Fish tank experts needed

[Minerva]

Originally posted by: alien42
best base for live plants - about 1/2 inch 100% clay kitty litter with about 1/4 inch layer of play sand on top.

Be careful with the kitty litter. Not all are simple zeolite. The crystal ones are actually silica gel with cobalt chloride treated indicators. Not something one would want IN the water column. However if one was using O3 it would make a good rechargeable dessicator.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: alien42
best base for live plants - about 1/2 inch 100% clay kitty litter with about 1/4 inch layer of play sand on top.

Agreed with Minerva, be careful with that.

There are many good choices if you look around on a fish aquatic plant forums, such as ADA Aquasoil available at adgshop.com. A lot of their stuff is arguable overpriced so keep that in mind, but their substrate is pretty good. If you order a decent size from them, it's easy to get discounts so keep that in mind.

Plantedtank.net, aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc, and aquahobby.com are all good sites for reference.

 

[Accipiter22]

Originally posted by: JMWarren

Originally posted by: Accipiter22

Originally posted by: randay
you need more then fish crap. how often do you change the water, and how much plants are there and how large of a tank, and what kind of plants.

I dont' change the water ever, I use a whisper filter. there's a couple of plants...I can't think of the name, looks almost like a snake plant as far as leaf shape goes..I have a strong flourescent light, yes.



I'll have to try that plant food, and maybe the co2 idea too

There's your problem fishbulb. Well at least some of it. How old is the light?

The light is about 12 years old...it actually died yesterday lol

 

[alien42]

Originally posted by: Minerva

Originally posted by: alien42
best base for live plants - about 1/2 inch 100% clay kitty litter with about 1/4 inch layer of play sand on top.

Be careful with the kitty litter. Not all are simple zeolite. The crystal ones are actually silica gel with cobalt chloride treated indicators. Not something one would want IN the water column. However if one was using O3 it would make a good rechargeable dessicator.

thats why i said 100%. if you get the right litter there shouldnt be a problem.

 

[Accipiter22]

I'll take photos this afternoon.




As to the changing water: I've never done it before as my fish always are healthy, they usually live several years. I have a Danio that's about 6 years old, a couple harlequin rasboras that are several years old as well. I'm going to the store today to pick up a new flourescent bulb, and probably some new or used fish as well.

 

[Minerva]

Periodic water changes are a necessity for an aquatic environment supporting thriving life.

The problem with kitty litter without an accurate assay is you have no idea what processes it may have been subjected to. Zeolite is highly adsorbent; if it were stored around something toxic to fishes it can release these materials back into the water. If you're packing contactors with the stuff and follow up with a granular activated carbon contactor downstream, it will be much safer but I'd be willing to bet the OP isn't on this level of fishkeeping.

 

[randay]

Originally posted by: Minerva
Periodic water changes are a necessity for an aquatic environment supporting thriving life.

The problem with kitty litter without an accurate assay is you have no idea what processes it may have been subjected to. Zeolite is highly adsorbent; if it were stored around something toxic to fishes it can release these materials back into the water. If you're packing contactors with the stuff and follow up with a granular activated carbon contactor downstream, it will be much safer but I'd be willing to bet the OP isn't on this level of fishkeeping.

I am willing to bet this too. lack of a co2 system isnt going to cause his plants to wither and die. Im thinking its something much simpler.

 

[Accipiter22]

Originally posted by: randay

Originally posted by: Minerva
Periodic water changes are a necessity for an aquatic environment supporting thriving life.

The problem with kitty litter without an accurate assay is you have no idea what processes it may have been subjected to. Zeolite is highly adsorbent; if it were stored around something toxic to fishes it can release these materials back into the water. If you're packing contactors with the stuff and follow up with a granular activated carbon contactor downstream, it will be much safer but I'd be willing to bet the OP isn't on this level of fishkeeping.

I am willing to bet this too. lack of a co2 system isnt going to cause his plants to wither and die. Im thinking its something much simpler.

I went to the local fish shop today, and they agreed, there's no need for a co2 system, they don't use any there and they have about 50 freshwater and saltwater tanks. They said it's most likely an issue with my light that I'm using. Brazilian Sword is the name of the plant btw. They also said that you shouldn't really have to change a significant portion of your water more than once a month.

 

[Aquaman]

Brazillian Swords (if they are what the LFS is selling) are actually not true aquatic plants and don't have a good record of survival submersed.

CO2 systems are not needed in low light tanks but if you have a very powerful lighting system it is highly recommended that you do use some sort of CO2 supplementation.

I think you need to look at additives the source of your problems. Deficentcies in N(nitrogen) P(phosphorus) K(potassium) are the root of your problem.

Go check out a site like aquatic plants central.

ps. Water changes are very important. Do them

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[Aquaman]

Do not take the word of LFS (local fish store). Get a book (buy one or get one from a library). I personally change 20% of my water from my freshwater tanks every week (except my discus tanks which I change 20% every 3 days, some discus keepers change water everyday). For my saltwater tanks I change 10% every week.

