LJ's 75 gallon Walstad inspired planted tank

[Lamental Jester]

Yes, it will help release the ammonia, as well as letting the mineralizing process start earlier... And like what pbmax says, it'll help the water be less murky when you fill it up. Good luck lars on! A couple things to mention: If you're gonna use any filters, remove the carbon... and make sure you heavily plant the tank, the more plants, the better

 

[fishloverRon]

Jester,
Definitely a great tutorial. Thanks! And I'm wishing you continued success!

 

[BillHN]

Nub question, but why remove the carbon?

 

[pbmax]

In my experience carbon filtration is an unnecessary expense and requires regular maintenance. Plus it can remove stuff that plans crave.

This page has some good information on the subject:

http://www.yamatogreen.com/ActivatedCarbon.htm

 

[BillHN]

So I should replace my GAN with Fairfield Poly-Fil Premium Polyester Fiber, White, 1 Bag, 12-Ounce?
Found that on amazon for like 7 bucks.

 

[Lamental Jester]

Once again pbmax, you are correct. Activated carbon is usually not a good idea for planted tanks.

But I suppose as long as you supply plenty of Brawndo you'd be all set :woot:

 

[pbmax]

But I suppose as long as you supply plenty of Brawndo you'd be all set :woot:

I was hoping someone would catch that reference. I, for one, make sure my plants have plenty of electrolytes.

 

[Lamental Jester]

I was hoping someone would catch that reference. I, for one, make sure my plants have plenty of electrolytes.

Yeah, what do all those suckers out there use... water? Like from the toilet? Ha!


PS- this message officially changes my status from Newbie to Regular... damn I rule

 

[pbmax]

Hahaha, I need to watch that one again.

 

[pbmax]

So I should replace my GAN with Fairfield Poly-Fil Premium Polyester Fiber, White, 1 Bag, 12-Ounce?
Found that on amazon for like 7 bucks.

Anything that will filter will get the job done. I've used quilt batting in the past - cheap and effective, though it doesn't last forever. These days I use mostly sponge filters from Swiss Tropicals - low maintenance, great bio filtration, and quite durable.

 

[Lamental Jester]

<-------- Picturing unknowing people googling "Brawndo" to buy for their tanks :laughhard:

 

[pbmax]

It would do everyone some good to watch that movie, I think.

Please keep posting photos of your tank! It's looking fantastic so far.

 

[BillHN]

It would do everyone some good to watch that movie, I think.

Please keep posting photos of your tank! It's looking fantastic so far.

^ I second that, I'm making a miniature off of what you just posted man so keep on posting the results xD

 

[Lamental Jester]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments! I'll try to get some pics this weekend, but until then, here's Data shooting some craps:

You're welcome

 

[Lamental Jester]

Took some pics today... growth is doing good, although, I did give up on the HC

The rainbows schooling up:

Rainbow Shark:

And because I've seen a few mentions around the forums, thought I'd snap a pic of my legos, this is how I have my LED night light hooked up:

I've had an outbreak of snails, not sure where they came from as I got my plants from various sources. So far they're not a problem, but if it becomes a problem I'll get some assassin snails to take care of it

 

[lars on]

So...jealous! Your tank looks incredible!!

 

[PokeSephiroth]

..........words cannot express how beautiful that tank looks Lamental Jester!

 

[pbmax]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments! I'll try to get some pics this weekend, but until then, here's Data shooting some craps:

You're welcome

Nice. :cheers:

Took some pics today... growth is doing good, although, I did give up on the HC

I've had an outbreak of snails, not sure where they came from as I got my plants from various sources. So far they're not a problem, but if it becomes a problem I'll get some assassin snails to take care of it

Looks great!

I'm very much of the opinion that snails aren't a problem at all. I added red rams on purpose to spiff up the color in my tanks. They largely outcompete my bladder snails, so that worked. Keep the food reasonable and your snails will stay in check.

 

[Lamental Jester]

I'm very much of the opinion that snails aren't a problem at all. I added red rams on purpose to spiff up the color in my tanks. They largely outcompete my bladder snails, so that worked. Keep the food reasonable and your snails will stay in check.

I like the snails too, and they don't seem to be hurting my plants at the moment, but I just don't want them to overwhelm my tank. In terms of food I've been intentionally overfeeding the tank to provide more waste for the plants, but I may decrease the food. If I do get assassins, I'll only get a few, only to control population

 

[pbmax]

I like the snails too, and they don't seem to be hurting my plants at the moment, but I just don't want them to overwhelm my tank. In terms of food I've been intentionally overfeeding the tank to provide more waste for the plants, but I may decrease the food. If I do get assassins, I'll only get a few, only to control population

My assassin tank looks like a bone yard I have a ton of them with eggs everywhere, and yet there are still MTS and red rams in the tank (though very few).

Snails will notify you of any plant nutrient deficiencies by munching little holes all over your plants. If they're strong and robust with no deficiencies then you'll be fine. I have tanks on both sides of this fence and with different plants doing great and awful in the same tank.