[EHEIM OPAL] Before and After 1 month apart

Here is an update on the Eheim opal. Above is a before and after picture 1 month apart.
I pulled out all the glosso on the foreground because it was taking over my HC. I am also pulling out the limnophilia mini on the left back of the tank and slowly planting Staurogyne Tropica in its place. (As it looks nicer and does not grow as fast).

The moss is growing out on the left very well but the weeping moss is not taking off.

I have purchased another tank which I will post up later on.
It is a 2 footer for my A Grade Shrimp.
I am thinking of selling the cube but it has fully cycled so I might do it later on.

[EHEIM OPAL] CO2 upgrade

Since christmas is coming up I have been extremely busy and thus the fewer updates. Recently I have upgraded my CO2 cylinder to a 3kg Aussie made brand "Keg King". I will post up some reviews on it later on when I have settled the transaction.

But so far I am a little disappointed as the regulator arrived damaged (the back panel to one of the gauges was bent forwards preventing the pointer arm from showing its reading). I was also unhappy with the postage fees. I had to pay for postage separately for both items despite them arriving on the same day. Postage in itself cost me $50. The regulator was also NOT bubble wrapped which was very disappointing. Don promised me a replacement regulator so lets see if he keeps his word. Apart from that, I have no complaints about the cylinder.

Reason for upgrade? Well... I was just tired of going down to my LFS every 2-3 weeks to get it refilled. Apparently with this cylinder I will not have to refill it again for at least 1-2 years. So far its set on 24 hours 1 bubble/sec.

SHRIMP TANK - My cube

I am in the process of turning my newly purchased cube into a native shrimp tank. Will post up more updates in the future. I am trying to avoid putting too many plants into the one tank as i wish to see my shrimp this time.
Above are some pictures of some Red Nose Shrimp. They are very perculiar little creatures. Certainly more active than your regular CRS and RCS.

SHRIMP TANK - Just love Black and Pregnant Shrimp

Here are more Black Shrimp photos. Too busy this week so will do a better update next post.

[VIDEO] SHRIMP TANK - Shrimplets

SHRIMP TANK - More shrimplet photos

I took a few pictures of high grade shrimplets and a SSS pregnant female for you to enjoy. I had always thought that female was a male until now. Since she is a first time mother i guess there is no guarantees she will hold the eggs but fingers crossed. Shrimp tank is now bubbling with lots of shrimplets and I may have to cull a few after the New Year.

EHEIM OPAL - Peacock moss growth photo

In order from oldest to most recent
1. Top left
2. Top right
3. Bottom left
4. Bottom right

Here is another before and after picture showing the progressive growth of Peacock moss Needle leaf + ordinary Java fern on driftwood over several months.
Peacock moss looks the best out of all the mosses in my opinion. I also like the look of Fissidens but it does not grow as quickly as Peacock moss.

EHEIM OPAL - Carpet update

Above left: before soon after planting
Above right: After a few months

Here is a before and after snapshot of how easily HC and Glosso can fill out a foreground with maintained CO2 and lighting. It still has a long way to go, but i plan to plant some rocks in the middle later on to prevent the HC from floating up to the surface in huge clumps.

EHEIM OPAL/SHRIMP TANK - R/O unit

Top left: TDS Meter showing 4ppm and temperature
Top right: The R/O unit hooked up in the toilet

A few things in the update -
My water was reaching a TDS of 220 so I decided to purchase a R/O unit. So far the unit is producing water with a TDS reading of approximately 4. The pH is a little high at the moment but soon it should produce water with a reasonably low pH.

Also did a filter clean today on my shrimp setup. The impeller was making a lot of noise so i rinsed out the fine sponge and opened up the roof of my filter to clean the impeller blade.

Below is a photo of the black SS shrimplet I promised. Hopefully it will make it into the adult stage.

SHRIMP TANK

Its getting more difficult to do updates these days as it is getting close to Christmas.
I have purchased some red nose native shrimp - will post some pics up later on.

Also my shrimplets are growing quickly. Mainly As and S' not many SS' on close inspection.

One of the mothers gave birth again to more shrimplets yesterday or the day before
yesterday. Those are red SS' but i am unsure how many are in the tank
as I only managed to find two. When they are a little older i will post some snapshots.