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Retirement and forum shutdown (17 Jan 2022)
Hi,
John Howell who has managed the forum for years is getting on and wishes to retire from the role of managing it.
Over the years, he has managed the forum through good days and bad days and he has always been fair.
He has managed to bring his passion for fish keeping to the forum and keep it going for so long.
I wish to thank John for his hard work in keeping the forum going.
With John wishing to "retire" from the role of managing the forum and the forum receiving very little traffic, I think we must agree that forum has come to a natural conclusion and it's time to put it to rest.
I am proposing that the forum be made read-only from March 2022 onwards and that no new users or content be created. The website is still registered for several more years, so the content will still be accessible but no new topics or replies will be allowed.
If there is interest from the ITFS or other fish keeping clubs, we may redirect traffic to them or to a Facebook group but will not actively manage it.
I'd like to thank everyone over the years who helped with forum, posted a reply, started a new topic, ask a question and helped a newbie in fish keeping. And thank you to the sponsors who helped us along the away. Hopefully it made the hobby stronger.
I'd especially like to thank John Howell and Valerie Rousseau for all of their contributions, without them the forum would have never been has successful.
Thank you
Darragh Sherwin
organic aqua revisited - Part I
- Tetra (Tetra)
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13 Apr 2010 17:18 #151
by Tetra (Tetra)
Replied by Tetra (Tetra) on topic Re:organic aqua revisited - Part I
Im using it on a small marine tank at the moment and just have a few questions.
Does it remove phosphates if not can I use a phosphate remover?
Is PH the only thing I can test for?
Can I use a refugium ?
When doing the weekly dosing could I do a water change to replace trace elements and just dose the new water?
Will it have any effect on Corals?
Can I use a skimmer instead of a airpump?
Does it remove phosphates if not can I use a phosphate remover?
Is PH the only thing I can test for?
Can I use a refugium ?
When doing the weekly dosing could I do a water change to replace trace elements and just dose the new water?
Will it have any effect on Corals?
Can I use a skimmer instead of a airpump?
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- organicsteve (steve whiteside)
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13 Apr 2010 17:57 #152
by organicsteve (steve whiteside)
Replied by organicsteve (steve whiteside) on topic Re:organic aqua revisited - Part I
hi Tetra-tetra,
to answer your questions:
Does it remove phosphates if not can I use a phosphate remover?
OA doesn't remove phosphates. I would recommend RowaPhos. Incredible stuff!
Is PH the only thing I can test for?
pH is the only thing I recommend regularly testing for in a standard tank as any nitrogen compounds being tested for seem to give odd readings. In a reef set up tho u should keep an eye on calcium/magnesium etc.
Can I use a refugium ?
Yes you can use a refugium to provide extra nutrition for your livestock, just don't leave any media get too active as can turn into a nitrate factory quite quickly!
When doing the weekly dosing could I do a water change to replace trace elements and just dose the new water?
You can change the water as often as you like as long as you treat the water with OA. There shouldn't be any need to do this weekly as long as you provide extra trace elements appropriatly.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
steve
Will it have any effect on Corals?
Can I use a skimmer instead of a airpump?
to answer your questions:
Does it remove phosphates if not can I use a phosphate remover?
OA doesn't remove phosphates. I would recommend RowaPhos. Incredible stuff!
Is PH the only thing I can test for?
pH is the only thing I recommend regularly testing for in a standard tank as any nitrogen compounds being tested for seem to give odd readings. In a reef set up tho u should keep an eye on calcium/magnesium etc.
Can I use a refugium ?
Yes you can use a refugium to provide extra nutrition for your livestock, just don't leave any media get too active as can turn into a nitrate factory quite quickly!
When doing the weekly dosing could I do a water change to replace trace elements and just dose the new water?
You can change the water as often as you like as long as you treat the water with OA. There shouldn't be any need to do this weekly as long as you provide extra trace elements appropriatly.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
steve
Will it have any effect on Corals?
Can I use a skimmer instead of a airpump?
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- sincgar (Feargal Costello)
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14 Apr 2010 07:39 #153
by sincgar (Feargal Costello)
Replied by sincgar (Feargal Costello) on topic Re:organic aqua revisited - Part I
Running an edge on this with no casualties (endlers and shrimp, some fern and moss ans everything hunky dory. Only problem is soooo much fry !!!!
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- organicsteve (steve whiteside)
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19 Apr 2010 10:40 #154
by organicsteve (steve whiteside)
Replied by organicsteve (steve whiteside) on topic Re:organic aqua revisited - Part I
To finish up- OA has a very positive effect on corals provided they are receiving the correct lighting and additives.
The use of a protein skimmer DOES NOT substitute the use of an air pump in any OA set up.
Sorry missed these in last reply!
@feargal- nice one, hadn't tried it in the edge tanks yet, wasn't sure the surface area was enough. Fair play!
