my 4x2x2 planted tank

[macdreamy]

nice scape, Edwin

wasn't as bad as u made it sound

now waiting to see your brother latest project

cheers

[o2bubble]

Bro Edwin, I combated green dust algae before and finds that by adding more phosphate (til the level recommended by EI method, I think its 0.1 to 0.2 ppm) will reduce green dust almost completely. Maybe can you can try this.

[wynx]

Bro Edwin, I combated green dust algae before and finds that by adding more phosphate (til the level recommended by EI method, I think its 0.1 to 0.2 ppm) will reduce green dust almost completely. Maybe can you can try this.

Thanks, dude. This morning I added 20ml of seachem phosphate into my tank. That should be bring up my phosphate level to 0.2ppm. I last measured on sunday, it was 0ppm. So we shall see tonight when I get back home

[o2bubble]

Not sure if it's your test kit expired? I recently found out after a few tries that my GH test kit expired and failed to work. seachem phosphate is quite diluted and you may have to add alot.. so quite costly. I used the power type I think its potassium phosphate bought from NA. Just a little of it can raise phosphate level alot.

[wynx]

The latest update...



The green dust algae seems to be wearing off after dosing excel phosphate...of course, I did a 70% water change just the other day, making sure to remove the green dust algae on the glass surface with credit card followed by tissue paper. It seems to be not coming back as it did a couple of weeks ago.

[Droicut]

Hi bro, your tank really very inspirational... makes me envious and want to have something like this too!

Just curious, what are your specificationss for the tank?

[wynx]

Hi bro, your tank really very inspirational... makes me envious and want to have something like this too!

Just curious, what are your specificationss for the tank?

My tank is still far from my scape that I desire. I wanted a more open foreground with a lush growth in my back, better background plants...but I have not been successful in that measure, since my e.tenellus grew like wild fire and covered up my foreground and my background plants (vallisneria, etc) grew too long and I ripped it all out. So hence my background is abit bare now. Will work on that

[Wabi-Sabi]

Hi Wynx, you tank is beautiful with thick and healthy looking plants. With such good plant mass that is so vibrant, it is a pity that you are still facing green dust issue for a year old tank. By now, it should have reached equilibrium for all things unless something was upset along the way.

Share with you my experience in combating green dust algae which may not be relevant to you now as I can see that you have a slight edge over GDA after dosing phosphate.

I had GDA problem in my 4ft for half a year and it was really a nuisance. Finally i had had enough of it and decided one day to work hard for the next 3 days by using 'brutal force'..Yes, i was turning violence against GDA:-

To begin with, I almost emptied the water in the tank (with allowance for the struggling fish) and wipe off the layer of green film on the glass with a wet tissue. There is no point to wipe it off while the tank is with water as the green pores will continue to circulate in the water column; such doing merely shift location for it and it will get a hang on the glass in no time. '

Next, I refilled water to the brim and waited for an hour. The purpose of the waiting is for the remaining green pores to distribute themselves evenly in the full tank water.

Then, I repeated the procedure one more time and also continued the laborious chore for the next 3 days. I also added a UV for good measures plus a good scrub of the filter.

Finally, I increased CO2 and dose enough fertiliser and observed.

I have not seen GDA since .

[wynx]

Here's how it is looking after I did some work on the background...added 2 x fans to bring temp down to about 28 degree celsius.

[wynx]

Another shot. This one taken with a higher iso and without flash.

[lorba]

Edwin,

i think you should have more wood to bring up the height of mid ground?

The in/output can put closer to the sides to be concealed. The hose of the input should be thrown to the darker corner. Right now, i think its under the glare of the light and appear very 'outstanding'?

If you want stem plants, then do put more in cluster. I feel that the 1-2 stems of different species + many variety of fishes make the tank looks too busy.

Balloon rams belong to your wife ah? hehe

[wynx]

lorba,

yup, the balloon rams belong to my wife. I am of the though that my background has much work to be done. Maybe can get more driftwood from you... can view at your clementi HQ?

[lorba]

Sure.

Maybe go for gratiola for easy red stem.

[barmby]

I feel that the 1-2 stems of different species + many variety of fishes make the tank looks too busy.

I can't agree more on this statement..

[wynx]

tank is 5 months shy of 2 years...so here goes...

[WiNd08]

looks great now! would prefer the back to be more "filled" though.

some reds will make the tank more colorful, maybe you'd like to add some red stemmed plants !

[wynx]

looks great now! would prefer the back to be more "filled" though.

some reds will make the tank more colorful, maybe you'd like to add some red stemmed plants !

Everyone says red plants..but seriously, can't you see those tiger lotus in the right hand side? Anyway, this tank is scheduled for a rescape, I believe. Hoping to go minimalistic.

[blue33]

Go for Iwagumi then...

[vinz]

One tendency I noticed I have when setting up large tanks is to use too many species of plants. I find it difficult to create a cohesive layout. The lesson I learnt is to resist the temptation to fill the tanks with too many species of plants. Instead, create large groupings of a few species of plants.

[wynx]

One tendency I noticed I have when setting up large tanks is to use too many species of plants. I find it difficult to create a cohesive layout. The lesson I learnt is to resist the temptation to fill the tanks with too many species of plants. Instead, create large groupings of a few species of plants.

Vinz, well said. I really gotta be careful with my next scape. Definitely no tennellus, for it grows too fast for my liking.