×
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
Noobs amazon adventure ..
09 Dec 2011 14:35 - 09 Dec 2011 16:13 #1
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Noobs amazon adventure .. was created by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
So it begins . I am all set to go with my rio 180 . Sorry no pics for a while but its not much to look at right now . Nice 180 litre tank with cabinet .
The plan is for a naturalistic amazon/south american theme .
I now face an important decision regarding substrate . I have some nice reddish brown gravel (manando?)
I also have argos play sand . My idea was mostly gravel but with a sandy area towards the front .
I like the look of the sand and feel it would suit some of the fish i plan on getting(corys) .
What say ye ? What are the pros and cons ?
PS im skimping on 'aquasoil' . I have to make some savings here and there so I can afford essentials such as test kits and various water treatment/purifiers .
I aim to do this as cheaply as possible without compromising my fishes health .
Update..pic!
Here is my blank canvas , ready for some magic..
The plan is for a naturalistic amazon/south american theme .
I now face an important decision regarding substrate . I have some nice reddish brown gravel (manando?)
I also have argos play sand . My idea was mostly gravel but with a sandy area towards the front .
I like the look of the sand and feel it would suit some of the fish i plan on getting(corys) .
What say ye ? What are the pros and cons ?
PS im skimping on 'aquasoil' . I have to make some savings here and there so I can afford essentials such as test kits and various water treatment/purifiers .
I aim to do this as cheaply as possible without compromising my fishes health .
Update..pic!
Here is my blank canvas , ready for some magic..
Please Log in to join the conversation.
09 Dec 2011 21:18 - 09 Dec 2011 21:20 #3
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Well I've made a start . Currently rinsing more sand as I slightly underestimated my needs .
Gravel ready also . Just putting in a few objects to see how they might fit .
Apologies for my weak photography skills . My cameraphone is awful .
Gravel ready also . Just putting in a few objects to see how they might fit .
Apologies for my weak photography skills . My cameraphone is awful .
Please Log in to join the conversation.
10 Dec 2011 03:32 #4
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Ta-da !
All done .
I reckon I'll get ten discus in there , easy .
All done .
I reckon I'll get ten discus in there , easy .
Please Log in to join the conversation.
10 Dec 2011 10:11 #5
by BlueRam (Sean Crowe)
Sean Crowe
ITFS Member
Location: Navan
Always Remember Surviving Is Not Thriving
Replied by BlueRam (Sean Crowe) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
haha looks well 
ha only messing a few more bits off bog wood in tehre red moor is great for the amazon/south american theme
try get a black bachground also will make it pop and also a good few plants
when you are cycleing the tank take your time do rush anything it is the worst u can do also put in some filter squzzings and could be cloudy for a day or so cause off the sand make sure you change de filter floss each day till clear might take a bit longer cause off de filter
also just a quick note about sand as u already may know be careful off de sand when clean tank as in with a glass magnet so there is no sand in it or anything like that as it will scrach that glass
sean
ha only messing a few more bits off bog wood in tehre red moor is great for the amazon/south american theme
try get a black bachground also will make it pop and also a good few plants
when you are cycleing the tank take your time do rush anything it is the worst u can do also put in some filter squzzings and could be cloudy for a day or so cause off the sand make sure you change de filter floss each day till clear might take a bit longer cause off de filter
also just a quick note about sand as u already may know be careful off de sand when clean tank as in with a glass magnet so there is no sand in it or anything like that as it will scrach that glass
sean
Sean Crowe
ITFS Member
Location: Navan
Always Remember Surviving Is Not Thriving
Please Log in to join the conversation.
10 Dec 2011 15:53 - 10 Dec 2011 15:56 #6
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Thanks for the tips sean . I've been arranging the decor a bit . I feel I might be lacking height .
Do I need more height ? Also the wood on the left is 'found' wood , so i probably wont be able to use it . Its just for illustration purposes .
Apologies for the photo quality , it looks much brighter in real life .
Do I need more height ? Also the wood on the left is 'found' wood , so i probably wont be able to use it . Its just for illustration purposes .
Apologies for the photo quality , it looks much brighter in real life .
Please Log in to join the conversation.
10 Dec 2011 17:38 - 10 Dec 2011 17:39 #9
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Yes it does look like a houseplant that my ma has .
Not happy about that
Well spotted murph !
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
It's a plain green Dracena. Stick it in a pot beside the tank. It will die in water.
Have a look at the trees on the balconies of the Stephens Green shopping centre to see what they look like when they grow.
Yes it does look like a houseplant that my ma has .
Not happy about that
Well spotted murph !
Please Log in to join the conversation.
