Bit Of Help Please

[~T~]

Ok so my 15 gal planted shrimp tank didnt really go to plan due to my fish being put on the back burner while I sorted out more important issues. I am now gonna redo it but wanted a few tips.

Tank is 30"x10"x10"
Filtered by an eheim 2213
Lighting is Hagen Glo T5 Light Beams (only using one tube)
Pressurised CO2 from JBL ProFlora 401

Ok so firstly is my filter overkill and if so can you suggest an alternative(external hang on one if poss). If its not then what the best way to direct the flow? Currently I have it coming out a spray bar along the back of the tank maybe 2" under the surface. Would a swan type outlet in one corner be better? Secondly I think im at about 2.5 WPG would I also have to add regular ferts as well as the CO2 to stop algae and have good plant growth? Just now I have a good crop of green hair algae and yellowish fluffy algae. If so is there a shrimp safe fert and what dosage would work? Thirdly I dont like the diffuser and drop checker that came with my CO2 kit as its bulky and ugly looking. Could someone suggest more suitable ones. I kinda like this http/cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250399587995 and this http/cgi.ebay.com.my/Chameleon-Drop-Checker-Color-pH-indicator-Co2-check_W0QQitemZ250305620020QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Pet_Supplies_Fish?hash=item3a4760a834 would they be suitable. Any other tips would also be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Gav935]

That filter doesn't seem like overkill to me, if your tank is 15 us gal (approx 56l) then the 2213 sits just shy of the 10x flow rule, but I reckon it'd be fine as long as flow is getting to all the corners. Spraybar sounds fine to me, some people prefer lily pipes but either will work perfectly well when positioned properly. If you're running at 2.5wpg then ferts and co2 aren't optional I'm afraid, imo I'd look at tropica tpn+ or dry powders both of which are used on many peoples tanks with shrimp to zero ill effect.

With proper dosing of ferts and CO2 combined with regular water changes and manual removal of the algae, you should hopefully start to win the battle. Liquid carbon additives can be used to kill algae by spot dosing but I've found Easycarbo to be a bit dodgy with shrimp... so imo avoid if you can.

The diffuser you've suggested should work fine, though you could use a smaller one but it doesn't really matter, likewise the dropchecker is fine too, they can be a bit of a pain to read what with being clear backed, personally I stopped using mine and went back to the (admittedly less aesthetically pleasing) jbl one. Also, make sure to use 4dkh water in your drop checker, not tank water so you get a true reading.

Hope this helps.

 

[~T~]

That filter doesn't seem like overkill to me, if your tank is 15 us gal (approx 56l) then the 2213 sits just shy of the 10x flow rule, but I reckon it'd be fine as long as flow is getting to all the corners. Spraybar sounds fine to me, some people prefer lily pipes but either will work perfectly well when positioned properly. If you're running at 2.5wpg then ferts and co2 aren't optional I'm afraid, imo I'd look at tropica tpn+ or dry powders both of which are used on many peoples tanks with shrimp to zero ill effect.

With proper dosing of ferts and CO2 combined with regular water changes and manual removal of the algae, you should hopefully start to win the battle. Liquid carbon additives can be used to kill algae by spot dosing but I've found Easycarbo to be a bit dodgy with shrimp... so imo avoid if you can.

The diffuser you've suggested should work fine, though you could use a smaller one but it doesn't really matter, likewise the dropchecker is fine too, they can be a bit of a pain to read what with being clear backed, personally I stopped using mine and went back to the (admittedly less aesthetically pleasing) jbl one. Also, make sure to use 4dkh water in your drop checker, not tank water so you get a true reading.

Hope this helps.

Thanks thats very helpful indeed. Could you let me know a few more things though. What would be the best way to position the spray bar and could you link me to the ferts I would need please.

I probably will go with the smaller diffuser since I can get one from the same place.

Thanks

 

[Gav935]

I run my spraybar along the entire length of my tank (I extended it using extra sections) just under the surface.

http/www.fluidsensoronline.com/epages/BT2928.sf These guys do tropica plant nutrition or dry ferts if you're feeling keen and want to save a bit of cash in the long run. It takes a bit of reading to get your head round whats required with the powders and what method of dosing suits you best so it's entirely up to yourself.