I think it is cursed!

As if the saga of the penjing couldn't get worse, it did!
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#aquarium #bonsai #penjing

[@RachelOLeary]

The saga of the penjing continues...... sigh.

[@Dreaded88]

@Rachel O'Leary : Dear Rachael: since we're all running out of idea's on what could be going wrong with that damned Penjing, I think I have one we haven't tried yet. Is it possible the rock is saturated with *Arsenic!?!* Anyway to have it tested? Please let us know.

[@rickfromthecape3135]

Is water wicking from the damp rock along the outside of the hose in back and then to the edge of the stand? Just a thought. Good luck! Merry Christmas!

[@musician200X]

I am fully invested in this drama

[@nabokovfan87]

I really wish you some success trying to solve this. I am trying to re-watch and see all of what happened. A few things I would try (short term and long term). 1. Make sure splashing isn't causing the issue. Use roots, some yarn or something to give the water output something to drain down and try to minimize splashing. 2. Put a splash shield on the rear wall (you should see splashing on the front but the rear may be a bit difficult, try doing blue shop towels hanging on some Plexi to test how high the water is bouncing due to evaporation. On my open tanks, they splash insanely as the water level drops and there is more surface disturbance. 3. If the tank itself is "fine" I think the best course is going to be to rotate the rock itself so the main drain is on the middle of the tank and not towards the edges. It looked like it's about a 10-15 degree rotation based on how the water is spilling near that edge. You can leave the rock mounted as is, but cut the edges off at 45 degree angles so you're able to rotate it as need be. Even a small amount may fix that splash. *Another option may be to stack some rocks on that side and force the water down them* Flow control is a big thing, and unfortunately it isn't something I've ever seen fine control out of anything not called a tidal HOB filter. I look forward to seeing this be resolved, I know you got this!

[@nabokovfan87]

On the topic of why livestock can't maintain, I would love to see a video of your actual filter setup itself (what filter) how you clean it, etc. I would try with some RODI water and then after a few weeks run something like a heavy metal test and see what leeches into the water. (Start with RODI, add any ferts and normal items you would use, then proceed with a heavy metals test strip). I did a brief search and found sensafe water metals checker that isn't too pricey and might work for this. I'm sure there are others and there are water testing available at places like Lowes/home Depot

[@ingesexton811]

"And drained the tank as fast as possible " looks off into the distance recalling allll the water..... takes a drink. 😂🤣😂🤣

[@RachelOLeary]

#truth

[@scotncan]

I love videos like this. It shows that even someone really experienced can have issues...it is honest and shows integrity. Also love being brought along the problem solving process, very educational.

[@kzookid2051]

A suggestion on the back hose - attach something around it so that if it does leak it will be diverted and drip into the tank instead of flowing all the way down. Kind of like what gets done with electrical cords and a drip loop. Also, I'd take small samples of the glue used to attach the tubing to the rock and test if anything may be leaching from it. Where you showed it along the back and bottom looks like it may be getting degraded. This does make me want to try something with some rocks I have and a few ferns & some moss once I get better lighting set up for my plants that won't let the cats graze.

[@taylorjoe]

Even in a crisis, that winged liner is sharp and clean! 👏

[@vampgaia]

Oh no! It looks like you did an excellent job of disaster management. I like the increased flow of water much better. I'm sure you will find more suitable plants to add. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@gibbyrockerhunter]

Lol. Before you even opened your mouth I had to smile because I know that feeling too well. I’m glad you were able to get things set back up. “Everything’s fine” I did actually laugh at that. I tell myself that all the time. Also, I love your rooster heater! That guy is awesome. I hope all is well.

[@Shaden0040]

How did your carnivorous plants do this year? You should also add some butterwort to your garden/not only are they carnivorous they are omnivorous. Their digestive juices on their leave can digest dead plant materials such as starch. They target small gnats and fruit fly sized insects. They are found from mexico to Washington state, and also exist on the east coast, though I am not sure of their ranges out east. They become carnivorous in the fall and winter when their leaves become sticky/ Since they will difest plants no need to worry about leaf liter or pine needles coving them up too much.They are also called Pinks There are many varieties.and have blue to white to pink colored flowers on moderately tall flower stalks/ Check them out.

