rate has been slow and its time to learn it, practically. I hope the gurus here can enlighten me with some queries, perhaps i still hadn't read enough...

So paycheck comes, hands itches and i jumped into C328 and grab whatever i need, randomly under preference(if you get my drift), Haahs!
i'm wanting to start small, slow, steady and low before i moved unto the challenging, cherries first on room temp before dreaming...

Stuffs i grabbed from C328:
Gex Glassterior 300
Gex Red substrate 2x2kg
Mosura Old Sea Mud
Gex Corner Power F1 filter with 2x replacement media - need nettings
Gex 1000sb air pump
Gex S thermometer
Oceanfree New Water something - for de-chlorinate tap water
Sera test kit - PH, Nitrate and Ammonia
Plants - eleocharis mini(for grass-like feel) and raccia(carpetting) dumb move, my tank is still dry...

Stuffs recycled from friends:
Clip-on tube lamp (1/2ft), going to DIY 1ft LED stripes soon
2x boyu small fans
1 long piece of dried wood(from friend's aquarium, unknown type) unsure if i can just break them into smaller pieces.

Stuffs to addon:
ANS tank mat - anyone knows where to grab?
Oyama paper or maybe go Daiso buy those colorful Felts to stick on
Gex UGF snap on kits - can't find anywhere
Some aqua rocks - suggestions? Kurokinyru and Seiryu rock! I liked how these two rocks "merge" together. On a side note. Seiryu will raise PH

1. Is there any crucial or essential items i've missed out from the list above?

2. I've search, but can't seems to find answer for this, on how to control the growth of carpeting plants. Example, i want to create a sandy path from back to front in the middle, will laying a path of normal sand or colored sands on the substrate prevent the plants from growing over? Or should i replace the desired path's depth filled with sand?

3. Creating a slope, will low foam blocks helps? or simply top with substrate only?
I feel like will waste the sea mud under the foam block...

4. Should i replace the Gex corner power medium with just wools and mini CRs instead?

5. Lastly, any thoughts on Gex Mega Power 2045 filter(mini canister)? Feel like ordering from taobao, can't find in SG Lfs... I like the look and shape, the uniformity of 20cm fits my tank...

Sorry for my first yet lengthy post, need to minimize damages to wallet as i was advised by friends on the cost involves...

Thanks in advance!

What shrimp you intend to keep? since you already lurk around, you should know there are a lot of nice but demanding shrimps out there.

Your tank is a bit small, i would recommend at least a 2feet tank to house shrimps so you have easier life controling the water parameters. however, since you already buy, just use it.

Plants : are you saying RICCIA?? i can sense disaster in making...lol

Tank Mat, there is no need to go for branded mat, a simple polyfoam will do the same job nicely
Oyama, sold is almost all LFS:- black looks nicer when you have shrimps
UGF, undergound filter? we normally do not use UGF for planted and shrimps...UGF will drain the soil nutrients fast
Rocks, not all rocks are neutral in PH, do a simple soak/vinegar test to check, some rocks will raise GH and cause shrimps to have molting problems

1) things you left out:- biomedia, plan for scape, refer to my blog http://adf.ly/4253880/starting-new-tank
2)sand can't stop hair grass from creeping...stones/ manual removal might help
3)you can use ceramic rings in bags, refer to my blog
4) depend on individual, whether you can stuff in the media/wool.
5)you can use canister like eden 501(+1)It is extremely silent. as alternative.

Lastly, Post PICTURES when you scape....hehe

Be sure to boil the wood you got from your friend. In case to eliminate any uninvited guest.

[Navanod]

Firstly, concentrate on the shrimps OR on scaping and plants. Trying to get both to flourish in the same tank is something even the seasoned hobbyists may not be able to pull off.

Take the time to cycle your tank. Read up about fishless cycling.

I know of 2 types of rocks that does not affect GH/KH; Lava rocks and Yamaya stones. If you are not sure, drip some white vinegar on the rock and see if it fizzles.

[alvinchan80]

Firstly, concentrate on the shrimps OR on scaping and plants. Trying to get both to flourish in the same tank is something even the seasoned hobbyists may not be able to pull off.

Take the time to cycle your tank. Read up about fishless cycling.

I know of 2 types of rocks that does not affect GH/KH; Lava rocks and Yamaya stones. If you are not sure, drip some white vinegar on the rock and see if it fizzles.

Sounds like we been there, done that bro Nav... Hahahaha...

I do agree with Nav... But if you want to give it a try, go ahead.. If it fails, just choose the right 'path' again.. Don't give up, it's a fun hobby once you gotten the hang of it..

[bogeh711]

Thanks guys for the push! Needed the positive response to step on .

