http://www.barrreport.com/ Aquatic Plant Newsletter and Aquarium Plants Forum en Wed, 22 May 2013 22:47:18 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.barrreport.com/images/misc/rss.png http://www.barrreport.com/ http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12450-300-gallon-filter-pump-room-feedback-wanted?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 22:40:38 GMT Putting in a built in 300 gallon with remote pump room. going very elaborate and over the top with this one and wanted to see what you guys would... Putting in a built in 300 gallon with remote pump room.
going very elaborate and over the top with this one and wanted to see what you guys would change.

Pump room will be fed with Herbie stand pipe system at full siphon into apx 100 gallon sump.

The sump will have a 2 stage filter socks, reverse light timing refug. filled with racks of java moss and a sump area to run closed loop systems off of.
If the filter socks clogg the water will rise and flow over into the next chamber. No flooding possible.






Off the sump I will have 4 pumps running.

Pump 1. Return pump to aquarium. No filters in line. Flow will never change and balance with Herbie full siphon overflow will never get out of balance

Pump 2. Mechanical filter-Bio-UV-chiller-prurigen/carbon reactors - closed loop
This pump will go thru several (5x i think) 10"x6" clear housing water filters plumbed in parallel and filled with 6-7" of 10ppi filter foam each and topped with a single layer of blue filter floss. This will then split with 1,200gph going to (4x) 20"x6" clear housing water filters filled with sinking K1 media and then 450gph going to a loop that will feed the chiller, UV array and finally through the purigen/carbon reactors which will be a pair of 10"X6" clear housing water filters run in parallel.

Pump 3. Mircon filter
This will be a high pressure PanWorld 200 pump going to (5x) 20"x6" clear housing water filters plumbed in parallel with 30 micron filters rated for "non-chlorinated" water. This pump will probably run a 30mins on and 30mins off power cycle to save energy (300watt pump)

Pump 4. Co2 reactor
This will be a small needle wheel pump that will go through (2x) 20"X6" clear water filter housings plumbed in series and filled with large bio balls.

]]> General Plant Topics rbarn http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12450-300-gallon-filter-pump-room-feedback-wanted http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12449-36-quot-marineland-marine-pro-metal-halide-fixture?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 20:02:10 GMT My friend just gave me one of these fixture and I was looking for any help/suggestions on whig lights and how long I should run the lights for a 40... My friend just gave me one of these fixture and I was looking for any help/suggestions on whig lights and how long I should run the lights for a 40 gallon breeder tank? Planted with a few fish, ADA soil, fx5, hydro pump for flow. Lmk thoughts please!? Thank you! ]]> Lighting stewbone http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12449-36-quot-marineland-marine-pro-metal-halide-fixture http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12448-Auto-top-off-water-Excel?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 13:18:36 GMT I plan on using a 5 gallon bucket for auto top off in my 80 gallon rimless (open top) tank. I won't surprise me if I have a gallon of water in evaporation a day. I read that Tom recommends using either pure excel for auto top off or at least adding Excel to the auto top off water. Using pure Excel would be incredibly expensive with a rim less tank. So, how much Excel should I add to my 5 gallon bucket of auto top off water? ]]> General Plant Topics scoupland http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12448-Auto-top-off-water-Excel http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12447-Algae-problems-in-low-light-non-co2-tank?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 13:11:12 GMT Algae Control Piotr http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12447-Algae-problems-in-low-light-non-co2-tank http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12446-Nutrient-Calculator-Confusion?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 05:40:33 GMT I started my 80 gallon tank with the DSM and am ready to flood it. I plan to E.I. auto dose KNO3, KH2PO4, K2SO4, CSM+B and Iron Chelate 10%. I will... I started my 80 gallon tank with the DSM and am ready to flood it. I plan to E.I. auto dose KNO3, KH2PO4, K2SO4, CSM+B and Iron Chelate 10%. I will combine the macros in one container and the trace nutrients in another. I will use these EI target ranges of
NO3 range 10-30 ppm
K+ range 10-30 ppm
PO4 range 1.0-2.0 ppm
Fe 0.2-0.5ppm or higher

For auto dosing I need to figure out how many grams of each nutrient to add to 1000l of distilled water. I have used the nutrient calculator at this website: rota.la. I listed each dose as 25ml.

When I calculate for E.I. daily I get this: “To reach your target of 3.2 ppm NO3 you will need to add 63.203g KNO3 to your 1000.0 mL dosing container.”

When I calculate E.I. I get this: “To reach your target of 7.5 ppm NO3 you will need to add 74.066g KNO3 to your 1000.0 mL dosing container.”

When I calculate for a target dose of 20ppm I get this: “To reach your target of 20.0 ppm NO3 you will need to add 197.51g KNO3 to your 1000.0 mL dosing container.”

