Tank maintenance

After coming back from my ICT, found that my 3 tanks are not in a good shape...

The 2 ft Planted Tank seems to have dead leaves and the overgrown of some stem plants.

The 2 ft Bare Bottom Tank's hortwort are dying for some parts (maybe not getting enough light since the right hand corner is a blind spot for the light. My wife has been complaining that the dead leaves of the hortwort are choking the inlet pipe and suspected causing the slow outflow of the canister filter. Actually it is caused by choking of the media and need to clean it.

The 1 ft cube Shrimp Tank was badly infested with green hair algae. Most of the moss in there are affected. Also the flowrate of the Eden 501 is almost gone so I think the filter media is choked somewhere and also needs cleaning up.

So sad after coming back from ICT and so many things to do and fix... : (

So I have cleaned all the canister filters for the above tanks this evening. It was hard work man, cleaning so many canister filters. I have found some shrimps in the canister filter and had a hard time trying to catch those buggers since they swim so fast and also not to mention that they are small!!! I have also removed the moss with bogwood that are infected badly with green hair algae and removed most of them (with my moss) and threw away the infected moss. : ( Then place them in the Bare Bottom Tank to quarantine for while.

Will leave the cleaning of my Planted Tank tomorrow.

Also found that a badis badis that had a sunken stomach. It must not have any food for a while and still do not want to eat the fish food that I have put in. Looks like it would be dead soon. : ( These fishes are really fussy eaters!!!

Grass shrimp shrimplets found!!

I was busy doing water change for my tanks on a Saturday evening when I found that the pregnant grass shrimp has given birth (it was pregnant and it somehow climbed into the plastic lunchbox where I kept some spiky moss for them to grow until I have use for them). I caught something moving in the lunch box when I was doing water change. Closer inspection, I found quite a number of shrimplets in the lunchbox. : )

I had to leave them in the lunch box as I was too tired to transfer them to the shrimp tank (1 ft cube). I did that on Sunday but as I was too lazy, I wanted to throw in all the water and shrimps (taken out the spiky moss already) but my wife insisted that the water is dirty and help me to catch them and put them in herself. She was scolding the boraras for swimming over to peck at the shrimplets when they were released into the tank. It was the last straw when she found her last shrimplet get eaten by a boraras. She took out all the boraras after that. So now left only the 1 badis badis and 1 oto. I must say that the shrimp population is not growing too well and medium sized shrimps were found dead. Maybe due to me messing up the place to rescape or the fishes in there are the main cause. I know my badis badis has been feeding on the shrimplets as I did not introduce any live food for it. Will see how it goes from now on.

Minor updates ... Whiptail not around anymore!

I could not find my whiptail catfish for the past few days. Look like it must have died and eaten up by my shrimps and other fishes. : ( I like the fella quite a lot but I think it must not been feeding well that cause its death. I have found it sucking on the glass walls and plants but I think it does not provide enough food for it. Furthermore, my tank is too heavily planted and it is not easy feed these fishes, except those swimming to the surface during feeding time.

Have bought another piece of long bogwood from Ghim Moh. I have intention to tie some lose bogwood branches onto it to create a nice effect but not sure it will work. It is now left soaking in the shallow tank.

Post to update my upgrade tank plans

*** I will keep updating this post to have the latest update ***

I have posted some questions in some forums to get some feedback on what are the equipment , budget and things to consider for my upgrade to 3 ft tanks.

Tank setup:
I want to have 2 x 3 ft low tech planted tanks (top one for shrimps and suitable tankmates with mostly moss) and other as a planted tank likey to cultivate my plants and keep other fishes.

How for the questions:
1. What is a standard size for 3 ft tank? I want black silicon instead of white. What is the recommended size you bros have for your planted tanks?
2. Should I have brace for the 3 ft tank? Is it required? What is it for?
3. What is the recommended thickness for this type of tank?
4. Any advice on what I can save on and what I can recycle for this upgrade? Any bros using similar setup can advice me.
5. Which is better? Wrought iron or wooden stand? I may want to have a cabinet, if I think it is feastible as I would like a height of 60-75 allowance for the bottom tank from the floor.
6. What is the lights required for the 3 ft tank? I was thinking of using PL lights or combination of PL & FL light.
7. Any bros can PM me roughly how much budget I need for this setup?
8. Are fans enough to cool the 3 ft tanks?

Feedback from the forums:
1. Standard tank size (ft) is 3 x 1.5 x 1.5 or 3 x 1 x 1.5
Recommended tank size is 3 X 2 X 2 ft

My take: I'm thinking of getting a 3 x 2 x 2 ft tank for stem plants and fishes and a 3 x 2 x 1.5 ft tank for my shrimps and mosses. This combination should be suitable for my needs.

2. Brace is required for strengthening the tank. Standard tank will come with centre bracing. If you do not like center bracing, discuss with your tank maker and see if bottom bracing can be done. Can go for braceless tank depending on tankmaker as braceless tank cost more or a euro-brace tank, a bit of similar to the braceless tank but with a slightly smaller tank surface opening.

My take: Will have brace for my tanks. Likely be having a center brace. May change my mind later after I talk to the tank makers.

3. 6mm (with bracing), 10mm (without bracing)

My take: At least 6mm. May go for 8-10mm depending on the recommendation from the tank makers.

4. Can recycle most of the stuff but need new lights, gravel (instead of recycling)

My take: Will be getting 2 new light sets, gravel, bogwood/driftwood, plants, maybe AC fans ...

5. wrought iron - might rust
wooden (chengai - recommended or kapuh) - might warp, but can choose colour to match the furniture.

My take: More towards wrought iron stand compared to wooden stand. Price is the main factor here as well.

6. 2 sets of 4 x 39w HO T5 light tube with parabolic reflector
Choose PL or FL so don't need to buy 2 sets of light tubes. (Good suggestion!)

My take: 2 sets of 2 x 55W PL light since this I can get around 1.2 watt/gallon. Should be able to use for most of my plants.

7. New 3ft tank and stand should put you down $400. Custom making might increase the cost and having another tank adds up to the cost.

My take: None at the moment

8. Fans are enough for a 3 ft tank. Got suggestion for chiller but no plans and ventilation problem in the dinning room so it is out!

My take: Will either DIY (got a 120mm CPU fan but no clip) or buy AC fans (around $23).

So far, these are what I have gathered ...

Lava rocks and some minor update

I went to look for Vince (near where I live) as he was selling some lava rocks. Found his place and was surprised that he has a fish room as well (actually half, the other half for his wife guinea pigs). Had a nice chat with him and bought 3 lava rocks at $10 from him. I wish I could get all 7 but I have no place for them at home or in my tanks.

I have also placed a box of spiky moss floating on the surface of the bare bottom tank. This tank will be bare bottom from now on to ease the maintenance. Also to have more BB, I have placed a pack of ceramic rings into the tank. With the ceramic rings and 3 lava rocks, I think the BBs should be enough, even if I put back my fishes. Actually the bare bottom tank looks nice with the current setup. Below are the items currently in the tank:

1 IKEA rectangular glass vase (stringy moss with unknown moss)
1 cylindrical vase (stringy moss)
3 lava rocks
1 driftwood with Taiwan moss (looks like java moss grown under low light condition)
1 bogwood with spiky moss
A handful of hortwort
A lunch and breeder box of spiky moss
2 rummy nose
1 cherry barb
1 cardinal
2 leopard corys

I have rescaped the shrimp tank. I was fustrated to not find my shrimps and don't know where they are hiding. So after the rescaping, most of the driftwood/bogwood with moss are leaning on the glass or each other. Actually better for the moss to capture the light and more space for the shrimps to graze and me to see them. I also recently bought another pack of grass shrimps (total 65 of them with some shrimps having eggs but cannot find the eggs anymore. : P). I have divided them into all my 4 tanks.

I have brought another 7 cherry shrimps (I think all males as the females were hiding somewhere were I cannot find them) to the office tank on 10 Oct 06. Hope with the additional of these shrimps, I am able to see more of them as mostly hiding somewhere. They are now in my office tank and I have threw in some fish food which I saw them eating it. 1 grass shrimp died a while back so now the shrimp numbers stays at 12 (9 cherry, 1 yamoto, 2 grass). Realise that the cherries looks more red when in cool water. The java moss seems to be growing well in this tank as can see they are spreading out from the driftwood and bogwood now. Just need some more time for the moss to properly cover the wood.

Upgrade plans begins ...

Just saw a picture of Weirong (AQ)'s 3 ft tanks (3 x 2 x 1 ft) for his fish room and it suddenly hit me to have the desire to upgrade to those similar to his, but I got different design for my stand. Actually saw this tank in Polyart (Clementi Block 328). They had a 3 tier 3 ft stand rack at the entrance of their shop now, all using 3 x 2 x 1 ft dimension. For the upgrade plans, here is some plan that I have in mind. I also asked my wife for her approval and she accepts the idea but need to provide her a proposal on the budgeting and what is involved.

