How I maintain my eaReef 1200 Nature Aquarium

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for How I maintain my eaReef 1200 Nature Aquarium

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Aenglaan - 7 years ago

Looks really great. It's pretty nice to see the specifics of how folks maintain their aquascapes.

I'm curious why you do ~80% water change, though. Why change out that much, compared to just half of the tank water?

George Farmer - 7 years ago

+Aenglaan Thanks. The bigger the water change the better. It dilutes algae spores, reduces organic load and generally does lots of good stuff!

Tyler Ringwood-Hoare - 7 years ago

Love the tank mate. Any suggestions on where to get some nice rocks? I live in Salisbury and my local stores don't have a very good selection. (I've looked online but postage can be steep)!

George Farmer - 7 years ago

+Tyler Ringwood-Hoare You're welcome!

Tyler Ringwood-Hoare - 7 years ago

Thanks mate

George Farmer - 7 years ago

+Tyler Ringwood-Hoare Thanks. Romsey World of Water is usually good

Derek Goes - 7 years ago

Hi, did you use ro water only?

George Farmer - 7 years ago

+Derek Goes No, hard tap water.

Lomu10dh - 7 years ago

Wouldn't call them Pest snails. I got a scaped aquarium full of all kind of snails, and they all have they purpose. Their like one of my cleaning team in the tank. Some keep the gravel and sand clear, others clean the roots of my anubias plants, and the others eat the dead leafs and waste of the fish. also they life in harmony with the mini shrimps, and they add calcium to your tank, and that is beneficial for the plants, shrimp and the snails!

If you know how to grow good plants, the snails would not harm healthy plants. The only eat stressed plants, because the plants make a chemical that the snails would be attracted to (a lot of beginners do not know how to grow healthy plants that results in snails eating everything). Very interesting to watch. Thumps up for your tank! It's like a living painting!! cheers from Holland!

George Farmer - 7 years ago

+Lomu10dh Thanks! I guess I call them a pest because I don't like their aesthetic impact on the aquascape

Paul Bittinger - 7 years ago

Hey George, what are the dimensions of this tank?

George Farmer - 7 years ago

+Paul Bittinger Hi Paul. 120x60x45H cm. It is now called an Aquascaper 1200 available from Evolution Aqua

Oleg Reshetov - 7 years ago

couldnt see enough clear about skimmer...

mokre łapska - 7 years ago

Wow :) George is running on the co2 fire extinguisher :). Aquatic co2 in the UK. The most expensive stuff.

Samuel Ferreira - 7 years ago

George, congratulations for you channel, keep doing what you do best! I have a question, you say that you have hard water, what you do to lower, do you use anything like filtermedia or some type of product? Hard water lower the assimilation of fertilizers, right?

George Farmer - 7 years ago

+Samuel Ferreira Thanks, I don't do anything to my water. I use plenty of fertilisers and CO2 though. :)

Joel Patrick Sarmiento - 7 years ago

George, is Twinstar effective in fighting algae?

George Farmer - 7 years ago

+Joel Patrick Sarmiento I think it's better at preventing it than treating it.

10. comment for How I maintain my eaReef 1200 Nature Aquarium

sparaaaa - 7 years ago

why are u doing 90% water changes?

yaoming yen - 7 years ago

What do you think of the twinstar?

Cycnoches2012 - 7 years ago

love the look and scape

omgshad0w - 7 years ago

Are those kessil's and what kind are they? amason sun?

George Farmer - 7 years ago

+omgshad0w Yes, A360we Tuna Sun

Juan Martinez - 8 years ago

what kind of lights are those george?

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+juan Martinez Hi Juan. They are Kessil A360we Tuna Sun LED

xSean145 - 8 years ago

No fish in there?

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+xSean145 Not then, but there is now.

David Shanahan - 8 years ago

Really interesting to see how you maintain your tank. What surprises me is that you use tap water and bottled ferts. Invariably you get people telling you that fert imbalance causes algae, which you can get with tap water, but as long as you have good glow and Co2 you should be fine

Bravo Six - 8 years ago

Hello Gorge, thanks for the video. Can you please share the dimensions for the aquarium in cm?
Thank you.