[@nolasdollsandaquatics9386]

Sometimes things happen to give us a little push...hopefully it will work out in the long run, it's a beautiful piece.

[@ccsorn]

I am so glad you caught it in in time. I had a similar issue with two 10 gallons in the garage. I was out there for something else and saw the shelf was slumping. Got the two tanks drained and down just in time. Better lucky than good some days. Love the bonsai.

[@petelogiudice8202]

If you add a Y, you can direct the excess flow into the tank. This allows you to control the flow to the penjing, but not restrict flow on the filter. The valve goes on the split in the Y going to the tank. The more flow into the tank the less that goes to the penjing. The side of the Y that goes to the penjing doesn't need a valve, but you could have one for finer control. I might have the parts to make it for you. I will look tomorrow.

[@RachelOLeary]

Thanks pete!

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

A bypass is exactly what I was going to suggest, but thought I would check the comments first. Restricting the filter causes increased heat and wear as well as pressure above what it normally would have. Also, I like to use fuel line clamps when connecting hoses to plastic fittings as they have more even pressure and won’t cause deformation of the fittings and leaks in the future.

[@carolebraswell982]

Wow. What a huge undertaking for the week before Christmas! Fingers crossed that the issue has been solved. I always loved that setup.

[@Empress_Moth]

Honestly I think this setup would benefit from a larger tank. Same idea, a low, wide, rimless tank but something bigger. Get the central rock away from the edges of the tank so there's less risk of the water splashing out. Just from going off of what you've shown us, the excess limescale where the hosing was, it really seems like water was dripping down the hose and that was the problem. Cuz it doesn't seem like it was your Eheim or the tank itself that was leaking.

[@RachelOLeary]

I think it would do better woth a bigger tank too

[@namidaslave]

Cheers, Rachel, taking a drink with you. You a champ.

[@rickfromthecape3135]

They don't call it "fallaparticle board" for nothing. Good save Rachel!

[@RachelOLeary]

Hahaja!

[@johnnygee4206]

Yeah, that thing is incredible to look at, but any more major catastrophes with it and you might want to think about refilling it with holy water. Good luck with it, and cheers! 🥃

[@RachelOLeary]

Hahahahaha

[@maritfishgirl7357]

I vote for holy water!!! That thing didn’t like the vid you made or something

[@maritfishgirl7357]

@@thingamatorium8736 I’m in 😂

[@CoroaEntertainment]

12:59 See how the pipe runs straight down? That's likely the reason for the water leak/damage. The pipe most likely leaked and the water ran right down and out of the tank and onto the old stand. My suggestion.... put in a drop loop on that supply pipe (kinda like a "J" trap found under a kitchen sink). Make sure the "J" loop part is placed completely inside the tank (and then goes up and then over the tank's top edge). That way if there's a leak from the upper pipe, it won't be able to run down it and onto the stand/ground.

[@solaris025]

Given the lime scale on the centre rear of the tank I suspect the water has been coming back down the hose under that filler and out the tank. It only takes a drops over time and you wouldn’t have seen it necessarily running off the mat and finding a crevice in the cabinet to start filling the board. I had a similar infinitesimal leak happening in a tank with an overhead sump. I couldn’t for weeks figure out how there was water under the tank and on the floor every 2-3 days. It was a slow drip that would get to capacity under the tank and then leak like I had a cracked bottom. It was a total fluke that I happened to witness a drop run down the side one weekend. On real close inspection there was the smallest tracks of lime scale down the glass (almost invisible if you weren’t looking because of the tank position) Condensation on the sump at midday would leak out the lid and the sides of the tank, during the week I’m at work so the run mark would be dry by the time I got home only to witness a puddle on the floor, water under the tank and no obvious drop in water level. It drove me insane.

