What are you doing to your tank today?

[Fishyfreeonz]

Super! I mean who makes a tank that won't fit HOBs. Oh top fin does, yep! But I have to run with it for now. It may result in me spending money on a canister that I didn't want to do.

If you need a cheap canister this one's definitely cheap I don't know how good it is but it certainly is cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/TechnToy-HW-...mzn1.fos.17d9e15d-4e43-4581-b373-0e5c1a776d5d
I trimmed the elodea in the 55 gallon and planted some in a couple other tanks.

 

[Fishfur]

So after ranking down the whole tank and fish are in buckets, I find out that my HOBs won't fit over the back of the tank. Ahhhhhhh, so I had to jimmy in some taped up styrofoam until my new filter comes and hopefully it fits, but that's not until Wednesday. The other HOB doesn't even fit at all so I'm going to be under filtered for a few days. I guess I'll get two hoses running on the air pump for the next few days

The plastic they use for the rims is usually not all that difficult to cut.

If the filter will fit over the very top edge but then hangs up on the protruding ledge that is the rest of it, you can cut the protruding portion off.

Though it may be that now the tank is up against the wall you may not be able to get a useful enough position to work on it. Hopefully your hands are stronger than mine!

I am unsure if it could be cut from in front using cable cutters or similar and most scissors are unlikely to be strong enough or have a hinge that will take the strain. I know ‘I’ could not do that, I haven’t the grip strength anymore.

A hot knife might work - or a small saw.

 

[GouramiGirl100]

Having one of those (luckily rare) days where I just want to quit my bigger tanks altogether. My trusted aquaclear filter broke randomly in my 40 gallon so I went out to buy another (not cheap). When I hooked it up of course it had to kick an insane amount of sand and mulm into the water column- you can’t even see into the tank basically. I’m running my bubbler in case there is any oxygen depletion issues but I’m just so frustrated especially because I had just finished a water change when my aquaclear wouldn’t turn on anymore (did all the troubleshooting and cleaning). Just frustrated

 

[Fishfur]

Having one of those (luckily rare) days where I just want to quit my bigger tanks altogether. My trusted aquaclear filter broke randomly in my 40 gallon so I went out to buy another (not cheap). When I hooked it up of course it had to kick an insane amount of sand and mulm into the water column- you can’t even see into the tank basically. I’m running my bubbler in case there is any oxygen depletion issues but I’m just so frustrated especially because I had just finished a water change when my aquaclear wouldn’t turn on anymore (did all the troubleshooting and cleaning). Just frustrated

If the motor has died on the AC it can be replaced, for less than a new filter costs though no doubt the price of the motors has gone up like everything else.

I take it that replacing the impeller and shaft didn’t do the trick?

I’ve had as many as 15 assorted ACs running and some are easily 20 years old if not more. Only once has a motor actually failed and it was one of the oldest, if not the oldest of all.

 

[FunnyFish]

The plastic they use for the rims is usually not all that difficult to cut.

If the filter will fit over the very top edge but then hangs up on the protruding ledge that is the rest of it, you can cut the protruding portion off.

Though it may be that now the tank is up against the wall you may not be able to get a useful enough position to work on it. Hopefully your hands are stronger than mine!

I am unsure if it could be cut from in front using cable cutters or similar and most scissors are unlikely to be strong enough or have a hinge that will take the strain. I know ‘I’ could not do that, I haven’t the grip strength anymore.

A hot knife might work - or a small saw.

I managed to put some styrofoam on the back to angle it forward so water goes into the tank and not flow over. The styrofoam from the stand box is coming in handy today lol. The new filter arrives Wednesday so here's to hoping that one fits and then I can figure out something for a second HOB down the road.

 

[kallililly1973]

Got the 5 embers from the 5 into the 8.8 and the 20 is just full of plants and DW. Plants for sale!!

I managed to put some styrofoam on the back to angle it forward so water goes into the tank and not flow over. The styrofoam from the stand box is coming in handy today lol. The new filter arrives Wednesday so here's to hoping that one fits and then I can figure out something for a second HOB down the road.

Put a plastic container in the tank under where you want to put the filter and trim or file a little of the plastic rim.

 

[BPSabelhaus]

Just fed the fish lol

I've just been exhausted lately. Today the stars aligned and the kiddo wasn't being loud, the dogs were calm and I just laid in bed until almost 3.

