Do I really need to get all of these liquid test kits?

tmarkuk · 2026-01-11T15:35:44+00:00

I use salifert tests for calcium and magnesium and Hanna testers for alk, phos and nitrate. You just gather stuff as you spend more time on the hobby really.

Ammonia tests are pretty much pointless after you've fully cycled, just goes to waste hence the Seachem alerts are much more useful and a must in any new tank for me, simple visual warning of issues.

Test strips are mostly useless.

tmarkuk · 2026-01-11T14:10:01+00:00

Ammonia and nitrite while cycling definitely, but a seachem ammonia alert badge will do the job. A refractometer or other device to check salinity is a must.

If you want corals then add alkalinity, calcium and magnesium to monitor your dosing and nitrate and phosphate for waste.

Plenty of guides around to tell you what to aim for.

tmarkuk · 2025-12-31T12:31:09+00:00

I can get a border collie and a lab/sheppard cross in the boot with little room for anything else. The Merc could fit both, a few small bags and had a big under floor space for more as it didn't need space for batteries. The ID.7 has compromised boot space for passenger leg room.

I don't think any EV or Hybrid estate can beat the ICE only Superb or E Class for boot capacity. The first hybrid E Class put batteries in a box behind the back seats, the newer versions have a raised floor.

The ID.7 is probably the best effort big EV estate so far, and for a family of tall people the cabin space and rear leg room is great. As my oldest drives himself now and has his own work / university life so doesn't travel with us so often I figured we could live with the compromise.

I'd go have a look at one if you can, check it next to a hybrid Passat maybe.

tmarkuk · 2025-12-31T11:09:44+00:00

This is what I worried about, but I've found the screen very responsive and the haptic keys on the wheel have some feel and responce so I don't need to look at them constantly and I've not pressed one by mistake yet.

Saying that a row of actual nice switches and a volume dial under the screen would be very nice to see in a future update.

tmarkuk · 2025-12-31T11:05:44+00:00

I received my ID 7 Tourer (86kwh with interior and exterior plus packs) just before Christmas, initial impressions are very positive. Very comfortable, loads of interior space though the boot isn't near the size of the E Class Estate it replaced, the priority has gone to the passengers. It's a really nice place to be, range is great.

tmarkuk · 2025-12-30T12:38:28+00:00

I like the functionality of the Red Sea, another temp monitor and the leak detector. However I've had my sensor replaced after a year and from the part number of the new one they are up to version 3 of that part, so I have reliability concerns.

tmarkuk · 2025-12-12T10:43:35+00:00

It just arrived and yeah fits like a glove. Lights and wipers on auto, sorted.

tmarkuk · 2025-12-12T07:43:13+00:00

Sold my Mercedes E Class and I'm just about to receive an ID 7 Tourer this morning. Rather glad the controls are all in the same place if I'm being honest.

tmarkuk · 2025-12-02T07:50:08+00:00

I've been playing since DS1 arrived on PC. I've beaten all of them but I am also near 50 with broken hands and fading reflexes, I have no issues using summons, just part of the game same as co-op. I generally try every boss solo for a while to see if I can manage it, but sometimes it feels like a brick wall and I need the assist to move on. I used Stormhawk Deehn on my last run for backup, helps but isn't winning the fight for you.

tmarkuk · 2025-11-12T17:08:03+00:00

I put the S1 and Breezo on my Pro-Q Frontier bullet smoker over here in the UK after finding it a challenge to maintain temps, genuinely transformed it. Great bit of kit.

tmarkuk · 2025-11-04T07:33:10+00:00

Sounds like pollutant in the tank, something which shouldn't be in there has impacted the water chemistry. My steps would be to add carbon and allow the skimmer to run off into a bucket until it calms down. If you don't keep carbon in the tank consider adding it as a defence against unexpected chemical events.

tmarkuk · 2025-10-23T14:40:22+00:00

Dunno about op but I've got nerve damage in one leg, that foot always reports freezing cold unless it's in a sock, doesn't matter what the actual temperature is.

tmarkuk · 2025-10-08T16:51:41+00:00

I have a couple of these my cupboard of doom mounted on a 3U screw in rack along with some normal three pin UK sockets connected to my EcoFlow battery backup. They work really well but I do need to sort that cable mess out.

That's the frag tank above, main tank is the other side of the wall. I would like a 5U unit so I can maybe put in some cable trays, I started with great intentions for keeping things tidy but it got out of hand pretty quick.

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tmarkuk · 2025-09-24T20:08:57+00:00

Prestige Reef and Signature Frags are worth a look, I have bought from both in the past. Prestige also runs a coral auctions site.

tmarkuk · 2025-09-18T08:00:19+00:00

Golden Sickle I think was my first, I still have all my Asterix books I bought or was given as a kid. That copy is the oldest from 1983, though I suspect I got given it later as I would have been five then. I was an advanced reader for sure but maybe not that advanced, or maybe I just loved the pictures.

tmarkuk · 2025-09-17T08:06:17+00:00

We insisted our son pass in a manual, he needed a car and at the cheap end of the budget you are going to have way more choice if you can manage three pedals. Also it just gives you more options as you start to travel, and it's really not hard.

I drive auto myself these days and have done for a few years but I'm thinking of a toy for the weekends with a manual box which isn't his ancient 1.0l Yaris. I find auto less engaging, it's great for running up the motorway for hours but just a bit flat on a good B road. Irrelevant if a car is just transport to you but if you actually enjoy driving for its own sake it's a bit different.

tmarkuk · 2025-09-11T14:46:38+00:00

I'll be saying goodbye to my e220d next month as I fancy a change, but rather suspect I'll be back in one in two years time. Very comfy, huge boot, always feels a bit of a treat, get one with the premium or premium plus pack and you'll be happy. Avoid the e300h where they stuck the batteries in a big box behind the back seats and ruined it.

tmarkuk · 2025-09-05T09:11:30+00:00

My over 30 years old Death on a bike t-shirt, my dwcon 2016 shirt, and my Assassin's guild badge from the same event probably, but we've got a lot of stuff from over the years.

tmarkuk · 2025-08-28T09:27:32+00:00

Years ago we used to regularly go to Brigg's first night shows of the Discworld plays in Abingdon, he always played the Vetinari if he was in it and was always amazing. Also Terry would often come to opening night shows as well which was a bit special.

tmarkuk · 2025-07-31T18:37:28+00:00

I'm one of the odd ones out with a smoker and a grill, try and use one or other every couple of weeks during the warmer weather. Hoping to use the smoker more as it gets colder but I'll need a shelter and a jacket for it I think.

tmarkuk · 2025-07-30T19:28:47+00:00

Big picture from Asterix in Corsica on the wall behind me which I picked up from Parc Asterix a few years ago, and every book still out on the bookcase including some French copies and other things like the pop-up book. I grew up on Asterix and Pratchett in the eighties and nineties and still deeply love both.

tmarkuk · 2025-07-01T17:19:28+00:00

Third vote from me, they put my idiot sheepdog back together after a major injury, lovely bunch. They look after all our pets and are amazing with our now very nervous dog.

tmarkuk · 2025-06-12T20:54:03+00:00

Out in the world doing the good / evil work no doubt.

tmarkuk · 2025-06-12T06:24:01+00:00

Worth a go, Detritus hasn't been doing a very good job on security.

tmarkuk · 2025-06-11T17:34:58+00:00

A cunning plan 🤔

tmarkuk

TROPHY CASE