Upgrade 3 ft Planted tank plan:
1. Will replace my current 2 x 2 ft planted tanks.
2. Likely will sell off the 2 ft tanks and lights. Not anytime soon.
3. Need to get 3 ft lights if I get the new tanks. Not sure what wattage to get. : P Maybe get the T5 types or may stick to PL or multiple FL.
4. Most important, the tanks! Not sure how much they cost and may need to custom made the stand (materials, layout). Hope it can cost less than $500. Will plan for 2 x 3 ft tanks.
5. Recycling my Ehiem canister 2232/2213 filters so no new purchases for filters. If one of the 2232 is not strong enough, may switch back to 2213 for the bottom one.
6. Need more lapis sand (cheapest). Considering should I get base fertilizer for my tanks.
7. Plants! Most likely 1 tank delicated for moss and also shrimps breeding. The other can use stem plants that I already have or can get from Teo's farm.
8. Fauna would likely still be small fishes (boraras, badis badis, clown killies and those small fishes that I still keep) or slightly larger ones and SHRIMPS. Should be able to get my CRS if I upgrade.
9. All tanks would be low tech. No CO2.
10. Need to save up more for the utility bills as more power used for lights and water.
11. Change water might be a chore so I would also need to think of how to ease the changing water process. Should not be too difficult, I hope. The bathroom is at the other side of the room.

I would likely do it after I feel that my life is more stable. So if not, it would be shelfed until further notice... Hope not!

Office tank and Bare bottom tank update ...

The office tank is currently going on well, with the addition of 3 green, 2 cherry and 1 yamoto shrimps. So far no deaths and the moss are growing but at a slow pace. There is always a layer of protein on the water surface so I assume the moss are growing well. Also my single crypt is growing well after the initial meltdown of 2 leaves. I was worried that the rather sharp black quartz might prevent the crypt from doing well in this tank but I was wrong. It seems to look better than all my crypts at home. : ) I have intention to bring in more cherries (hopefully they can have babies in my office tank) for this office since the shrimps here are all ok. However, all the shrimps likes to hide. I have also placed the hair algae infected moss closer to the bottom of the tank so that it will be easier for the shrimps to graze on it.

2 more deaths so far for the fishes in the Bare bottom tank. Of course a few more deaths at the shallow tank (cardinals only). I have placed some bogwood branches and 2 small pieces of drfitwood into the tank now. Also I have placed 2 glass vase with moss (to prevent mixing java with what I think is spiky moss). So far the moss and the hortwort are still ok.

I have managed to get the beads string (transparent type) from Chinatown beads shop at $1.30 for 0.4mm thickness a roll. I do not look for too thin ones as I was worried that they might cut the moss when I'm tying them. Now is to find time to tie the moss on my driftwood and also when my driftwood are free from BBA (still soaking in algae removal solution in a plastic container).

Found a LFS when I was at Geylang (meditation class). It is the Kingfisher aquarium. Below is the address:

KING FISHER AQUARIUM
76, Lorong 27 Geylang, Singapore 388194 (next to Aljunied MRT Station)
Tel : 6841 6816

It looks a little rundown and limited stock of accessories but still have quite a number of live stocks (fishes) and plants. Too bad I was on the way to my meditation class so did not stay there for long. The uncle seems to be knowledgeable in water plants as a customer came to him for help on lighting and plants to grow. May visit him next time. : )

OH DEAR!!! Fishes dying fast ... HELP!!!

After removing the lapis sand and plants from Planted Tank 2, I shall official name this tank to be Bare Bottom Tank. For this Bare Bottom Tank, my intention is to put in 2 pieces of big drfitwood that I have but found both are infected with BBA so now kept them in a plastic container with water (added some algae remover into the water) to see if the BBA dies. I have also removed the 2 java ferns from their driftwoods and put the 2 driftwoods into this container to remove algae as well. I think will put them there for a week and see the progress. Also I should be getting more breeder boxes to put around the sides of the Bare Bottom Tank to cultivate my spiky moss that is currently placed near the window. This tank should also be used to cultivate plants that I have tied with moss, like the shallow tank that I have been using. If most of my small fishes died, I might start a new moss tank to keep CRS that I have been eyeing on for so long. Will see how things goes.

The fishes in Bare Tank 1 started to die. First 2 days only see 1-2 deaths per day. The third day I found 5 died. The deaths consists of Rummy noses, cherry barbs, white cloud mountains and cardinals. I suspect it is the new tank syndrome that is causing the deaths of my fishes. So I proceed to clean the canister filter and then proceed to remove most of the fishes out of this tank and leaving some in there to see if it works. I have transferred all the rest to my shallow tank and 3 cardinals had died after the shift. : ( As of now, there is no deaths in the Bare Bottom Tank.)

Planted Tank 2 no more...

Yesterday decided to remove the lapis sand from my Planted Tank 2 since it is also infected with BBA. No matter how much I try to remove it is always there. Also I think the water circulation is bad for this tank since the outlet hose is pointed down instead of towards to inlet.

Anyway, proceed to pump out most of the water from this tank to a spare 2 ft tank and remove all the plants before catching the fishes to be placed in the other tank. Then proceed to remove all the lapis sand and washed/scrubbed the tank. I added the age water and top up some water from this tank is still not even half full. So in the end had to use fresh water treated with GENESIS water conditioner before topping up the tank. Then I also made some changes to the piping for the inlet and outlet pipes to suit my needs instead of using it as it is. After I put in the big piece of driftwood with moss into the tank, the tank becomes so cloudy that I'm worried that I need to change all the water again. Looks like bacteria boom ... Oh it has been a while since I see bacteria boom anyway. : P I turned on the filter and let it do its job and wait. At the meantime, the fishes are still in the other tank without pump and about 3-4 inches of water! After an hour or so, the water cleared (YES!!!) and I proceed to transfer the fishes back to the tank. I have also added the breeder box with spiky moss into this tank. I also threw in the hortwort to take up some nutrients in the water to control algae growth. Might be getting some otos for this tank since there might be algaes later. I do not intent to have rooted plants for this tank but moss/java ferns/nanas on driftwood/bogwood is not impossible since I have excess in the shallow tank. Should be transferring them over to this tank once I have the time. And so, Mission Remove Gravel completed!

I noticed that the tank looks rather bright since the bottom glass reflects the light as well. I'm worried that it might affect my fishes. So I'm thinking of putting a thin layer of black quartz sand or not. Just to reduce this effect. I have not decided yet. May decide on it after placing all the driftwood and bogwood into this tank. No more shrimps now for this tank.

My whiptail pleco used to hid behind the tank sticking on the wall with the water current coming at it. Now I see it sucking on the leaves of my crypts. : ) I think it has passed the stage of getting to know the environment and starting to earn its keeps ... EAT ALGAE.

Hausmann Marketing Aquarium:
Happen to visit this fish farm as I was having a farm visit at Aero-green Technology Pte Ltd opposite it. This is the fish farm at Kranji that I have came before with Weisin and my wife. There is also a feeder bus from Kranji (KranjiExpress) that would take me here. So next time if I want to come, I know where this fish farm is now. Anyway along this stretch of road have many other fish farms but mainly arowanas.

Some photos to share and new buy ... HELICOPTER!

Just found out that my office tank has some brown algae on the moss and seems to be getting more, so need to get some algae clearing crew. Had to decide should I get my shrimps (Yamoto, grass/green shrimp) or oto? Actually cannot decide which one to get. So went down to C328 and in the end, I bought a whiptail catfish aka "Helicopter" from PolyArt. Well got to admit I almost wanted to buy otos but my brother-in-law might want to buy some when he comes back from Shenzhen so might buy along with his or buy on my own later.

Here are some photos of my whiptail. Got to admit it is kind of pale but I think it is a survivor as the other mate died and it was feasting on its mate to keep alive. I like such attitude. : )

My whiptail catfish still in the bag ...

How it looks like sticking on the glass ...


Also here are some photos of my CRS. Just found this one here. Not sure where did the other one go. From the white on this CRS, it might be closer to grade B compared to grade C. So I think I still got a better deal in Hong Kong.

This is the best shot for this photo shoot ... Quite a lot of white for a grade C so I think can upgrade it to grade B.

This shot is taken when it is close to the inlet of the filter. Glass stains need some cleaning. Oops!

This shot is taken when it is not in the mood for photos but at least it looks nice. : )

Finally some photos of my cherries.

Also one of my wood shrimp has appeared again, staying at the HOF inlet. Now waiting for the other one to show its face. : ) Hope it is alright.

