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After many adjustments

I had to fully redo this aquarium at least twice as plants died and plant debris accumulated which soiled the water. As a result, my fish was less and less ok.

it is very likely that using only reverse osmosis water did make the water too pure/poor for plants. it took many water changes (one pa week) to take out the debris and algae but now it reduced significantly.

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I love it!

I had a very strong desire to paint an aquarium

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Some hope.

After seriously cleaning the tank because algae came back, I added 2 fast growing plants. One in particular is growing like crazy so it's consuming a lot of nutrient.

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New setup.

I now what happened that caused the algae bloom: the TDS.

My TSD was at 430... caused probably by me adding salt.

So I had to deeply change the water, clean the substrate, the wood etc.

But now it's done. The angle of the ground will allow a good water flow.

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I had to take out a lot of moss but now it's cleaner.

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Time to clean!

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Some serious trimming to do

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Bad Combo

After my betta's death, I investigated to find out what might have happened.

I live in an area where the water is very soft (low minerals) so my GH and KH is too low. I also thought I would best using 100% reverse osmosis water.

Some parts of the aquarium do not have much current due to the large branches that are between the filter and the front of the aquarium.

The aquarium on the right have healthier plants.

For mineralization, just look at the aquarium on the right which is better. There is a huge amount of stone including dragon stone which is known to release minerals. I use tap water now in which I add a water softener + I added stones and add minerals when doing water change. 

As for the current, I just have to move the HoB filter to the right side to have a circular current.

You should also know that the decaying matter in the aquarium lowers the KH, which accentuated the lack of mineralization of the water as well as lowered the buffering effect of the water which caused the pH to fluctuate.

I learned a lot from this ... and I hope everything will be fine for the new occupant of the aquarium!

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FLOATING PLANTS: 6 Reasons You SHOULD ADD Them To Your Aquarium

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After 5 days without eating anything, my betta was suffering so I did what I had to do to let him go peacefully... :s

This method is deadly effective.

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Simple thing

Something as simple as a drop on a leaf can be worth the most beautiful jewelry if one takes the time to stop and observe.

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Early dropsy

Lately, he hardly eats... and now the “pineconing”...

I think my parameter are good: NH4, NO2, NO3 are 0. Ph: 6.4 Kh: 4 Gh: 3 Temp: 26°C

But the temperature was 25° for a week so maybe it stress him out... Now it’s at 26-27° so I cross fingers...

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Clear water

After a change of water, the water is so clear that you can clearly see the bottom of the aquarium.