10 Dec 2011 17:54 - 10 Dec 2011 17:56 #11
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Yeah bought from a good quality reputable shop .
My own fault I guess.In fairness the guy recomended I come back next day to see new stock ,but I was all exited with my tank and wanted to buy plants straight away.I must learn to stop and think about these things.
My own fault I guess.In fairness the guy recomended I come back next day to see new stock ,but I was all exited with my tank and wanted to buy plants straight away.I must learn to stop and think about these things.
Please Log in to join the conversation.
10 Dec 2011 19:31 #12
by grgeorge (George Rahmani)
Replied by grgeorge (George Rahmani) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
I think I bought that exact plant before.....Its sticking out of the top of my Fluval Chi now where the little fountain is and its actually doing pretty well. I don't know why some shops try to sell you houseplants as aquatic plants. If I wanted a regular plant I would go to a garden centre!! 
Please Log in to join the conversation.
11 Dec 2011 16:17 #13
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
OK so im nearly there . A bit of fine tuning required but I think im ready fill her up .
Got a few more plants to add that are not pictured . Some of the stones might look out of place but they are needed for structural reasons . The light coloured wood was found but boiled and baked , so im going to chance it . My mixed gravel and sand idea is a bit of a gamble . Im getting a chocolate chip effect but its not a disaster . Any last minute advice/suggestions before I go ?
I know those arent genuine aquatic plants but I decided to keep them in until i can replace them .
Got a few more plants to add that are not pictured . Some of the stones might look out of place but they are needed for structural reasons . The light coloured wood was found but boiled and baked , so im going to chance it . My mixed gravel and sand idea is a bit of a gamble . Im getting a chocolate chip effect but its not a disaster . Any last minute advice/suggestions before I go ?
I know those arent genuine aquatic plants but I decided to keep them in until i can replace them .
Please Log in to join the conversation.
11 Dec 2011 17:17 - 11 Dec 2011 21:15 #14
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Indeed but its only for a day or two . I need to mark out my planting areas as I have used rock and slate underneath some ares , for structure . I dont want to be fiddling around in a few days trying to find which spots have slate and which dont . I figure if i mark them now , it will be easier to slot in the replacements later .
On a different note . I am making a shopping list of 'week 1' essentials .
Anyone got advice/suggestions for essential purchases at this stage ?
Im guessing I dont need to start testing for anything straight away.
I was planning on using my guppy filter for bacteria purposes . Will that be sufficient ?
Thanks for all the tips and hints so far . Much appreciated .
Edit update....
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
I know those arent genuine aquatic plants but I decided to keep them in until i can replace them .
problem is that this plant for a few days you will rot in the tank, and this probably does not want, right?
cheers
chris
Indeed but its only for a day or two . I need to mark out my planting areas as I have used rock and slate underneath some ares , for structure . I dont want to be fiddling around in a few days trying to find which spots have slate and which dont . I figure if i mark them now , it will be easier to slot in the replacements later .
On a different note . I am making a shopping list of 'week 1' essentials .
Anyone got advice/suggestions for essential purchases at this stage ?
Im guessing I dont need to start testing for anything straight away.
I was planning on using my guppy filter for bacteria purposes . Will that be sufficient ?
Thanks for all the tips and hints so far . Much appreciated .
Edit update....
Please Log in to join the conversation.
13 Dec 2011 01:33 - 13 Dec 2011 01:42 #15
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
So Im up and running . Water stayed clear for a few hours but has been cloudy since this morning. I expected that . No drama regarding floating decor or subsidence.
Planning a partial water change tomorrow.
I feel it important to mention at this point , that my various noob questions are an effort to broaden the thread out and perhaps make it a bit more relevant or useful and not just specific to my particular aquarium or way of doing things.I dont want anyone to think I am a lazy aquarist who will not do his own research. I realize most of the info is already here on the site. I hope this thread isnt misinterpreted as self indulgent or pointless (tho it is a little bit
)
Planning a partial water change tomorrow.
I feel it important to mention at this point , that my various noob questions are an effort to broaden the thread out and perhaps make it a bit more relevant or useful and not just specific to my particular aquarium or way of doing things.I dont want anyone to think I am a lazy aquarist who will not do his own research. I realize most of the info is already here on the site. I hope this thread isnt misinterpreted as self indulgent or pointless (tho it is a little bit
) Please Log in to join the conversation.
13 Dec 2011 01:48 #17
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Cheers Chris , will check it out . The wood is certainly a gamble . I will see how it goes for a few weeks , I just loved the look of it . If there is any sign of rot or fungus i'll whip it out straight away (as the actor said to the bishop 
)
) Please Log in to join the conversation.