The use of a protein skimmer DOES NOT substitute the use of an air pump in any OA set up.
Sorry missed these in last reply!
@feargal- nice one, hadn't tried it in the edge tanks yet, wasn't sure the surface area was enough. Fair play!
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- sincgar (Feargal Costello)
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19 Apr 2010 12:29 #155
by sincgar (Feargal Costello)
Replied by sincgar (Feargal Costello) on topic Re:organic aqua revisited - Part I
thanks Steve.
On the marine setup would it be sufficient to run the air stone in a sump or HOB filter or does it need to be in the main tank
as most people here and elsewhere post about microbubbles from the skimmer and how to prevent them in the main tank etc how would the air stone work. would it not cause bubbles under LR/corals etc and the same issues as a skimmer outflow
Tks
On the marine setup would it be sufficient to run the air stone in a sump or HOB filter or does it need to be in the main tank
as most people here and elsewhere post about microbubbles from the skimmer and how to prevent them in the main tank etc how would the air stone work. would it not cause bubbles under LR/corals etc and the same issues as a skimmer outflow
Tks
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- organicsteve (steve whiteside)
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20 Apr 2010 06:29 #156
by organicsteve (steve whiteside)
Replied by organicsteve (steve whiteside) on topic Re:organic aqua revisited - Part I
When using an airstone in a marine tank u should use a normal freshwater style one and u really shouldn't have any microbubble issues. These issues usually derive from the incorrect use of a wooden block airstone. These type of airstone are strictly for use in skimmers!
I would usually recommend placing it in the main tank.
Cheers
I would usually recommend placing it in the main tank.
Cheers
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- seahorse (Kealan Doyle)
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20 Dec 2012 17:43 #157
by seahorse (Kealan Doyle)
Replied by seahorse (Kealan Doyle) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
Hi Everyone,
With all the doom and gloom of the Budget we are pleased to announce that we now have Organic Aqua products at reduced rates.
Now it is affordable to constantly dose your tank with Organic Aqua for easy Fish keeping.
For people who do not yet know about the product please look at our website for more information - www.seahorseaquariums.com/Bacteria-Growth/Filter-Media/643
With all the doom and gloom of the Budget we are pleased to announce that we now have Organic Aqua products at reduced rates.
Now it is affordable to constantly dose your tank with Organic Aqua for easy Fish keeping.
For people who do not yet know about the product please look at our website for more information - www.seahorseaquariums.com/Bacteria-Growth/Filter-Media/643
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- derek (Derek Doyle)
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20 Jan 2013 20:05 #158
by derek (Derek Doyle)
30 tanks specialise in african cichlids, angelfish and various catfish
Replied by derek (Derek Doyle) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
I am pleased to see seahorse and others are bringing this product back to public attention. I firmly believe that it is the best additive for anyone setting up a new aquarium as it elliminates the hit and miss aspect of traditional cycling and reduces the deaths and illness caused by overfeeding.
I have given OA plenty of praise in the past but there is another possible benefit to its use, and that is that it might help to trigger some of the less responsive species to spawn. At the moment I am having some success in this area and will write a bit about this later when I can better quantify and compare the results.
I would be interested to hear of anybody elses findings on this subject.
I have given OA plenty of praise in the past but there is another possible benefit to its use, and that is that it might help to trigger some of the less responsive species to spawn. At the moment I am having some success in this area and will write a bit about this later when I can better quantify and compare the results.
I would be interested to hear of anybody elses findings on this subject.
30 tanks specialise in african cichlids, angelfish and various catfish
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- JohnH (John)
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20 Jan 2013 22:25 #159
by JohnH (John)
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We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
That's an interesting hint Derek, looking forward to hearing more about your findings in due course.
John
John
Location:
N. Tipp
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
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- derek (Derek Doyle)
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22 Jan 2013 14:41 #160
by derek (Derek Doyle)
Basically due to getting a bit bored with the humdrum of breeding a pile of mouthbrooders etc. I decided to have a real go at breeding a few of the more difficult or rarer species. So I set up a few tanks and did all the usual, specific feeding, water parameters, triggers etc. but nothing much was happening till i began adding experimental small doses of OA and keeping accurate records of dosage, regularity etc.. and am starting to get regular spawns from L66, C112, and syno petricola and leucostictus. As well as the very rare and endangered victorian "red tailed sheller"
It could just be a coincidence as I have spawned all of these species before with mixed success, but the almost immediate trigger effect after a particular water change, size, dosage etc. was very noticeable and i then replicated this with other tanks and species. Anyway it is still a work in progress and time will tell.
30 tanks specialise in african cichlids, angelfish and various catfish
Replied by derek (Derek Doyle) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
hi johnThat's an interesting hint Derek, looking forward to hearing more about your findings in due course.