Kind Regards

kiwibiwi - 8 years ago

Hi, what are your current thoughts on the twinstar ? Opinions on various groups seems to be quite contradictory. Ive even heard from someone who once sold them that they stopped doing so as they decided they were no real benefit. But everyone experiences things differently I suppose.
Great video. Although Id have liked to see the process of cleaning the glassware... So many people are put off due to their fragility. Ive chosen stainless steel this time around for that reason.
Scape is superb :)

Osiris ZH - 8 years ago

Hi. Could you please tell me the size of the aquatium? Thank you

kiwibiwi - 8 years ago

+Osiris ZH lol. no problem. it's an awesome tank huh

Osiris ZH - 8 years ago

Yes i asked to early.

kiwibiwi - 8 years ago

He does tell you in the video ! 120cm x 45cm x 45cm or 48" x 18" x 18" :)

20. comment for How I maintain my eaReef 1200 Nature Aquarium

Murdo Mackay - 8 years ago

glad I happened across your channel, have subscribed amazing tank by way

marlon leitch - 8 years ago

Hi George, great tank. I'm on my way to getting one but budget means I'll have to go for the a160s instead. What are you using to extend the kessil's? Looks slight different to their extension mount. Also how do you pump your water back in? it's a big tank to fill! Thanks, Marlon

Captain Van - 8 years ago

It took me more than 2 mins to get past your appearance. I'm going to use this video to lure my mate into aqua scaping. ; )

grokker99 - 8 years ago

awesome tank, mate.

La Vani Inc. - 8 years ago

what plants are in your tank?

Jeff Ledford - 8 years ago

Hello, George. Which inline CO2 diffuser are you using? Thanks again!

blooduhz - 8 years ago

Just add 2 or 3 oto fish and you don't need to worry to scrap off algae on the tank glass anymore! Plus they're tiny fishes and won't affect your tank's aesthetic

berobinson82 - 8 years ago

Hello, George. New tank owner, new subscriber. If you'd entertain a question? How do you fill a tank with "dechlorinated tap water"? Is there an attachment or do you have well water?
Thanks.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+berobinson82 Hi and thanks. I add the dechlorintor into a bucket as it gets pumped into the tank.

dajoke24 - 8 years ago

This video was very informative and helpful for me. Love the aquascape and keep the videos coming. I was wondering if you could help me out with a few questions. As a beginner that is really interested in the hobby, I could use some help. I have been researching for months and just still stumped a couple of these topics.

1. What substrate would be best for a beginner that is setting up a 20 gallon long low tech aquarium which would ideally be heavily planted with no co2 and little to know ferts?
-I want a black substrate
-I also don't want to have problems with pockets of anaerobic bacteria forming because I would like to not have to vacuum the gravel, as of course many don't with heavily planted aquariums such as yourself (would love to know how you tackle that yourself)

2. What light brand and what wattage of light should I use for that said 20 gallon long low tech setup?
-what are some good brands, what wattage for my tank, while being a somewhat shallow tank

3. What is a good heater brand and wattage per gallon that I should use?

4. What is a good hang-on-back filter that is quiet and sufficient enough for a 20 gallon long?

I know I am asking too much but any help would be greatly appreciated. Love these informative videos that help me a lot. Thanks.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+dajoke24 Hi. I recommend joining www.ukaps.org/forum. Lots of friendly advice on there.

Bludworm - 8 years ago

Beautiful tank! How many gallons is it and most importantly to me is what brand and model is the lighting? Loving the shimmering effect going on that can only be accomplished with LED's....

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+bludworm1 Thanks! It's about 90 US gal. Lighting is Kessil a360 Tuna Sun.

30. comment for How I maintain my eaReef 1200 Nature Aquarium

Don Suomi - 8 years ago

The tank is absolutely stunning!! I love the kessil leds, but the price is too steap for me, unfortunatly.
Again, great great tank!