13 Dec 2011 20:30 #18
by Christor (Chris Morrow)
Replied by Christor (Chris Morrow) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Yeah the black looks well on the back of the tank, really brings it out unless your wanting it to look deeper than di say no
all in all very nice looking mate, what plans you go for plants even? heavy or not?
all in all very nice looking mate, what plans you go for plants even? heavy or not?
Please Log in to join the conversation.
13 Dec 2011 20:56 #19
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
I hope to plant it very heavily . That might be tricky though as I didnt use aquasoil or any other specialist substrate . Also Im not sure if the standard T5 lights are up to the job .
For the background , Im currently using a grey rubber mat thing that I found around the house . Though I may change it for something darker eventually . I cant see the background at the moment so its hard to decide if it looks good or not .
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Yeah the black looks well on the back of the tank, really brings it out unless your wanting it to look deeper than di say no
all in all very nice looking mate, what plans you go for plants even? heavy or not?
I hope to plant it very heavily . That might be tricky though as I didnt use aquasoil or any other specialist substrate . Also Im not sure if the standard T5 lights are up to the job .
For the background , Im currently using a grey rubber mat thing that I found around the house . Though I may change it for something darker eventually . I cant see the background at the moment so its hard to decide if it looks good or not
. Please Log in to join the conversation.
15 Dec 2011 00:43 - 15 Dec 2011 00:45 #20
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Decided to 'reboot' my tank . Cloudiness showed no sign of clearing up . So I decided to remove the sand and the wood . The wood was a bad idea , it had a light slime on it . The sand might have worked but would have been impossible to maintain without getting manado mixed in .
So out with the sand in with more manado . I'd like to try sand in a future tank but its hard work , especially if you try a two tone effect .
Also tested my water with a 5 in 1 kit . All I know for sure is my water is quite hard . I havent worked out how to read the other tests yet . Any tips for softening water ?
Thanks again for all suggestions .
So out with the sand in with more manado . I'd like to try sand in a future tank but its hard work , especially if you try a two tone effect .
Also tested my water with a 5 in 1 kit . All I know for sure is my water is quite hard . I havent worked out how to read the other tests yet . Any tips for softening water ?
Thanks again for all suggestions .
Please Log in to join the conversation.
15 Dec 2011 13:07 - 15 Dec 2011 19:10 #22
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
The Draceneas are actually fine , tho I will be removing them as they are not true aquatics. They are putting out roots etc .
Thats not to say they are good or useful plants. However they are certainly not rotting .
I didnt spend all day yesterday draining my tank , sifting out sand and removing bad wood , just to put putrid plants back in
I have a week old cucumber in my fridge , does this mean I keep rotting food in my fridge ?
No , its still good , it will be disposed of well before it rots , likewise , my Dracaenas .
Thats not to say they are good or useful plants. However they are certainly not rotting .
I didnt spend all day yesterday draining my tank , sifting out sand and removing bad wood , just to put putrid plants back in
I have a week old cucumber in my fridge , does this mean I keep rotting food in my fridge ?
No , its still good , it will be disposed of well before it rots , likewise , my Dracaenas .
Please Log in to join the conversation.
18 Dec 2011 18:15 #24
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
So anyway . Removed offending plants . Bought some new ones . I thought they were amazon swords but was informed they are Java fern and Borneo fern . Also got some kind of thin grass .
I didnt really expect to have 100% authentic amazon plants .
Today I did a 25% water change , changed the filter floss and added some 'Aquasafe' .
This is the only additive/conditioner I have used so far . I hope to get my 'good' bacteria by squeezing the filter from my small guppy tank .
Found the water change a little challenging . I normally use a plate to prevent substrate disturbance but due to new plants , I couldnt find a clear spot to place it on . Just used my free hand as a kind of shield. Twas a bit awkward .
I took some pics . They are a little disappointing as my camera is rubbish . Hope to have a decent one in the coming days . There is some debris (flake food) on the bottom . I didnt want to disturb the plants by using the gravel cleaner . This food was put in as I read somewhere that it helps in the cycling process , as I am going the 'fishless' cycle route .
Thanks again , comments suggestions always welcome .
Merry christmas .
I didnt really expect to have 100% authentic amazon plants .
Today I did a 25% water change , changed the filter floss and added some 'Aquasafe' .
This is the only additive/conditioner I have used so far . I hope to get my 'good' bacteria by squeezing the filter from my small guppy tank .
Found the water change a little challenging . I normally use a plate to prevent substrate disturbance but due to new plants , I couldnt find a clear spot to place it on . Just used my free hand as a kind of shield. Twas a bit awkward .
