FishChannel Forums / Freshwater Forums / Everything but Livestock

air stone?

staffordmom — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:28:26 GMT

I have had my 29 gallon up and running for 8 months. I have a HOB filter. My fish are all doing fine. My question is; do I need an air stone? In all the photos I see people have airstones.

staffordmom

Sponge Filters

jasminehill — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:48:34 GMT

I just got a few sponge filters mainly for when my Angels spawn again. But while I was at the mom and pops store I noticed that they used them in every tank......I know nothing about these except that they are NOISY :w00t:............Im just wondering if anyone else uses these and how exactly they work? I realize that the bacteria attaches to the sponge but not sure how it is attracted to it to begin with? The ones I got appear to be basic sponges with a little weighted thing in the middle to hook up to an air pump, the thing I dont get is does it actually clean your tank like a HOB one does or is it just a fancy airstone that gathers bacteria?

Also do you use these in conjunction with another filter such as a HOB or cannister or even a UGF?

Sponged and confused here

light bulb

austin123 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:23:58 GMT

There is an ad for lights on the back cover of the newest dr. foster and smith magazine and the most expensive was a bulb and stand were almost $1200. The bulb is 1080 watts and 72". That's about as bright as a street light right? Hot enough to practically kill the fish? I'm just wondering what kind of tank that's for.

Natural Gravel is causing Grey water

DjkartaIsMyHyde — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:07:39 GMT

I just bought a 55G tank and I went to set it up the other night. I brought 20 kg coarse-ish natural gravel/sand because I want to add about 5 Kuhli loaches and 5 Corydoras catfish. I added the gravel and filled it up but the gravel has made the water murky and grey. I added 5 White Cloud minnows and 2 Goldfish and turned the heaters and the filter on and left it going over night and hoped it would settle over night. It didn't. I did a 50% water change in the morning and left it. Came back this arvo and it hadn't improved at all. I've taken out the fish and removed the majority of the water.I know it's the gravel causing the problem because when I stir it up it worsens the murkiness. Please help!!

Heaters

Pokey71 — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:45:21 GMT

What is the average lifespan of a heater? I have a couple that have been working fine for a number of years but lately I've been buying Visitherm Stealth heaters and I'd say they're lasting me about 2 years before I start having trouble with them. Has anyone else encountered this problem?

~Carlos

need a very bright light for 55gal tank

tim heiny — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:26:49 GMT

I'm looking for a brand of lights that are insanly bright in order to bring out the colors of my guppies in my 55 gallon tank, i'm also contempating

growing plants so the brighter the better.

thanks

air pump

austin123 — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:10:07 GMT

My air pump for a 10 gallon in my room is very loud and makes it hard to sleep. It sits on a table and rattles it. How can I make it quieter?

CO2 Happy

Nikita — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:40:27 GMT

Just reporting that my DIY CO2 system has never looked better! Running the airline tubing into the filter intake tube was a wonderful idea and I haven't had absorption this good since using an airstone (not feasible after only a few days because of pressure issues).

I put netting over the intake filter today. I assumed that the width of the airline within the intake tube would prevent anything getting sucked inside, but it clearly wasn't. I lost two neons today because of it. :(

But with that moment of ill planning aside, I'm loving the results! There is significant O2 production among the plants in the tank - bubbles rising constantly! I purchased some myriophyllum at the LFS today, and I'm still not sure of the species; it's most likely M. heterophyllum but I'll have to wait a while for better color and growth. But get this - it's already started pearling in the tank (less than three hours time)! I'm just about as happy as a clam and I hope these good results continue.

Just a heads-up for anyone wanting to try this diffusion method.

Adding BIO wheel to Canister filter

fisher_really — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:12:49 GMT

I wanted to add a bio wheel to my cichlid tank for extra filtration. I was hoping to somehow add it "inline" with my canister filter return line. Is this possible or should I just run them as separate units?

I was also considering a wet/dry filter but the plumbing is confusing to me. Drilling and such. What a mess and the tank is already filled.

air injection nozzle

georgiapeach — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:26:01 GMT

I have a 40 gallon tank that has a wet/dry filter built into the back of it. I was wondering if anyone know what the air injection nozzle was used for and how I would use it. I have never used it before and tank as always run fine. I just learned what the tube was. Thanks.