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Don Suomi Thank you, Don. :-)

ramon gg - 8 years ago

Muy buen video George.Saludos from Madrid

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+ramon gg Muchos gracias!

gooner1matt - 8 years ago

Hi George, you often talk about having little to distract you away from the aquascape (silicone and so on) why did you decided not use a sump for the tank when that would remove all equipment from the tank and give minimal distraction from the aquascape. thanks.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+gooner1matt Hi. I'm not a fan of sumps because I like an invisible background for photography. Sumps tend to be noisier and gas off CO2 as well.

Reid Smith - 8 years ago

A toothbrush for cleaning the silicone seams. Why didn't I think of that. Definitely will be doing that from now on

Michael Piccirillo - 8 years ago

Is it ok to reuse the same tooth brush to clean my teeth afterwards? Figure with all the beneficial bacteria might give a good boost to the immune system :)

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Reid Smith glad you like the idea!

David Holloway - 8 years ago

When adding your dechlorinated water back in, what do use to hold the water and pump it back in? I can only ever find syphons for removing water. The bucket always needs to be positioned below the aquarium to create the vacuum, which makes it difficult when reversing the process, unless you can get your bucket above the aquarium! thanks in advance

Cut It Up Freshh - 8 years ago

I just ran into this video, and Im glad I did. Excellent channel

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Cut It Up Freshh Thank you! :-)

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Cut It Up Freshh Thank you :-)

al'sfishtanks blobblob - 8 years ago

Great vid first of many I'll be watching! Great info during vid felt like I was in your home.

Stewart Paterson - 8 years ago

Hi George. Love you channel. Inspired me to take the plunge and buy the Flexi Mini (it's not going according to plan).
How much would a setup of this caliber cost roughly?

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Stewart Paterson Thanks Stewart. For absolutely everything you're looking at around £2500 or so. Not cheap but when you consider an equivalent ADA system would cost you more for something half the size...

Daves Rift - 8 years ago

simply gorgeous.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Daves Rift thanks Dave

Jeff Ledford - 8 years ago

Hello again, George. I was curious what your CO2 bubble count is. I know that is not an accurate way to measure CO2 , but I am curious. I'm also curious how much of the Tropica ferts you add to your tank. Thanks once more.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Jeff Ledford Hi Jeff. About 4 bubbles per second and 20ml Tropica Specialised every day with an occasional day skipped when I'm away.

steve foy - 8 years ago

hi nice tank I put some nerite snails in mine and I have no algae on rocks ,plants or roots the only place I get any is a small amount on the glass .the only draw back is I'm a bit restricted to the type of fish I can put in

Isometric Aquariums - 8 years ago

i think u shud get some otocinclus for ur plants and some dwarf pea puffers for ur little snail problem while still being minimalist

Glenda Steel - 8 years ago

Superb! Brilliant informative tutorial thank you so much for doing this George. I know I will keep returning to this! Is there any chance of adding details and links in the info' box for the products used please? I'm probably ok for the buckets and "special red colander" but info' for the substrate, lighting etc. would be a huge help!

colinbarsby - 8 years ago

What are the hardness levels you have George?

colinbarsby - 8 years ago

+George Farmer What is interesting, is that my city has tap water that is very soft, so our tanks are highly unstable until we harden it up.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+colinbarsby not sure exactly but very hard

Aarons Aquarium - 8 years ago

Brilliant video. I didn't know you had a YouTube channel. I've hit that subscribe button.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Aarons Aquarium Thank you, Aaron!

Jeff Ledford - 8 years ago

George, will you continue with large water changes after stocking the tank?

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Jeff Ledford Hi Jeff. I'll probably do 50% water change every 10 days or so.

Clayton Jessup - 8 years ago

Thank you so much George Farmer your input. It means so much to me. With that being said I have a ADA 75p which measures 75cm x 45cm x45cm or 29.5 in x 18in x18in. Which light would you recommend for my aquarium a single A360WE Tun Sun , or a pair of A160WE Tuna Suns ? My aquarium is a Iwagumi aquascape, with Dwarf Hair Grass through out the aquascape , and its a little different its drilled with a overflow.