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[Aquaman]

Also......... plants form the "swordplant" genre are notoriiously iron hungry (use of laterite or some other gravel like eco-complete or florite)

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Aquaman
Do not take the word of LFS (local fish store). Get a book (buy one or get one from a library). I personally change 20% of my water from my freshwater tanks every week (except my discus tanks which I change 20% every 3 days, some discus keepers change water everyday). For my saltwater tanks I change 10% every week.

Cheers,
Aquaman

Agreed, most LFS's are targetting the masses and so they won't carry products for CO2 injection.

For those who view CO2 injection as a weird thing - just browse some of those forums I linked to above and view their galleries/journals in the forums that people post, you'll quickly see that not having CO2 injection is the odd part.

 

[her209]

Originally posted by: Stiganator
I'll assume you're talking freshwater. If you have wood in there make sure you boil out the tannins first, probably not bad for plants, but for fish its not great. If it is salt water, well I guess it would be kelp and I have no idea, I'll ask my buddy.

I like the tea look actually. It brings out the fishes' colours. Probably not good for the plants as it absorbs the light.

 

[randay]

Originally posted by: Aquaman
Also......... plants form the "swordplant" genre are notoriiously iron hungry (use of laterite or some other gravel like eco-complete or florite)

Cheers,
Aquaman

Yup, now that we know its a sword we are talkin, its safe to say that your plant is suffering from some sort of nutrient deficiency. Try using a liquid suppliment, but be sure not to overdo it. Also replacing or at least adding in fresh water to replace evaporated water is a good way to replace trace elements and other stuff.

that said, still waiting on pictures!!!

 

[Wuffsunie]

You'll want to ask those questions here. Excellent resource when I was into planted tanks. Read over the First Planted Tank section.

The Brazillian Swords are notoriously hard to keep, and I'm amazed they lasted as long as they do in your tank. Personally, I would have given them weeks, not months, especially under a 12 year old bulb. What were you running? A florescent of some kind?

Aquaman's right about the water changes. Essentially your plants use up a lot of minerals in the water and you're not replenishing them. Supplements will help, but water changes are required. Get a python as it's the greatest single best investment you can make for a fish tank. Water changes are a breeze.

Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to pictures.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: Accipiter22

Originally posted by: randay
you need more then fish crap. how often do you change the water, and how much plants are there and how large of a tank, and what kind of plants.

I dont' change the water ever, I use a whisper filter. there's a couple of plants...I can't think of the name, looks almost like a snake plant as far as leaf shape goes..I have a strong flourescent light, yes.



I'll have to try that plant food, and maybe the co2 idea too

You need an easy to maintain plant that grows fast (to fight off algae from growing on them).

Swords might do the trick. Try those out. A good pet store should have someone that can help you out with plants. That means you can skip PetSmart and all the big box cocnepts.

 

[ProfJohn]

If you add the CO2 generator won?t you be adding to greenhouse gasses?

You might want to go with plastic plants instead of being held responsible for global warming.

BTW I've had fish tanks for 20 years and live plants are still a pain. Give my plastic plants and tough fish and I am happy.

 

[Wuffsunie]

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
If you add the CO2 generator won?t you be adding to greenhouse gases?

You might want to go with plastic plants instead of being held responsible for global warming.

Plastic plants? You want him to feed our hunger for petroleum products instead?

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
If you add the CO2 generator won?t you be adding to greenhouse gasses?

lol

 

[Minerva]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
If you add the CO2 generator won?t you be adding to greenhouse gasses?

lol

Yes that's what makes the plants so green. Along with the nitrogen but when the little guys get done with the fish poop you have plenty of that too.

 

[SagaLore]

My 37 gallon tank:

I laid down about half an inch of Onyx Sand, with larger natural gravel on top. This is mineral rich and raises the ph a bit.

I use the Hagen Plant-Gro canister. After going through a few refill packs, I learned the ratio of yeast and salt I need to mix it on my own.

When planting new plants, I use Seachem Flourish tabs. I rarely use them though.

The filtration I use is the Rena Filstar XP1. This gives me two different density foam layers, room for bio material, large bag of charcoal, and a layer of cotton to polish off the water. Combined with Hagen Cycle bacteria, I get a full biological cycle that keeps toxic waste to a minimum.

My plants grow well. :thumbsup:

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Minerva

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
If you add the CO2 generator won?t you be adding to greenhouse gasses?

lol

Yes that's what makes the plants so green. Along with the nitrogen but when the little guys get done with the fish poop you have plenty of that too.

I know plants use CO2, but the amount created is negligible.

 

[Minerva]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Minerva

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
If you add the CO2 generator won?t you be adding to greenhouse gasses?

lol

Yes that's what makes the plants so green. Along with the nitrogen but when the little guys get done with the fish poop you have plenty of that too.

I know plants use CO2, but the amount created is negligible.

That sarcasm meter must run on CO2.