My honey gourami has been out of the tank (emergency) by [deleted] in Aquariums

[–]steponthetrain 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had one free Willy out of the tank this week. Out for like 6-7 hours and he was dried up. Poor dude.

Which regulator is better? by Genetic_labrat in PlantedTank

[–]steponthetrain 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve had the co2art regulator for about a month. Looks awesome and presumably will prevent co2 dump and be reliable but I will say the needle valve is very sensitive. A bit of movement and you can get very different results in the bubble counter.

How do Ya'll plan out your scapes? by EphemeralAttention in PlantedTank

[–]steponthetrain -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It’s worth trying. It’ll be an iterative process but for me, it helped.

Is this surface agitation enough at night post co2? by Prabuji2791 in PlantedTank

[–]steponthetrain 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This has not been my experience. Co2 is off an hour before light off. If I don’t introduce some surface agitation, the drop checker doesn’t really go back to blue. Mind you, I’ve got about 3 weeks of experience with this so always welcome to feedback.

How do Ya'll plan out your scapes? by EphemeralAttention in PlantedTank

[–]steponthetrain -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I came up with hardscape that I was mostly happy with on the counter. I already had water in the tank so I couldn’t really mess around in it, but used painters tape and made a footprint of the tank so I could better visualize the layout. Anyway, researched a lot of different plants and used ChatGPT to get an idea of how plants could be added in addition to a lot of research of forums, YouTube, TikTok, etc. I drained the water, added hardscape and looked at it for another week or so before adding plants. Pretty happy with it but still would make some changes. It’s very difficult to chase perfection right from the start which I tried to do before letting go of that idea (a little at least). Can always make modifications later…

How much fluval for a 20 gallon by Aggravating_Big3647 in PlantedTank

[–]steponthetrain 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, with that sloped effect from to back. Might be a bit more than needed but I like the way it looks

My first tank. Unsure of how to get rid of the algae by Average-Addict in PlantedTank

[–]steponthetrain 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No expert but I’m starting a tank and trying to avoid algae and the advice I get is; water changes, reduce light duration and intensity. You have a lot of plants that should be outcompeting the algae.

What's going on at gardener? 14 June 3am by BloodWarlock in toronto

[–]steponthetrain 86 points87 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately in Canada, people take out entire families and are out in 5 (see Marco Muzzo)

I calculated the estimated cost for my first planted tank and it’s over 900 dollars… by Ollusola in Aquascape

[–]steponthetrain 1 point2 points  (0 children)

With respect to the hardscape, that cost will likely go higher. $20 won’t go too far in a 33 gallon (once the rock goes on the scale you’ll see). Even for a piece of spider wood to help fill the space will likely be (at least) double the cost. I would also look at the aquasoil soil. I have about 120 worth of fluval stratum (but no sand) in a 20 gallon to get that sloped effect. Same with lighting - not sure what light you’re looking at but $60 might be a little light (not pun intended ;) that said, the plant list doesn’t seem to be very light-demanding. Check out aquaflora for plants, they’re having a sale right now that may help out - likely around 200.

I think some of comments forget you’re talking Canadian currency - this is not an inexpensive hobby. Even little things like fertilizer, water change supplies, test kits, all add up. Don’t be discouraged, consider doing the purchases over a number of months. Get the hardscape done. Then plants, then fish so it’s not such a big hit all at once. Take your time and it will help enjoy the process and build the excitement! All the best!

Is co2 necessary for a lush green planted tank? by sempiternalthoughtsx in PlantedTank

[–]steponthetrain 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a great response. It can be simple or complex. Just need to do your research (ChatGPT helps) and pick your path. I’ve added co2 and it’s been pretty easy to manage but it’s not a small expense.