I am trying to interpret this but am confused. If I want my KNO3 level to be maintained at about 20ppm, the E.I. daily and E.I. recommended KNO3 weights aren’t going to get me there. I am missing something. Please help! ]]> Estimative Index scoupland http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12446-Nutrient-Calculator-Confusion http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12445-co2-regulator-w-solenoid-b-c-and-fabco-nv?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 00:55:24 GMT I just finished building my dual stage regulator and having only one tank I have no need for this regulator anymore. Cornelius regulator, fabco... I just finished building my dual stage regulator and having only one tank I have no need for this regulator anymore.

Cornelius regulator, fabco nv-55 needle valve, solenoid, and bubble counter. Everything you need for a co2 setup minus the tank, check valve, and co2 tubing.

Asking $110 (OBO) shipped USPS priority mail w/ tracking # inside the CONUS.


pm with any questions.



]]> Trades, swaps, sales ua hua http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12445-co2-regulator-w-solenoid-b-c-and-fabco-nv http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12444-Scrubbing-to-remove-algae?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 00:13:39 GMT Well, about a month into my first planted tank and algae is starting to get away from me :blue:.

I started a thread in the "new members" forum with some background info and a few photos...but basically the tank is not yet balanced and I'm getting more and more types and quantities of algae.

Here's what I currently have: staghorn, diatoms, thread, "green fuzz", and possibly GSA, but that could be the green fuzz I am not sure. Visually, brown diatoms and staghorn are the most prevalent. They're multiplying fastest in areas of high current and bright light. The "green fuzz" is mostly on older leaves. Diatoms are all over the place.

If I were to collect and dry all the algae I would estimate it to occupy a few cubic centimeters, if that gives you any idea of how extensive or minor the problem is. This is in a 25 gallon tank.

Until I am able to dial in the CO2 (trying my best!) and other parameters, is there anything I can do to preserve my plants? I've been scrubbing their leaves with a soft toothbrush daily and can tell you that if I hadn't been doing this, the tank would be COMPLETELY TRASHED within 3-4 days! That's how fast the algae is reproducing. After each session I siphon the debris that I can reach easily, but a lot of it is still getting caught in the thicker groups of plants. Do I have to remove ALL the algae debris to break this cycle? Do I need to bust out Excel or other chemical methods?

If I keep up with the scrubbing will I eventually conquer the algae?

Thanks for any words of encouragement... I need them :grey: ]]> General Plant Topics Desertsp http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12444-Scrubbing-to-remove-algae http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12443-FS-Glass-Blown-Fish?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 21:36:32 GMT I happened across a nice collection of Italian hand blown fish with really good quality glass and vibrant colors. Apologies in advance if the... I happened across a nice collection of Italian hand blown fish with really good quality glass and vibrant colors. Apologies in advance if the content is not appropriate; however, I thought the members here might find them somewhat groovy. I found them on a recent trip across the sea. Prices negotiable and all offers entertained. A small sample of the total collection can be viewed here. If you're interested in other shapes, sizes, types, or colors, please IM or email directly and I can provide you pictures or links to them. Inspection upon delivery is offered. Thanks.

Best,
Justin





]]> Trades, swaps, sales Szkalak http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12443-FS-Glass-Blown-Fish http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12442-Suicidal-methods-of-the-fish?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 20:26:35 GMT the idea of this thread hit me when one of my fish (an Otto) died in a stupid way. I would like to share your experiences (unfortunate ones) with... the idea of this thread hit me when one of my fish (an Otto) died in a stupid way. I would like to share your experiences (unfortunate ones) with ways which your fish died, in order to create a small guide for all the beginners to avoid such unfortunate events.

I will start with:
1) Jump from the tank (the final jump): I started my tank with 4 Botia Almorhae in 126 liters. They grew pretty fast and probably they found the tank unsuitable for them. The first one jumped through I small hall from the cover and I found it dry, near the couch. The second one jumped during the weekly water change and I found it after 3 days, behind the tank. The last one, which really upset me, jumped from the tank with me nearby. I was on the couch and because in the from of the tank I had a towel on the floor, I did not hear it when it jumped. I found it dry when I went to sleep.

2) Water pump: I have a small Eheim water pump. The flow is set on the lowest level and an Otto managed to enter where the water is pushed in the tank. I saw a small tail outside the pump and the Otto was stucked inside it...

3) Skimmer: I have an Eheim skimmer and an otto managed to enter in one of its 2 holes. I found it dead. I found this morning another Otto in the same place but it was alive and I managed to cover those 2 holes of the skimmer with a material which allows the water to flow. ]]> Are you new to aquatic plants? Start here dan_lup http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12442-Suicidal-methods-of-the-fish http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12441-LEDs-determining-low-medium-high-light?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 04:05:16 GMT I have low-tech tank set-up and want to switch from CFL to LED. I understand that watts per gallon is meaningless for LEDs in determining a low vs... I have low-tech tank set-up and want to switch from CFL to LED. I understand that watts per gallon is meaningless for LEDs in determining a low vs high light situation. Is there a way to figure this out from the info on the box or should I just hook it up and watch the plants? I bought a Fluval nano tank LED for planted aquariums - 8w output vs the 13w CFL that came with the tank.

