What's Your Most Useful Non-aquarium Tool (for Aquarium Use)?

Also a $10 half-size freezer rack for 13 mm test tubes to keep API tubes organized in storage and while testing. Everything fits nicely in a plastic shoe storage container.

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That’s a great idea... I wonder if ice cube trays turned upside down and drill 3/8” holes would hold the tubes in place.. I thought of it when you mentioned a freezer item
 
I like that. What exactly is it and where can I get one?
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Test tube racks are used by scientists to organize their tubes. They come in different sizes (for tubes with different diameters) so just make sure you get one sized for your test kit tubes. The API tubes are 13 mm. Amazon or eBay would carry them.

That’s a great idea... I wonder if ice cube trays turned upside down and drill 3/8” holes would hold the tubes in place.. I thought of it when you mentioned a freezer item
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Here's a cool thread where someone just drilled holes into a block of wood to hold their tubes. I think one could make a rack out of anything with the correct drill bit.
 
Test tube racks are used by scientists to organize their tubes. They come in different sizes (for tubes with different diameters) so just make sure you get one sized for your test kit tubes. The API tubes are 13 mm. Amazon or eBay would carry them.


Here's a cool thread where someone just drilled holes into a block of wood to hold their tubes. I think one could make a rack out of anything with the correct drill bit.
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That would be mine . I also keep it all in a sterilite shoe box container (also posted in this thread).

I use the shoe boxes for food that's used daily, air pump stuff (lines, air stones, valves, etc), plant ferts, scaping tools, fry tools (droppers, baster, small nets, etc), and on and on.
 
That would be mine
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I thought your username looked familiar! Very nice work with the wood tube rack. I expect you'll inspire several Fishlore members to break out their drills and see what they can make tonight.
 

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Here's my test tube rack, I found it on Ebay, however the holes are larger than 13mm so I've had a couple of test tubes fall out and break. But that's really my only complaint with this particular rack.

The wood rack with the drilled out holes is Stellar!! I would have made it myself but one would need a drill press to make one properly. 2a0ecb415e572da681cf40eb8a01301e.jpg
 
I thought your username looked familiar! Very nice work with the wood tube rack. I expect you'll inspire several Fishlore members to break out their drills and see what they can make tonight.
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It was done with scrap 2x4 pieces I had laying around. I only sanded the surfaces and corners so I wouldn't get splinters. I used regular drill bits the first time and had to use a dremel to open up the holes a touch. I ordered forstner bits for the 2nd and current one I'm using.

Here's my test tube rack, I found it on Ebay, however the holes are larger than 13mm so I've had a couple of test tubes fall out and break. But that's really my only complaint with this particular rack.

The wood rack with the drilled out holes is Stellar!! I would have made it myself but one would need a drill press to make one properly. 2a0ecb415e572da681cf40eb8a01301e.jpg
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I have a 3d printer and thought about printing one of those but I was worried about what happened to you, falling out. Maybe put some electrical tape or foam tape under the holes so it's less likely for the tubes to slip out?

Overall, the 2x4 works really well for me and I've had no issues with it.
 
PonzLL 3D printed a test tube drying rack and I bought one. It's pretty awesome!
 
I believe this one may have been made with a 3D printer. Overall it's a great design; there are pegs that hold the tubes upside down for drying, and there are indentations that the tubes sit in while upright. It could be improved by adding a 2nd row of holes lower down.
 

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It was done with scrap 2x4 pieces I had laying around. I only sanded the surfaces and corners so I wouldn't get splinters. I used regular drill bits the first time and had to use a dremel to open up the holes a touch. I ordered forstner bits for the 2nd and current one I'm using.



I have a 3d printer and thought about printing one of those but I was worried about what happened to you, falling out. Maybe put some electrical tape or foam tape under the holes so it's less likely for the tubes to slip out?

Overall, the 2x4 works really well for me and I've had no issues with it.
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Overall it's a great design; there are pegs that hold the tubes upside down for drying, and there are indentations that the tubes sit in while upright. It could be improved by adding a 2nd row of holes lower down.
 
