1st Month into the hobby

[Timothy Tan]

It is the one month anniversary of my inception into the hobby and what a month it has been:

(1) massive algae blooms: BBA, Hair, Thread etc
(2) dying shrimps
(3) substrate problems
(4) landscaping errors
(5) moss eating SAEs
(6) melting crypts
and so on so forth.

The tank has survived and looking better. Its fully cycled and the algae is now under some control. I have replaced some of the mosses that have been ravaged by hair algae, BBA and the SAEs with flame moss and riccia on rocks. Will soon be taking out the rapaging calombas and replacing them with vals and swords. And MAYBE, just maybe, I would get the aquarium that I want.


PS Remind me to read manuals and do research before jumping headlong into something new......

[Ian Lim]

It is the challenge that keeps this hobby alive, so far I have still not got it right for my planted tank since I started years ago, my tank is in the balcony that is taking direct sunlight in the morning and it is very difficult to keep it algae free and I am learning everyday. Take it all and Enjoy it.

[beetlejuice403]

Same here... still learning (from personal hands-on experience & from the friendly bros in AQ sharing their knowledge with the rest) in this hobby...

Guess it's this learning process where we cultivate our observation skills, patience & determination. If one were to give up just because of facing such problems (green water, algae/ bacteria bloom, faunas' death etc...), the final winner will most probably be the owners of LFSs [Sorry, only intended at those $$$-minded LFSs owners... I do know of some responsible LFSs owners that do really care about the faunas/ floras that they are selling to their customers...]

Cheers!!

[torque6]

Congratulations! For if you hadn't faced this problems as a beginner, then you're probably in the wrong hobby.
Me celebrating 6th anniversary (not month, but year, OK!) and am still not immune to these, hor.

At least you are on the right track. Same, im still figuring out "balance" to promote plant growth and eliminate algae.

[Verminator]

I think we all would benefit from having Grand master Jervis aquatic brain haha

[Timothy Tan]

Well I am off to Goldfish lane tonight to get some more Vals to replace the Cabombas... I am trying to lawn my tank with Babytears but they are always floating out of the substrate, or getting dig up by my SAEs. What is another good foreground plant? I want something for frys to hide in. Think one of my malayan shrimps is about to hatch its eggs.

[jacian]

If for the frys, moss will be a good choice.

[Timothy Tan]

month 2:

Getting better but still suffering hair algae problems. Stem plants are still very unruly. Will give it another 2 months, and I'll probably re-scape. In the meantime, I will try to get more experience on the different type of plants and fauna before the big re-scaping.

[cyclops]

Can try to use excel to curb the BBA. Hope this info is useful to you.