 

[GouramiGirl100]

If the motor has died on the AC it can be replaced, for less than a new filter costs though no doubt the price of the motors has gone up like everything else.

I take it that replacing the impeller and shaft didn’t do the trick?

I’ve had as many as 15 assorted ACs running and some are easily 20 years old if not more. Only once has a motor actually failed and it was one of the oldest, if not the oldest of all.

I tried all the usual tricks and ended up with dirty filter water splattered all over my favorite dress (my own fault lol) so I gave up and bought a new one I only use aquaclears and have never had this issue so I think this particular one may have just been a dud

Story has a happy ending though, I did another water change and the mulm and sand have begun to settle again. Took some photos



One of the ropefish “sniffing” the water changer as if he’s a dog exploring
Snail friends

 

[FunnyFish]

Having one of those (luckily rare) days where I just want to quit my bigger tanks altogether. My trusted aquaclear filter broke randomly in my 40 gallon so I went out to buy another (not cheap). When I hooked it up of course it had to kick an insane amount of sand and mulm into the water column- you can’t even see into the tank basically. I’m running my bubbler in case there is any oxygen depletion issues but I’m just so frustrated especially because I had just finished a water change when my aquaclear wouldn’t turn on anymore (did all the troubleshooting and cleaning). Just frustrated

You and I both having the filter issues today *hugs* I just hope mine will be good until Wednesday when the new filter arrives

The plastic they use for the rims is usually not all that difficult to cut.

If the filter will fit over the very top edge but then hangs up on the protruding ledge that is the rest of it, you can cut the protruding portion off.

Though it may be that now the tank is up against the wall you may not be able to get a useful enough position to work on it. Hopefully your hands are stronger than mine!

I am unsure if it could be cut from in front using cable cutters or similar and most scissors are unlikely to be strong enough or have a hinge that will take the strain. I know ‘I’ could not do that, I haven’t the grip strength anymore.

A hot knife might work - or a small saw.

The 2nd filter will not even fit over the ledge of the tank, unfortunately. The tank is already setup too so hard to cut into it while it's up. I'm just hoping I'll be fine running one that's only good for 45 gallon with 2 air bubblers going until the new filter arrives Wednesday. It's severely under filtered right now.

 

[BPSabelhaus]

That ropefish is cool. What size tank?

I tried all the usual tricks and ended up with dirty filter water splattered all over my favorite dress (my own fault lol) so I gave up and bought a new one I only use aquaclears and have never had this issue so I think this particular one may have just been a dud

Story has a happy ending though, I did another water change and the mulm and sand have begun to settle again. Took some photos
View attachment 894016
View attachment 894017
View attachment 894018
One of the ropefish “sniffing” the water changer as if he’s a dog exploring
View attachment 894019 Snail friends

 

[GouramiGirl100]

That ropefish is cool. What size tank?

This is their grow out 40 gallon. Upgrading the entire community to a 75 in a few months and it will be a tank for my parents that I’ll maintain as I can’t have that size in my apartment

 

[BPSabelhaus]

Cool. I figured it needed some space lol Such a cool fish and I bet it has a personality lol

 

[GouramiGirl100]

Cool. I figured it needed some space lol Such a cool fish and I bet it has a personality lol

They really do! Some of my favorite fish they act like puppies

 

[BPSabelhaus]

Hmmmmmmm there is that empty frag tank at the store lol We don't need a kitchen table lol

 

[fishywoo]

Cholla Wood is arriving earlier than expected. That means I get to boil wood today! Will be boiling a Cuttle Bone with it to put in the filter of my new shrimp only tank set up. Probably going to have to remove everything from the tank to wedge more pieces of wood together because I couldn't resist aquascaping while I waited. Once that's done I'll have to decide if it's ready for the shrimp to move. I put off doing a WC on their tub yesterday anticipating that they'll be moving soon. I'll have to check the parameters in the tank and make sure the sludge i dumped into the filter was processed by my very seeded media from my goldfish tank, remove 50% of the water, add 50% from the tub, and move the Shrimp! Very excited and nervous about trying to round them up and move them. Really hoping they'll like their Shrimp kingdom.

 

[FunnyFish]

Well, Amazon says my new filter is out for delivery. Here's to hoping this HOB fits over the back. Otherwise I don't know how I'm going to do this with the tank already setup. *fingers crossed*

So this is what I'll be doing in a couple hours.