@wongce - hehe, intend to have 4-6 1ft/2ft tanks... Timeline starting each tank with the easy red/yellow cherries, rilis, tigers, bees and lastly, crs/cbs dreaming of sulawesi... I'm going overboard...
In fact, your blog is one of the poison i've been reading... Visited all first 6 LFS in ur recommendation except G.Emerald.
Small tank for a start, going for 2ft once confidence builds.
Riccia... If bad just pass to my friend with 2ft and fishes, wanted glosso initially, can't see at C328
Tank mat and oyama for simply visual aesthetics as its gonna stay on my desk. I can pass them first.
CR not biomedia? Any idea whats the smallest size?
Will try grab some pics once i start flooding it .

@limz_777 - point noted. Thanks for the advice. Yup its the looks that draws me, other filter looks too... Mechanical

@Naraki - point noted. Thanks for the advice. Hope my mum don't misunderstood i'm brewing TCM medicine... Hehe

@Navanod - point noted. Thanks for the advice. I'm trying shrimps first, but felt that may need a little greens for the shrimps to nibble and a little rocks for them to hide. Interested to get the kurokinryu or ohko rocks. Saw on Mizuworld, wonder if I order, the rocks will be nice or not.
Planning 2-3 weeks slow cycling.

@alvinchan80 - thanks for the encouragement. Photos of your shrimpies float across my iPad every couple of day too . Bet i'd need a long time to reach you guy's level.

[bogeh711]

@wongce - btw i just saw the photos of Aquarama2013 on your blog... YES, img_5013.jpg is exactly the kinda scape i had in mind, albeit the nano version...

[wongce]

Thanks guys for the push! Needed the positive response to step on .

@wongce - hehe, intend to have 4-6 1ft/2ft tanks... Timeline starting each tank with the easy red/yellow cherries, rilis, tigers, bees and lastly, crs/cbs dreaming of sulawesi... I'm going overboard...
In fact, your blog is one of the poison i've been reading... Visited all first 6 LFS in ur recommendation except G.Emerald.
Small tank for a start, going for 2ft once confidence builds.
Riccia... If bad just pass to my friend with 2ft and fishes, wanted glosso initially, can't see at C328
Tank mat and oyama for simply visual aesthetics as its gonna stay on my desk. I can pass them first.
CR not biomedia? Any idea whats the smallest size?
Will try grab some pics once i start flooding it .

@limz_777 - point noted. Thanks for the advice. Yup its the looks that draws me, other filter looks too... Mechanical

@Naraki - point noted. Thanks for the advice. Hope my mum don't misunderstood i'm brewing TCM medicine... Hehe

@Navanod - point noted. Thanks for the advice. I'm trying shrimps first, but felt that may need a little greens for the shrimps to nibble and a little rocks for them to hide. Interested to get the kurokinryu or ohko rocks. Saw on Mizuworld, wonder if I order, the rocks will be nice or not.
Planning 2-3 weeks slow cycling.

@alvinchan80 - thanks for the encouragement. Photos of your shrimpies float across my iPad every couple of day too . Bet i'd need a long time to reach you guy's level.

Shrimps are big commitments, they are small and demanding... but nice to see...hehe
Last Friday still have 1 pack of gloss left at c328..maybe sold off already...haha
CR is biomedia, but there are different grade and characteristics, at least try out those ANS/Mr aqua ones.. try to get those porous types. those solid types act as mechanical filter..
tank mat:- seldom see at LFS, you may have better luck asking the lfs auntie or get it online from online shops.

nano version of not easy.. but well...nobody is stopping you...lol... HAVE FUN!!!!

[Naraki]

@Navanod - point noted. Thanks for the advice. I'm trying shrimps first, but felt that may need a little greens for the shrimps to nibble and a little rocks for them to hide. Interested to get the kurokinryu or ohko rocks. Saw on Mizuworld, wonder if I order, the rocks will be nice or not.
Planning 2-3 weeks slow cycling.

I have ordered some Kurokinryu and Seiryu from mizuworld. Expected to arrive by today. I have them in my Planted shrimp tank too. They looked much mature with all the algae grown on them. I'll try to get some pictures tonight

[sootz]

My tank is here: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...n-study-table-)

If I'm to start all over again, I would buy the following to start:
- the same tank (It is slim and long and not tall and I can put on my study table)
- different substrate (the soil, I don't know, maybe other brands are better...)
- different filter (the pump and the inlet although kept at a side, cannot be hidden...)
- biohome plus to put in the filter
- mosura Old Sea Mud, BT9, TonicPro, ExcelFlakes, SpecialityFood (These stuff are good for me, from my experience)
- a different lighting for the tank (Something hang on like public lamp post?, rather than 'put' on to the side holders kind like mine)
- Seachem Prime for tap water conditioner
- pH meter (And use it properly this time round lol)
- a 1ml syringe from some pharmacy (Got mine at Guardian for SGD$0.25)
- 10-15 rili/sakura/cherry shrimps to start (Cheap ones, 5 for $8 kind)
- Some java moss on something
- Frogbit (Floating plant, very nice, low maintenance, can help with nitrate removal, shrimps like floating plants, I think)
- Ketapang leaves ($1 packet, cannot put too many though)
- No Planaria powder (Kill hydra and a lot of other creepy crawlies, shrimps not affected, though you can't keep snails in the tank though)

