FishChannel Forums / Freshwater Forums / Everything but Livestock

Tank Size?

GRUBYGUPPY — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:39:00 GMT

I was given a complete tank setup(minus stand) today,the person had no idea what the gal. capacity was.The tank is 36x12x12, if anyone knows what the capacity(gal) is the info would be appreciated.;)

Water Conditioner Question

JoshA1977 — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:37:31 GMT

Hey all!

Quick question...is there something wrong with using dechlorinators/water conditioners with aloe vera or plant base? If so...why?

I'm curious...

Painting Fish Tanks

JoshA1977 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:19:01 GMT

Hey all! 'Tis me me yet again!

Hey does anyone here paint the back of their fish tanks? I've seen some people do this, and I wanted to paint the back of mine black. Any advice offered would be helpful!

Supplies Catalog?

akagorilla — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:18:41 GMT

In the mid 90's, I would order from an aquarium supply catalog. Now i can't find it using Google. Maybe they didnt' survive the Internet age.

Any ideas on what it was? Very popular, all aquariums, maybe two pages in the back devoted to snakes and lizard supplies.

API test kit expiry

jsmith11618 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:39:21 GMT

Found this on another forum I frequent and thought it might be of some use to some over here.

Its an email in response to a question on when test kits expire for API (Aquarium Pharmaceutical).

Sorry for the delay we are backed up due to the start of a busy pond season.
Antonio in response to your question, each reagent bottle has a Lot # printed on
the bottle. The last four digits are the month and year of manufacture. Example:
Lot # 28A0107. This is a pH reagent manufactured in January of 2007. Pond Care
Wide Range pH, Ammonia, High Range pH, Nitrate, Phosphate, Copper, Calcium and
GH all last for three years. Nitrite and KH will last for four years. Freshwater
pH (low range) and Pond Care Salt Level will last for five years. I would not
use or trust these kits after they have expired."

If you have any other questions or wish to discuss this further, please email
back or give us a call at 1-800-847-0659.
Best Regards,
Nathan Fekula
Technical Service and Research
Mars Fishcare

50 EAST HAMILTON ST
PO BOX 218
CHALFONT, PA 18914-0218

Nano cube aquarium

austin123 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:55:18 GMT

What makes a nano cube aquarium better than a reguler aquarium?

Fishless Cycling & Ammonia

JoshA1977 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:02:54 GMT

It's me yet again!

Well this time I'm wonding about ammonia in relation to fishless cycling. I already know not to use ammonia with any dyes, surficants, or detergents in it, but I was wondering about "pure ammonia." Is there a certain concentration (25% ammonia/75% water) that I need to use? Any leads as to where I can get pure ammonia online?

Test Kits/Testers

JoshA1977 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:51:58 GMT

Hey all...me again.

I'm wondering about good master test kits and/or testers. Can anyone give me some good suggestions?

Bacterial Additives

JoshA1977 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:56:47 GMT

Okay...another simple question for everyone. When purchasing a bacterial additive...how can you ascertain its freshness? I've seen some bacterial additives that had no date on the bottle...so if you buy something that's not dated; it's a shot in the dark.

Reverse Osmosis/De-ionized Water

JoshA1977 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:42:12 GMT

Hi everybody.

I just wanted to ask a quick question. I was out doing some grocery shopping and I had stopped by my LFS the other day just to price tanks, pick up some filters, and see what little fishies they had stocked.

My LFS is "The Ark" in Merrillville, IN. I had overheard one of the sales people talking with another customer in regards to RO/DI and freshwater fish. The sales was saying to the other customer that RO/DI water is actually better than normal tap water if you can get it. She also told the customer that she brings RO/DI water from the store to her home for her fish. Now I just thought that RO/DI water would be actually a little "too pure" like distilled water for freshwater fishkeeping. I just wonder...what do you all think about using RO/DI water for freshwater fishkeeping? Does RO/DI water benefit the fish better than treated water? Is it worth the investment?

Aquarium Furniture

JoshA1977 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:09:35 GMT

Hey all...it's lil' ol' me again.

Just wondering...anyone know of any good online shops for aquarium stands and canopies? I'm looking something more along the lines of maple with either a medium to light stain. I want to do this for a 75-gallon and a 210-gallon. My LFS can get good ones, but I wanted to see if I could find a better deal new vesus used. Any suggestions?

