2011-11-22

Forgot to turn CO2 controller back on last night after cleaning...pH 7.3 today at 6:43pm.

Fe 0
KH 50
temp 84

Added 2 large caps Fe.

Noticed ARSG shuddering over sword.  I suspect this is a mating behavior as I saw it around the time there were eggs laid before.  No eggs at present.

Need to identify plants for the blog so I can address their growth and appearance individually.

2011-11-21

Fish look good.  Still concerned about Checkerboard Pigeon who remains timid and doesn't eat well, hanging out in the back.  But it shows no signs of weight loss.

Plants look pretty good.  Could be greener.  Swords don't look as good as in old tank.  Leaves are less green, thinner.  5 rotos from the one I introduced.  Moss on driftwood is killer!  Snails shells are breaking down.  pH only 6.8 so I guess its because not enough Ca.  Will start adding 2 caps comprehensive instead of one and add one of Fe.  Will need to check Fe tomorrow if time.  Would like to check volume of the large caps so I know exactly the volume being added.  Also added 1 1/2 caps K+, 1 cap (instead of 2) of Fe++, 1 cap Excel, 1 tsp baking soda.

Cleaned filter.  Didn't realize that I had charcoal in the filter.  Removed it.  Watch water clarity and plant health.

May need to clean reactor if flow seems inadequate.

2011-11-14

KH 55
NO3 None
pH 6.7-6.8
Temp 84-86

Someone laid eggs on sword plant leaf.  Apparently is was Checkerboard Pigeon as it is the one that hangs out in that part of the tank.  Wish there was an easy way to raise them, but alas.

Fish still look good.  ARSG largest and dominant fish chases Checkerboard Pigeon to back of tank.  Have to try to feed him in a separate part of tank.
Introducing flakes.  They will take flakes at times in the frenzy that follows feeding bloodworms.

Will thin grass and swords.  Getting more hair algae on older leaves of swords.  Nothing new. 

Picking out 1-2 snails/week.  Tolerable.  Have no loaches.  Don't need them at this pace.

2011-11-7

Fish still doing well.  Eating only bloodworms.  Introducing flakes but they reject it.

Nitrate 0, pH 6.7, KH after water change 40.  Added 1tsp baking soda.

Added 1 1/2 caps K+, 4 small caps trace, 1 1/2 cap Fe, 1 cap Excel, 1 cap comp.

Plants have taken 3 months to look good.  No algae problems.  Need to add K+, Fe++, trace several times/week or the grass looks pale as it does a little now.  Finally getting Roto to grow.  I occassionally see a small snail but I pull them out and it looks OK.  The puny clown loaches I bought at PetSmart did not make it and did not eat the snails.

Need to take more pics with my new camera.

Carey's documentation of aquarium keeping

Currently have 7 discus from Kenny's Discus, 3 large snails, 2 dwarf plecostomas, 1 remaining otocynclus, about 6 glo fish (genetically altered zebra danios).  Fish are eating OK, but are timid. 
3-3 ½ in Super Flamingo $52
3 1/2 -4” Red Golden Diamond-ung seng lip $65
3-3 ½” Blue Diamond (deep blue gene) $32
3 ½”-4” checkerboard $48
4 ½” Virgin Red Snakeskin $48
3.5-4” Alenquer Cross $45
4.75-5" Albino Red Spotted Green $215

Discus are eating bloodworms only at this point.  I need to learn how to get them to eat food that keeps their colors bright.
Did 40% water change today.  Added recommended amounts of Excel, Pot, Trace, Comprehensive, and double Iron.
KH 50. pH6.7.
Plants look pretty good.  Thinned dwarf grass.