DIY CO2 system

hiddenrunes — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:38:38 GMT

I built a DIY CO2 system for my 28 gallon planted tank but it doesn't seem to be working. I used a 2 liter soda bottle and then I drilled a hole in the cap, ran an air hose through it and sealed it with aquarium sealant. I cut the tube and connected it with a plastic air valve and then ran the tube into the tank and it is going through an upside down cut water bottle that is suction cupped to the glass acting as a diffuser. 24 hours ago I made a mixture of 1 tsp. of yeast, 2 cups of sugar and warm water filling the bottle until it curves. I have no bubbles though. I keep my appartment kind of chilly and was thinking maybe it was too cold in my apartment for the yeast? or maybe I just need to wait longer? If anybody has any experience with these systems and can offer some advice that would be great.

diy co2

justin30 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:53:52 GMT

When you make a diy co2 canister I understand puting the tube in the top of the 2 liter bottle makeing sure its air tight etc etc. When you put the other end of the tube in the tank people talk about defusers, what is a defuser and do I need to put anything on the end of the hose that is going into the tank

Need some opinions!

Johnny5 — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:31:15 GMT

Hey all,
I am having indecision problems with some equipment for my 55 gallon freshwater tank. Its stocked with mollies and platies and guppies and such.

My issue is this. I have both a HOB filter and an undergravel filter. One of my air pumps being used to run the undergravel filter died, leaving half my uplift tubes without airflow.

I am considering two options. Simply replace the airpump and keep my setup as is, or remove the uplift tubes, and replace the HOB filter with a better one (or maybe a canister).

The first option is the simplest since I am just replacing a defunct piece of equipment. The second option would remove the uplift tubes to give my aquarium a more natural look, but then I lose some of my aeration.

I dont really want to initiate a "is an undergravel filter useful" conversation, I just want thoughts on which route I should take. Either way will cost me about the same amount (unless I do a canister).

Thanks for any ideas!

Custom Stand

gulfsidebo — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:37:25 GMT

I am redoing a stand I recently bought with a used setup and I'm somewhat handy, but not ultra-handy (I'd like to be one day).

Anyways, while looking for ideas on moldings for mine, I stumbled on these great plans to build one from scratch. You can save a ton of money and really feel great about your accomplishment after building things. I just built a pergola in my backyard in one weekend.

If you are interested, here are some great plans with pictures, parts list and everything.

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/75g_stand/index.shtml

Cleaning the glass

gulfsidebo — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:25:04 GMT

I have a 90 gallon saltwater pre-drilled tank that I am going to use for a freshwater planted tank. I've read somewhere that Oxiclean is very useful for taking off the excess salt stains on the glass. I've tried vinegar and water and it didn't help much. Anyone have any opinions or experience with Oxiclean?

Sponge filter

pufferrocks — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:59:30 GMT

I am trying to make a sponge filter for baby betta fry and I can't figure out why they work.

I have been searching the internet on a good way to make them with materials I already have and I even put together one but I don't know if it is working or not. How could I test it?

canister alone or with ugf

fisher_really — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 10:50:12 GMT

I will be starting my 55g African cichlid tank soon. I have most of my equipment ready to go. I just need a few more things. I currently have power filters on my 10g and 46g, but have decided on a canister for the 55g. Is it necessary/better to also add a ugf or is this redundancy?

Digital Thermometer

jsmith11618 — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 20:03:58 GMT

I have been testing 2 digital thermometers in the same tank, in the same location now for 2 months. (2 different brands.)

Once consistently reads 77-77.8 and the other is always 81-83 degrees.

The heater is set 79.

I have decided digital ones are too finicky and will go back to the old fashioned kind.

DIY sponge filter

lilcherna — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:05:16 GMT

can anyone tell me how to make a sponge filter. i have a current one that i bought but i just want to take one of the sponges one it (then replace it with a new one) and take the old one and put it on a filter in a lil 2.5 gallon with fry in it.

Biological Bacteria and Media

54321 — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:08:08 GMT

Two Parts:

Any body have particulars of what kind of Media they like to use to "harvest" good bacteria, I have a canister by the way, such as the matrix from Seachem, ceramic tubes/noddle/cylinders, or just a sponge. I was thinking of adding more and is there a possibility you can have to much?