Please take a look or glance at the following link, any suggestions are welcome please...

https://youtu.be/MfpueKT0xEo

Clayton Jessup - 8 years ago

OK , thank you very much, I am looking for a better upgrade to my Metal Halide, fixture. Thank you so much again George Farmer.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Clayton Jessup I'd go for 2x 160 for a better spread. :)

Clayton Jessup - 8 years ago

very good tips , I am hoping my aquarium looks that good in a couple of months . Would you recommend kessils as a light upgrade to a metal hailed?

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Clayton Jessup thanks. Yes, Kessils are much more efficient

Krisping - 8 years ago

Lovely video! Thanks a lot ;)

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Jörgen Krisping you're welcome :)

PsychedelicBabe - 8 years ago

Your tank is just so spectacular

PsychedelicBabe - 8 years ago

+George Farmer my pleasure

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+PsychedelicBabe thanks!

50. comment for How I maintain my eaReef 1200 Nature Aquarium

jeremiemcd - 8 years ago

Great video, tank is looking real healthy, you mentioned plants that take of certain nutrients better than others, do you think that you could do a video or recommend a Web site that explains what different plants take up nutrients easier? Thanks for your time and keep on scaping:)

Alan Gilbert - 8 years ago

Thanks, the only one I've had experience with was "red sea" and I found planting into it a pain as the plants just didn't seem to want to stay put and didn't want to have a repeat experience.

Alan Gilbert - 8 years ago

Great video, can you offer advice on your prefered substrate, thanks

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Alan Gilbert most soils are good. I've used ADA Amazonia, Tropica, Colombo, JBL.

Lunmee - 8 years ago

So much awesomeness in one video!
Answered all my questions.
thanks.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Lunmee thank you. Glad to help :)

ADU Aquascaping - 8 years ago

very cool man. Great content. Tank is looking sick! Couldn't agree more about the lava rubble and organics.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+ADU Aquascaping thanks bro. Mutual respect :-)

David Hewitt - 8 years ago

Great vid, thanks George. Quick question - do you add dechlorinator to the tank and fill direct from tap to tank or something else? Also, what temperature do you consider optimal for a planted tank? Cheers!

David Hewitt - 8 years ago

Thanks mate.

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+David Hewitt I add dechlorintor to the bucket I pump from. I like cooler temps, 22-24C, but obviously need to consider fish welfare. This one is room temperature

Olav Øverland - 8 years ago

really good vid :)

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Olav Øverland thanks :)

Robert Steer - 8 years ago

One of the best videos you have done in a while George... Very educational too..!! Thanks

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Robert Steer thank you :)

Grzegorz Barcikowski - 8 years ago

what kind of light ?

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Grzegorz Barcikowski Kessil a360 tuna sun led

Fred V - 8 years ago

Really beautiful tank ! Thanks for this video.

João Marujo - 8 years ago

Great video George! Thanks for sharing all that knowledge! I will try the tip to clean hard water mark in the glass in the next WC! ;)

Rick - 8 years ago

Great video! Very informative. You change a lot of water!

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Rick van Helden thank you :)

Juan Valdivieso Vicuña - 8 years ago

excelente video !!!

George Farmer - 8 years ago

+Juan Valdivieso Vicuña Thank you Juan

paulusm07 - 8 years ago

great scape. is that bolbitis heudelotii on the wood?

George Farmer - 8 years ago

Thanks, yes, and Trident Java fern. :)

Juan Valdivieso Vicuña - 8 years ago

Thanks George for sharing your videos and expertise

Acksaw - 8 years ago

George, great video, lovely tank. Once you've cut the rotala overtime you get too much plant mass. Should you then cut even lower than the first cut or take a few stems and replant it?

George Farmer - 8 years ago

It's up to you really. I usually just keep trimming.

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