Fiberglass

FattFishy — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:22:17 GMT

Is fiberglass safe for aquarium use? I have this fiberglass mosquito net that I'm using as a mesh for moss to grow as a carpet. I know plastic and stainless steel are safe but I'm not sure about this. Just my usual precautions.

EDIT: It's painted silver/gray. Again, I'm not sure if it is paint but if it is, is it still safe? On www.aquamoss.net (the site with the idea), they used mosquito net (plastic) with black coloring. No fish have died.

Ecobio-block

JCHAMPAGNE — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:33:58 GMT

I just read the article reviewing Ecobio-block by our very own David Lass. It is so cool to associate with a star! Good article by the way David.

I also think it is great that a regular contributor to a magazine related to our interest takes the time to read, interject, and respond to his potential subscribers comments and questions.

One question. Can the block be broken into smaller pieces in order to hide it?

making your own net wash

Murmaider — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:34:13 GMT

I was wondering if anybody knew a recipe to make my own net wash instead of buying it at a fish store. I'm having a very hard time finding it at the store and was hoping for a cheaper alternative. Thanks!

5 Gallon Aquarium Siphon

crazysqurrel06 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:48:05 GMT

The aquarium Siphon I have is the right size for a 10-gallon-tank. The 5-gallon tank I have is thinner and taller than a normal 5-gallon tank. The 10-gallon siphon is too big for me to clean the gravel. Any suggestions on it? I can't seem to find a smaller version of the aquarium siphon either...

undergravel

newfishguy — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:24:11 GMT

I just got a 55gal with an UGF powered by to power heads, I seem to have a lot of bubbles in the tank that stick to almost everything. Is this typical for a new tank and this type of filtration what sould the ideal bubble rate be should there be a lot of bubbles and why do they stick

Water treatments

jsmith11618 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:52:00 GMT

Is it necessary to add water conditioner to a tank when the local tap water contains no chemicals?

The city I live in now adds no chemicals to its water supply, and I am 100% sure of this as the city is quite proud of this fact and they make it well known when summer comes and they place water restrictions on us.

Just curious is there is a need for the water conditioner when the local water contains none of the chemicals the conditioner removes.

bubble makers

newfishguy — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:14:06 GMT

I have used bubble makers or bubble stones ever sence I started

I bought a 4$ mini disc and I love it. my question is what are the bennifits of bubbles in a tank if any.

thanks justin...michigan

lookin at a new tank

newfishguy — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 06:15:31 GMT

Hey everyone Im looking to get a 70 gal tank but here is my question, If u get a 70 should you just spring a little more money and go 90 cuz its only 20more gal.

thanks

has anyone.....

GRUBYGUPPY — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:43:36 GMT

Has anyone used spaghetti rock and or malaysian wood in their tanks? Any info would be appreciated.

Filter help?

JoshTS — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:24:45 GMT

I have a brand new 75 gallon tank and i am looking to buy a filter but there are so many choices that i don't know what to buy. Could you give me some suggestions of a filter set up big enough for a 75 gallon tank, 6 to 10 medium African cichlids, about 4 to 7 plants, and within a budget of 60$.and i do have room for a canister filter but i cant find one in the size i need or 60$ Thanks:D

Bacteria in a bottle

filipem — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:07:36 GMT

I have read several posts/comments regarding the use of these products over these few weeks and I know David claims that they do work. David I know you wrote an article in FAMA about this but I did not have a chance to read it yet. I was wondering what everyone's thought's were about these products and if anyone would like to share any success stories using it. I was thinking about trying it for myself in a small tank just to see if it works myself. What brands are known to be the most reliable?

I myself have always used media from another tank or I used fishless cycle method with Hailey's help (BTW where is she these days?) This method would be a first for me.

David, which issue is your article in about the tests you conducted? I really would like read that article.

'nano'

bettasrcool — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:03:02 GMT

Ok I hope this question doesn't sound too stupid, but what exactly are 'nano tanks'? Are they just small aquariums of 10 gallons and under? Sometimes I glance at other forums and they usually seem to be described with planted tanks so is it more of like a hobby subcategory within aquarium keeping or like an 'all-natural' tank? Just curious.:cool:

I don't know what it is

austin123 — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:57:38 GMT

My tank is growing white crusty stuff on the sides of the light, on the filter, and on the inside and outside of the tank. What is that stuff and how do I get rid of it?

new filter

newfishguy — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:59:10 GMT

I was told about a hob filter that is new on the market, ther have outside power filters that have the motors on the intake tube and therefore in the water as upposed to in the filter. and they have plastic cages that stay in place when you pull out the filter cartridges.