[@Jarxia]

Fish keeping and whiskey pair together well

[@RachelOLeary]

Agreed

[@ccsorn]

I've had those days.

[@alaasaadat7045]

Smoking too🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Jarxia]

@Rachel O'Leary what's your whiskey of choice? Been trying to broaden my whiskey horizons

[@RachelOLeary]

I like bulleit rye a lot but there are so so so many good ones. I went to a whiskey bar in Seattle and have a whole folder of whiskeys and bourbon I wish I could afford haha

[@Baileyske]

"No dull moment in the fish room" Hear, hear to that !

[@RachelOLeary]

thanks for watching to the end!

[@mrsbodeutsch]

Thank you for showing us all your trials. I really appreciate your transparency and information you share in every video. I think you're incredible

[@peepslostsheep]

I do like the look of the increased flow over the stone!

[@Shaden0040]

Switch to various ferns and mosses and alpine flowering plants. Many ferns are broad leaved and not fronds. Also try watersprite with the roots burried in sphagnum moss./ Birdsnest fern is also good to use.

[@heidihoglan6756]

Thanks for showing your problem solving! I've had a few leakers so it's helpful to see how you deal with it!

[@Strigae]

Oh gosh, good you noticed, really pleased all was an will be okay with the penjing, so relaxing an beautiful

[@kathrynthomas6390]

Sending love. I have a terrible history of illness around Christmas, and it looks like my toddler is inheriting it (miserable viral unknown, tests come back negative). Hope you and your family have some relaxing, happy time together. It's not worth ruining your holidays.

[@debbiewilhelm3035]

Job well done. Wishing you and yours a safe , relaxing and healthy holiday season. Cheers !

[@jamieblack3235]

You've got the space on that table, go for a bigger tank. Wondering if you might try something like mint instead of the fiscus, it could at least let you make mojitos when you have to fight it!

[@itsallaboutprotein]

That thing is incredibly beautiful. Thanks for going through all of this stress/work so we can enjoy it. Hope it works out!!!

[@sassilou]

I have plastic wrapped my tank unit and it's helped amazingly to keep the water out of the porous material inside! You should do that too. I live in the UK and it cost me £25 for 10mtrs of sticky back plastic in a Matt grey colour! The finish looks brilliant.. just an idea for you Rachel 😉😚💕

[@debrapage582]

Ah mate you sound knackered. Hope it all works out. Have a lovely Christmas.

[@garygreen6140]

I think its dripping from your pipe, try and add a drop loop in the tank from the pipe below the top of tank (not flexi pipe use solid), and run flexi pipe from s pipe to filter.

[@RachelOLeary]

That is why I am leaving the tubes long for now- they stay well clear of the glass. The biggest issue is finding fittings easily that will work with the 12mm tubing that is cemented into the rock. This was the best I could do super quickly.

[@kimberlysmith4312]

When it rains, it pours. Hang in there!

[@jamesparadigm]

Starting over like this only increases my curiosity and fascination for what this might become!💚💚

[@chadtitan4159]

Cheers 🥂. You earned it.

[@violentcat345]

What a wild ride this Penjing has been! It's a confirmed drama queen, here's hoping it settles into a smoother 'flow' with all the work you've put into it this time round, never a dull moment huh? Here's to a happy, chilled out holiday season from here on in!

[@tentyme1]

That 1st look sitting down with the tasty beverage just said it all, lol.

[@paulanoakes5358]

Wow, crazy . Thankfully you caught it in time. Hope all goes well. Love the sound it makes, very relaxing, especially with a cocktail 🍸🍹

[@TheZombieRebel]

That moss is gorgeous! Hope it all works out!

[@Nenezilla]

Thank goodness you caught that before it fell through, that would have been devastating. Sending good vibes from SW PA!

[@shesellsfish]

Girl, when you said in your last video that this was a pain in the butt, you sure were not even kidding! Hopefully changing out the filter and redoing all the fittings, and pulling out the ficus will fix all the problems. I'm so sorry this has been such a stressful piece for you. It truly is beautiful, and I hope you have fixed all it's issues. Merry Christmas, Rachel. I hope the new year brings you serenity, peace, and a true sense of contentment. You definitely deserve it. 👍❤👍

[@assiahinarkansas]

Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad it worked out. Looking forward to seeing what’s next!

