Search found 12 matches

by orchid
Wed May 22, 2024 9:57 pm
Forum: Fresh Water Plants
Topic: Choosing the best plant substrate or gravel
Replies: 13
Views: 2278

Re: Choosing the best plant substrate or gravel

@orchid, I couldn't agree more. Holding off on adding fish for as long as possible has been a game-changer for me. I stumbled upon this approach by accident, and it's been my go-to method ever since.

When it comes to using active substrates like aquasoil, it's crucial to exercise caution. While it ...
by orchid
Wed May 22, 2024 7:14 pm
Forum: Fresh Water Plants
Topic: Choosing the best plant substrate or gravel
Replies: 13
Views: 2278

Re: Choosing the best plant substrate or gravel


Most people I've spoken to swear by play sand for their aquariums. In the UK, Argos is a popular choice, while those in the US often opt for Lowes. It's a great option because it's inert and safe for your fish and plants. Just be sure to rinse it first to get rid of the dust. It's also extremely ...
by orchid
Wed May 22, 2024 5:35 pm
Forum: Fresh Water Plants
Topic: Choosing the best plant substrate or gravel
Replies: 13
Views: 2278

Re: Choosing the best plant substrate or gravel

Using an active substrate like ADA aquasoil or Controsoil can be suitable for fish that can handle lower pH and KH levels. However, it demands a commitment to properly "age" the tank before introducing fish. When I set up a tank with aquasoil, I believe it's the best substrate for promoting healthy ...
by orchid
Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:13 pm
Forum: Bettas
Topic: I found my betta fish dead at home
Replies: 14
Views: 2300

Re: I found my betta fish dead at home

I agree with the previous advice, and I'd also like to suggest incorporating salt into your water changes. This can help counteract the damage caused by those high nitrite levels, and may also help prevent Brown Blood disease in your exposed fish.

It's worth noting that high nitrite levels can ...
by orchid
Tue Apr 30, 2024 7:04 pm
Forum: Bettas
Topic: I found my betta fish dead at home
Replies: 14
Views: 2300

Re: I found my betta fish dead at home

I'm going to take a guess here, but I think there might be some mistake with the nitrite reading - 5ppm seems really high. Did you miswrite that or is it genuinely that high? Also, I'm curious, what's the ammonia level in your tank?
by orchid
Mon Jun 26, 2023 11:28 am
Forum: Fresh Water Plants
Topic: choosing between plastic and real plants
Replies: 10
Views: 1750

Re: choosing between plastic and real plants

I began with plastic plants, then introduced a few real ones to my aquarium. To be honest, the plastic ones looked rather artificial next to the real plants, so I decided to phase them out. I've been trying to make floating plants work, but I'm having a tough time - they just keep dying on me, and I ...
by orchid
Mon Jun 26, 2023 4:19 am
Forum: Fresh Water Plants
Topic: choosing between plastic and real plants
Replies: 10
Views: 1750

Re: choosing between plastic and real plants

Real plants all the way for me now, but I've had my fair share of plastic ones in the past too.
by orchid
Fri Apr 08, 2022 10:58 pm
Forum: Fresh Water Plants
Topic: best plants for a non-soil tank for beginners
Replies: 10
Views: 2660

Re: best plants for a non-soil tank for beginners

I've seen plenty of successful DIY fertilizer users out there, Osmocote being one of the popular choices. It's not a guarantee for uncontrollable algae. If you're interested in learning more about it, I'd suggest checking out some specialized planted aquarium forums. They've got a wealth of ...
by orchid
Fri Apr 08, 2022 9:53 am
Forum: Fresh Water Plants
Topic: best plants for a non-soil tank for beginners
Replies: 10
Views: 2660

Re: best plants for a non-soil tank for beginners


I'm a bit concerned about your setup - with 0 nitrates, it'll be tough to sustain plant growth long-term. Are you planning on using any fertilizers, either in the water column or substrate?

Also, what's your lighting situation like? What kind of lighting are you using, and how many hours a day ...
by orchid
Fri Apr 08, 2022 3:16 am
Forum: Fresh Water Plants
Topic: best plants for a non-soil tank for beginners
Replies: 10
Views: 2660

Re: best plants for a non-soil tank for beginners

I'm a bit concerned about your setup - with 0 nitrates, it'll be tough to sustain plant growth long-term. Are you planning on using any fertilizers, either in the water column or substrate?

Also, what's your lighting situation like? What kind of lighting are you using, and how many hours a day is ...