I took some pics . They are a little disappointing as my camera is rubbish . Hope to have a decent one in the coming days . There is some debris (flake food) on the bottom . I didnt want to disturb the plants by using the gravel cleaner . This food was put in as I read somewhere that it helps in the cycling process , as I am going the 'fishless' cycle route .
Thanks again , comments suggestions always welcome .
Merry christmas .
Please Log in to join the conversation.
24 Dec 2011 19:33 #26
by Valerie (Valerie)
Replied by Valerie (Valerie) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
If your levels of ammonia/nitrite aren't too high, I would put the angel on its own in the new tank.
As you have been 'injecting' bacteria from the other tank, there is a chance that this new tank is on the way to being soon cycled.
Enjoy the angel-keeping
Valerie
As you have been 'injecting' bacteria from the other tank, there is a chance that this new tank is on the way to being soon cycled.
Enjoy the angel-keeping
Valerie
Please Log in to join the conversation.
24 Dec 2011 21:03 #27
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Cheers Valerie .I have done that . I know its not ideal but it was the only realistic option I guess.
'Frank' is doing fine so far . I'll pay close attention to the water quality and do some research on speeding up the cycling process.
Regards
Dave.
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
If your levels of ammonia/nitrite aren't too high, I would put the angel on its own in the new tank.
As you have been 'injecting' bacteria from the other tank, there is a chance that this new tank is on the way to being soon cycled.
Enjoy the angel-keeping
Valerie
Cheers Valerie .I have done that . I know its not ideal but it was the only realistic option I guess.
'Frank' is doing fine so far . I'll pay close attention to the water quality and do some research on speeding up the cycling process.
Regards
Dave.
Please Log in to join the conversation.
26 Dec 2011 22:06 - 27 Dec 2011 02:22 #28
by Guppydave (Dave Ryan)
Replied by Guppydave (Dave Ryan) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Just a quick update ( dont worry I wont be documenting every single water change or filter change)
I spotted a little fungal 'fluff' on the angelfish yesterday . After some research I think it is 'columnar ' fungus . Its related to stress and can happen in poorly cycled tanks .
Im going to try melafix and continue adding 'aquasafe' when changing water .
Any views on melafix or suggestions for more effective fungal control ?
The condition of the fish has actually improved a little already but i dont want to take any chances .
Apart from putting fish in an uncycled tank,putting in dubious wood and planting dracena
I spotted a little fungal 'fluff' on the angelfish yesterday . After some research I think it is 'columnar ' fungus . Its related to stress and can happen in poorly cycled tanks .
Im going to try melafix and continue adding 'aquasafe' when changing water .
Any views on melafix or suggestions for more effective fungal control ?
The condition of the fish has actually improved a little already but i dont want to take any chances .
Apart from putting fish in an uncycled tank,putting in dubious wood and planting dracena
Please Log in to join the conversation.
27 Dec 2011 16:14 #29
by Christor (Chris Morrow)
Replied by Christor (Chris Morrow) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Learning curve dave, if anything there should never be any "shouldnt have done that" posts, they achieve nothing, however solutions and remedies do, and we can learn I know I have my short time keeping fish and no doubt will make mistakes, sorry I can help with the fungal thing I havent a notion!
I know I have my short time keeping fish and no doubt will make mistakes, sorry I can help with the fungal thing I havent a notion! Please Log in to join the conversation.
27 Dec 2011 17:13 #30
by Valerie (Valerie)
I think Melafix is ok for very mild problems but for anything a little more virulent, the eSHa remedies are getting pretty good reviews. eSHa 2000 is for fungal infections while eSHa Exit is for white spot. Both of these can be used together and aren't too much of a threat to your filter bacteria. I forget if there are some types of fish for which this treatment isn't recommended though.
You are doing well and this thread should be quite interesting to anyone starting up in the hobby.
You're nearly there ! Keep it up
Valerie
Replied by Valerie (Valerie) on topic Re: Noobs amazon adventure ..
Any views on melafix or suggestions for more effective fungal control ?
The condition of the fish has actually improved a little already but i dont want to take any chances .
Apart from putting fish in an uncycled tank,putting in dubious wood and planting dracena
I think Melafix is ok for very mild problems but for anything a little more virulent, the eSHa remedies are getting pretty good reviews. eSHa 2000 is for fungal infections while eSHa Exit is for white spot. Both of these can be used together and aren't too much of a threat to your filter bacteria. I forget if there are some types of fish for which this treatment isn't recommended though.
You are doing well and this thread should be quite interesting to anyone starting up in the hobby.
You're nearly there ! Keep it up
Valerie
Please Log in to join the conversation.
Time to create page: 0.102 seconds