thanks for the help

the right filter for me

newfishguy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:38:34 GMT

I want to get a 90 gal tank in the future. I have seen the undergravel filter with the power head attached to it. I need some ideas on what to get and why its a good choice... I want a good filter but do keep in mind that money is somewhat an isue on this one.

thanks everybody

justin

MOA's Can O' Germs

math-only aquarium — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:45:19 GMT

MOA's Can O' Germs

Directions:

Obtain clean, dry quart-sized jar with resealable lid.
Obtain roughly 7 ounces (volume) of chemical-free grass clippings and place in quart jar.
Obtain about 3 ounces (volume) of chemical-free bark chunks and place in quart jar.
Obtain about 1/2 ounce of chemical-free dead grasshoppers or 1/4 ounce of commercal shrimp pellets for freshwater fish and place in quart jar.
Obtain 1/2 ounce of chemical-free soil and place in the quart jar.
Fill remaining volume of quart jar with hot water (100-135 degrees F).
Seal the jar and let is set in a warm (70-85 degrees F) environment for about two to five weeks. (Solution is ready when it turns a dark, soupy brown.)
After the two to five weeks, strain the large particulate matter from the solution. However, be careful that the solution contains plenty of floating debris 1/4 of an inch in diameter or less.
Return the solution to the quart jar and return it to warm environment for storage.
Every two weeks, leave the lid open for four hours (don't leave it open in your house or your house will stink) and exchange two tablespoons of water off the top (don't stir the solution or anything like that, just remove the water and replace it with tap water).
Do not keep longer than 18 months.

Now you have the Type 1 bacterial starter. This solution will contain small populations of beneficial bacteria and will have a fairly large portion of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. This solution will not contain the density of beneficial bacteria that many commercial products will have, but it is actually better than some of the commercial bacteria starters in that it contains the bacteria and their food source. This will help reduce the time required to cycle the aquarium and can be added until the tank starts to produce nitrates on its own.

DOSAGE: (After shaking contents vigorously) One tablespoon per five gallons for initial dose; one tablespoon per 15 gallons per week for the remainder of cycling.

Reducing filter outflow/current

Nikita — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:32:59 GMT

I purchased a Whisper power filter when setting up a 10-gallon planted aquarium. It's rated for 5-10 gallon tanks, hang-on-back model, 115-120 volts/60 Hz. Just your basic HOB filter.

Now, the gallons-per-hour rating was nowhere to be found on the filter or the packaging, but I've always liked Whisper's performance so I let it slide when I purchased it. Unfortunately, I'm running into a problem - there's no output control on the filter. Just a simple intake tube, no way to regulate the current produced in my tank.

And this current is ridiculous. It's going to shred my poor corkscrew val that's taking the brunt of the current, and I fear for the many small plants that are soon to be blown all around the tank. In addition, I only plan to house neon tetras and cherry shrimp, and they aren't exactly built to handle hurricane-force currents like this filter is producing.

I don't want a lagoon or a swamp. But I do want my overexuberant filter to cut back a bit before my tank looks like it was rearranged by a three-year-old. Is there any DIY method to reduce the output so I get gentler but still effective filtration from my Whisper?

Sump Suggestions

JoshA1977 — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:40:35 GMT

Hey all! Haven't been on here for a while, and not in this section that much. But I've been reading through the forums this evening in regards to sumps. Now I'm going to be getting a 220-gallon tank (and I'm thinking to get reef-ready since it has the holes pre-drilled) and this will be my first endeavor into the realm of sumps.

In this tank I'm going to keep a tiger oscar, a jack dempsey, a common pleco, and maybe a few slightly smaller cichlids that can hold their own.

Now I know the benefits of having a sump, but wanted to get some suggestions as to how I should set it up. I found some diagrams:

http://www.acicorp.us/images/flow_diagram.jpg

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/images/graphics/fluidizedfiltersetup.jpg

So what do you all think? What suggestions do any of you have? I am all ears!!

Rock ID anyone?

speedylisa — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:10:09 GMT

Is this safe or unsafe to put in a freshwater planted tank...? I got it from the pet store where I work but nobody seems to know anything about it...I did the vinegar test and it didn't fizz...but I just want to make sure.
thanks!

Sponge Filters. Please Help!

