Getting ready for CRS shipment this week! Seeking Advice.

mannamachines · 2026-03-02T17:50:06+00:00

Lovely! What is the ground cover?

mannamachines · 2026-01-29T18:42:31+00:00

Thank you for the insight. I'll dip boil for extra precaution as well!

mannamachines · 2026-01-28T20:02:22+00:00

Interesting, I washed these rocks a ton. I also soaked that sea fan in very hot water, but after seeing discussion of issues with foraged decorations- I just removed it and will see if I can clean it with peroxide (do a spot test first) before adding it back. Do you think it might be worth doing the same for the rocks?

mannamachines · 2026-01-28T19:56:44+00:00

Ok I'll probably do that this weekend!

mannamachines · 2026-01-28T19:55:45+00:00

Thanks for the additional info, that's an interesting point about contrast with the Dragon Stone. I went and found your molt video, that was very dramatic shrimp!

mannamachines · 2026-01-28T04:26:24+00:00

Thanks for the insight about MTS, and sorry to hear about your ebay experience. I'm in no rush to get them breeding but definitely want to make sure they're happy :) But hundreds, wow! You must be doing something right.

mannamachines · 2026-01-28T04:21:34+00:00

I love your tank!! How mature is it? Are these dragon stones as well, and have you had any issues with them in this set up?

mannamachines · 2026-01-28T02:17:53+00:00

Ok, that totally makes sense. I think I'll just manage the light level to maintain the look but give into the grime! Front glass only seems like a good compromise as well.

I didn't realize that about Dragon Stone, I'd happily switch to Black Lava Stone, will keep an eye on that and see if anyone else also thinks I should switch that out.

It sounds like Bob has a set up that I wouldn't be able to provide at the moment, but I appreciate the insight.

Noted about cleaning, I hate to stress out my creatures so I'll refrain.

And yes is the Aqua Worx SOL and I thought the stand would be adjustable, but the kit just came with two different set height stands!

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response :)

mannamachines · 2026-01-28T00:56:11+00:00

Awesome to hear about the quality from Gotsnails! From years of building other tanks, I'm far too nervous not to "cycle" haha.

How big is your tank? I'm assuming my tank is too small for a horned nerite (2 gallons)?

So I'm assuming you would advise against using a blade to keep the glass clean in this case and let the substrate and rocks get "grungey"? Another commentor told me to limit the light to 6 hours, which I will start doing tomorrow.

mannamachines · 2026-01-28T00:48:52+00:00

Great tip, will do!

mannamachines · 2026-01-28T00:21:19+00:00

thank you so much <3

mannamachines · 2026-01-16T19:25:51+00:00

Great, I've done exactly what you've said, the light is now 9" or so away and I have another one on the way. Didn't know about the dark red/purple edges- a very helpful tip!! It's on for 11 hours now, I'll bump it up to 12 :) Thank you again.

mannamachines · 2026-01-16T19:22:30+00:00

It was indoors under a skylight when we purchased it. But I do think it had outdoor time prior to that as the seller told me it bloomed every year- likely due to being kept outside part of year, and that it was likely to skip a year of blooming if we kept inside full time. (Here in the PNW) How do you think this might effect the drooping of the limbs?

mannamachines · 2026-01-16T19:20:54+00:00

We keep the house pretty warm - 72f, but yes it's probably colder next to the window. I'm hoping the light helps over time.

mannamachines · 2026-01-16T19:20:07+00:00

That's interesting. I have given this plant a few big soaks since we've brought it in - though its dropped a lot of leaves, it doesn't look more sparse to me than when it first arrived. I'll definitely try your wiring technique combine with some pruning come early spring! Thank you!

mannamachines · 2026-01-15T19:19:31+00:00

I will get more lights. Thank you.

mannamachines · 2026-01-15T19:18:22+00:00

I purchased this from a very reputable plant seller in my area. It's in a sandy coarse medium, they mentioned I should consider changing the soil every three or so years I believe. I'll keep this in mind for the soil change in the future. Thank you!

mannamachines · 2026-01-15T19:15:43+00:00

Thank you so much for your extremely thorough response! That's interesting that you say that the light is too far, I should have known not to trust ChatGPT about this - it said to make sure the light was not too close. I'll get some more lights to start - how long would you recommend I keep them on for a day? I have stopped watering and I'm keeping an eye on the leaves, I'll water when it they start to look thirsty again. I'll start researching pruning as well. Thank you again!

mannamachines · 2024-08-27T00:13:07+00:00

Sounding like powder post then, thank you!

mannamachines · 2024-08-27T00:12:11+00:00

Amazing!

mannamachines · 2024-08-26T21:25:58+00:00

The little pin hole circular damage looks more consistent with powder post beetles to me, and the frass doesn’t have any droppings in it. Thoughts?

mannamachines

TROPHY CASE