Recent content by gray_matter16

So I got the problem fixed and there were multiple things going on so here's what was happening in case someone's reading this thread in the future... First, both bubble counters I owned failed. The built-in check valves failed and didn't allow any air to pass through. Secondly, the tank of co2...

Looking for any good tutorials on a co2 reactor that will fit the FX6's 1" ribbed tubing. I'm willing to DIY if needed. Haven't found anything that explicitly addresses a good option for the ribbed tubing yet.

They are different brands. A "JARDLI Music Glass CO2 Diffuser" and "Clscea PMMA CO2 Diffuser" The Jardli was the diffuser that worked for me for so long before.

Hmmm are there any good tutorials or recommendations on that? I haven't been able to find any online yet but I'll keep looking even if it is diy. I had a reactor when I had my last, smaller, filter and it was amazing I agree. Never had any issue with that reactor.

I have tried cleaning the diffusers with bleach and removing the check valves. Still no bubbles come out of the 2 different ceramic diffusers I had on hand. I bought a $5 fluval diffuser and that worked, so I know co2 is getting through. But the diffuser is predictably bad and produces large...

The diffuser is practically brand new and completely white, so I'll see about the check valve first. Thank you!

Attached is rough photo of my co2 setup. I have a 125-gallon freshwater planted aquarium. 2 weeks ago, I got a refill to my co2 tank at the LFS. The 3 refills before that last 6-9 months each. Besides the first few days, ever since using this new tank I have been seeing 1 bubble per 3 or 4...

Yep I agree with Sparky, "best" depends on your situation. So we'd need to know more about your setup in order to give you more relevant advice.

Yes some driftwood, or add a bunch more plants, especially taller, bushier plants like ludwigia's or rotalas. I've found that planting heavy/dense to start makes the scape easier to formulate than trying to anticipate where plants will grow and fill in. The problem you might be feeling is that...

Rams, and most cichlids that I know of, prefer soft water and ph around 6 - 7 or less. And rams are notoriously sensitive fish. There are always many exceptions to that but saying that's what I've learned from research and personal experience. Rainbow fish and platies I don't have much...

Why do you dose kH and gH weekly? And with what? I'm not saying you shouldn't, I've just not heard of dosing that stuff using liquid additives before and want to learn something new. Indian almond leaves, some driftwood, and peat moss are a few natural things to use to lower ph in my...

There's lots of 'guidelines' when it comes to aquascaping you could use for inspiration. Pinterest is a great place for that because once you click on a scape you like, it will offer other similar images to look at underneath it. I've gotten tons of inspo for scapes from pinterest. As for...

1. if money is no object then I don't see an issue with using pressurized co2. Just don't use liquid co2. But many plants will adapt, slowly, and grow just fine without additive co2 as long as all your other factors are balanced with it. 2. For most red plants bright light is usually good...

Depends on the season. In the winter we have the thermostat, which is on the upper level, set to 68 during the day. So the upper level is 68 while the lower level is 60-63. In the summer the thermostat is set to 75 and the lower level is about 68-70

I have a 6ft long 125-gallon freshwater planted aquarium. It currently is a species only tank with 8 german blue rams. I want the tank to be 80 - 82F and possibly up to 86F. I currently have two 300w heaters placed at either end with pretty good circular flow. We live in a bi-level house in...