[@machellelowry9404]

I'm glad you were able to catch it before it broke. Yes, that did deserve a drink

[@johnglenham4099]

Ditto know how you feel when i got up on sunday morning one of my 180 gallon tanks was leaking all over my dining room carpet.but life goes on.merry christmas and a happy new year to you and your family🎅

[@PocketBee100]

I was just watching your most recent penjing update yesterday! 😭 I’m so sorry, hope it recovers well.

[@rebeccasabourin6193]

You are amazing. Love the everythings fine, everythings fine, everythings fine.

[@growinginportland]

The struggle is real. Sending positive vibes. 🤜

[@Ballacha]

if the plant is toxic, it makes sense that nothing shows up on the TDS meter and pH tester. most organic compunds dissolve in water as molecules, not as ions. TDS and pH are indicators of concerntration of free ions.

[@RachelOLeary]

My thought as well. I pulled them, will give it a few weeks then maybe try something in there

[@Ballacha]

@@RachelOLeary best of luck!

[@ReneesZooTube]

@@RachelOLeary Would running carbon in the filter for a bit help to make sure to remove any residual toxins if it was the ficus?

[@RachelOLeary]

@@ReneesZooTube I will probably use polyfilter but do also have carbon here

[@MehHalfhearted]

Yikes, that is just a nightmare. At least you got it all fixed up. The extra flow looks quite nice though, honestly.

[@marthanewsome6375]

I have heaps of ficus plants in paludariums and they have never been toxic to my fish or shrimp. So really doubt that is the cause of the problem. More likely it's something they used as a glue bond. Personally, I would break it apart and rebuild it with silicon and resin, curing well. What you can take away from this is, that it's always best to build these things yourself, because you know exactly what you used. I would go with some kind of plants that do a lot of root wrapping. I have a mature magic bean tree, without the bean that has roots everywhere. The only part toxic is the bean, so that is why I said mature. The bean dies off and can be removed as the tree matures up.

[@RachelOLeary]

Yea its hard to believe those little ficus could be causing the issue but they weren't thriving anyway so I may as well remove one more variable

[@BertShackleford]

_"You've got to know when to hold 'em_ _Know when to fold 'em_ _Know when to walk away_ _And know when to run"_ ~The Gambler (Kenny Rogers) Stay classy my friend.

[@DRaquascapes]

"What's wrong with me??" Nothing,you have that buzz goin.. LOL

[@RachelOLeary]

I didn't drink until AFTER it was fixed, lol. I figured I had earned a bourbon in my arm chair to enjoy the view (or suvey the chaos that was the fishroom from the scramble)

[@DRaquascapes]

@@RachelOLeary ain't no shame.. I get it.

[@LostVivarium]

good thinking , you got this! you sip that drank , breathe, and scape

[@Fishcentral]

Don’t give up ! Keep at it

[@92083Barb]

Thats a beautiful rock all the best

[@twunderaquatics1770]

If you don't like the stand not wrapped which don't bother me. I think the King of Diy or Aquapro used panel and magnets for easy to take off for maintenance. Was glad to see another video just not under the circumstances. Cheers!!! 😊

[@Evil_Genius_888]

Wow! It’s always something for us hobbyists… it’s great the tank looks okay you seemed to have found a solution. I blew a seam on an old tank last Wednesday morning as I was getting my first cup of coffee. It was my first tank loss…

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

API aquarium sealant is inexpensive and rated up to 750 gallons if you have the time and desire to reseal it

[@unusualaquariumecosystems5805]

WOW it's a good job you saw it before it all fell over.

[@autumnsky9807]

It's still so beautiful, hope it behaves!

[@jeffhester1443]

Thank you Rachael, always love your videos especially the outdoors adventures. The dreaded unexpected leak is our constant nightmare due to the amount of water. You handled it superbly and I'm glad you have help.