Tanks updates and LFS shopping

I have brought another bogwood with moss, a crypt and narrow fern (1 stalk) to the office for my 1 ft tank. After putting them into the tank, with 2 small white rocks and spiky moss behind them, the tank looks a whole lot better compared to just having a bogwood with moss then. Most of my colleagues are saying that it looks nice since this is their first time up close to a planted tank. They were wondering what fishes are inside the tank but it is still a bare planted tank (NO FISH YET). This is to allow the Benificial Bacteria (BB) to establish (added some fish food to help kick start it over the weekend) before any fishes be introduced to this tank. Actually my initial intention for this office tank is to grow my moss on bogwood/driftwood and then bring them back home, since the environment is very suitable for growing plants. I may still bring in some shrimps or buy some but nothing is firm. Intent to bring some fishes to the office tomorrow but decide against it since I want to bring a thermometer to test the water temperature and also add water conditioner before adding any fishes. Looks like fishes will come at a later date. : P

I have decided to remove all the plants and lapis sand from the Planted Tank 2, making a bare bottom tank for fishes only. No to waste the 36w PL light, moss on driftwood, java fern on driftwood and spiky moss (in breeder box) would likely be put back. If BBA problem still cannot be controlled in this manner, it will finally become a bare bottom tank. Keep a lookout on this. : )

Both my wood shrimps have molted and gone hiding. Cannot find them anymore. The first one has been missing for a while now. Hope it is ok.

I have also bought 4 badis badis from C328 last Wednesday to try them out in my tanks. Intent to put 1 in my office actually but I scare it would not eat there. I have put 1 in Planted Tank 1 (1 currently in breeder box to see if I want to put it in office), 1 in shallow tank (Left with a female badis badis) and 1 in my shrimp tank. I'm trying to find out in which tank these nice males can survive without eating live food (where got time to go buy tubifex worms for them all the time?!?) and force them to feed on prepared food. Only time will tell or they would be like their previous counterparts, all males died since they do not eat.

This week I have been to Ben's Aquarium, Imperial Palace and Cichlid Forever (weekend by Stephen's naval mates. The Drive Poh is my primary school mate).

The Tiong Bahru market is ready now and there are 2 more additional LFS there, owned by a lady and a man. The man sells the Pseudomugil Furcatus at $1/pc. Would likely get from him if I want to keep these cute fishes.

Below is the picture of this cute fish that I found from RAINBOWFISH ON-LINE.


Interesting right?!?

Imperial Palace is a LFS devoted more to Arowanas. Can see quite a lot of nice looking ones there. Got some special fishes and rays for sale.

Cichlid Forever is near Kovan MRT. It has a wide selection of monster fishes available and also sells quite a lot of equipment and accessaries there. Big fish lovers sure to visit this place. Their rays seems to be cheaper and nicer.

I also went to PolyArt to get a size L breeder box ($4) and stringy moss ($2). Now the moss is placed near the window since I have to quarantine it for a while. Then it would be placed in my Planted Tank breeder box. The L breeder box is now in Planted Tank 2 loaded with spiky moss.

Since I got my digicam back. May post pictures of my tanks soon. Just keep coming back to see if they are available. : P

Tanks update, new Spiky moss and stringy moss,

I managed to setup the Atman HOF for my office tank and I gave also brought a driftwood with moss (not sure since got mixed up taiwan, java & singapore). Well, I actually found a white slug (Kelvin found it first). I have removed it and left the tank running as it is. Quite a lot of people asked me where are the fishes and I have told them not yet. Actually I have not decided if I want to put in any fishes since I intend to use it to cultivate my moss since the temperature is very suitable for my plants. : P Will decided on them later, but likely be getting some shrimps as a preventive measure to control any algae.

I have also changed the light set for the shrimp tank at home with another one that is 11W. I have also moved the shrimp tank nearer to the window to receive indirect sunlight, hoping that the moss would grow better. I think it must have worked but have this green hair algae growing on them. Can see them dangling in the water current. I have also replaced the light tubes for both light set. I would be bringing the 9W light set to the office for the office tank.

I have purchased some spiky moss from Thomas (AQ) last Friday (15 Sep 06) since I think I have enough place to put these moss. I like these type of moss since it looks more pack. A bit similar to willow moss but smaller. After I got them, I put some in the breeder box with my pellias and narrow java fern plantlets in my Planted Tank 1. I put the rest at the shallow tank before I transfer them into another container. I have found some stringy moss in the spiky moss and kept them in the Planted tank 1 with the spiky moss to see if they can grow there. They are suppose to be low maintenance so should not be an issue. I have separated the moss into 4 trays and placed them in front of my window. Hope they can grow at this condition since in a tub, some parts cannot get any light and will die. Need them to be really low tech so I can keep them anywhere in my tanks. Will see how they does. I found some plant that looks like green algae but not exactly the same on the spiky moss and has fed them to my shrimps.

I have just bought 5 boraras maculatus and a small size breeder box from C328. The boraras maculatus are to replace some that had died and the breeder tank is used to hold my spiky moss in my office tank.

I will be preparing some driftwood and bogwood with moss to be put in office tomorrow. Looks like it is going to be a busy day for me tomorrow. : P

Office tank up again, due to impulse...

I had been tempted to start my office tank again but was really put off by the bad algae boom for the previous setup. Today, I actually poured water into the tank again, so my office tank which I left idling in my office will definitely be up. Now just need to gather the equipment that I need first ... I got a spare EDEN 501 canister filter but I think the flowered is too much for this tank. I also think the pipes are too long for it too. I do not want to cut them in case I need them that long, in case I change tanks. I got a liking for 1 Ft cube tanks now. Oh dear... My main intention is to keep this office tank for growing my moss (java, Singapore and Taiwan) but most of the time the shrimps would eat them bare so I have no intentions to keep shrimps (for now) in this tank.

Here are some equipment that I will be using in this office tank.
- 1 Ft standard tank
- Black quartz gravel, from Stephen :)
- Atman HOF

Plants that will be housing:
Since I'm a sucker for moss, I would be getting some moss to be placed in this tank. I have some ready moss on driftwood that I have at home which I can bring here to cultivate.

What I worry is the light intensity in my office. Not sure it is bright enough for this tank. Since I buying a 1 Ft light set, might as well get another one.

Since I do not intent to put any fishes here at the moment, I do not have to bother about cycling the tank. Will see how the moss grows before planning what to do next. Since it is a low tech maintenance planted tank, no CO2 will be used.

AQ Farm Excursion Sep 06

I joined the AQ Farm Excursion Sep 06 last Saturday (9 Sept 2006) to visit the fish and plants farms (Qian Hu, Gan's aquairum and Teo's Plant farm) in Lim Chu Kang. I can conclude that it was a enjoyable trip with getting to know the forumers in person. I think in the end most of us got something to go back home to work on. : )

I did not find anything to my liking at Qian Hu but they do stock a wide range of fishes and equipment (the whole Ehiem range of accessories is there) so it is a good place to check out stuff if you want to look for but price should be higher, of course. Gan's Aquarium has limited fish and equipment so did not get anything there. Someone just bought 8 drawf brisk nose pleco to help clear the algae in the tank. I cannot be sure if it is the same one that I had before but it cause holes on the leaves of my plants. Then we went to Teo's plant farm and there, I get myself a Crinum calamistratum (sotong plant is its nick name) and a crypt (tropica). These plants are all now living in my Planted Tank 1 now (the only display planted tank that I have left).

Without my camera, there is no photos I can post here.

Actually now I realize why some people just hated duck weed. It grows so well in my shallow tank that it always attached to my moss when I try to tie them on driftwood/bogwood. I have to manually remove them before tying the moss on the driftwood/bogwood. I intend to give them all to my sister (she keeps goldfish, which I heard is a good diet for them). Well, I think I cannot totally remove all of them but slowly will be able to do that. They reminds me of riccia ... which I had once.

Also I have did some cleanup of the shallow tank for those dead leaves of the java ferns in there. Finally I find some time to do that on Saturday evening.

I have also bought some CPU fans (80mm) at Sim Lim Sqaure (Sim Lim Tower a lot of shops closed when I went there last Sunday. Luckily I found what I need at SLS) for some DIY work to keep the temperature down for my tanks. I have a new design but looking for materials that I can use for this design. Hope to get the materials (if I can decide which one I should get) and try out the new DIY fan soon. Also looking for 1 ft light set (at least 11W) since my 9W desktop lamp is not bright enough for the moss. I have relocate the shrimp tank near the window now in hope the indirect sunlight can help to enhance the growth of my moss in the shrimp tank. See how it goes.

More cardinals and neons

My mother in law has asked my wife to ask me to get the cardinals and neon tetras from her house as they are dying batch by batch recently. Even I could not find the cause. Well, they will join the rest of my fishes in the BBA infested Planted Tank 2 (almost all plants gone now). I still planning how to clean up this tank. Also I found that the flowrate of the canister filter is rather bad (quite some time since I give it a cleanup. So yesterday, I did water change, clean the filter and introduce the fishes to their new home. They seems to be able to adapt to their new environment well, even if they are still a little pale. Hope they can survive in this tank. The flowrate of the canister filter improved quite a bit after the cleanup. Looks like I need to be schedule the maintenance of the filters more often in order not to affect their flowrate.