This was the first one I made. Not great and the holes needed to be dremeled out a bit because they were a hair too small.
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This was my 2nd attempt. I bought fostner bits that drills holes with flat bottoms. I also milled out a hole for the stoppers. The tubes dry better when upright so I didn't bother with pegs.
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If anyone wants one, I can make one for you as long as I still have some scrap 2x4s.
 
-a pitcher cup to help with water changes and cleaning out filter media.
-a toothbrush, more effective than my magnet scrubber.
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You have to try the scraper attachment for MagFloats.

I originally bought a small MagFloat with the scraper. The MagFloat alone is just ok but with the scraper, it's pretty awesome. I liked it so much I bought a 2nd MagFloat because the scraper package comes with 2.

I also have a Flipper with a scraper on one side and scrubber on the other. I only use the scraper. The magnets are really strong so a 75 gallon is the minimum glass thickness I would use this on as a thinner glass would make it really hard to move.
 
You have to try the scraper attachment for MagFloats.

I originally bought a small MagFloat with the scraper. The MagFloat alone is just ok but with the scraper, it's pretty awesome. I liked it so much I bought a 2nd MagFloat because the scraper package comes with 2.

I also have a Flipper with a scraper on one side and scrubber on the other. I only use the scraper. The magnets are really strong so a 75 gallon is the minimum glass thickness I would use this on as a thinner glass would make it really hard to move.
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I have a 20gal currently, so I can't use too strong of a magnet. i'm in the process of setting up a 75gal, so I'll have to look into getting a decent one. I have the 5 buck walmart one right now (explains why it's so bad), magfloats go for 50 locally. I'll have to browse online. I'll see if I can find the scraper, too
I was kidding.
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what do you mean? fish love the taste of toothpaste. it keeps their teeth clean too
 
I have a 20gal currently, so I can't use too strong of a magnet. i'm in the process of setting up a 75gal, so I'll have to look into getting a decent one. I have the 5 buck walmart one right now (explains why it's so bad), magfloats go for 50 locally. I'll have to browse online. I'll see if I can find the scraper, too
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$11.50 for the small


$11 for the scraper attachment (2 per pack)


The magnets in the small is the perfect strength and I use it more than the Flipper lately. It's faster and easier even in my 75g.
 
I’m sure others have thought of this but I think I may have revolutionized the 5 gallon tank water change. A skewer 2 elastics a section of air line a TV tray turkey baster and a bucket.. take the airline and skewer and hold them together and add the elastics 5-6” apart with the airline a little lower from the end of the skewer. Put one end of the air line in the tank the other end in your bucket take your baster and start the siphon so you don’t have to eat any “waste” and your off n running!!
 

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I’m sure others have thought of this but I think I may have revolutionized the 5 gallon tank water change. A skewer 2 elastics a section of air line a TV tray turkey baster and a bucket.. take the airline and skewer and hold them together and add the elastics 5-6” apart with the airline a little lower from the end of the skewer. Put one end of the air line in the tank the other end in your bucket take your baster and start the siphon so you don’t have to eat any “waste” and your off n running!!
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That's exactly the way I do it...except instead of a skewer, a baster, some elastics and a bucket, my method employs a harmonica, a pair of trained gerbils and a slingshot. Otherwise, identical!
 

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I use this thing every water change! Makes keeping the glass clean so easy! 5 bucks at Home Depot and you can buy large packs of blades for it!
 
That's exactly the way I do it...except instead of a skewer, a baster, some elastics and a bucket, my method employs a harmonica, a pair of trained gerbils and a slingshot. Otherwise, identical!
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Genius!!! Why didn't I think of that instead .... Just one thing... You forgot the TV tray
 
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I use this thing every water change! Makes keeping the glass clean so easy! 5 bucks at Home Depot and you can buy large packs of blades for it!
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I got one with a handle but I kept nicking the silicone on the seals so I stopped using it. I use a Flipper and MagFloat with scraper attachment.
 