Stuff I would buy after tank is stable:
- Fertilizer for plants (Borneowild Lush + EssenceK + Ferrum)
- Driftwood with plant or Rock (After that you can go into aquascaping)
- more plants (If you like)
- more shrimps

things I won't buy again:
- Water lettuce (Frogbit better, water lettuce too big, roots not nice, and they drop seeds into substrate...)
- shrimp food + 'potions' for shrimps from other brands
- pH up/down stuff (Threw away 1 bottle 1 day after I bought it, C328 auntie told me ketapang leaf or driftwood, the noob <- me didn't listen, bought the bottle :P)
- mineral rocks, mineral balls etc (Good-to-have stuff but not essential I think)

[sootz]

oh all the above can be found at C328 except the No-Planaria powder, if you can't find, just ask uncle. There were lots of stuff I couldn't find until he pointed out to me.

I buy rili shrimps from petmart in Serangoon North though. Their rilis look more nice than C328 (my opinion)

[bogeh711]

@Naraki - cool, waiting for some pics, can share how the rocks look like when delivered before in tank?

@sootz - Yeah, like the tank too initially, its Gex Deskboy 600 if i'm not wrong. Wanting that initially because of the white frames, but i don't like multiple setups with various different sizes. Prefer Glassterior 300 and 600slim because these 2 have similar width and height.
Filter wise, i'm interested in Gex Megapower 2045 cause it looks nice as a desk piece. I don't like HOF or OHF too... Looks unsightly.
The lamp can look at UP lamps, try find in Mizuworld > light sets have a few selection looks nice, clip on single lamp bulb.
Haha, i need some moss and frogbits too... Seems i may have gotten wrong plant Riccia... Surprisingly, without tank(still in the coleslaw tub) they are still healthy and very green after 2 days, i just top tap water.

[sootz]

ahhh so my tank is Gex Deskboy 600 lol thanks! I'm pretty sure when I bought the tank, the labeling on it was for Slim 600 but the dimension is different from what I measure lol

The only bad thing about this tank is there is no depth (as in the width is only 17cm), if in the future (like me) you are interested to do some aquascaping stuff, you can't do much about depth The driftwood I bought from C328 already filled up like half the tank...

[Ingen]

Maybe off topic, do you get to choose the rocks at Mizuworld or just click the number of quantities and hope for the best?

[Naraki]

@Naraki - cool, waiting for some pics, can share how the rocks look like when delivered before in tank?

Yeah,Sure. Hopefully it is delivered by tonight.

Maybe off topic, do you get to choose the rocks at Mizuworld or just click the number of quantities and hope for the best?

Can't choose. There will be a remark box where you can request for specific size or shape.

[Ingen]

I see, look forward to see your rocks soon

[wongce]

Can't choose. There will be a remark box where you can request for specific size or shape.

There is once a AQ member complained the rocks from mizuworld is not real ADA rocks, there are orange veins in it.

if not mistaken, Japan Banned export of these precious natural stones/rocks.

http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...okinryu-Stones

Disclaimer:- I am not against anyone or shop, just shared what i know....

[felix_fx2]

that member quit hobby already, due to ns i think.

not all rocks are composed the same exact way, online seldom can choose. what you see nuce shape may look plain jane to others

[Naraki]

I see, look forward to see your rocks soon

Package not here yet. Tomorrow i guess :P

There is once a AQ member complained the rocks from mizuworld is not real ADA rocks, there are orange veins in it.

if not mistaken, Japan Banned export of these precious natural stones/rocks.

http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...okinryu-Stones

Disclaimer:- I am not against anyone or shop, just shared what i know....

Yep, I have found that thread while searching for "kurokinryu"
But all i have to say is that. I got what i want. A stone which raises PH and have what the real seiryu stone descriptions, the calcite veins and crevices.
http://www.redcherryshrimp.net/hardscape/seiryu-stones/

that member quit hobby already, due to ns i think.

not all rocks are composed the same exact way, online seldom can choose. what you see nuce shape may look plain jane to others

Praying hard this batch of orders i made will be good. Ordered 2 seiryu


But it shows that it is seiryu that is banned from importing. Does kurokinryu applies ?