Will be joining a group of aquarium hobbist from AquaticQuotient (AQ) on a Farm Excursion this Saturday (9 Sept 06). Hope not to spend too much. : P

Shrimps and rescaping of tanks

Not a good time for me as there has been deaths of my new and old shrimps for the past few days ...

Actually it is my fault. I just realized that the plastic tap that I used to make my DIY CO2 is the main cause of the deaths of my blue shrimps. Looks like the water is too acidic for the shrimps. Almost cause the deaths for my yamotos as well but luckily I found out quick (realized that the yamotos likes to swim to the surface of the water and make a quick water change.

The other is that when I was cleaning the shrimp tank from spot algae, I also got tired of the scape (actually not scape after I just threw in the moss) so decided to rescape the shrimp tank once again. The shrimp tank is full of mulm (has no equipment to clean them as of now) so leave them alone. The rescape have stirred up the stuff and makes the tank cloudy. Then saw a dead cherry in the tank and outside the tank (must have stuck with the moss that I took out to rework on them). Luckily, the rest of the shrimps are fine, including the green shrimps and 2 CRS (just found the other after I thought I have lost 1).

During the reconstruction of my scape, I also decided to put my newly bought EDEN 501 filter to work in my shrimp tank. Now I'm waiting for it to cycle before it will totally replace the Atman HOF. Using the rain bar under the water to provide the current required and more evenly distributed in the tank now. Just removed my sponge filter yesterday as well.

Now on the deaths of my shrimps:
1 x wood shrimp (don't know why it died)
2 x cherry shrimp (mentioned earlier)
2 x green shrimp (Died in the Planted Tank 1. Unknown cause)

MIA:
1 x wood shrimp (cannot locate the other one, maybe it died?)

I have also tried to savage the plants from my BBA infested tank (Planted Tank 2). More of the crypts and other stem plants that are in there. I have transferred some crypts in the shrimp tank and others in the Planted Tank 1. The other plants would likely be floating on the shallow tank before I decide where to plant them. Will be treating my tank with algae remover or those items affected my BBA. I have not decided what I plan to do but bought the algae remover already. Also rescaped the Planted Tank 1 with more crypts and remove the driftwood with limited java moss to the shrimp tank, after I retie my moss on it. Not sure what moss since it is mixed with java, singapore and some taiwan moss. Got quite a bunch of moss for this task actually. : ) Still got some bogwood, driftwood that needs to retie moss on them, since they look so ugly now. : P

New shrimps (Yamotos and green) for my collection

I could not wait any longer to get more new shrimps after the Hong Kong trip and decided to get more shrimps, mainly Yamatos for my Planted Tank 1 since it is having quite a lot of hair algae. The many cherries are not helping and the limited malayans are not much help.

Went to Clementi (C328). There, I found a pack of 12 yamotos ($6) after a hard search. Also found interesting green shrimps ($4) there. The auntie told me they are a mix of green and malayan offspring. I was wondering if they are neon green genes in them. Anyway they looked nice and cheap so I bought a pack. There are many bumble bee shrimps on sale today so can get them quick. However bumble bee shrimps are more sensitive shrimps so it is not easy to keep them. I have got a pack and I think I only have 1 survivor in my 1 ft cube shrimp tank.

However, 3 shrimps (2 Yamotos and 1 green) died before I can put them into my Planted Tank 1. The 2 Yamotos are starting to turn opaque so that is expected. The green just died when I unpack them. So I have left 10 Yamotos and 18 greens (estimate). I have put 6 green shrimps into my shallow tank to see if they can help me control the hair algae there.

I have taken photos of them but my sister took the camera for her Vietnam trip. Will post them once I get the camera back.

Back from my Hong Kong trip

Just came back from my trip in Hong Kong and have bought back some Blue shrimps, neon green shrimps and CRS. I actually was worried about bringing them back to Singapore but they are too tempting for me to resist.

Sad news is that the 40 blue shrimps (1 died when I reached home) was completely wipe out when I looked at them in the morning. Was dripping my tank water into the glass container with the original water (a foul smell actually but I thought I should let them get used to my tank water first). Since it takes too long, I decided to wait until morning before I transfer them to my tank but all died. I was so sad and really not much mood for anything else ...

The 5 neon green shrimps (1 died when I got home) that I have got were put into a small container to get used to my tank water as well (water does not have a foul smell). I have put one which was lying on its side but not dead into my shrimp tank to see if it survived. Cannot find it. Should be dead. : ( Luckily the rest survived the night. I also bought 2 grade C CRS (my wife insisted since they look so nice compared to the other shrimps that we saw and the price that they some can fetch (saw a HK$500 one). Both survived and was kept with the neon green shrimps as well. One of them does not turn back to red (brown actually and lost most of the white). I could not find this one anymore.

Here are some shots of my CRS and neon green shrimp.

Close shot of this guy that I can find. From the price, it can only be a grade C.

Another picture of the same CRS.

Another one.

This is one of the neon green shrimp that I have got. Does not look neon yet. Maybe it is just green shrimp???

Another picture of it.

Some equipment that I have bought when I was there:

2 x Eden 501 (Finally got this filter for my 1 ft cube shrimp tank)
1 x mini thermometer
1 x breeder tank
2 x Plants Layout Magazine

Since I have visited the famous Hong Kong Tung Choi Street, I think I should give some feedback for this place.

The 2 rolls of fish shops along this stretch of Tung Choi Street is definitely worth the effort for any aquarium lovers, kids (got cute cats in glass cage so can see them. Attact quite a crowd here). This place is a one stop location to buy all your aquarium needs but since most of the item prices are quite standard, may need to bargin (tried but don't work everytime since I do not talk Cantonese). Definitely equipment here have a lot more varieties than in Singapore. Some brands are unheard of are found here as well. Prices for equipment and some items (driftwood, accessaries to decorate the aquarium is rather cheap compared to Singapore. I have also found that there are quite a number of shops selling plants and shrimps (the shrimp fever seems to be catching up here!). Marine stuff can also be found here but since I'm not into this, cannot comment on them. Shrimps prices seems to be cheaper compared to Singapore.

Shrimps found there are Yamato, blue yamotos, tiger, CRS, Diamond, Bumble bee, blue shrimps (some looks like Malayan Shrimps with a stripe behind the back), neon green shrimps and Wood shrimps (all that I can remember but some names are different so cannot confirm if they are correctly identified)

There are too many fishes found here which I think should be able to find one that you would like. Interesting ones are the pink neon zebra danios (found in Taiwan as well). Price wise is also cheaper compared to Singapore for most small ones. However it seems cruel to pack them into plastic bags for display but makes it ideal for anyone on the go. Not sure if they repack them the next day since I never come here before 9am. But some shops can still be seen open untill close to 11pm (not some guides indicate as 9 pm).

Plants are not too expensive and some plants can be cheaper (my opinion) compared to Singapore. Since the moss names are written in Chinese, I could not make out most of them but some that I think are java moss, spiky and christmas.

As I was too busy with the shopping, I did not take any photos here. Can be found in the AQ forum as someone posted them before. Next trip, will drop by Hong Kong Aquarium Plaza as I could not recall how to get there and was too tired with the shopping and travelling to Macau and playing in Ocean Park. Do drop by there if you got the chance.

Updates after a long absence

I have been busy with my new interest ... Meditation, so took time off for this hobby for a while.

Well, not much changes since I did not get any new equipment, except 2 driftwood (still soaking in a pail). But still there are minor updates so I think I can update them here.

Renovated the shrimp tank...
Just removed a bogwood which all the java moss came off (suspect due to shrimps pulling and near the outlet of HOF). With that, I had to retie java moss (limited) on it and left it in the shallow tank. Also changed the position of the HOF and also thinking of getting another light set (9W) to up the total lighting to 18W since I suspect that the moss are not getting enough light to grow nice. Most of the Cherry, Malayan and wood shrimps are still happily living there so I think I would let it be, just that it is long overdue to clean the glass wall again.

Weeding BBA from Planted Tank 2 ...
After combating the BBA for last 2 rounds, I still see them affecting the stem plants and growing on the lapis sand. Oh, well, I just removed most of the stem plants there and replanted some that I have got from the Planted Tank 1. Also threw, I mean put in the large piece of Singapore moss covered driftwood into this tank. I was thinking of getting some yamotos shrimps to combat the algae here but they do not eat BBA so may not be a good idea. I was hoping to get more plants but since I do not have much stem plants and mostly killed by BBA, there is not much choice left. The fishes seems ok in there though. I have also added another 2 ft FL light (15W) to this tank, increasing the lighting to 51W. Hope this increase in lighting helps with the BBA growth, since I know need to inject CO2 is the correct choice. Hmm... Should I feed the fishes less???

I have also bought 2 cap for the inlet pipe (clone of Ehiem since original one cost $7.40, while clone cost $3). Fixed them for the Planted Tank 2 and cover it with netting. I was thinking of putting cherry shrimps there but since quite a lot of fishes there, I don't think the shrimplets can survive.

