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.