TT's for around $500.00

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lam Nguyen Thank you Russ for sharing your TT with us. I know that you are very busy but I was wondering if you could share with us how you go about placing the Matala mats in the TT. Do you have all 4 densities in there? And do all four chambers contain Matala mats and Lithaqua? As always, thanks for the info.

Hi Lam,

I have Lithaqua in all four levels and I have Matala matting in every level but the top level. Because the top of mine is exposed to the elements I have a white filter mat that fills with environmental crap and algae. I wash it out once a week.

I use the Matala matting with the greatest density.

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow anyone have photos infor regarding lithaqua. I don't think I ever ran across the item.....

Hi Dick,

Right now I think we are the only ones in the US that carry Lithaqua. Years ago Quality Koi used to carry it. I took a photo and will post it later on tonight I forgot to bring my camera to computer hook up to the store.

[Russell Peters]

Here you go Dick.

[JasPR]

aaah, you mean coral rubble! Try scallop shells, you'll be amazed. JR

[kingkong]

Lithothothamnium Calcareum or 'Lithaqua' is calcified seaweed that resembles coral but is a calcareous magnesium algae. We used to use it as a soil amendment but sources are in danger of over-mining this product.

[JasPR]

But,but, I see a shell in there! LOls JR

[MCA]

some links on lithaqua...

Kusuri Products - Secure Online Shopping
Lithaqua - Filter Media - Aqua-Topia
Bacta-pur® Lithaqua Media KH Buffer
Water Care and Treatments
Lithaqua - Water Conditioners

[Lam Nguyen]

Once again thank you Russ for taking time to share your knowledge and experience with us. Thank you also MCA for always being so expedient in showing us where to get products, and JR and KingKong for the insight. Just when I thought I am starting to grasp the concept of TT you go and throw in lithaqua. Now I have to go back to my research and design board and soon you know it, I will have a DIY Bakki tower that will have at least 10 trays and be about 15 feet tall. That's what I love about this hobby!!!!!

[MCA]

One place to get a calcium rich media is at your local "feed and seed" store. It is usually referred to as chicken scratch. It is crushed oyster shells. It is feed to hens to help them develop strong egg shells. You could put a layer in a shower tray (would need to be on top of matting or in a bags. Bags of it can also go into fluid begs and in other filter chambers.

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by JasPR aaah, you mean coral rubble! Try scallop shells, you'll be amazed. JR

Nope it is not coral rubble. There may be a few pieces that are in there from the mining process, but it is calcified algae that is very high in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). It is really a lithified sand made up of the lobes of Halimeda. Halimeda is a member of the green algal order of Siphonales that has CaCO3 production that is considerably greater that that of stony corals or scallop shells.

Try it JR, you would be amazed.