I got one with a handle but I kept nicking the silicone on the seals so I stopped using it. I use a Flipper and MagFloat with scraper attachment.
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Yea, I'm too afraid to blade scrape near the silicone. It's too easy to do. I use a sponge at the seams.
 
I’m sure others have thought of this but I think I may have revolutionized the 5 gallon tank water change. A skewer 2 elastics a section of air line a TV tray turkey baster and a bucket.. take the airline and skewer and hold them together and add the elastics 5-6” apart with the airline a little lower from the end of the skewer. Put one end of the air line in the tank the other end in your bucket take your baster and start the siphon so you don’t have to eat any “waste” and your off n running!!
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You should make a video and post it.
 
I can't believe no one has said this: Magic Erasers!! You talk about ease of glass cleaning. They are acrylic-safe, silicone safe, they will even remove green spot algae like it's nothing. They are chemical free, and you can use them three or four times. I buy the generic brand and keep a box in the fish cabinet. Just make sure you get the plain kind without any cleaners added!
And also I was thinking this morning about this post, and remembered my other favorite tool: Chinese takeout soup containers. You know, the clear plastic ones you get wonton soup in? I use them all the time:
- dosing meds and supplements to dilute and dissolve things before adding to the tank.
- catching and transporting fish: these and a gentle hand work better than nets and chasing. The fish are less afraid because they are clear, and they can't get their fins caught.
- most recently for adding fine substrate between the pebbles in my tank
 
Magic erasers...I like that idea! Gotta try it.

Another useful item is a plastic coffee can. We like Folgers, and those bright red cans with their molded-in finger grooves serve numerous recycled functions. They can be used to collect/contain/carry small fish, gravel, pond water samples, plants, potting soil, fish food...you name it. My wife knows that one of these cans perched atop a fish tank probably contains a live critter of some sort. Small turtles can be fed in one of these to keep their tanks clean. A coffee can near the corner of the deck is usually full of dog poop. One spotted in the garage probably has an assortment of small parts or fasteners.

There's sometimes even coffee.
 
Good idea Magicpenny75. I'll have to try that sometime.

I use this little red thingy that holds a razor blade (not the shaving kind) to scrape glass clean. Doesn't scratch the glass or anything. I only use it for my turtle tank (gets preeetty dirty in there). Very very helpful .
 
Idk if this application was already mentioned, but my trusty 2 gallon watering can
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I siphon from my tank right into my can for watering outdoor plants. The tank water is wonderful for them. And I can do as many 2 gallon changes as I want to

I just get a bucket of fresh water ready, siphon into my watering can and refill the tank all within 8 or so minutes.
 

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A turkey baster!! Works so well for cleaning up my bare bottom quarantine tank, and for blasting dirt out of difficult places! Oh and for spot feeding and feeding frozen food!! I love the Keurig coffee pod idea I will definitely keep that in mind!!
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I also took one and cut enough off the end to make the opening a bit bigger and used it to catch shrimp. I got a clear one for this. Since it was clear the shrimp couldn't see it. It was way easier than playing "net chase".

A syringe for spot application of H2O2 on hair algae. I should get big one with the curved plastic tip (I got one once from my dentist) but make do with a generic 5cc.

Shower suction cup soap holder under the HOB output?

Aquaponic media in canister?

Vacuum chamber to get water into vermiculite #8 before using it to replace the aquaponic media which was not as good as I hoped? I also hope to use this to make the world's densest cheese cake (the vacuum chamber, not the vermiculite)

Hairnet to hold java moss on a field stone?

Shrimpers turn a pipette into a planaria trap. I haven't done this as the things in my tanks eat the planaria.

Use an under sink/table composting worm bin to generate fish food?

PVC pipe as pleco caves?

Gel caps to hold Osmocote so I can put it under plants?

Oh this thread is 12 pages not 1 page.. I'm guessing all of these have been mentioned already.
 
