My Photography

My Photography
Off topic post, recently a bit active in photo shooting more than aquascape. The reason why I do that is to understand the nature, like Mr Takashi Amano does. So is a helpful skill to develop our aquascaping and some nature behaviour. The place I am staying has such a limited stone scape, but worth for deep in study of the formation. If you like my photography, please drop a 'LIKE' on my link. Thank you very much.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Pogostemon & Hemianthus Callitrichoides pearling


HEMIANTHUS CALLITRICHOIDES
Hardiness: Moderate
Light Needs: High
Plant Structure: Stem
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Hemianthus
Region: Central/South America
Location: Cuba
Size: Individual stem width: 0.5cm (0.25in)
Growth Rate: Medium
Grown Emersed: Yes






POGOSTEMON HELFERI
Hardiness: Moderate
Light Needs: Medium
Plant Structure: Stem
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Pogostemon
Region: Asia
Location: Thailand
Size: Stem width: 2-5cm (1-2 in)
Growth Rate: Medium
Grown Emersed: Yes

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Apple snails' happy hour!!


Woooo...hoo! What were these 2 lovely snails doing? Hold in that position almost half an hour and climb on each other....I think 2 of it crossover, do hope to see baby snails in my tank soon.....

Saturday, September 20, 2008

These are the mediums in canister filter

Just replace a new canister filter few days ago, all are back to normal. At the same time, replace some mediums. Yes of course, the beneficial bacterial is a must in the canister filter to convert toxic Ammonia to Nitrate as fertilizer. Diagram above showing how I place the mediums layer by layer.
1. Top layer with JBL Symec to collect any dirts from the tank.

2. Layer 2 using ADA Bio Rio provides the ideal home for a long term and stable colonization of bacteria and maintain the conditions of aquarium water.

3. Layer 3 with JBL PhosEx Plus binds excess phosphates quickly and reliably without releasing them again, to prevent any algae bloom.

4. Bottom layer is bamboo charcoal to absorb unnecessary substances, excess nutrients and to improve the clarity of water. Its porous surface provides good water circulation thereby prevents clogging and provides home for bacteria colonization.

Algae Treatment & Prevention

Type of algaeCauseSolution
Black Beard Algae (BBA)Low CO2Add CO2, trim, spot treat with Excel
Blue Green Algae (BGA)Low nitrateBlackout + add nitrate
CladophoraLow nitrate + Low CO2Add nitrate, add CO2
DiatomsExcess silicates, Low lightWait, add catfish, use RO water/sponge
Green Dust Algae (GDA)SporesWait out life cycle, remove + WC
Green Spot Algae (GSA)Low phosphate + Low CO2?Add phosphate, possibly add more CO2
Green Water (GW)Ammonia + high lightReduce light, Wait, Small WC, UV filter
Hair AlgaeExcess nutrients, silicatesWC, Excel, feed less, is something limited?
HydraStowaway in live foodUse cleaner live food, flubendazole, H2O2
Milky WaterBacteria bloomWait out, protect filter, add fish slowly
StaghornAmmonia + low CO2Remove, WC, protect filter, Excel
String AlgaeExcess nutrientsWC + get biofilter working

Monday, September 8, 2008

Canister Filter K.O.!

After 2 and half years of using the canister filter, finally the motor is dead, the whole eco-system in the tank has stopped, need a replacement motor to prevent any problems arise.