Miscellaneous Ramblings: May 2026

[BenB]

I haven't done this since February. It was well received, but I forget to keep it up. We're all busy. Anyway....

Ever wanted to ask a question or just make a random comment about something but not start a whole thread for it? Do it here with me. Let's chat. I'll start.
Honestly you should feel free to start a new topic if you want, but if you're like me sometimes, you feel silly for starting one for something basic.

1. Some of us chatted before about a shrimp guard for the Eheim 350 Skimmer. Has anyone ever tried THIS one? I tried THIS one but it didn't float so great.

2. Anyone with a HOB have trouble with the shrimp getting into it? How do you get them out?

3. Do you think a UV filter is useful for algae. I know it's not going to cure it, but as part of a multi-pronged strategy in addition to trimming, topping, replanting, etc.

 

[GreggZ]

#3 I think a UV filter is useful. I run it for 24 hours after every water change. If nothing else really clears up the water and makes it extra crystal clean. So yes to me a good part of a multi-pronged strategy.

 

[Kwyet]

That’s basically what I do—run it for 12 hours after the water change. I only have one on the Dutch tank though.

 

[JayP]

So what kind of UV filters do you run. I didn't think it would be of much value unless you're running one of the higher dollar models like @Naturescapes_Rocco was running.

 

[Kwyet]

I have this one:


It’s not going to kill germs, but I think it does help with all the stuff that gets stirred up from maintenance during water changes.

 

[JacksonL]

#3 I think a UV filter is useful. I run it for 24 hours after every water change. If nothing else really clears up the water and makes it extra crystal clean. So yes to me a good part of a multi-pronged strategy.

That’s basically what I do—run it for 12 hours after the water change. I only have one on the Dutch tank though.

What is the thinking behind running it only after water changes?

 

[GreggZ]

It’s not going to kill germs, but I think it does help with all the stuff that gets stirred up from maintenance during water changes.

Same for me.

I pull and top a lot of plants during weekly maintenance. Stirs up a lot of gunk.

I do think it helps but no scientific way to be sure. Just another tool.

 

[JacksonL]

What wattage UV lamp do you use?

 

[GreggZ]

What is the thinking behind running it only after water changes?

The one I use is a 13W. Seems to work pretty well for me. But I've never run a stronger one to see if there is any difference.

 

[Kwyet]

Mine is 10W.

 

[BenB]

How long from when your lights come on do your plants start pearling?
In the past I've had tanks that had bubbles on the bottom of leaves within 30 minutes. My current tank seems to take a couple hours. My CO2 is 50ppm by the time the lights come on and start ramping up.

 

[JacksonL]

How long from when your lights come on do your plants start pearling?
In the past I've had tanks that had bubbles on the bottom of leaves within 30 minutes. My current tank seems to take a couple hours. My CO2 is 50ppm by the time the lights come on and start ramping up.

I have my co2 at about 40ppm throughout the day and run mediumish light at around 80 par at the substrate, and it takes about 3 hours for pearling to begin.

 

[BenB]

More:
1. No matter how much I clean my tank inside and out, when I take a picture, there are always spots and dots. How do you get it so clean in your pics?
2. I was given some Seachem Purigen at the AGA. I assume I rinse it first. I was told it absorbs organics. Could it shock my system? Any advice? I think it's pretty innocuous.

 

[JayP]

1. No matter how diligent I am about cleaning glass before a picture, those tiny little crawlers always seem to show up seconds later. by getting the camera up close with a wide/ultrawide shot, the ones on the front glass usually don't show up, even with a deep depth of field.


2. Yes, rinse it first. I've only been using it on young tanks for helping clear tannins and such from the water. I don't know that it does much else for you on a mature tank and, in fact, might even be a slight detriment in some regards.

 

[BenB]

1. No matter how diligent I am about cleaning glass before a picture, those tiny little crawlers always seem to show up seconds later. by getting the camera up close with a wide/ultrawide shot, the ones on the front glass usually don't show up, even with a deep depth of field.

So it's not just me. Your pics look good though.

2. Yes, rinse it first. I've only been using it on young tanks for helping clear tannins and such from the water. I don't know that it does much else for you on a mature tank and, in fact, might even be a slight detriment in some regards.

OK. I've worked so hard with this algae and things are going really well. I don't want to screw it up, but I believe a lot of organics are not good. So I was going to try it. I'll hold off for now.