John
Basically due to getting a bit bored with the humdrum of breeding a pile of mouthbrooders etc. I decided to have a real go at breeding a few of the more difficult or rarer species. So I set up a few tanks and did all the usual, specific feeding, water parameters, triggers etc. but nothing much was happening till i began adding experimental small doses of OA and keeping accurate records of dosage, regularity etc.. and am starting to get regular spawns from L66, C112, and syno petricola and leucostictus. As well as the very rare and endangered victorian "red tailed sheller"
It could just be a coincidence as I have spawned all of these species before with mixed success, but the almost immediate trigger effect after a particular water change, size, dosage etc. was very noticeable and i then replicated this with other tanks and species. Anyway it is still a work in progress and time will tell.
30 tanks specialise in african cichlids, angelfish and various catfish
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- JohnH (John)
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22 Jan 2013 15:19 #161
by JohnH (John)
Location:
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We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
I, for one, will be watching progress on this front - now that the price has come down on the OA I might well have to try this avenue myself.
John
John
Location:
N. Tipp
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
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- louis (David Knowles)
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22 Jan 2013 21:25 #162
by louis (David Knowles)
Replied by louis (David Knowles) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
If you Didn't want to go the full OA regime is there a benefit in just adding the health treatment and still do a weekly water change.
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- derek (Derek Doyle)
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24 Jan 2013 12:34 #163
by derek (Derek Doyle)
30 tanks specialise in african cichlids, angelfish and various catfish
Replied by derek (Derek Doyle) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
I imagine that would work fine louis. Most of my usage of OA would concern the health treatment as I find it improves condition and appears to boost the immune system of newly travelled or recuperating fish (from agression). The effect on fish reminds me of valium etc. as it calms the fish down but it also seems to speed up healing and even really nasty tears and cuts soon clear up.If you Didn't want to go the full OA regime is there a benefit in just adding the health treatment and still do a weekly water change.
30 tanks specialise in african cichlids, angelfish and various catfish
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- JohnH (John)
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24 Jan 2013 13:13 #164
by JohnH (John)
Location:
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We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
I wonder, can the health treatment be bought on its own?
I might try to get some (funds permitting) if it can be.
John
I might try to get some (funds permitting) if it can be.
John
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We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
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It's a long way to Tipperary.
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- louis (David Knowles)
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24 Jan 2013 20:56 #165
by louis (David Knowles)
Replied by louis (David Knowles) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
Thanks Derek, I have a tub of it, hope there is no expirey date. ( where are you Steve) I'll post you some John if you want to try it.
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- sincgar (Feargal Costello)
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17 Feb 2013 22:01 #166
by sincgar (Feargal Costello)
Replied by sincgar (Feargal Costello) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
Given the upcoming water charges does the reduced water change requirement of OA make economic sense particularly for fresh water. I know I got to monthlies and sometimes longer with no issue when using OA
Have not tries on a marine but would be interested how people who have tried it found it. Did you still use LR and skimmers.
Have not tries on a marine but would be interested how people who have tried it found it. Did you still use LR and skimmers.
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- cichliddave (dave coughlan)
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01 Mar 2013 12:41 #167
by cichliddave (dave coughlan)
Replied by cichliddave (dave coughlan) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
I have a uv lamp in my externel filter,so I would assume this product wouldnt work with lamp on.is that correct
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- Fin Tastic (Denis Dave)
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10 Mar 2013 23:35 #168
by Fin Tastic (Denis Dave)
Replied by Fin Tastic (Denis Dave) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
I have to say its been very interesting reading all this and educating too i might add 
While i have not got much experience with Organic Aqua when it comes to marine and reef aquariums i will say its been an invaluable tool for us for quite a number of uses. A lot of our customers use it and we've rarely if ever had a complaint regarding the product, it does exactly what it says on the tin. Plus as seahorse mentioned its come down in price which is a nice added bonus!
While i have not got much experience with Organic Aqua when it comes to marine and reef aquariums i will say its been an invaluable tool for us for quite a number of uses. A lot of our customers use it and we've rarely if ever had a complaint regarding the product, it does exactly what it says on the tin. Plus as seahorse mentioned its come down in price which is a nice added bonus!
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- derek (Derek Doyle)
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11 Mar 2013 18:28 #169
by derek (Derek Doyle)
I dont know the answer to this as i've never used the two together but I dont think the uv would interfere with the working of the organic treatment.
Would be interesting to hear other views on this.
30 tanks specialise in african cichlids, angelfish and various catfish
Replied by derek (Derek Doyle) on topic organic aqua revisited - Part I
I have a uv lamp in my externel filter,so I would assume this product wouldnt work with lamp on.is that correct
I dont know the answer to this as i've never used the two together but I dont think the uv would interfere with the working of the organic treatment.
Would be interesting to hear other views on this.
30 tanks specialise in african cichlids, angelfish and various catfish
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