 

[Gudgie]

Currently acclimating a pair of blue eye lemon bristlenoses that I traded the last of my current super red offspring for.


Also got a rare good look at our chonk of a female standard bristlenose, who we've had for 6 years give or take. She rules our 75 gallon.

 

[fishywoo]

Didn't end up having the tank ready last night. Rethinking the scape, wondering if I should float the Cryptocorynes longer. I don't want to move the Shrimp unless I'm certain. Getting fickle and sillier the older I get. Not to mention bumbling about like my Goldfish. Maybe that's why I love them so, relatable kindred spirits, lol. Going to be playing around with the wood pieces today and stressing about new MTS and additional Shrimp being stuck in transit. Also wondering why the Cuttle Bone i just opened didn't float. I know it's desired that it sinks, but it's not supposed to start out that way??

 

[StarGirl]

Put 3 alder cones in the 5g. Anyone that wants an overnight brown water this is better than IAL.

It's browner than it looks.

 

[BPSabelhaus]

I've never really looked into it, but I wonder if they're selling first or second year cones. I know people that use them for dying clothing use 2 year cones (cones that have been through a winter) just a random thought from where my worlds collide lol

 

[StarGirl]

I've never really looked into it, but I wonder if they're selling first or second year cones. I know people that use them for dying clothing use 2 year cones (cones that have been through a winter) just a random thought from where my worlds collide lol

No idea. They are in a box.....lol


Second note found my WC bucket was cracked doing WCs yesterday. Had to go buy a new one.

 

[BPSabelhaus]

No idea. They are in a box.....lol
View attachment 894087View attachment 894086

Second note found my WC bucket was cracked doing WCs yesterday. Had to go buy a new one.

Yeah, I figure it's niche enough that I need to read the papers lol

 

[FunnyFish]

Put 3 alder cones in the 5g. Anyone that wants an overnight brown water this is better than IAL.
View attachment 894084
It's browner than it looks.

Its crazy how much things leech into the water eh? It's pretty dark even in the picture, haha.

I couldn't boil my driftwood and had to do a small water change this morning due to foaming from adding new root tabs to the new tank yesterday and the tannins in the water are very apparent and it's only been two days. I anticipate darker to come as it sits longer. I've embraced the tannins that I never used to want, lol.

 

[StarGirl]

Its crazy how much things leech into the water eh? It's pretty dark even in the picture, haha.

I couldn't boil my driftwood and had to do a small water change this morning due to foaming from adding new root tabs to the new tank yesterday and the tannins in the water are very apparent and it's only been two days. I anticipate darker to come as it sits longer. I've embraced the tannins that I never used to want, lol.

Yeah my 55g is still pretty yellow from the new wood. It will go away. You can boil mopani for months and it will still leech....lol

 

[FunnyFish]

Yeah my 55g is still pretty yellow from the new wood. It will go away. You can boil mopani for months and it will still leech....lol

You know, I don't even know what kind of driftwood I bought, lol. I think it was manzanita wood, but it was in large bins and I was taking out pieces and playing with them on the floor of the store with one of the associates to figure out what looked good and save myself $30 on spiderwood that would have been to big for my tank.

My spouse was just laughing at us, but apparently floor wood designs are common

Edit** I sent a message to the pet store on messenger and it is manzanita wood so far less tannins than some others**

 

[Blacksheep1]

I've never really looked into it, but I wonder if they're selling first or second year cones. I know people that use them for dying clothing use 2 year cones (cones that have been through a winter) just a random thought from where my worlds collide lol

I think you’re on to something here. It’s like the drier they get the more concentrated they become ! I’ve had some for a few years and some newer ones , the older ones definately leach more and last a lot longer before starting to break down in a tank .

 

[StarGirl]

You know, I don't even know what kind of driftwood I bought, lol. I think it was manzanita wood, but it was in large bins and I was taking out pieces and playing with them on the floor of the store with one of the associates to figure out what looked good and save myself $30 on spiderwood that would have been to big for my tank.

My spouse was just laughing at us, but apparently floor wood designs are common

Edit** I sent a message to the pet store on messenger and it is manzanita wood so far less tannins than some others**

Manzanita is not bad at all if it is the thinner branches.

 

[fishywoo]

You know, I don't even know what kind of driftwood I bought, lol. I think it was manzanita wood, but it was in large bins and I was taking out pieces and playing with them on the floor of the store with one of the associates to figure out what looked good and save myself $30 on spiderwood that would have been to big for my tank.