Planted Tank 1 fish deaths ...
There have been 3 deaths of my boraras so far. 1 just died this morning. The other two died in the tank and got eaten up by the shrimps. They seems to be affected by dropsy and just wasted away. No medication or cure that I can think of is able to save them.

I have also covered the cap of the inlet pipe with netting (after so long, finally get my lazy self to do it). Now I would not need to worry about the cherry shrimps or shrimplets from getting sucked into the canister filter. Just need time to clean the canister filter to take out those shrimps that got sucked in there. Maybe do it this weekend. : P

That is what I have for this update. Til next time.

Office tank decommissioned and cleaned up the Planted Tank 2

My office is having renovation soon and need to clear away the fish tanks. It will be converted to a open concept office ('Sob'! No privacy now.). Even with the introduction of the 4 malayan shrimps does not help to clean up this tank from its algae. So I decided to bring back all the 3 malayan shrimps and 1 boraras back home. Have placed the tank in the pantry now, after I drained all the water from it. I have not decided whether to set it up again after such a terrible experience of having it in the office. Maybe I will consult the fengshui books on the placement of the tank before I decide if I still want one in office, after the renovation ended.

I finally am able to get down to clean up the BBA infested Planted Tank 2 after leaving it alone for so long. The fishes must have been complaining and hating me for it. I have also removed the 2 granite rocks and black stones from the tank. I have also thrown quite a lot of plants away as it would cause another outbreak if they are put back in. Now the tank looks a bit empty now. I was thinking of tying some moss onto the driftwood or bogwood and place them in this tank. Well, still need me to find time for this chore since I have been busy with other personal stuff.

Office tank gone wrong & minor updates

It has been a while that my office tank has been affected by some brown algae on the moss and green slimy algae on the glass wall. It was a bad think to watch after all my effort of setting one nice planted tank display in my office. I have tried to get 4 malayan shrimps to help me clean up the place but they are not so effective. I have cut off the artifical light now and removed the driftwood with Singapore moss home. Now plant left is taiwan moss on a small stone. 1 of the malayan shrimp also died. With the news that there is some renovation going on in my office, looks like this tank would have to go. I still have not decided yet whether to decommission the whole tank or temporary put at the pantry until the place is ready. Anyway, losing some interest in aquatic hobby now as I'm in search for some personal time for myself (can read up in my other journal blog).

I have taken out most of the BBA infected crypts from the Planted Tank 2 and threw them into the shrimp tank, hoping the shrimps would do their wonders. It does not seem to be much help so may have to find time to manually clean the BBA from the crypts before I replant them back (may take longer than I think since I'm short of time these few week).

I have also found that 2 boraras got affected with dropsy. I think both of them have been dead by now since I have not been able to spot them anymore. One of them in Planted Tank 1 was really bad (even got a really bad sunken stomach).

Planted Tank 2 rescaping in progress and minor updates

Finally had time to get myself to clean up the BBA from the Planted Tank 2 and also rescaped it with the plants that I have. Had to brush the rocks to remove the BBAs before I place them back in. The water was very cloudy at first but had settled down in about 3 hours. After a few days still see the BBA growing on the rocks and substrate again. Feel that the battle with BBA is never end! Will post a picture of the new scape when I have time.

Also a cardinal has jumped to its death. My wife found it but it was too late as it has already dried up. Hopefully the other fishes don't do that again. Also a scarlet badis has died too. I think it cannot find live food and starved to death. I do not feed my fishes live food so will not get anymore scarlet badis. : (

My HOF are getting dirty again. Furthermore I just cleaned the shallow tank recently. Looks like clean within 2-3 weeks is no joke. Can see the dirt/mulm in there. So unsightly. : (

Since my wife is sick, I have been taking care of her for a week already. She is fine now so that means I might have a little more spare time on my hands to do the maintenance. Actually, my hobbies like to take turms as I was rather busy with the outdoor plants (my mini garden outside my house). That also takes up some of my time to take care of them. Not sure when my interest for aquatic stuff comes back to bug me, maybe when I get myself some Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS)!

Clown killies jumped

Found 2 dead clown killies on the floor this morning when I was having my dose of chinese medicine. I could not understand why they would jumped out. Some more 2. : ( Should be lovers, that is what I can conclude. Now left only 1 clown killie left in my 1 ft tank. Should be considerin shifting some of the boraras back to the 2 ft tank since it looks a little crowded with the boraras around. Maybe I would get a few more if I see them (saw some in C328 previously).

The Planted Tank 1 have 2 pregnant cherries again. I would be looking some netting to cover the inlet of the canister filter to prevent small shrimps or shrimplets to be sucked into the filter. (Happened to me already but they are ok when I found the shrimps).

Found that the amazon swordplants are not growing well in my 2 ft tanks. I was thinking that they should be in the stage where they are still trying to adapt to my tanks as I can still see some younger leaves looks ok but older old got holes or not growing well. Also picked out some hair algae and feed them to my shrimps from Planted Tank 1. Cherries are not eating the hair aglae fast enough or at all. Malayans are lazy to climb so high to eat the hair algae. : ( The hair grass is still in my Planted Tank 1. No issue at the moment. Hope it grows more hair grass soon!

Was at BioPlast (Boon Keng). Saw nice moss and other plants in the LFS. Have also asked why my taiwan moss grow like java moss. He mentioned that taiwan needs more light (using 18W, the uncle recommended) and also CO2 (not interested in setting or buy any) so let it be then. Maybe would get another table lamp to increase it to 18W. Hm...

When changing water for Planted Tank 2, found that the protein layer buildup is quite bad and had to scoup out them in order to get a nicer water surface. The protein layer at Planted Tank 1 is back already. : ( So fast! Also changed the 24hr timer (for lights and fans) as it is not accurate and I think it is faulty.

On the trip to Desaru, I was at a herbal farm where the uncle there gave me some plants that he said can be put into the aquarium. They are found growing on soil. They looks nice (one of them is pinkish red in colour and the other is green). Looks like arrow head to me. Now they are house in my shallow tank until I can find time to plant them into my tanks (which one should I put???). Did find a LFS there but did not find anything I like there.

Decom filters and new plant... Hair Grass finally!

I have managed to secure a small batch of hair grass from Gummynut (Aq) who happens to live near where I live. Now they are in a corner of my Planted Tank 1. He has also gave me some Camboma Caroliniana which is still in my shallow tank right now. Funny thing is that after I put in the Camboma Caroliniana, I have lost 2 kuhli loaches already (they have jumped out of the tank and dried up. Also found one before but I managed to save it. Will transfer them to the Planted Tank 2 tonight.


Picture of the hairgrass I got from gummynut. : ) Hope it is able to survive in my tank. "PRAY HARD"!

I have decommissioned my OHF (Planted Tank 2) and Eheim 2213 (Planted Tank 1). Now using the 2231 for both tanks finally. Now solely running the Eheim 2231s. No major issue except seeing a cherry shrimp got stuck at the inlet cover. Off the pump to let it loose and on back again. Should be sucking those cherry shrimplets again. : ( Need to get some fine mesh to cover the holes! Need to find one first.

Found that my HOF for the shallow tank was making a noise last Friday. I could not identify what was it so I off the pump and work on it tomorrow. It as found that there was a dead kuhli loach in the motor chamber. It must have jumped into the outlet and got sucked into it. I have found out too late. : ( Did take a pictures of the dead kuhli loach. The skin colour is the kuhli loach if you cannot guess where it is.


Saw this hungry snail working on my glass wall in Planted Tank 1. Could see its red mouth working on the glass. Very cute! At least I can see them working...

Shallow and shrimp tank pictures...

Above is the update shallow tank picture, after I removed the well growing money plant (too well until my moss takes so long to grow). Most of my Singapore and taiwan moss are on the left. Java ferns on the right, with pellia on the right (tied to a stone). Hoping that the moss can grow well now. They are taking too long to cover the driftwood.

I was also taking some pictures of my shrimp tank so decided to post them. I have added some algae infected bogwood branches with java moss on them into the shrimp tank to let the shrimps help me clear the algae. Was using them for the nano tank and will be putting them back. However, they look so nice , compliments well in this tank. Not sure want to take them out anymore. Hm...
Here, you can see the 3 pieces of bogwood branches in the shrimp tank.

Another side with a piece of bogwood branch. My cherry shrimp is working hard on it. : D

All tank updates ... Got good news and bad...

I was cleaning my shrimp tank glass wall (got quite a bit algae on it) and finally got to clean them off. The snails are not doing their job well for this (hates them!). No use at all! At least my cherry shrimps are growing well and breeding like rabbits! : D Still can see small shrimplets now and then. I have previously seen 2 malayan eating a cherry. Looks like they have not been eating well since I do not feed the shrimps much, only fish food leftover from the boraras feeding. It stuck me that with the population so big, sure need to provide them food so I started feeding them algae wafers. Feeds them 1 pc per day. Need to break up into smaller pieces to allow more shrimps to get some food. Shrimps do not like to share and likes to snatch food from each other! Also I put in more moss (Taiwan and Weeping moss) into this tank to allow shrimplets to have more hiding space from the boraras (those transferred from Planted Tank 1 mostly is still here). Below are some pictures of the updated shrimp tank.