Apologies if this is "old hat"; I'd be happy with direction to an article or old thread.

Cheers! ]]> Lighting jnevis http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12441-LEDs-determining-low-medium-high-light http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12440-ATI-help-needed?goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 19:57:24 GMT Helped needed from the ATI brains team... installed my ATI Sunpower x6 80w dimmable a week or so back and have several concerns and queries ? 1)... Helped needed from the ATI brains team... installed my ATI Sunpower x6 80w dimmable a week or so back and have several concerns and queries ?

1) no manual included in the box, but have down loaded this.. seemed odd:(.
2) what's the best way to run the tubes in before going dimmable, ATI have recommended ramping the tubes up to 100% in one minute, however as the temp rises the TMS kicks in and Ch1 dims to 60%. In retrospect it seems the best way to run the new tubes in would be to simply use an ordinary plug timer and run the lights in manual mode until the 60 hours is up ?
3) When I do the diagnostic test all seems well with dimm channels and the fan ramping up and down as normal,
however there is no TMS ''!'' sign after the temp and no FAN option in the menu settings. The manual highlights in bold that ''in program modus you have to switch all three parts back to Auto. Make sure the active cooling fans is onto Auto modus during illumination the complete time.'' As I say I can see no mention of FANS in the menu, unless there is a special way of unlocking this ?
4)After running the lights on the timer menu for four or five days, I noticed that when they switch off in either Auto or Manual mode, all six tubes continue to flicker, be it very dimly. I only noticed this in a dark room. As I was concerned I might be damaging the new tubes, I have resorted to pulling the plug out each evening, which is crazy !
5) After about five or 6 days of running the lights, I plugged them in yesterday morning and the blue LCD lit up, but was blank bar about 20 square little blocks across the screen. I retried this several times through the day but no joy. I then derigged the light unit to return to the LPS. This morning before sealing the box, I tried plugging the unit again and to my surprise the LCD came on fine !

What is going on here.:confused: Any suggestions and advice most welcome.. ? When I spoke to the local ATI agents they have said it would be at least 5 weeks until new stock arrives, so there goes my pics for the IAPLC :concern: ]]> Lighting Trevor Pleco http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12440-ATI-help-needed http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12439-Flow-Meter?goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 14:33:23 GMT Hello, I am thinking of installing a flow meter on the outflow of my canister filter. Can you recommend a good quality product? Thank you for... Hello,

I am thinking of installing a flow meter on the outflow of my canister filter. Can you recommend a good quality product?

Thank you for your reply. ]]> General Plant Topics Asmack Arabia http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12439-Flow-Meter http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12438-first-co2-setup-questions?goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 06:54:43 GMT Have a 40 breeder and gonna start pressurized co2, what would be the recommend levels if psi, bubble count, and ppm be? Any helpful suggestions are... Have a 40 breeder and gonna start pressurized co2, what would be the recommend levels if psi, bubble count, and ppm be? Any helpful suggestions are appreciated! Thank you!! ]]> CO2 Enrichment stewbone http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12438-first-co2-setup-questions http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12437-When-do-you-start-fertilizing-a-new-non-CO2-tank?goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 01:06:51 GMT If I interpret Tom's instructions correctly, you make frequent water changes at the onset (I have ADA AS), and after a while you start fertilizing at a reduced rate than EI. It's the latter part that I am not sure about, do I need to wait for the tank to establish a bit or can I start fertilizing from the get go? ]]> Non-CO2 Methods PK1 http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12437-When-do-you-start-fertilizing-a-new-non-CO2-tank http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12436-Eheim-Skim350-Surface-Skimmer-Discount-if-you-Pre-Order-by-5-31-USA-TBR-Members-Only?goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 20:43:02 GMT Be gone surface scum. Now is your chance to ORDER the brand new to the U.S. market Eheim Skim350. See product specs below: ... Be gone surface scum.

Now is your chance to ORDER the brand new to the U.S. market Eheim Skim350. See product specs below:

http://www.eheim.com/en_GB/products/...kimmer_skim350

For being an SFBAAPS/TBR member, you will receive a $4.00 discount on the cost of shipping if you order now. Use the "SFBAAPS" coupon code at the time of check-out.

Total unit price is $35.99 plus $4.00 shipping (with coupon). The flat rate for shipping is $4 no matter how many units you buy. The coupon and shipping price is only valid for USA members. Coupon will EXPIRE on 5/31/13.

Here is the link to order:

http://www.shop.trilbytropicals.com/...0686350274.htm

The site lists this item as Backordered, but they are expecting a large shipment in the next two weeks. So this is a pre-order for the next shipment. ]]> Trades, swaps, sales Matt F. http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/12436-Eheim-Skim350-Surface-Skimmer-Discount-if-you-Pre-Order-by-5-31-USA-TBR-Members-Only