My pond thread

[AR1]

Update:
I did another 70 percent water change and the RD is doing better. He ate a few more pellets and even came out of his cave. He looked like that he was excited for something.

 

[duanes]

So how come i see numerous community tanks with RD and oscar coexisting

People do many lame combinations, and some get away with it for a while, some don't.
I doubt you will ever see people post their failures.
If you research the waters of the great lakes of Nicaragua, you will see that are totally opposite the Amazon basin.
What your average aquarist does, usually has nothing to do with reality

 

[duanes]

So let me get this straight. Normal filtration only converts nitrites into nitrates and does nothing about the nitrates(am i correct) and in order to remove the nitates, water changes have to be done or plants should be planted (like in your setup) to take the nitrates.
So your telling me that jungle of yours only makes a dent in your setup? Because then i must plant an entire amazon rainforest to filter my 500 gallon predator pond
[/QUOTE)
Yes
biofiltration only converts toxic ammonia, and toxic nitrite, to less toxic nitrate.
There are basically only 2 ways to eliminate nitrate
Thru water changes, and plant filtration.
My jungle does more than a dent, but I still do regular large water changes.
Below is an average result of my tank water testing.

But my plant weight ratio, to fish weight ratio, is about 10 to 1, 10 xs heavier on the plant sideheavier on the plan side.

 

[AR1]

People do many lame combinations, and some get away with it for a while, some don't.
I doubt you will ever see people post their failures.
If you research the waters of the great lakes of Nicaragua, you will see that are totally opposite the Amazon basin.
What your average aquarist does, usually has nothing to do with reality

Thanks a lot Duanes, i shouldn't have doubted your knowledge.
biofiltration only converts toxic ammonia, and toxic nitrite, to less toxic nitrate.
There are basically only 2 ways to eliminate nitrate
Thru water changes, and plant filtration.
My jungle does more than a dent, but I still do regular large water changes.
Below is an average result of my tank water testing.



Thanks again for the info


Update: I cleaned the filter, readjusted the motor and fixed some clogged pipes and beleive me, the water is super crystal clear.it seems that the water input in the filter was extremely slow and i failed to notice it. i also redecorated the pond, adding more cover for the RD. The rd is doing much better now, and even came up to gulp some pellets. Its colour has improved(must have been stressed). The other fish also seem to be more active. The filter is working like a charm. Hope the RD adjusts soon. I will also try increasing the pH a bit

 

[Midwater]

There are basically only 2 ways to eliminate nitrate
Thru water changes, and plant filtration.

There is a third way. If you have an enormous sump, almost the same volume as your tank/pond, and fill it with pumice.
The bacteria on the outer pores of the pumice eat the ammonia/nitrites, and the bacteria deep inside eat the nitrates, but very slowly.

I use this and it slows the nitrates down considerably, though not completely, so I use it in combination with a continuous drip.

 

[AR1]

View attachment 20240508_091143~2.jpgMore pics, better one this time

View attachment 20240508_091202~2.jpg

 

[AR1]

Update: the RD grows in courage every day and seems to be doing much better. However I think I have a finicky or picky eater. Whenever I feed him pellets, he rushes up but after inspecting them heads down. I will buy some new cichlid pellets, maybe that will work. He loves his cave and stays near it, maybe thinks of it as his home?.
I bought more new pot scrubbies and pillow stuffing to increase the mechanical filtration and increase the breakdown of nitrites into nitrates. Also did a bit of arrangement I my pond. The other fish are doing fine and eating like pigs.