Recent content by Mick Vallis

Just thought I'd post this, my Fluval sk400 Surface Skimmer never worked & looking at it don't see how it can. Problem is the gap the float needs to work is under the surface & thats where all the water is sucked in. Rather than throw it in the Aquarium graveyard I thought I'd have a go at...

Avg Temp range for most tropical fish is 23 to 27 c. Set my heater to 25.5 & maintain at that level. Why risk allowing it to get above 30 if the solution is some pipe & some water.

Water fans didn't really work for me, looked into Chiller units but issue not often enough to justify cost. This prolonged temp is unusual for June & July, normally an issue Aug into Sept. Aquarium will cope with high external temps for a few days but when over a week temps build up.

This is just a "radiator" with cool water running through to drain. I do 6 weekly water changes of about 75% via a RO unit. Not only Rainbows, Tetra's, Bristle nose, Clown Loaches & Shrimp (large).

No, just mains. Takes a couple of hours but works well.

Been 10 weeks since last water change (doing this week) Nitrates high 20's, I would say heavy stocked, External Fluval 407 cannister. By heavy stock I have: 4 large rainbows, 1 large B/N catfish, 11 yellowfin Tetra, 2 Rednose Tetra, 2 Nerite snails & about 6-10 large shrimp. Almost forgot, 3 med...

I change 75% of my water (55 Gal) every other month (8 weeks). I do use RO water. Tanks been stable for the last 3 years, Fish, Shrimp, Plants & Nerites all doing well.

My BNC munching on a Courgette (Zuccini)

Hi Guys, due to my high KH/GH levels (source water issue) I have been looking into RO units. Is it possible to buy a small portable unit & connect it to a submersible pump to create a loop that takes water from my tank & puts it back in with lower hardness. Think most units need 3bar to run but...

Tank is now week 4. Test results are as follows: Nitrate: 10 Nitrite: 0.5 Ammonia: 0 GH: 15 KH: 10 PH: 7.5 Can't seem to get nitrites to zero. Going to remove some artificial plants & replace them with real. Will probably do a 25% water change & hoover when plants arrive early next week. Do you...

I do have one question, my filter (fluval 206) has the ability to reduce the flow. Does reducing have any effect on bacteria build up in giving them more time to anchor to bio media?

Things are moving along nicely. As my Ammonia & Nitrite levels were still just above zero, and still no sign of the Khuli, decided to remove all plants, pebbles, cave & large Mopani wood. No Khuli?. Gave the gravel a good hoover & did a 50% water change. Re-decorated with the addition of some...