Finally this thread has reappeared. Most everyone knows how useful a turkey baster is. I found another great use for it if you have a tank with a rI'm and some food sits on it. Simply suck up some tank water and hold the baster along the inside of the rI'm and push the water back out. It's like leftovers for all the fish and it keeps the rI'm clean and fish food odor free!!
 
Coconut oil. It does a pretty great job of removing external calcium buildup!
 
I was getting tired plugging/unplugging filters so I got some switches. I use these to turn the filters on/off while I do water changes.


While they work great, I still need to reach behind some racks so I got these remote controlled ones for the hard to reach plugs. I use chalk markers to put the numbers on the tanks so I know which number goes with the tank.
5 plug controller


All this started with this remote for turning my water change pump on/off. I still use this and it's awesome.
 
I was getting tired plugging/unplugging filters so I got some switches. I use these to turn the filters on/off while I do water changes.


While they work great, I still need to reach behind some racks so I got these remote controlled ones for the hard to reach plugs. I use chalk markers to put the numbers on the tanks so I know which number goes with the tank.
5 plug controller


All this started with this remote for turning my water change pump on/off. I still use this and it's awesome.
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I never realized these were a thing! I've been running back and forth to unplug my pump, thank you so much for posting this!!
 
I use one of these to retrieve Fluval moss balls....they need to be changed every 2 months and rather than stick my hand in the aquariums, I use this to collect them....and then put the new one in

 
I used a stainless steel fork to hold down some zucchinI for my new Otos but they're more interested in the fork than the food xD

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I never realized these were a thing! I've been running back and forth to unplug my pump, thank you so much for posting this!!
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Yeah, that gets old quick so I needed to find out a better way of doing it. I was using a power strip and turning it on/off while the pump was plugged in for a while.

I forgot to mention that the 5 plug remotes have big plugs so it will block a lot of outlets. I use 1' extensions on each one so I don't waste any outlets.
 
How do you stop back siphon? I have always though they should make a 1 way valve for intakes on HOBs like they have for air lines.
I unplug one of mine and after a little bit I will get *glurk glurk* because the HOB is now empty. Forgetting to refill it (or losing power while on vacation) can kill a HOB running it dry for a long amount of time. UPS for the win.
 

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How do you stop back siphon? I have always though they should make a 1 way valve for intakes on HOBs like they have for air lines.
I unplug one of mine and after a little bit I will get *glurk glurk* because the HOB is now empty. Forgetting to refill it (or losing power while on vacation) can kill a HOB running it dry for a long amount of time. UPS for the win.
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You can't.

Unless the water level in your tank is really low, a power outage shouldn't drain a HOB and it should restart when the power comes back on. It only happens when I do water changes. That's why I've been getting Aqueon QuietFlows. The pump is in the tank so it self-primes and I can easily modify the filters with filter pads for mechanical filtration.

I should mention this is for most of my breeding and grow out tanks. I have canisters for my display tanks.
 
A very long stick, so I can move the pellets out of the tight corner without putting my hand in the tank. (My corys get too excited about the shrimp pellets and sometimes end up pushing the pellet under a rock somehow)

Unused medicine cup (those small plastic cups), for pre-soaking food
Plastic syringe (if this counts) for easier water measuring when water testing
Toothbrush for cleaning off biofilm in unreachable corners

Not sure if this counts as a tool, but I use a string to distract my betta during a water change because he would oftentimes get near the siphon and keep nipping my hand.
 
Dustpan that is open in the back so it can clip onto a broom is great for removing substrate from a tank.
 
The 16 & 32 oz plastic bulk containers from the coop. Depending on the fish and the tank angle they are awesome for scooping out a fish without damaging their fins and they don’t see it coming!
Plus I can put a lid on it and float it in another tank while I’m adjusting things elsewhere so they stay warm.
(Holes might help for some air depending on length of time)

they can be washed and recycled!
 
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My best tool is my son great for sticking in the tank and moving rocks and plants around as the tank is 3ft high reaching anything below halfway down is near impossible
 
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