FastFoward5k — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 05:12:49 GMT

My balloon molly breeding pair will probably be having their first babies soon :D! And we are setting up an old 10 gallon into the nursery. Here is what we are doing:

10 Gallon All Glass - Standard

No Gravel - Bare Bottom

Sponge Filter - Need help, will get into in a second

Floating live plants - We found out from our LFS who will be taking our balloon mollies and plant clippings that the live plants (the types that we have) should float on the top for a while to grow. And as the live plants and the fry grow (and create hiding places for the fry) we can give them to the LFS.

For the sponge filter, I heard that you need an air pump when you use sponge filters, but I am not sure about this so can you help me with that. And if you do, is this a good one: http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18279/si1379119/cl0/tetrawhisper10airpump And I was looking on Big Al's and I found four sponge filters that looked good, but it doesn't say what the maximum tank size is, so can you help me there? Here are the links:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp19170/si1379356/cl0/lustarhydrospongefilter1

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp19170/si1379357/cl0/lustarhydrospongefilter2

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp19170/si1379359/cl0/lustarhydrospongefilter4

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp19170/si1379360/cl0/lustarhydrospongefilter5

Thanks. :w00t:

Replacing a bottle with different contents

FattFishy — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:07:26 GMT

I have an Ammonia Remover from Top Fin (PetSmart brand) that I haven't used for 11 months... I just bought it, never used.

I have this dechlorinator but its dosing is small, 2 drops for 1 gallon. The bottle for the ammonia remover is perfect for the job. The problem is, can I use the dechlorinator inside the ammonia remover bottle?

I've rinsed it thouroghly, filling and emptying the bottle with tap water at least 30 or so times. I also let it sit for 2 hours twice. I'm concerned because it still smells like the ammonia remover....

Looking at 2nd filter

Bunse — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:27:26 GMT

I am looking at getting a second filter for my 55 gal tank. Currently I have a Wisper 30-60. I am looking at possiblly a Marineland Emporer 400.

Any Suggestions or Comments would be great

Garage Sale Filter

crazysqurrel06 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:02:04 GMT

One of my tanks has a filter that came with it when I got it in a garage sale. It looks old but still works. Should I replace it?

The fish look like their doing fine with it. But I just want to make sure.

Air Pump Problems?

fredburger999 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:12:48 GMT

If you've had your air pump for 3 years, (like me!) then it may make an EXTREMELY loud and annoying clicking sound. Considering gas prices, DON'T go and get a new one. If it has a rubber bottom plate thing, and the sound goes away when you press on it, unscrew the bottom. There should be 2 plastic things with screws that vibrate; when the screws touch they make that sound; take the screwdriver and push the plastic things back. Now it should work. Take the rubber thing and screw it back on. Congratulations! You saved moneys on gas and aquarium supplies! Also, the materials used in your air pump may be different from mine, but the design should be the same. I am not responsible for death caused by electricution. Thank you.

To5 vs To6

JCHAMPAGNE — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:36:38 GMT

You all have seen the add in most fish magazines. Some sell To5 and some sell To6 light systems. I have always been curious what is the difference. Is one better than the other because the pricing certainly seems so?

Any information?

Traveling to the United States

filipem — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:47:18 GMT

I am going to travel to the U.S in a few weeks. I will be in Rhode Island for about two weeks, and I wanted to check out a couple of LFS in the area. Anyone know few LFS worth paying a visit in R.I. ?

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Kevin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:56:59 GMT

Would it be possible to use these for an aquarium, or would it be hurtful to the fish. It seems as if it would be cheaper to use these for a tank instead of a fluorescent strip bulb, or metal halide. Here is the link to the bulbs im talking about.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7850182

New canister filter

scottneth06 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:22:24 GMT

I just got a new canister filter today and was going to hook it up and relized that i have to get rid of my old waterfall filter for the hoses to fit I was just wondering if i removed it would it be harmful to my fish since the new filter doesnt have any bacteria in it? Its big enough i think my old filter cartrige will fit in one on the baskets would that work to get the bacteria in the new filter?

barley extract for algae control?

Golddenim — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:12:41 GMT

When I brought up the subject of an algae problem in my 95 gallon tank, an employee at my LFS suggested I use barley extract. I guess it is normally used in ponds, but he said he had been using it in his home aquarium with success. When I asked a couple other employees about it, they advised against it, saying that it could create problems in a home aquarium. I can't remember the exact problems they cautioned about. One of them said I could try the purest form of barley extract, but that it would still be potentially dangerous.

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of the use of barley extract in an aquarium? It is a planted tank, and the current stock of fish is listed below.