Light screen aint cheap right?
i would DIY... using frosted glass sticker. that would give 30% effect.
if needed then add another LED light from Lazada.

Bro... why so much work. the soil is not cheap but you will need like 3-5 liter?
just buy it off the self.

Aquascaping got too many variables...you dont want to spend too much effort on DIY soil.
later if things tak jadi- you can at least rule out the soil and move on to others.

things like filter, fert, CO2 lights etc can change easily. how are you gonna change the soil with out destroying all the scape?

Dead and eaten lol.
If morph the shell will be more transparent and softer.

whoa... Fluval really bangsawan type of tank. Congrats and welcome to the new hobby.
am sure you will spend a lot of time and enjoy the process (and frusst at time)

Yup- as JunShen say.... just go for ADA soil- we dont really need power sand. ( as also bought it for my first aquarium..)
get a decent filter... if budget one - Dpphin, but the flow is really below what state in the box. so go for CF600 at least. Go Fluval if budget permit.

i have little luck on mini hair grass... tried for like 2 years still without much success... will rescape again and try again.
On the other hand, my MC been doing well


Anyway... just sharing a new



It is low tech, i put it outdoor undershade.
seems ok - but at a delicate balance on algea outbreak. been dosing Seachem Excel alternate day

din measure.... it is like around 30-32 i guess.
take note it is in the balcony.... it dont have direct sunlight- but is bright whole day round.

there is gradual algea built up on the glass- which i brush away.
some at the lava rock... mostly leave it there if not too severe
but the sand is gradually turning green if un-attended.
> regularly vacuum the ditrius (?) or the dirt away... it traps lots of them
> i had done one to take out all the sand and soak it in boiling water- to kill any algea ( and also benefical bacteria). if needed i could also replace the sand.

other observations.....
the pina tifida and java fern is doing alright there.
surpisingly Xmas moss also ok. ( i have another tank where it gradually turn brown.... it is with CO2!)
flame moss is gradually decaying and need to be removed.

well... i struggle with fert too..
was using JBL macro and Fluval as micro

then change to APT complete... got overly excited and dose 2ml very alternate day to my 60cm tank as per recommendation.

BOOM! massive algea boom. all sort come out.... green spot, green dust, and even cyno which is damn nasty.....

try to rescue but it is too messy already. So end up strip the tank and replanted.

so i would suggest to go light... watch for sign of algea first before slowly ramp it up.
the plant had survive long before we dose fert anyway...

This post has been edited by Clueless07: Jun 4 2021, 10:15 AM

well.. for me is just trying new fert. i still struggle to get the hang of it.
and so been told the APT is all in one dont need to think too much- just need to beware and not over dose

i am looking for root tabs too...
so far i know ADA- selling like RM 5 each.
there is Tropica too... hard to find around here.

and there are other no brand one
https://shopee.com.my/Aquarium-Plant-Fish-S...ohoC9ksQAvD_BwE

though... really puzzled as thought the soil got nutrient, and the fertz is dosing regularly....
so when to put eh?

It has a chemical compound which breakdown the simple plant structure/those with weak plant wall... and release the components ( mainly carbon and H2O) into the water column.

so dosing it will help in reducing algea in some way... say when the algea is in low concentration all over the tank.

if there high concentrated spot of algea... then they recommend spot dosing... high concentration at a localized area- and have the filter off for say 1 hr. Take note this isnt magic bullet- and might need to repeat 2-3 time

because of the way excel works... it will have impact on other simple/soft plants... like moss. but other more sturdy plant will not suffer as much.

we may also take note- Excel does not replace CO2 gas form. it only helps in someway.
so we can expect to have similar result... no way.
it can help low tech plant to grow well... but little help to high tech plant...

Excel and fert compliment one another. we need both as they are of different function.

Good to see GSA is reaching to H2O2
i've got at 50% H2O2 as well.. .will need to dilute proper.
very cautious on dosing into the tank.

it might not hurt the fishes... but am sure it does some damage to other plants right?
an sure the benefitial bacterial is hurt too.

anyone does GH measurement here?
i have a few Seiyru stone in my tank- not sure if it affecting the tank GH causing plant grow to be very much stunned.

just got bought a cheap TDS meter to check, and if it is high, hard to do anything beside regular water change.

if do in welding shop, they will charge it at one time.. the gas got heated up and the amount of CO2 in the tank will be less

when I get refill at aquascape paradise, they put the tank into freeze, cold down so pressure drop and refill again. i think they do 2-3 time and hence the tank need to be left there for 2 days

with that- the CO2 content will be a lot and can last longer.

RM 13 for 1 liter...
and when they hand you back the cylinder- u can see it is cold in their freezer