RE: Good Algae Control Product We have had good luck using Potash from Earl May, about 1/2 cup once a week. My wife says that this balances the chemicals in the water so that the water lilies can use up the nitrates that would otherwise go into the algae.  We also use a UV clarifier and a foam filter. the other Rodney... 05 May 2013 10:03 AM Gardening & Landscaping (0)

RE: Good Algae Control Product With any algae control, if there is a lot of algae too much control too fast can kill fish. As bacteria in the water decompose the dead algae, it uses up the oxygen in the water. the other Rodney... 02 May 2013 07:13 AM Gardening & Landscaping (0)

RE: Need for ballast? I had wondered about supporting switches with 4 inch thick solid cement blocks. Since my supply of extra blocks is about used up I'll try the switches without the underneath support. I'm not worried about the gravel eroding. I've been partly burying bricks or railroad ties for the sides of my gra...... 24 Apr 2013 07:13 AM Track, Trestles, Bridges and Roadbed (0)

RE: Need for ballast? I'm using about 4 inches of crusher fines under the track. Also some of the track is on a cement retaining wall and some of it is on elevated pressure treated wood. I won't be using ballast on them so figured I wouldn't on the rock part either. the other Rodney... 23 Apr 2013 08:07 PM Track, Trestles, Bridges and Roadbed (0)

Need for ballast? I get it that using ballast looks more prototypical.  However, I'm planning on floating track on gravel without ballast. Won't have to worry about the ballast migrating under the rail and lifting it or washing in a big rain. Other than looks, are there reasons to ballast? Should I be spray...... 23 Apr 2013 06:15 PM Track, Trestles, Bridges and Roadbed (9)

RE: Falling leaves Is it a "pin oak"? Smaller oak leaves with points on the edges? They keep most of their leaves on over the winter, then drop them off as the new leaves get ready to emerge. Pin oaks are for people who like to rake leaves 12 months a year! I'd think that if you tried to blow them off when things ...... 21 Apr 2013 06:26 PM Track, Trestles, Bridges and Roadbed (0)

RE: Storage Terminal B Could you use bolts with wingnuts to hold the panels down, yet allow for easy removal? Also, what's your opinion on the aluminum track that you used. the other Rodney... 21 Apr 2013 09:59 AM Track, Trestles, Bridges and Roadbed (0)

RE: Need ideas to cut back on yard work Jerry made a really good comment a few posts back, that taking the trees out will change what types of plants will do best on your layout. Especially since it faces west for the hot afternoon sun, along with all of the rocks and cement retaining walls that will soak up the heat, there will be highe...... 15 Mar 2013 11:16 AM Track, Trestles, Bridges and Roadbed (0)

RE: I'm Looking for small pond ideas If you have the space, go BIGGER! Not really any more upkeep than a small one. Also it's like curve diameters - nobody says they wished they'd gone with smaller curves. the other Rodney... 23 Feb 2013 10:42 AM Gardening & Landscaping (0)

RE: Getting to know dealers If it wasn't for dealers (and others) willing to answer my rookie questions for the past few years, I doubt I'd have acquired as much stuff (and continued interest in G gauge) as I have. And I am willing to pay a little extra to someone (like a dealer) who can answer my questions, both before and a...... 13 Feb 2013 07:25 PM Large Scale Events (0)