Front view

Side view

3 Dimension view (learn from Amano)

I think the shrimp tank looks better now. I think my shrimps and fishes are enjoying it. : )

Yesterday, after had a arguement with my wife on this hobby, I have removed all the Singapore moss (now in shallow tank), 1 pc of lava rock and bogwood (now in shallow tank), stone with java moss (now in shallow tank) and nano tank (on my TV console now). This is to make the living room less cluttered. Also I removed all the money plant on the shallow tank. Reason being the money plants grows too well but they affects the growth of moss and java ferns in the shallow tank. So they had to be removed. : P Also I did some maintenance on the shallow tank and found water "slugs" in the tank. They are usually found in poorly maintained tanks. Oops! Below is a picture of 2. Actually found 3, which 1 of them is very fat!

See the fat one on the right? The left one is the smaller one. BTW, the round and yellow stuff is actually the jelly that snails laid eggs in them. Had to clear so many of them! : (

I have relocated the 2 leopard corys into the shallow tank (RHS) to join the guppies and kuhli loaches. Hopefully I can feed both bottom feeders better in the same tank. I have also removed all the decorations for the shallow tank (wooden boards). At least I can see what is happening in the tank which IMO, is a better option. At least I can monitor the fishes inside this tank from now on. Should have done it long ago.

Now posting a updated picture of the Planted Tank 1. Not much changes to this tank, except would be using different filters in the coming week.

Picture of Planted Tank 1

I have found that algae (BBA) growing on the driftwood and crypts. I can only cut off the BBA from the plants but have no idea how to remove from the driftwood without removing the nanas and java fern. I have also relocated the plants in this tank with additional of new crypts (not sure what is the name now. Will update it later). Just removed all the plants on the driftwood and leaving it to dry. The tank looks quite bare now. Below is the picture before the "construction in progress".

Oh, yes. This tank is also changing its filter as well. With the change in filter, the light would have better coverage over the whole tank now. However with the high bioload, need to ensure that the Eheim 2231 has enough BB before cutting over to using it only. Wife also complaining when I can switch over using the new filters and decommissioning the old ones. Patience...

Malayan shrimps in office tank!

I managed to catch 4 malayan shrimps from my shrimp tank and brought them to the office tank this morning. I have then placed them into the tank after putting on the water for more than an hour. Hopefully they can help to clear some algae from the tank, especially on the moss. However, I only found 1 malayan before I went for lunch. Hopefully they went hiding instead of jumping out of the tank! Will check up on them tomorrow... Luckily my only boraras is still there and it is the nicest one that I have there. Will be bringing more boraras to join him, hopefully this week or next week.

Death of a leopard cory, rescape of shrimp tank and visit to LFS

I have caused the death of a leopard cory that was given to me by Ah_Zhan! I have forgotten about the inlet pipe does not have any cover and did not cover it up! This cory got stucked in the inlet pipe and passed away there. I was feeling sad when I saw it... : ( I later also opened the 2231 canister filter and found some cherry barbs and a scarlet badis in there. I was wondering if any of my smaller fishes got sucked into the filter and this is my answer. : P What a bad experience! At least now I know need to cover the inlet pipe. Luckily found nothing in the second filter.

Yesterday, with some free time, decided to clean up my shrimp tank from the algae on the glass wall. As I could not find a proper size driftwood to tie the narrow java fern, I have decided to reuse a small driftwood with java moss (was not growing well, except the top moss). Then I placed the newly tied driftwood with narrow java fern with java moss into the shrimp tank. I have also placed a piece of bogwood with java moss into the shrimp tank as well. My wife comments that it looks better now. To protect more shrimplets, I have placed taiwan moss on the subtrate to allow the shrimplets to hide and also cover the subtrate. The shots that I took yesterday was pretty bad so I did not want to post any here. Will post a picture of it when I get better shots. My bumblebee population seems to be down to half (found 1-2 at shrimp tank and seen 1-2 at Planted Tank 1). Looks like bumblebee is not easy for me to keep. Well, $5 down the drain... : P Lucky still got around 4 left. See how it goes.

The Eheim 2231s do have a low humming sound when I on it. Now better now but still have a slight humming sound. Also there are water trapped in the filter and Jus mentioned that it usually clears within a day. Should be ok, I think. Need to check tonight.

Yesterday visited Horizon LFS along Henderson Rd. It was near to a work place that I went so check it out (actually looking for Soon Hock LFS). Found that the shop do sells cheaper fauna (boraras and shrimps) than other LFS. Would visit this shop more often now. : ) Soon Hock LFS was bigger but I do not see any things that interest me so did not ask for price on any items but better display of goods compared to Horizon and more spacious than Horizon. BTW, I also got 10 boraras maculatus from Horizon. The owner (Rocky), mentioned that CRS are easier to keep compared to bumblebee. Anyway, I would try CRS at a later date and see if they can breed in my tank. Not sure to get grade A or B ones as price not different by a lot. Rocky also got his shrimps from local breeders. Hmm... wonder which bro he got them from...

I would be bringing in some boaras maculatus and malayan to my office shrimp tank soon. Maybe tomorrow. Need the malayan to clean up some algae there as well. Then if it is stable enough, would bring in more cherries. I was thinking should I change the driftwood and use a smaller one instead. Also should I get a HOF for the tank. Oh dear, may need to spend $$ again. : P

Operation Eheim 2232/2231 and something more ...

Just went to get the 2 Ehiem Ecco 2232 from Jus. These 2 gems are the best Eheim canisters that one can get, unless I find a better one. Lower powered, high flowrate and small in size makes them a perfect canister filter for any 2 ft tanks. Initially did not consider them for they would cost $138 per pc. My budget was for 1 less than $100. Missed a few good buys (Ehiem2213, Hydor 10 along the way) but I must say I'm glad that I missed the chance to buy those filters or I would not have the chance to get these two at such a low price from Jus. Could not wait to fire them up when I reached home. Getting them up took some time as this is the first time I worked on these filters but seems need to start them the same way as Eheim 2213 (need to fill the inlet pipe so it can start sucking water into the filter). But after this, just need to use the valves that comes with the filters to stop the water flow so maintenance is much easier now. : P Now to reveal my latest collection ...

Here you are, my latest Eheim 2232s that I have. They would be placed side by side for the final placement but since they are new, would need for the BBs to generate and that should be about 2 weeks. From then on, will decommission my Ehiem 2213 (backup filter) and OHF (this can really rest in peace unless I give to my sis or sell it). May decommission my 2213 first since the bioload is only 4 boraras and about 10 cherry and malayan shrimps.

This is how it looks like at the side view. Sorry for the poor lighting. I think it looks nicer than the classic 2213 but cannot deny that 2213 was designed with some simple physics in mind. Still a favorite choice if you ask me (even Eheim seems to stop manufacturing 2213 to make way for its newer models. What a shame.).


Jus also gave me a piece of bogwood for me to tie my narrow java ferns on. I think the bogwood looks nice. Will be working on where to tie the narrow java ferns and fill the rest of the space with moss. I always likes java ferns with moss. To me looks better as it hides away the unsightly java fern roots.

New additional to my collections (Equipment, plant and fishes)

I have secured 2 Ehiem 2231/2232 canister filters from Jus. Will likely be collecting them this weekend if possible. Finally able to get my canister filter for the planted tanks and to replace the current Ehiem 2213 and OHF that I'm using now.

I just bought narrow java ferns and 3 leopard corys from Ah_Zhan. Will leave the narrow ferns at my shallow tank (RHS) and have housed the 3 leopard corys in my Planted Tank 2.


This leopard cory is resting in front of my tank. Could not resist taking a photo of it. : )

This one is hiding at the back of the tank. They were hiding when I put them into this tank but seem to be able to adapt to the Planted Tank 2. Will be feeding them sinking pellet tomorrow.

Shrimplets spotted in Planted Tank 1!!!

I was looking for the dead pregnant cherry but found it missing from the spot that I last place it. I think it should be some shrimps' meal now as I found a piece of it left on the tip of the java moss. However, as I was enjoying the view on my Planted Tank 1, I spotted a small thing on the glass wall and it is a shrimplet! Found another one at the other side of the glass wall. I was so happy that this is the first time I can see shrimplets in this tank. This means that the some pregnant cherry shrimps have their eggs hatched and have shrimplets. So happy finally after all my hard work converting this tank to a shrimp tank and so many deaths before this, I was getting worried that if I made a wrong choice. : P

Above is one of the Bumblebee shrimp that is inside my Planted Tank 1. I know its colour is a little dull but better than die on me, right? Luckily yesterday weather was cooling so water temperature is cool, just nice for these guys. Hopefully they can survive in my Planted Tank 1 and Shrimp tank. Also I have plans to transfer the smaller boraras into the Planted Tank 1 to reduce the bioload and also crowding of fishes in that tank. Should be doing that tomorrow after work.