[@builderbb8767]

At least the glass seems intact, bet you're right about it dripping along the hose. Hope the plants on the rock pull through the dry. Maybe you could use the pump fully by adding a Wye and valves for each hose and divert extra flow in the back for higher tank circulation from a normal spout.

[@sonicolton2971]

I was going to suggest the same thing. Splitting the flow would allow for better control to the rock. I use this in aquaponics to regulate the flow for the bell syphon to work properly. Also the you could cut a snug fitting plastic over the hose to help redirect and water dripping along the hose back into the tank.

[@RachelOLeary]

I am not sure I know what you guys are suggesting but am always open to learn! Have any links that would give me an aha moment?

[@builderbb8767]

@@RachelOLeary Wye is a plumbing term for splitter, a tee in Y shape. Then a ball valve on each split. Connect one to the rock and hang a regular output over the back of the tank. Needs 2 valves to balance pressure because the rock needs a different head pressure from height. Bell siphon is a wet/dry irrigation system used to flood/drain aquaponics grow beds. Soni probably means they use this splitter method to direct some fish water into the elevated plant grow bed and the other half of the pumps flow for fish holding reservoir circulation.

[@sonicolton2971]

@@builderbb8767 yes exactly what I was thinking. I couldn't find this until after I wrote a second comment lol.

[@jenniferjsaracino]

I lost two aquarium in the last year, one was a leak from the bottom of the tank. Second was a major blowout on a front panel. I feel for you!

[@XCaliKev]

👍😎 That thing looks so cool. I think you made right choice in waiting to see if gonna leak, hopefully not. I wonder about the “tape” on the hose. If it still leaks, you might have to dig that plastic stuff out and replum the whole thing. At least you’d know what’s in there. 🖖

[@RachelOLeary]

Yea, it sort of sucks that I cannot change the hose, especially since its not a standard size unless you use eheim (which I generally don't)

[@johncameron4194]

Oh my! You need two drinks after that

[@jamiebaker6516]

Wow it looks really cool without the ficus. I bet the water was dripping down the hose. The new filter might alleviate that though. Worst case, you can always make something more rigid for the outflow hose as it goes around the lip of the tank. Anyway, thanks for making videos. We missed you.

[@SoCalMike2]

You deserve a hug… and another drink! 🥃

[@gregjensen7492]

Sometimes the unplaned projects turn out the best, 😳or the worst. Good luck 🤞

[@rambophilomena4373]

Looks great

[@Shaden0040]

Use black cloth with magnetic gromets you can sraple to the vloth and stickt the metal stand.

[@robertforrest7956]

OH NO!!! 🤯 I hope you can get it resolved... Easily!! Make that drink a double. 🍸🍸 I'll join you in that drink,🥃 as of today I'm 65.. 🙄 but who's counting.. well, I guess I am. 😂 How did you lift that Boulder?? Have a hoyer lift hidden away? 😅. I'd do a quick bead of silicone if you can, but me thinks the water was from hose leaking a tad causing a siphon effect. Hope the rest of your holiday week goes much better!! Love to all, pets included,.. take care my friend.. ⛄🎄☃️ 🕯️ 🍾🥂

[@RachelOLeary]

My partner lifted it for me, and happy birthday!

[@robertforrest7956]

@@RachelOLeary Thanks Rachel...

[@waterlover]

Good to see fixing the little issues in life .

[@alaasaadat7045]

U deserve that drink 😅🖐🏻 I had a pts flash back when my tank bottom cracked 🤦🏻‍♂️😅 But you are a perfectionist i would change the dripping line hose .... Attach to small internal water bump just keep the moss and plant alive then deal with it after Xmas holiday 😅😅 Marry Christmas 🌺♥️

[@RachelOLeary]

I am definitely waiting until after the holidays to change anything permanently. For now, it was damage control.

[@crittergirl3647]

Could the stone with attached plate be moved farther back in the tank to keep the splashing within the tank? Tanner at Serpa Designs could have plant suggestions for you.

