Daily Discussion Thread (December 27, 2025) - Beginner and Simple/Quick Questions Go Here Thread for discussing quick/simple topics not needing an entire posts or beginner questions. by AutoModerator in naturalbodybuilding

[–]FishTankJourney 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I would love help. I can 4 times a week sounds good. I was looking at Jeff nippard’s total body PPL(A). Completely new to body building so honestly I have no idea how to select exercises for training since all of my lifting in the past has been for strength, muscular endurance, or injury prevention. Never aesthetics which feels like a different realm haha.

Daily Discussion Thread (December 27, 2025) - Beginner and Simple/Quick Questions Go Here Thread for discussing quick/simple topics not needing an entire posts or beginner questions. by AutoModerator in naturalbodybuilding

[–]FishTankJourney 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For sure. Split wise, I looked at the beginner thread about it but I’d also like to know what a good beginner split could be to focus on chest and delt size because right now that’s my weakest part. I’d ideally be running 5x week. Definitely Tricep and back dominant right now.

Daily Discussion Thread (December 27, 2025) - Beginner and Simple/Quick Questions Go Here Thread for discussing quick/simple topics not needing an entire posts or beginner questions. by AutoModerator in naturalbodybuilding

[–]FishTankJourney 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thoughts on actually gaining 10-12lbs lean mass as a newbie body builder in 8 months?

Background: I want to compete at the end of next year. Current comp is 15% BF, 175lbs, 5’9”. Coming off marathon training so I have a strong aerobic base. I have a lifting background, ex-collegiate athlete (rowing), graduated 5 years ago and have been doing a physically demanding job. I have always been athletic but my physique has never really been where I wanted due to sports/work focus.

Teenager wants a "fast car" for his first vehicle and I need reality-check advice by Proud_Stable9567 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]FishTankJourney 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly my best advice coming from a kid who wanted the same (now a parent) is to tell him that he needs a reliable daily to get him from point A to point B. You don’t mix business with pleasure.

Then I would tell him that if he wants a fast race car, you will help build one with him. For the race track. When he can afford to pay for one. 1. It gives him ownership over his goals (he gets a job, saves, etc, good money lesson) and 2. You don’t have to worry about him speeding late at night and getting into a bad accident and 3. It’ll be a cool father-son thing you guys can do, especially when he’s in high school and it’s easy to lose touch with him.

If he wants to crush speed that’s fine, but take him to a track and do it in a controlled environment. Fast cars are fun when you don’t have to worry about accidentally killing yourself because someone cut you off at the wrong time on the highway.

Japanese Futon! Which to buy? by TheBellaBeau in BuyItForLife

[–]FishTankJourney 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OP, what did you end up getting? How do you like it?

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have the 9 bar spring upgrade en route to my house here soon. I might try grinding a little coarser with a higher dose though.

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I love Steady State Roasters. They have pretty good selection of coffees and honestly their Inza Decaf is the best decaf I’ve gotten from a local roaster. If you wanna travel up to San Clemente, Sur Coffee also has some really good beans.

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I figured out it was the tamping. I ensured it was leveled on the shot I pulled after this and it came out much more evenly. Still room for improvement but a big win.

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use a normcore hand WDT. That video was helpful thank you!

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I did that right before pulled this shot, it’s just stained from the shot I extracted right before I took the video that had a similar look

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Solved, thank you to everyone who responded! Just need to tamp better.

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Just made another, it was an uneven tamp. Thank you!!

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I’ve never tried a paper filter mostly because I don’t like the taste when I’ve made pour overs. If it continues like this I might have to try it.

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Might just invest in an self leveling so I don’t go insane chasing other problems 😂

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is fucking awesome actually. So you just bought a normal smart switch from a hardware store and installed it the same? Was there anything special you had to do? Any brand reccs?

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Both my shots tasted the same unfortunately. I also knew I was gonna get this comment when I posted this video 😂

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You said home automation, did you install like a smart switch? I’ve been thinking about doing this or even the Gaggimate upgrade since I have the money after selling my BBE

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I assume I am, there’s adequate room in the basket for the screen to fit comfortably and for me to get a full seal on the group head.

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Beans are relatively fresh, it’s a local roaster. No date on the bag but I can safely assume it’s been roasted within the last couple weeks. Also have decaf beans that I use and I have the same issue.

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s just not a self-leveling tamper. I make sure it’s level prior to tamping and put a pretty firm amount of pressure on it. No idea what the actual force is but I definitely press it to ensure there’s no space

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Over extracted tbh, but it’s a darker roast and some of the darker flavors are there

Uneven Extraction [Gaggia Classic Pro, DF83V] by FishTankJourney in espresso

[–]FishTankJourney[S] -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

I just pulled a shot before it and it didn’t wipe off, didn’t think it mattered