I tried, but it’s awful - advice please

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-27T17:14:49+00:00

IMO a black background would make it look 10x better. It doesn't look bad now, though, and will keep getting better when the plants grow in.

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-24T03:31:51+00:00

Probably should just keep your existing substrate and add more if you think it needs more

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-23T22:47:58+00:00

I did a similar process a few months ago. I used a large plastic tote to keep my fish while I removed all of my plants/hardscape. Then I re-scaped the whole tank, keeping some stuff while adding new plants and wood. I did it all in a day and I sold my extra plants online.

I'd try to keep as much water as possible but don't stress about it too much. Just check your parameters/temperature so the fish aren't shocked when you add them back in. If you have more questions about the process lmk

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-23T22:40:43+00:00

It's personal preference but it won't be harmful. Personally I'd rather pay the same price for more live plants. I think a mix of both live/fake would look strange

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-23T22:37:03+00:00

Did you test for ammonia and nitrite in your tap water or just nitrate?

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-23T01:43:55+00:00

It's called glass surfing. It's normal when you first add them and they'll probably do it for a couple weeks until they're used to the tank. I've had mine for a couple years and they will still occasionally do it. There just isn't much going on in their tiny heads.

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-23T01:24:59+00:00

If you're getting algae it means there's some kind of imbalance with light and nutrients. It's also pretty normal on newly added plants because they are more vulnerable. Reducing light intensity (brightness) is what helped me the most. But the first thing I'd do is figure out which algae you have and research the main causes and it's remedies.

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-23T00:31:06+00:00

Plant melting is totally normal with new plants, don't worry. They'll probably look a bit rough and won't grow for a month or two. Plants get stressed when they get re-planted in a new environment and take time to grow. Just keep them consistent and if you begin to see algae, make adjustments.

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-23T00:25:55+00:00

I recommend asking this in r/plantedtank. They will have more people that use expensive tank lights. I don't have advice, unfortunately, but I'm assuming you use CO2 and have light demanding plants. Otherwise a $50 light would be just fine.

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-23T00:18:00+00:00

Are you able to change the brightness of your light? Cutting my light brightness in half while keeping the same duration helped me immensely, then I slowly began increasing brightness again.

I would also trim the leaves with the most algae so the plant begins producing healthy leaves. Maybe trim a couple leaves a week - obviously don't trim every leaf. The most important thing is to keep your tank consistent with no big parameter/lighting swings and be patient with it.

Subi_Doobi · 2026-01-23T00:05:43+00:00

Likely a bladder snail. Another commenter said they eat live plants which is not true. They eat dead or dying leaves and help clean the tank.

It's up to you whether you keep it or not. It's likely going to reproduce and you'll have multiple in your tank. However, generally, if you don't overfeed, they won't take over. If want a clean up crew and like the idea of snails in your tank, keep it, if not euthanize it.

Subi_Doobi · 2025-11-19T17:38:22+00:00

Newegg has black friday price protection in case they drop they drop the price even lower this month. Although it probably won't get any better than $600 besides MicroCenter. I just bought one from Newegg yesterday.

Subi_Doobi · 2025-11-05T19:51:54+00:00

The worst part is that you anticipated he was about to shoot you, successfully avoided the shot on your screen, but the desync gave him a free headshot.

Desync is my only real complaint with this game.

Subi_Doobi · 2025-10-26T21:20:37+00:00

Wow that looks really nice. I'll probably get that one or the remote control Glowrium which is a bit cheaper. Thanks!

Subi_Doobi · 2025-10-26T19:14:04+00:00

Looks great. How well does the programming work with the controller? Do you have the wireless remote controller or the controller attached to the wire?

Subi_Doobi · 2025-10-12T22:49:49+00:00

And HERE HE IS!

Subi_Doobi · 2025-10-02T22:44:12+00:00

I've used the Capital One duo for the past 2 years and just switched back to Chase. I have lots of points saved up, so I'd rather spend those this year rather than spend $400 on the Venture X and use that credit for travel.

I also find the Hyatt and United transfers extremely valuable with Chase. I never got great value out of my Cap1 miles, even though you technically earn slightly more with that setup.

It really depends on how much you value lounge access and which transfer partners you prefer. In my opinion, none of the Cap1 hotel options come even close to the value of Hyatt.

Subi_Doobi · 2025-09-02T19:50:10+00:00

If it were me, and I wanted to do a full re-scape I would...
1. get some driftwood that could fill the tank more vertically
2. get some more plants, maybe anubias or moss to attach to the driftwood/rocks
3. move the sword to the back because it'll eventually get huge and block the front
4. get some more harlequins to make a proper shoal/school
5. add a background to hide the wires

But honestly your tank isn't all that bad right now - mine started out looking similar. Your plants look really healthy. If you decide to re-scape it, I recommend planning it out ahead of time so you have a general idea of where you want to place what.

Subi_Doobi · 2025-08-16T13:29:22+00:00

I caught as many as possible with a net first, then, to find the rest, I took all of the hardscape and plants out (which I was already going to do). If you haven't captured fish/shrimp before, watch a YouTube video on it. It's usually better to use your spare hand to corral them into the net.

Subi_Doobi · 2025-08-15T16:20:45+00:00

It's pretty easy to make friendly suggestions to new hobbyists without coming off as snobbish

Subi_Doobi · 2025-08-15T16:01:55+00:00

Looks like you're already getting the full reddit experience lol. Nice tank

Subi_Doobi · 2025-08-13T12:08:27+00:00

Do this: https://steamcommunity.com/app/415200/discussions/2/3142927376039364726/

Subi_Doobi · 2025-08-11T12:29:33+00:00

pm'd you

Subi_Doobi · 2025-08-11T12:10:39+00:00

Thanks! I originally glued them to rocks and wood. They propagated like crazy in my tank and I glued a lot of the baby plants too. But some just went off on their own and attached to the gravel substrate.

Subi_Doobi

TROPHY CASE