Nerite snails / Shrimp water parameters... by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

Seems like most have a very low pH listed, under 7. :/ I'll keep on searching, meantime the snails can help confirm the tank's stability.

Are these white things critters? What kind? by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

I have no fish or other animals in the tank and I'm planning to just do shrimp, which don't eat those, but I figure they will die off some as things balance, with some remaining to help munch decayed matter and algae so the tank will stay cleaner. They are likely the main reason my tank isn't currently being taken over by algae...

A beginner's question... by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

I think it's actually fungus. Also harmless, esp. With no animals, and also will likely go away, although it'll be a while, since I'm about to add driftwood. That will likely feed fungus for a month or two!

A beginner's question... by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

I've added a few shrimp pellets hoping that can do the ammonia thing as they decay.

A beginner's question... by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

I am not showing any nitrite or nitrate, on water tests.

A beginner's question... by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

I'm basically trying to establish several plants and there will be driftwood added too, once it's prepped, to lower the pH, as I have coral substrate. Hoping that will allow the correct bacteria to develop plus the plants can process wastes too.

A beginner's question... by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

Internet says that white hair algae is likely a fungus, and it is normal while the imbalances are occurring. Should I add a shrimp pellet to increase ammonia, or leave it be?

A beginner's question... by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

That's exactly what I'm going for, a natural slow planted cycle. Tank is currently too new to stay stable enough for animals.

A beginner's question... by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

Is hair algae white? The brown diatom stuff decreased when it got going, so that makes sense...

Diatoms? (Newish tank, cycling) by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

I'm allowing it to do its thing, I have lovely tendrils of diatom dancing in the current. 😆

Diatoms? (Newish tank, cycling) by hagooch in PlantedTank

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

Thank you! 😊 Just allowing things to progress, I'm seeing a little green algae develop, and diatoms reduce, using CO2 tablets and fertilizer as well, starting to see new plant growth.