tom,

is that a little gda on the wood? if so, what is the cause and what is the fix.

marufovega

What pencilfish are these?
They're beauts. Do you know how big they get?

Really liking the scape of this tank and been following it for a while.
Glad you have decided not to cover the wood in moss, would do it a great injustice

Think this is my first post...

Love the work Tom.

No, it's not GDA.
It's a type of epidendric algae, somewhat close to Colechaete *(GSA).
In a sense, it's a welcomed addition.

I have some plecos I'll be adding in a few weeks that will likely remove every bit of it, but not gnaw the wood too much.

I only have a slight touch out of the reach of the rubber nose plecos in another tank.
This species of alga is really never an issue nor a problem, some do not like it, but it looks nice to me. High light, current and wood are the causes. It does not fair well at low flow rates or where diatoms might cover it, low light etc. I do not think it will last long now I've started adding plecos, the Gold Nuggets will maw on it some as well.

If you ever had issues with wood algae, a Panaque will gnaw everything off for you. Rubber noses are good and will do not harm to other fish, not gnaw nearly as intensely and still remove the algae.

Regards,
Tom Barr

cicjay,

They are Espei pencils. They are different in that the black bars you see are their normal coloration.

Other pencils have these bars to varying degress only at night...


Tom.

Beautiful work! Absolutely lovely!

I looked in the thread for EI dosing numbers, but didn't see any. I know you are going EI here though.

1. Are you running normal EI dosing for a 180 based on the sticky for EI? Or a modified version for your tank?

2. How do you stay so algae free and clean all over? Is that what happens when you have all the right elements in place (current, light, c02, nutes, etc) and your name is also Tom Barr?

I am using this tank as a benchmark for mine. I figure the closer I get to the cleanliness and growth of your tank, the better I am doing.

More pics please!

tom,

hey, i love the tank. it's spectacular. i'm a complete newb and heavily involved with algae issues. i seem to be winning my war with hair algae thanks to the advice i've gleaned off this site.

maybe someday i'll have a tank like your 180. looking forward to more pics.

peace,

jd

I add about 1 tsp of KNO3, 1/4 KH2PO4, 60 mls of modified trace mix 3-4x a week.
The Traces I might add 5-6 x a week.

60% weekly water change, slowly going to 50%.
Sometimes 2x a week if it's really hot.

CO2 seems to be the largest issue for folks and algae.
And lots of plants from the start.

Regards,
Tom Barr

any update on the tank tom???????

Seing a tank like this makes me sad. In the words of Andy (of Little Britain fame): "I want that one".
I've been following this thread from the start, and can't help but finding myself giddy as a schoolboy whenever there's a new "episode" out . It certainly sets a goal for when I win that lottery (I have to start playing one of these days...) and buy a massive mansion.
Tom, you make it look so easy. But I guess a lot of planning and experience went into this.

I bet you had just as much fun finding that wood as you are putting it together. You all talk way over my head but I love to read what you are up too. I am learning Thanks

I love the look of this wood better then your last tank, but that was nice too.

damn it, why is it so clean, no hoses, no pipes, and that HC carpet!!

Is it insured? Oh Btw where do you live? (HC carpet steal plan in planning mode) lol lol