A newbie's few questions

[kradeij]

Hi all,

I am in the process of setting up a shrimpie tank and hope that the bros here can provide some help with a few queries.

1) My hairgrass seems to be yellowing instead of the lush green that i see in some of the picts ard here. What could be the possible problems?

2) My 1 yr+ JEBO filter is making unbearable noise. Aim to get a new filter after CNY (with the Ang Pow $$$). Can recommend a suitable filter for my tank (59cm x 29 x 33). Bearing in mind that I am a poor student so my budget for the filter is $40.

3) My Taiwan Moss is growing fine but my Xmas Moss seems to be growing rather slowly. Was thinking of adding some liquid fert on top of the Seachem Flourish which I am using currently. Am considering Seachem NPK and Lushgro Aqua. Which one is more suitable given that my tank is intended to b a low maintenance tank and that the fert is just to boost growth temporary.

4) Wanted to buy Cherry Shrimps but read that Yamatoes would bully them. My question is, would it be fine to add in some cherries now or shd i hold out till the moss in my tank grows thicker?

Thanks in advance to all who can help me.


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Tank Dimensions: 59cm x 29 x 33

Lighting Intensity: 18W
Number and type of Lighting: 1 x FL (Philips cool daylight)
Age of light bulbs : 1yr +
No. of hours your lights are on : 8

Type of CO2 : DIY via diffusor (unable to provide bubble count)


Liquid fertilisers Used : Seachem Flourish
Fertilization regime (Frequency and amount per dose) : 1-2 ml 2 times weekly


Type of Filter : JEBO 503 hang-on filter
When was the filter last washed :
Filter media used : sponge and bio-ceramic rings


Age of setup : 1 mths+ since last major redo

Water change frequency : once mthly
Amount changed : 30-40%

Water surface movement :Gentle
Circulation : None

Tank Temperature : 25-27 degrees depending on weather, using 2x DIY CPU fans



Bioload (Number and type of fish and plants)
------------------------------------------
10+ Yamatos Shrimps
2 x Otos
Hairgrass
Taiwan Moss
Xmas Moss

[michael lai]

Hi Kradeij,
Welcome to the club,
1) Your lighting is not enough for the hairgrass, propose you add another 18 or change to a PL
2) For $40 buck, you can go for internal filter or wait, alot of ppl will upgrade during New year check out the market segment. You might just find what you need.
3) Taiwan moss is more accomodating, your temperature is too high for other moss, propose you get a fan. Don't think its your ferts.
Hope the info helps.
PS: light bulb changing time, 1 year is long overdue. Try Seachem Excel 'more' for your setup.

[kradeij]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the advice. Just read in the equipment section that the lightbulb i am using (Philips cool daylight 18w) is actually a PL light. So could the yellowing hairgrass b due to nutrient deficiency?

I will go buy a new lightbulb soon, its definitely way overdue.

Once again, thanks for the advice!

[michael lai]

Hi Kradeij,
First change the tube and see the difference. I'm quite sure your mystery will unravel there. We are always here to help so if in doubt don't worry just ask.. Happy CNY

[bclee]

Yes... your lights is definitely insufficient. Go for 2x15W FL or 1x36W PL. You may want to check out Nature Aquarium @ Belestier.

An internal filter should do the trick for that budget.

BC

[|squee|]

Top up ten bucks and you can get the Atman 3335. Otherwise a small internal filter will do great for circulation of water (essential to moss and hairgrass).

You're using a hang-on filter. The splashing of water made by the hang-on will render your DIY CO2 useless. Change your filter and you should see improvement.

I'd get the Seachem Nitrogen/Potassium/Phosphorous since it's easier to find and dose, just follow instructions. Continue with your Seachem Flourish too. Make sure your DIY CO2 is good and regularly renewed and your plants should be growing well.

Lastly, welcome to AQ!

[kradeij]

Thanks squee,

Guess I will go down C328 and get the fert and filter after CNY. Any idea whether they selling the Atman 3335?

Thanks for the advice, squee and michael. Wish u both a happy CNY in advance!

[|squee|]

Happy new year dude.

c328 should sell, or the shops near it should also. But I heard the Atman series is getting obsolete, so you might want to consider another brand known as Jebo/Jebao. Talking to the LFS owners helps.

Nature Aquarium was where I bought my Atman 3335.

[kradeij]

Went down to C328 today and bought an Eheim 2208 for $48 and a Magnum II 55W PL light for $38. There goes my Ang Pow $$$.

Anyway, is 55W too much for my tank? Do I have to switch to a lower wattage PL tube?

[|squee|]

Nope, I myself use 72W on your exact dimensions of tank.

[michael lai]

Went down to C328 today and bought an Eheim 2208 for $48 and a Magnum II 55W PL light for $38. There goes my Ang Pow $$$.

Anyway, is 55W too much for my tank? Do I have to switch to a lower wattage PL tube?

Hi Kradeij, the ehiem 2008 is an excellent choice, value for money for that design. Have fun.

[kradeij]

Sure am having lots of fun! The tank is on my desk so am looking at it almost every minute I am in my room!

Anyway am thinking of getting some tall plants to cover the filter from sight. Any suggestions?