I have also completed tying of mini moss (from NA) onto 2 driftwood and pellia (from Wilson) on a big black pebble. Had a slightly hard time tying the pellia on the black pebble as it tends to slip or gets loose if not tied properly. I try not to tie too tight in case I injure the pellia. Now all of them are in the shallow tank waiting for the moss and pelia to grow out of the fish line. This may take a few weeks or more than 1 month. See how it goes. May transfer to my Planted Tank 1 or 2 if required since it is crowded in the shallow tank right now, especially on the RHS.

Headache issues after back from Muar and newest additions!

When I was at Muar, I went to 2 local fish farms as the LFS are not open during the weekends. I wonder why? No sales during weekends? Anyway, after going through their stuff, I still cannot find the canister filter or powerhead that I want and also fishes not cheap so did not bother to buy any. However, found a piece of lava rock which is cheaper than SG so got 1 piece. Others are too big a piece for me. Then I was given some driftwood from a cousin who found some driftwood from fallen trees. He got a few big pieces which looks very nice but not suitable for my tank (they are now kept in the container with lotus plants). My intention is to use the small pieces of driftwood for tying of moss or pelia. Will leave the lava rock as it is (should be a good hiding place for shrimplets). Also showed them my shrimps. Ah Guan was interested in the cherries and I promise him will give him some when I come over next time.

After coming back from Muar, found that there are no longer deaths of fishes in the Planted Tank 1 but found a dead pregnant cherry again. I wonder why the pregnants ones died? Would be feeding them peas soon. The eggs that I have taken from the previous dead pregnant cherry got fungi attack. All should be dead now. So I left the dead cherry in the tank to see if the eggs can be hatched (along the flow of water current to keep the eggs cool). Even other cherries do not touch the dead cherry (maybe due to pregnant with eggs so don't want to harm them). Hopefully the eggs and hatch into shrimplets and also the dead cherry don't spoil my water so fast.

Another thing is the Planted Tank 2 has quite a big patch of spot algae on the glass wall. Saw it when I came home. Maybe it is due to the light now on for 6 hrs without any intervals. Will monitor the tank for a while first and maybe use another timer for this tank if necessary. The fishes are fine in there. Well, did some water change for the 2 tanks and also cleaned the glass off the spot algae. See how the tank fares for the next few days.

The boraras in the 1 ft cube tank are able to survive in there, even though it looks a little crowded for the fishes. I have also witness something that I do not know. One evening, I found that a small insect had fell into the 1 ft cube tank and was struggling on the surface of the water. 1 or 2 boraras nip at it and when a clown killie came, it just gobble it down! I never knew that the clown killie has such a big mouth! From then on, I was thinking if I can shift the clown killies out but have not find a suitable place for them. Maybe will take them to my office (no more shrimp keeping) or maybe in my nano tank. Will decide where to put them later once my nano tank and office tank is ready. : )

Went to C328 and found a pack of 10 Bumblebee shrimp on sale for $5. Bought them and later put 3 into my Planted Tank 1 and 7 in my 1 ft cube shrimp tank. The Bumblebee shrimps require cooler water compared to cherries. Hope they can do well in my tank. They would be the trial before I plunge into keeping Crystal Red Shrimps (CRS). They are more expensive so need to make sure the bee shrimps can survive before buying them since both require the same environment to grow well. Wish me luck!

1 pregnant cherry died! More changes!

Found a dead pregnant cherry shrimp died! > _ < How can such things happen?!? Have read that a bro had managed to save some eggs from a dead pregnant cherry and managed to have shrimplets. I managed to scrape the eggs off the hind legs of the cherry into a small container and place the container under the sofa(keep it cool). Hopefully I would be able to see shrimplets or dead eggs when I come back from Malaysia... PRAY HARD!!!

Then I proceed to remove all the scarlet badis (left 3) and put 1 into the Planted Tank 2 and 2 into the shallow tank (LHS). Hopefully no more deaths for over the weekend. Also found a dead shrimp after I took out all the driftwood and bogwood before catching the scarlet badis. Actually no more fishes left in my Planted Tank 1 but I spotted a boraras in the Planted Tank 2 and transfer it into Planted tank 1 just now. So there is only 1 boraras left in the Planted Tank 1 now.


Above is the Planted Tank 1 new look.


Above is the Planted Tank 2 before I make minor arrangement.


Above is the Planted Tank 2 after I made minor arrangement.


Above is the female scarlet badis. Not sure if it is truly female as it still have some stripes, as I thought females are only white in color. On well, see how it goes...

Finally, my nana tank which I have mentioned but have a picture to show. The water is brownish as the bogwood branches are still leeching the acid. Need to wait longer to let it be less brownish. The java moss are growing well in there.

1 pregnant cherry died! More changes!

Found a dead pregnant cherry shrimp died! > _ < How can such things happen?!? Have read that a bro had managed to save some eggs from a dead pregnant cherry and managed to have shrimplets. I managed to scrape the eggs off the hind legs of the cherry into a small container and place the container under the sofa(keep it cool). Hopefully I would be able to see shrimplets or dead eggs when I come back from Malaysia... PRAY HARD!!!

Then I proceed to remove all the scarlet badis (left 3) and put 1 into the Planted Tank 2 and 2 into the shallow tank (LHS). Hopefully no more deaths for over the weekend. Also found a dead shrimp after I took out all the driftwood and bogwood before catching the scarlet badis. Actually no more fishes left in my Planted Tank 1 but I spotted a boraras in the Planted Tank 2 and transfer it into Planted tank 1 just now. So there is only 1 boraras left in the Planted Tank 1 now.


Above is the Planted Tank 1 new look.


Above is the Planted Tank 2 before I make minor arrangement.


Above is the Planted Tank 2 after I made minor arrangement.


Above is the female scarlet badis. Not sure if it is truly female as it still have some stripes, as I thought females are only white in color. On well, see how it goes...

Finally, my nana tank which I have mentioned but have a picture to show. The water is brownish as the bogwood branches are still leeching the acid. Need to wait longer to let it be less brownish. The java moss are growing well in there.

Planted tanks update and Pellia from Wilson

Got some pellia from Wilson. This plant is known as Monosolenium tenerum. It is consider a liverwort plant and easy to take care. Previously I bought some from Wilson but did not take good care of them and they got infected with algae. Since then no shrimps to combat the problem, had to throw them away. Now with the limited stock from Wilson, I would try to grow them in my tanks again. They are different compared to moss and riccia but they are used to tie on rocks or wood and let them grow from there. An easy plant so should not have issue with them. They did not die on me the last time but I was my fault for neglecting them. Have transferred the Pellia into my shallow tank (LHS) and will look for some driftwood or rocks to tie them on and let them grow from there. This time I'm more interested in collecting small pieces of driftwood/bogwood or stones for this purpose. I think I got 2 stones in office. May use them when I come back to office.

Found that another boraras has died when I was clearing the a dead boraras in my Planted Tank 1. That totals up to 2 deaths in a day! With the algae growing on the glass and some tiger lily bubs dying, I have decided to clear the tank of some dead plants and fishes and did 30% water change as well. I have intended to reduce the lights to 6 hrs (3 hrs interval) now. Will also stopped adding liquid fertilizer for a while to see how things goes. Hortwort grows like crazy. It is a pain and it has come back to me again in such a short time. : ( Did some trimming for the hortwort and removed the excess. Planted the 2 stalks of Ludwigia repens beside the java moss covered driftwood.

Also rescaped the Planted Tank 2 to relocate the hortwort and threw the excess away. Hortwort anyone?? This rescape is to plant the hortwort beside the driftwood and cut off the excess. Too much makes the tank looks like a "jungle". Not my intention anyway.

Just found out that I got a friend who is into planted tanks and shrimps like me as well. That is you, Jimmy Sim. : ) Glad to know one more friend is in the same boat as me. Got another into fishes (bigger ones), Stephen Chew. May start a small outing to get these guys to meet and go around shopping for stuff. : ) Since all currently live at West side, can go around LFS around the west. Need to ask if they are interested first before confirm this.

Planted tank updates and a lot more ...

