I’ve had this tank for about 9 months now. While it’s been very beautiful, my background has been rough. First it was a simple foggy-glass film. Then I removed that to try to add a white one, which only looked worse.

But finally, I was able to afford a dream item - a lightscreen.

And damn, the difference is insane lol. It may show off the algae more, but it really makes the colors pop.

  • OhVenus_Baby@lemmy.mlEnglish
    0·
    8 days ago

    3 questions. What is the deep purple looking cone on the front bottom left, 2nd what is the smaller very red thin leave plant bottom front right, and 3rd what is the big bowl looking clear cone you have top right?

    I just added some metricide to my tank basically liquid co2 like flourish. But I over did it and fried my hornwort floating. Caused a bacterial bloom. I honestly don’t even remember what plants are in my main tank. Once it all clears up if I remember I will also make a post.

    • smartalec13@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      0·
      6 days ago
      1. It’s an alder cone I think. Good for shrimps because they have a lot of surface area, though mine have a bit of algae on them.
      2. Ludwigia Super Red Mini, though it isn’t growing super well lol. It wants the lights higher but some of my plants don’t like it
      3. That is my filters outflow pipe, a Lily Pipe.
      • OhVenus_Baby@lemmy.mlEnglish
        0·
        6 days ago

        What is the point of the Lilly pipe? I’ve never seen one before. I always use sponge filters or HOB filters.

        • smartalec13@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
          0·
          4 days ago

          It’s used with a Canister filter. There are a few benefits to canister filters

          1. Less “stuff” taking up space in the tank. At the very least, the glass lily pipe and glass intake pipe look nice lol
          2. A larger container means more filtration, both mechanical and biochemical. You have a TON more surface area for beneficial bacteria to live on and help clean the water.
          3. Higher flow, which is helpful in larger tanks (mine is not, the high flow is actually an issue for me lol)

          There are different glass pipes, each with their own shape and benefit. This one, the Lily, is named because it’s shaped like a lily flower - this shape allows the water to flow out of it nicely, creating a good even directional flow AND creates a small “vortex” above it, providing extra surface skimming.

          • OhVenus_Baby@lemmy.mlEnglish
            0·
            4 days ago

            Damn. That’s wild and I like the idea of canister filters. I’ve never used one but I like it taking up less space since sponges definitely use space and are hard to hide. I switched to HOB filters but they require cartridge changes and I don’t like the subscription type cost they try to suck you into.

            I think I’m gonna look more into a canister system. I really like your tank and the setup looks fantastic. I can show you my tank but it’s fresh so the plants haven’t filled in as much as I’d like.