Second question is if there happens to be an ammonia spike how long does it take for the bacteria to break it down/get ammonia down to 0 or does the bacteria grow to correct amount needed to break the excess ammonia down. if so the bacteria grows and breaks it down does the excess bacteria died once the ammonia is back down? not saying this is happening to me right now I am just trying to get a better perspective of bacteria colonies

battary operated air pump

fishlover99 — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:39:24 GMT

A couple months ago, I had the power go out for over 5 hours for no reason ( yes the bill was paid before the outage)- the power went out 24 hours after some fierce wind and the power company didn't know why that happened. Anyhow to get to my question, are battary operated air pumps a good idea for a back up in cases like losing power so my fish will get enough air? Also are they reasonably priced? Does anyone have any experince with these? I did have some fish die because of the lack of oxygen , and I am in a bitter dispute with my local power company because they dont think they are responsible for paying for anyone's loss regardless of the law or what the weather was like.

Are green plastic plants that you buy from craft store safe?

jasminehill — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:49:32 GMT

I saw some gorgeous plastic greenery at a local craft store and after close inspection It seems to be the same as the plastic plants you pay a ton of money for at your LFS so I am wondering if they can be used in your aquarium? Also I have seen peoples tanks with the clay flower pots whats the process for these as well?.........and finally whats the difference between the expensive driftwood you get at lfs or what they sell in craft stores or what you find yourself for that matter? Thx Jas:)

Cannister Filters

gaday — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:52:00 GMT

I'm thinking of adding a cannister filter to my setup. Does anyone have recommendations, that don't cost a fortune?

heater

bettasrcool — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:27:44 GMT

Is there a typical life span for aquarium heaters? I have a Whisper brand submersible heater that maintains the water at 78 degrees F and although it still appears to be working, the pilot light went out so you can't tell when it goes on and off anymore. This heater is only about a year old.

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!

Chillers

fishlover99 — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:02:21 GMT

I was wondering if I should get a chiller, if I ever need to use it. I checked the price at an online store and it was quite expensive. I was also wondering if they work and if they are safe for the type of fish I have. Also are there any alterntives? I have a 29 gallon tank with guppys, mollys (black and dalmanation), zebra danions, and glofish. any advice will be appreciates :)

Happy shopper

GRUBYGUPPY — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:59:22 GMT

I just found out that a new mall is been built about ten minutes from my place....... In it is a home depot(great for home made fish stuff:)),a very large Indigo book store(my fish mags and books) and a petsmart super store(might see about part time job;) this is the same distance as my Big Al's. I am a happy camper and all is rufgt with my fish world:cool:

filter cartridges

fishlover99 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:46:00 GMT

My main question is that I usually have to change my cartridge about once a month or so since they usually get dirty and fall apart even though I change the water once a week and I vaccum the gravel weekly. I generally like to change the cartridges monthly so it doesnt become too dirty.

My main question is what is the best way to change the cartridge without destroying the benificatial bacteria , have no fish die, and still have a clean cartridge? I usually use cartridages that have carbon already in it. I have a 29 gallon tank with 3 guppys, 4 mollys - 2 black and 2 dalmanation, 4 glofish danios, and 6 zebra danios.

On another thread, It was suggested that I put a new cartridge in the filter a week before removing the old cartridge. If I do that would I put the new cartridge before the old one in the filter?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.:)

Saving money on filter parts

jsmith11618 — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:42:26 GMT

If anyone uses Penguin HOB here, one way to save money is to go to Wal-Mart and get Aqua Tech cartridges. Aqua Tech filters are made by Marineland and are essentially the same filter minus the bio-wheel.

EZ Change # 1 cartridge = Rite Size A
EZ Change # 2 cartridge = Rite Size B
EZ Change # 3 cartridge = Rite Size C

The Aqua Tech filters can also be retrofitted to use a bio-wheel.

For me I save about 50% on the 3 pack by buying Aqua Tech cartridges, 6.99 vs 13.99.

