peacemaker92

Sad sad thing...
Woke up on a monday morning, was online trying to get into Fishlore, still no use. Then my lil' sister came to me telling me that my tank light fell into the water, so I thought it was just the light that fell into the tank water and nothing else could be worse. All I hoped was that my fish wouldn't be fried from the electric current from the light. I came downstairs and had the shock of my life, the glass that was holding up my filter and my light, fell apart and everything was in the water. My light, my filter, the glass and my plants were messed up and squished. My fish were alright and still swimming like normal. Thank goodness the whole light didn't fell into the water or my fish would be seriously fried. I managed to remove everything without hurting myself or my fish. I had to throw away some plants because they were already either dead or dying. Now I have to spend extra $$ which I don't have, to get sealant to glue back the glass, and also to buy another tank light.

(sorry if it's long)

Right now, I have thoughts to just give up this hobby for a while because of lack of cash. Honestly, I spent all my savings that I was supposed to save for a laptop to work on my 55g. Now it's fallen apart and I have to spend extra $$ to put everything back together which could cost me around $50 which I seriously don't have. What to do? I've been trying to sell my 15g to get some cash to buy more plants and another light for my 55g but no luck. Now I might have to sell my 55g AND my 15g together to get some cash back for my laptop which I really need soon...

djbrist

bummer, but don't be too down. Can you skip the glass top for now and use a reading type light with a flexable neck to light the remaining plants. Then you can upgrade to a compact flourescent bulb for it when you can. I have a floor lamp on my 10 gal, 4.5-6 WPG. its a cheap idea to get you by without letting go of this great hobby.

I understand if you have to have a top tho, ie little hands or paws, but hope it encourages you a little...

Dave

peacemaker92

Hi Dave. I did place a reading lamp for my 55g but I can't leave it there till I get a new light. It could take months and this lamp releases heat which can upset my water temperatures. I'm not actually giving up this hobby (nothing can make me give it up that easily), just to take a break from it for a few months before I start again with a new tank but maybe a smaller and cheaper scale. Thanks for the motivation anyway. It really helps!

TedsTank

what is your lvl of natural light? I have 4 tanks on my front porch (enclosed and winterized) anyway.....I have no lights on these tanks. I am letting them run in a more natural daylight cycle. Java moss grows like crazy. I assume that this winter some of the plants that might required 10 - 12 hours light might go dormant.

Can you move your tank near to a source of good natural light?? Not too long direct light!!! Fish colors are amazing in bright sunlight. My tanks get no more than 3 hours direct sunlight in the mornings only.

bolivianbaby

I'm so sorry you're having so much trouble. Hang in there, things will get better soon. A lot of great money-saving advice above.

peacemaker92

Thanks for the replies. My tank is VERY heavy especially with the 55 gallons of water inside, driftwoods, gravel and plants. So moving it can be a BIG problem even though I drain out the water. My house has very little areas of natural light. To be able to get natural light, my tank would have to sit outside on the porch.

Well, if everything goes well, I should be getting my weekly allowance from my mom, then I can buy the light. I'll also have to save up on the sealant to put back the glass. Then I'll need to buy more plants to replace the dead plants... So much work ahead of me!

TedsTank

Sorry the natural light solution cant help you. Sounds like you have a working plan!! Keep positive and it will all work out...

mare2009

Im so sorry that happened peace .. I have to say I asked you about your tank, and that I had noticed it had no support molding at the top of the glass is it still like that? I know you got it used, and may not have noticed it or even realized it needed it? can you post a picture of it again? And if its so, I bet the people in DIY may have some good suggestions, on less $. good luck

djbrist

That's good to hear, I need all the enablers I can... glad your still smiling.

Regards, Dave

peacemaker92

haha yeah. I'll try... Thanks Ted.


Hi Mare. I'm not very sure about the molding, do you mind if you could show me an example? Because my tank has only the glass on the top where it can be used to hold an overhead filter or a light. So that one broke. I'll upload a photo when I get the perfect chance. Thanks so much! I don't think I'll be asking for some DIY help, there aren't a lot of DIY stores near my place that are 'cheap' or 'affordable' if you know what I mean. So I'd rather DIMyself. haha

Yeah. Enablers! Well, this hobby IS hard to give up. But my tank is still up for sale, so when I get a buyer, it goes straight to his/her hands.