I am a fishaholic

[Justin]

My name is Justin and I am a fishaholic.

I recently purchased a Fluval 8.9 planted aquarium kit. I added DIY CO2 (two bottles for the generator) with a glass/ceramic diffuser that I disconnect every night using quick connect disconnects Ive aquired in my years of Gas Detection. This was supposed to be an Iwagumi tank, but Ive since decided to just make it a pure planted jungle. I bought an additional Fluval CFL 13 watts so Im running almost 3watts per gallon (2.9). Im using the fluval substrate that came with the kit, and added CaribSea Eco-Complete substrate for a thick layer (2-4 inches).

I have 8 CPD's, 1 Erythromicron (thank you Tim with Homeless Aquatics), dozen or so Cardinal Shrimp, 3 SAE's (Getting too big for the tank me thinks), 4 apple snails, 4 assassin snails.

I am having HELL getting my HC to grow. Its just stable. Im started to think I should go with glosso as Ive read it is easier to grow and much faster. I am desperate (and impatient) to obtain that carpet look, but not having much success.

Anyways, its great to be here. Im looking forward to making new friends while feeding my addiction.
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[Qs Evolution]

Welcome, that's a nice looking tank, i would like to see a front view of it!

[Qs Evolution]

Kind of looks like mine, lol

[Justin]

Like I said, this tank was supposed to be Iwagumi, but I was so anxious to get it going...

Here is a front shot. IMAG1034.jpg

[mnemenoi]

Great looking tank! I gave up on CO2 long ago and just do low tech now. Far too much work and maintenance, lol. Good luck on the carpeting, try filling it in when emersed as I have seen good results. Welcome aboard!!!

[Justin]

Kind of looks like mine, lol

I cant get any driftwood to stay put! Ive boiled it for hours and left it in the backyard to soak for weeks now. It still floats!

I noticed you are using the supplied CO2. Mine ran out too quickly AND I was appalled that Fluval made the threads proprietary. I didnt see what you were using for filtration or CO2 diffusion.

[Qs Evolution]

Can I ask where you bought your flora? I've seen them around but the price is waaaaay to much.

[Justin]

Great looking tank! I gave up on CO2 long ago and just do low tech now. Far too much work and maintenance, lol. Good luck on the carpeting, try filling it in when emersed as I have seen good results. Welcome aboard!!!

Yeah, I want that carpet look so badly. I used CO2 in my last 29 gallon (It was my first planted tank and it was amazing) and had incredible results. But that was before I knew about HC. What a horrible obsession that plant is!

[Qs Evolution]

I cant get any driftwood to stay put! Ive boiled it for hours and left it in the backyard to soak for weeks now. It still floats!

I noticed you are using the supplied CO2. Mine ran out too quickly AND I was appalled that Fluval made the threads proprietary. I didnt see what you were using for filtration or CO2 diffusion.

Oh no I don't have the flora I have the shrimp one, so I don't have co2. Lol and I'm using a zoo med canister filter, it's working great!!!

what stand do you have your flora on?

[Justin]

Can I ask where you bought your flora? I've seen them around but the price is waaaaay to much.

Petco had an online sales event in March. I got mine for $80 bucks! I went to The Fish Gallery to obtain the second 13 watt CFL. I met Ally there and she turned me on to this forum. Since then, Ive met and done some biz with Tim for my CPD's, shrimps and erythromicron (he really needs some more of his kind, he's lonely)

[Qs Evolution]

80 bucks is a steal! That's great, yeah that's where I got my second fixture.
this is the only tank you have?

[Justin]

Oh no I don't have the flora I have the shrimp one, so I don't have co2. Lol and I'm using a zoo med canister filter, it's working great!!!

what stand do you have your flora on?

Just sits on my desk. I want a canister, but Im worried about it being a toilet bowl in there with the flow rate...

[Justin]

80 bucks is a steal! That's great, yeah that's where I got my second fixture.
this is the only tank you have?

I also have a one gallon I keep my Elephant Eared Betta in. He was removed from the 8.9 as he is generally a jerk, lol.

[Qs Evolution]

Just sits on my desk. I want a canister, but Im worried about it being a toilet bowl in there with the flow rate...

No not at all, it's actually pretty good. It's perfect. I know ruston123fishing has one he's selling for 30 bucks, you should PM him, tell him I sent you to him. But, with that being said you might have to cut your glass take it to a place to get it cut.....

[Justin]

Kind of looks like mine, lol

I really like yours! What plant is that on the right with the red tones in the leaves!? Thats beautiful!