Pictures of homemade rock cave

jasminehill — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:42:22 GMT

This are pictures of the homemade rockcave that my son in law made. See earlier homemade rock cave post for info on how this was made. I must say that it looks impressive although Im still not sure about the safety of it. Seems he just made a thin layer by digging out different depths in the ground as he used this for his mold. Then he added small rocks and colored seashells and of course the piping to make the cave/holes. He is planning on adding cichlids to this tank after it is done cycling. I really hope its safe and doesnt hurt the fish as he didnt seal it with anything either.....anyway what do you guys think? Sorry about the pics it took me forever to get them to a decent size there has to be an easier way to post them here?

purigen seachem

54321 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:26:22 GMT

Ive read all about it, the stress coats being bad for recharing the Purigen. So i have been using API Stress Coat and I was wondering if it still ok to recharge or is toxic like some people make it out to be, not sure who to believe so i decided to go on a site with level headed people with experience.... Thanks!

Changing water

jasminehill — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:41:55 GMT

I saw some items online for cleaning your tanks............one had a long hose (you could buy diff lenghs) and it hooks up to your faucet with one end then goes into your tank with the other it has some sort of gravel cleaning device on the end that goes into the tank so Im not sure if it fills it back up as well and if so then how do you treat the water when your fish are in the tank?

Does anyone have one of these? Or something similar? Also how does everyone do their water changes ? I have some big plastic containers that I keep filled with water but with having so many tanks the containers are taking over the house.....so any suggestions on this? Thx , Jas

Algae for fuel

filipem — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:15:29 GMT

Interesting article. And all this time I was trying to not grow algae

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26855814/

LOL hope this technolgy comes out soon. I would never have to pay for fuel again.

Question about cycling new tank

jasminehill — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 06:28:12 GMT

Well I starting cycling my new tank but I still have a few questions......................I took the whole filter system (Whisper) and the dirty filters and put them in the tank...........also I added dirty tank water from another tank (half and half new water) also some used gravel............then I added fish food and finally I added 2 of my poor babies that died.........not the ich tank a different one)...............so my question is this ..........now what? should I add food each day? more ammonia sources? or just let it take its course? also how often do I have to change the water and how much?.....thx so much! Jas

oh I almost forgot.............does the heater need to be on while its cycling?

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?

Lava Rocks

jasminehill — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:29:28 GMT

I was just told at a lfs that the lava rocks you have in your landscaping is the same that they sell for aquariums .....does anyone know if this is correct? And if so is there a process I need to do before adding them to the tank? Thx Jas

Sand or gravel?

jasminehill — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:13:07 GMT

Just got another tank ....I know I know I just cant help myself!!! Here's my question all my other 6tanks have small stone gravel in the bottom with the exception of my "nursery" tank which has marbles.
Im wondering what everyone thinks would be better sticking with the small stone gravel or going with sand? I know with sand it looks dirtier quicker as I put a corner of sand in my 55gal for a "beach" for my peacock eels.
But I was thinking it may be nice to have something differerent? I still dont even know what fish I will be adding and I know that makes a diff with the substrate. Also I have never had live plants and not even sure how this works...do they need a sep. tank to start with or not? Do you put them in before the fish? Also if I stick with plastic plants and go with sand do I add the sand before or after I put the water in or does it matter? And one final question and its probably a silly one....but can you use reg sand or does it have to be the aquarium sand?

AIRIATION IN THE AQUARIUM.......

GRUBYGUPPY — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:07:46 GMT

I am curious as to what others think/use in regards to air in the aquarium>

Concrete in tank

jasminehill — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:28:47 GMT

Hi My son in law just told me of this huge rock he made for his 55gal......this is what he did.....he dug out some dirt in his yard at different depths and widths...he poured concrete to fill the hole, then he placed copper tubing in various places and said something about wd-40 and stryrofoam in with the pipes so that they would come out after the concrete dried.

After it dried I have to admit it looks awesome!!!! And a perfect rock cave that will cover almost the whole bottom of his tank.....with lots of hiding spots and little holes to hide in and swim thru.

My question is....is this safe for fish? Because if it is he offered to make one for one of my tanks as we all know to buy one even close to being large you will pay at least $50.00 at the LFS. Then he could make a really tall one for my 60gal hex as I cant find one tall enough to cover the amount of area that I want to.

Also another thing I jus thought of.....what about the weight of this? The rocks you get in stores are hollow so dont have that much weight.

What do you all think about this? As far as the aquarium itself and of course the stand is an issue as well. That amount is going to be very heavy....whats your thoughts? Thx!

powerheads

justin30 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:58:59 GMT

I have heard that the power heads that run my UGF need to be cleaned once a month. What is the best way to clean them?

thanks justin