[@RachelOLeary]

Unfortunately not, not without cutting the plate. Which seems precarious because of the weight and size of the rock.

[@glasscityfishwitch3116]

I have felt the soga of press bord. I waited one day to long, good luck

[@zeninsyt]

Good Luck ... I hope it all works out :)

[@Shaden0040]

For bonsai plants try weeping willow/

[@UkAmphibians]

Oh no we’ve had this happen quite a few times with us 🐸💚🐸

[@wendygillard2133]

What a shame you have had so much trouble Rachel. I think you should have contact the fellow you bought it from for advice.

[@RachelOLeary]

We aren't in contact any longer

[@HerrWade]

Rachel why not put eggcrate under to disperse the weight?

[@edstaart8548]

A penjing as an outside ornament would be cool

[@RachelOLeary]

if it has any more failures it will end up outside ...and not in a glamorous ornamental way lol

[@edstaart8548]

@@RachelOLeary exactly my point, can’t fix everything right.

[@robertforrest7956]

@@RachelOLeary 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@DRaquascapes]

Never give up... never surrender

[@MrHoodey]

I have nightmares of this happening. Sucks big time.

[@curgunner]

Oh boy

[@LlfebytheBay]

Press board + aquariums = disaster

[@Bloodhoundfostermom]

Damn...when it rain ...it pours

[@Split0069]

Take it apart and reseal it. A couple buddies of mine make their own tanks.

[@broman6662]

I think that the rock is the problem. Sorry about the leak

[@HerrWade]

Everyone's nightmare

[@coreygunter4787]

What kind of yoga mat are you using?

[@RachelOLeary]

It came woth the tank, its the uns mat they like to be used woth the tank

[@WildlyDistracted]

What happened to the micro crabs?

[@k9feces]

Thats my nightmare. I wish I never bought a particle board stand ( I’ve had it for 18 years). I also need to buy more whiskey 🥴

[@RachelOLeary]

I need more whiskey too after the past few weeks with this thing, lol

[@AQUAFUNK]

Particle board stands should be outlawed

[@Fish_Ehh]

👍

[@andystokes8702]

I would say that particle board is without doubt the very worse material to have anywhere near a fish room. Once it get wet it is finished, it just continues to swell, split and fall apart. The only thing it has going for it is price - it's cheap.

[@RachelOLeary]

Exactly!! I hate it!

[@sonicolton2971]

I lost my original comment you asked to clarify the split flow. I found Rob Bob explains is pretty well here ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJKvp2eIdrqnm5o but that is larger scale aquaponics. What you would need is a 5/8 in. Barb Nylon Tee Fitting and a second ehiem quick connect (ball valve). Split the water comming from the pump with the Tee barb and add the second quick connect (ball valve) to direct the water to the aquarium. As for the plastic water guard I came up with that on my own so there isnt a video for that. Let me know if I can help.

[@2tardi]

Damm! Horror of every hobbyist! At least it didn’t happen on the 25. December!

[@jobkaashoek]

Maybe you can get some Fittonia to replace the bonsai

[@RachelOLeary]

I have some upstairs. I may just move the fern as it's doing so well

[@AQUAFUNK]

Just call him YO-BOO

[@underdogaquatics940]

@Rachel O'Leary would you be interested in a miniature filter using a nano pump and 3D printed mods? If so get in touch with me. I have something in the works.

[@RachelOLeary]

i am not sure. I am considering putting a sump on it, as it would increase the total volume as well and maybe make life more sustainable. I am not sure how a nano pump could work with the 12mm eheim tubing that is cemented into the rock.

[@GekoPrime]

Good audio!

[@RachelOLeary]

I really appreciate the constructive feedback, as an aside. For many years, despite using a mic, I just had that constant hum behind my videos. Without turning off filtration, I didn't have a good way to fix it despite using adobe. I recently switched to davinci resolve, and its been working out well for the program to learn the hum to remove or at least greatly reduce it. Again, I always appreciate constructive feedback and am glad it is better for you!