My spouse was just laughing at us, but apparently floor wood designs are common

Edit** I sent a message to the pet store on messenger and it is manzanita wood so far less tannins than some others**

That actually sounds like fun and I find it awesome that that's a thing!
=)

 

[FunnyFish]

Manzanita is not bad at all if it is the thinner branches.

Nope, they are nice thick branches, except for one, lol. I do love them though so I don't care about the tannins.

I guess I never did post a picture of my final tank upgrade that I did Sunday. I've been so busy dealing with the filter issue (which didn't arrive yesterday as planned) that I forgot all about it. I do love it though, and since the photo I've moved the shrimp hideouts to the back of the tank corners

That actually sounds like fun and I find it awesome that that's a thing!
=)

It was pretty fun and nice to have others with a vision as well to help yours come alive. Especially when you went in with a different vision than you came out with, haha.

 

[StarGirl]

Nope, they are nice thick branches, except for one, lol. I do love them though so I don't care about the tannins.

I guess I never did post a picture of my final tank upgrade that I did Sunday. I've been so busy dealing with the filter issue (which didn't arrive yesterday as planned) that I forgot all about it. I do love it though, and since the photo I've moved the shrimp hideouts to the back of the tank corners


It was pretty fun and nice to have others with a vision as well to help yours come alive. Especially when you went in with a different vision than you came out with, haha.

Wow that looks amazing! Great job! Those branches wont be too bad.

 

[FunnyFish]

Wow that looks amazing! Great job! Those branches wont be too bad.

Thank you so much. I'm quite smitten with the new tank and how it turned out I will be doing some rearranging of those rocks later too but for now they are holding the floating driftwood in place, lol.

I'll get some fore/midground plants eventually but going to see how everyone adjusts first and wait for that filter to come.

 

[mulletmcnasty]

Well, it's day 70 of my 100 day blood Mary shrimp. Started with 10 (7m 3 f) I have counted about 30 little ones of various sizes, I think there is more in there.
Not the greatest result, but I'm happy with it, being my first go. Doing minimal maintenance and it seems to be paying of. Plus a ton of little scuds and as I have expressed before, I can't stand
Sorry people, don't mean to be flooding this thread, but I was just at the LFS and they recommended that khuli loaches will clean up scuds, baby scuds, but not shrimp.
Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[FunnyFish]

Guys ... My filter arrives today and I checked it out and it fits over the ledge of the new tank. I was putting it together and noticed a big massive crack in it. UGH!!!! Now I need to send it back and wait for a new one to arrive.

At least I know the Cascade 300 will fit over the back though. Cheaper option than a canister, but still.

 

[OICU812]

Ordered a brand new AC 50 for a 37 gal tank. The old filter had stopped working. Well, so before replacing it, i apparently got the impeller unstuck and now works like a champ again! Good thing i had 2 spongefilters running the last few weeks.

 

[FunnyFish]

Ordered a brand new AC 50 for a 37 gal tank. The old filter had stopped working. Well, so before replacing it, i apparently got the impeller unstuck and now works like a champ again! Good thing i had 2 spongefilters running the last few weeks.

Doesn't hurt to have a backup or two running, just in case

 

[OICU812]

Doesn't hurt to have a backup or two running, just in case

I always run 2 spongefilter in addition to an HOB on everything above 20-29 gallons.

 

[Fishyfreeonz]

Well that's annoying!

Guys ... My filter arrives today and I checked it out and it fits over the ledge of the new tank. I was putting it together and noticed a big massive crack in it. UGH!!!! Now I need to send it back and wait for a new one to arrive.

At least I know the Cascade 300 will fit over the back though. Cheaper option than a canister, but still.

Well that's annoying.

 

[FunnyFish]

I always run 2 spongefilter in addition to an HOB on everything above 20-29 gallons.

I have 2 HOBs, always have and it helps should one kick the bucket

Well that's annoying!

You're telling me. I'm beyond frustrated and now a new one won't arrive until Friday. The good thing is that it will fit andy lid can go all the way on with it as well. The poor fishy have to go a few more days with filtration though.

 

[OICU812]

I have 2 HOBs, always have and it helps should one kick the bucket


You're telling me. I'm beyond frustrated and now a new one won't arrive until Friday. The good thing is that it will fit andy lid can go all the way on with it as well. The poor fishy have to go a few more days with filtration though.