I have changed the names for my 2 ft planted tanks to "Planted tank 1" and "Planted tank 2". Since I did not use CO2 for both of them, not right not to put low maintenance tank for the first tank as well and to keep the names short so I can type less. : P

Above is the planted tank 1. Recently rescaped and now looks a little overrun by the hortwort in this tank. Will do trimming coming Monday or when I have time for them within this week (weekend not in SG). Also put in 2 types of new plants (Amazon Swordplant (Echinodorus amazonicus bleheri ) and Ludwigia repens (if I get it correct) into this tank. Can identify there the new plants are??? The Amazon Swordplant is behind the bogwood (background) and Ludwigia repens (2 stalks) are still floating on the water surface (have no idea where to put them). : ( A bit crowded now. Also I have introduced a driftwood with well grown java moss (left side of tank) to replace the old one as the old one is too small and do not provide enough moss growth for shrimplets to hide. Since I saw at least 2 cherry shrimps pregnant, should be releasing their shrimplets by a week or 2. So eager to see my first batch of shrimplets in this 2 ft tank (cannot wait they fill this tank). : ) I also experiment with keeping scarlet badis with shrimplets as they always have an eye on anything that moves. That makes them cute but dangerous to shrimplets. If not much shrimplets for this batch, the scarlet badis will join the guppies or the other crowded planted tank. I want my precious cherry shrimplets! I think I noticed a dead cherry shrimp (overturned on the moss) but at night, I cannot find it anymore. Not sure it was just sleeping or pulled away by some shrimps for their feast! These cleaning crew (cherry shrimps) are fast workers!). Oh, also saw a dead boraras in the tank this morning. Was too busy to catch it out. If still there, will remove it when I get home. I also noticed algae on the glass and wondering should I use a 36W light set instead of a 55W one.

Above is the new look for the planted tank 2. Definitely looks better than the "desert look" previously. Also added the 2 new plants (Amazon swordplant and Ludwigia repens) that I bought from JE217 last Sunday. Behind the hortwort (RHS) are the Ludwigia repens which did not show in this picture. Will post one later with them. I think I should be relocating the hortwort to allow the Ludwigia repens behind it to get better light coverage. The amazon swordplant is placed in front of the inlet of the HOF pump. If they grows well, will hide the ugly pipe fot the pump inlet. This tank is quite crowded with fauna (cherry barb, white cloud mountain minnow, rummy noses, amber tetra, cardinal tetra and malayan shrimps). Looks better right?!? : ) I do not like the rock on the right and intend to put it on the left (too much rocks at the right. Need a better picture of the full tank. Next time...).

This is a close-up picture of the retying of the 2 nana on the driftwood. Took me at least an hour to complete as driftwood too big and not easy to secure the nanas on it with fishing line. Will be trying to tie some moss on the driftwood to complete decorating the driftwood. Hopefullt this time round the moss grows (last time all turn brown due to light not bright enough problem). : ( With so many fishes, you will know what I mean by crowded. Hate the humming noise from the OHF pump. Will replace it with a canister filter or just get another pump instead.

My office tank is undergoing major water change in hope to get the water parameters right again. Still see algae on the glass (just did some clean ups on the glass just now). Also did 80% water change for this tank and will do more water change weekly (or twice a week if I can). The last cherry has given up and died on Tuesday. Now left the sole survivor, my nice coloured boraras. It seems to be able to withstand the harsh conditions that I put it through and I really want to bring it home and redo the tank but resisted the idea. Will keep it there to test the water before I get more boraras to join him (2 more weeks time?).

I have added some spiky moss and mini moss into the 1 ft cube shrimp tank. They are stored in a cylindrical glass vase and cup. I was trying to find out if these moss can grow well in this tank compared to just inside tub beside the window. Main reason is to separate them so I know which is which and also transparent so they can receive light.

The nano tank that I have setup is still waiting for the bogwood branches to stop browning my water before I decide to put in fishes (first in the list is boraras, then scarlet badis, then decide later...). Did a 100% water change yesterday.

My shallow tank is now full (currently have 2 java fern with driftwood on them in there while the taiwan moss is growing well, spreading to occupy more than half of the tank (LFS)) so no place to put in new moss to allow it to grow.

I realise that the taiwan moss tied on the stone is not growing but still green. I think water temp a little high for it to grow. Will put it into the shallow tank or shrimp tank soon. The Singapore moss that I placed beside the window is growing well, but not at a fast rate. May want to try to put it in the shallow tank. Oh dear, shallow tank no space and more and more plants need to go in, should I get another tank?!? Hmm... Maybe try to occupy other tanks first. See how. Anyone got FOC small tank to give away??? At least keep it small my wife would nag me that much, I think. : )

Was at C328 yesterday. Found quite a few of clown killies there. Quite tempted to buy but resisted the temptation. Do not intend to increase my bioload for my tanks if I can help it. Office tank not ready yet. : ( Selling 1 for $1. They also sell kuhli loaches at $0.50 per pc. Smaller than the ones I have got but still ok. These are not easily found fishes so grab them before they are gone! Was at Biotope some days back and saw some boraras which their colours are showing well but a little big. Also stopped myself from getting any there. Once my office tank is ready, will then decide what to put in.

Bad news on office tank and some minor updates: (

Went to look at my office tank this morning and found that the bigger cherry shrimp has died in the tank. : ( So now the tank is left with 1 boraras and 1 small cherry shrimp in there. I have decided to make water change weekly (for 2 weeks), hoping that the tank mates and water condition will be more stable before I add in more boraras and cherry shrimps. Also realise that someone fed quite a lot of fish food in my tank. All gone to waste (the boraras did not see it and also shrimplet did not bother it too and hopefully does not spoil my water too much. Also the 3 snails that Victor brought all KIA. None can survive the water condition then. Really want to kick myself for not doing anything until it is too late. : ( Just did water change and hopefully no major problem coming long weekend. Will also off the lights for this weekend (scare temp to high during the weekend). Cannot be sure about the temp.

Also saw a dead cherry in my shrimp tank at home (maybe due to old age). The malayans are busy feasting on it. I did not bother to take it out and let them eat the dead shrimp. Other than this, no major change.

My nano tank looks ok. The bogwood branches are still soaking in there. I intend to get some java moss from the shrimp tank (got quite a lot of overgrowth) and tie them tonight after I get home or in the weekends. Not sure will they look nice or not. Currently no intention to put any fish or shrimp in the nano tank. Only when the moss grows well then I would consider. Also Jeanxavier also mentioned that the IKEA vase that he bought breaks with the water and airstone pressure. Not sure we are talking about the same vase. Need to take note of this, just in case.

Some good news... Some bad news...

Some bad news first. : (

Borrow my digicam to my mother-in-law so no pictures to post for a while. : ( At least I would still be updating on my tanks.

When I came back to office yesterday, 3/4 of my boraras died. Also left 2/8 cherry shrimps in my office tank now. I think it is due to the water (got fishy smell of my sinking food). Wanted to change water last Friday but need to attend a presentation and missed water change. The tank's glass is also covered with algae or some slimy stuff (quite difficult to clean off the glass). The whole tank was a disaster! : ( Did a major cleaning of the tank yesterday, cleaning the algae on the glass and moss (some got stuck on the moss when cleaned off the glass), changed water and also reposition the filter to allow more space between the driftwood and black sand. Now looks cleaner now but will monitor the situation before getting more fishes and shrimps.

One of my 5 scarlet badis died this morning (the biggest one, I think. Maybe due to old age). Found some cherries feeding on it. It's eyes looks swollen and colour looks pale yesterday. Wanted to take it out but scared it died like the smallest scarlet badis that I took out to properly feed it. So sad to see them go since they look so cute and nice.

Scare that the cardinals would cause harm to the shrimplets and other fish fries in the planted tank, had a hard time taking them out of the planted tank. > _< Now left scarlet badis and boraras in my planted tank now, with cherry shrimps.

Now to get over with the sad news and on with the good news. : )

Bought 3 female badis (at least what I think) from C328, hoping that by chance that they might breed in my tank. Also got a dwarf sword plant to add to my planted tank.

Found a cherry shrimp carrying eggs in my planted tank. That would be the first batch of shrimplets in this planted tank. I'm so excited, Hopefully can see the shrimplets in a few weeks time. May need to get more moss to provide more hiding space for the shrimplets. Hmm.... How do I do it?!? Tank is quite full already... : P Also the plants given to me by steven seems to be growing well but a bit slow (I'm not complaining, less maintenance to me). Saw some runners for the background plants and also my hairgrass.

Also went to Sim Lim Square (SLS) to shop but did not get anything there. Nothing worth to buy for now. Then went to look for loose crystals (like lapis sand size) to put in the IKEA glass vase (intend to have a nano aquarium) but want a different idea (not nature scape which I have been doing) but need to work on it. Finally bought 400g of loose crystals (different colours) and had soak them in the IKEA vase. Then went to get some broken bogwood branches add some small tree effect (will tie moss on it later. Need to soak it and make it sink first). May be keeping 1-2 small fishes in there and maybe cherry shrimps too but fauna not finalised yet. Still on the drawing board phase and see what I have to add on. Will need to do water change weekly for such a small setup.

Would be going to Malaysia (Muar) next weekend (20-21 May 06). Hopefully I can go to the LFS there to check out some equipment and may buy fish back (just find out can be done), if it is worth the effort. My fishes would go hungry for a few days. Hope they don't wipe out all my plants. : P