I did have to turn up the sponge filters. The fish were acting funny without the agitation from the HOB.

 

[GouramiGirl100]

I had my last final of nursing school today! Everything went well and I’m graduating on Thursday so excited Had to do some water changes today in the catfish tank and the 40 gallon has completely cleared from the kicked up mulm and sand

 

[FunnyFish]

I had my last final of nursing school today! Everything went well and I’m graduating on Thursday so excited

Yay, that's so exciting. What an accomplishment, congrats!! *Clap*

 

[GouramiGirl100]

Yay, that's so exciting. What an accomplishment, congrats!! *Clap*

Thank you

 

[Sewerrat]

Put together garage rack(found online standard ones won't fit in space) I thought would work for more tanks dosnt seem stable enough back to the drawing board

 

[fishywoo]

Hoping I'll be moving my Shrimp tonight. Would also like to get a better look at the fry in there. I got them this far and I don't want to screw it up, but also really enjoying watching them develop.

Added the Cholla Wood last night. Any thoughts on this tank? I want to make sure it's a final product before I finally move the shrimp in. I don't want to move them in and then wanting/needing to change anything. Wood is all wedged together tightly.

 

[OICU812]

Had a betta pass a couple weeks ago. Pretty sure it was the tumor on the side of the belly. He did fine with it for a couple months, then around Thanksgiving, he just kind of gave up the ghost. SIP.

 

[fishywoo]

Got new lighting for my Betta girl and Shrimp tank delivered today. Much better! Everything's almost ready to move the shrimp. I wanted to do it last night but the PH is very different from the tub and tank, so of course I'm nervous and hesitant. I also keep looking at it trying to decide if I want to mess with the scape more first while trying to figure out what to do about the pH. I also had a dream last night that I had already moved them over. LOL
><

Had a betta pass a couple weeks ago. Pretty sure it was the tumor on the side of the belly. He did fine with it for a couple months, then around Thanksgiving, he just kind of gave up the ghost. SIP.

Sorry about your fish! I'm sure he got to live a comfortable life at least while you had him.

 

[fishywoo]

I know I keep saying this, but I really am going to move my shrimp into their tank today! Finalized the scape. Additional Shrimp should be here next week. The ones they sent in the mail were never found. =( Can't believe the post misplaced live animals. Nervous about the new batch being mailed, but will keep a better eye on the tracking to make sure I know when they are accepted and where they go. The second something looks funny or it doesn't move at all for a day I'm calling them. First time anything like this happened to me.

The MTS are finally out of the loop of being shipped back and forth between towns in another state too. Not sure what I'll find when they actually get here. I watched a video about them on YouTube. The YouTuber said they removed substrate from a tank that had them in there, but didn't know any were still there. The bucket sat for a month in their garage and when they finally got around to it they found them still crawling around! Not a great thing for the snails to go through though, but maybe they'll be alright? Maybe they're hibernating? Then they can bury themselves in my sand and eat diatoms to their hearts content and have a good life. I made sure to let my tank get nice and ugly for them to have a feast.
=D

I'm guessing I won't have to quarantine them either. It's been over a week. Will probably just keep them in a bucket for 24 hours to make sure they're ok before adding them.

 

[Blacksheep1]

Anyone else jut throw literal handfuls of floating plants away per day or just me ? They are still bunched up underneath ..

 

[John58ford]

Anyone else jut throw literal handfuls of floating plants away per day or just me ? They are still bunched up underneath .. View attachment 894268View attachment 894269

I don't do true floaters but this was the case with my ludwigia and lily pads, everything that hits the open air just grows so fast it's crazy, my tanks are almost to the point that's going to be the case again. Your tank is looking nice and jungle like today, I love it.

 

[FunnyFish]

Anyone else jut throw literal handfuls of floating plants away per day or just me ? They are still bunched up underneath .. View attachment 894268View attachment 894269

I got rid of my floating plants because I couldn't stand them not staying in place even with help. It annoyed me too much. I feel with my new tank I could have a section of them again though, but...... Do I really want to bring myself that agony again lol


On a positive note, both my new filters finally arrived today not broken and are hooked up and are working perfectly. Now it means I can get more fish if I wanted too, plus I added more media in there for future. It's been a bonus day.