Recent content by Phillysailor

I've built my own in-tank canister filters from a single section of 4" PVC pipe... One sucks from the surface and just underneath and creates flow in the tank (Maxijet 1200) and the other (Maxijet 600) draws from the bottom and pumps into a grid of 1"PVC pipe perforated with small drilled holes...

I got a really helpful idea from  by the "King of DIY". Basically, I put a drain standpipe (a 3ft length of PVC pipe) into my wall behind the tank setup which was connected by 1.5" PVC pipe to a shop sink on the other side of the wall. I then drilled the back of my tank to accept a 1" flexible...

Glad to report that all fish, including the sluggish albino Cory, are doing well. I've increased the frequency of water changes, but everything else is the same. Great activity, and thanks for all those who took a moment to respond.    I think I got a bad batch of fish. 

It's not RO, it's a good three stage water filter, like those used for an ice maker. APEX MR-2030    Stage 1- 1 micron polypropylene sediment pre-filter to extract suspended materials such as sediment, rust, insects, and other particles down to 5 micron. (Replace every 6-8 months) Stage 2 -...

Acclimation: 15 minutes in the bag, then 10 minutes with some tank water let in.    Water: crystal clear. There are two canister type filters (in a 4" PVC pipe) with one run by a Maxijet 1200 and one a Maxijet 600. One pumps into a grid of PVC in the substrate, the other creates flow in the...

Old tank: estimate about 800 lbs over 6 sq ft is about 133 lbs/sq ft New tank at least 2200 lbs over 6x2 or 12 sq ft is about 183 lbs/sq ft   That's a significant increase in loading.   This link helps a lot. Nice discussion of the principles involved. The questions you'll want to answer are:  ...

Howdy   I've a new, planted plywood/epoxy 63 gal tank just built which has three filters, turning over the water 8 times through internal canister filters and a water polisher/heater box with filter floss. That box also has a bubble stone, which provides for surface agitation above. I'm always...

So, just to get back to you guys, as thanks for your help.   Day 5: NH4 was 4, Nitrates 20, Nitrites 3 Day 10: NH4 was 0.5, Nitrates 20, Nitrites 12   Second dose of Ammonia added. Plan is to wait until ammonia comes down, do the snack feedings, and then the third dose as according to the...

I'm new to fish keeping, and built a tank. I'm just cycling, but am glad I took the time to do a couple of things, tho' not gadgets per se.   I drilled a bulkhead into the back of the tank, at the waterline. A pipe leads from there (through a shut off valve) via 1" PVC to a barb and then 3/4 ID...

So, pics are requested, but Google photos not posting easily. Got some links if you are interested.    The glass siliconed in place, the existing built in TV hutch where I've installed the tank.  My son watching the tank fill... and, finally, the gravel and driftwood in place!   I've still got...

Thanks guys. It worked just as ya said. Solid error checking.   The scene of the crime.   My older son, watching the tank fill.   And now, with the gravel and driftwood in. We are getting there!

So I've got the tank installed, filled it in 3 hours by just opening the valve. Overflow worked perfectly. I set up the filters, ran them and the heater. Two airstones, one in a pipe as a mech filter (foam and floss). Got the light installed, and today I dumped in 60lbs EcoComplete Planted...

I've a new 61 gal fresh water tropical tank, stable at 79degrees. My tap water is filtered (particle, carbon, softener) and results in nitrate and nitrite-free hard (GH 150), alkalinity 120, pH 7.2  I'm just using test strips.   This evening, I added 60lbs Eco-Complete (by CaribSea), and then...

I lightly sanded the painted interior, and am pleased with the smooth and durable result. Glass is now siliconed in place, have to wait 24hrs and then a leak test x 3-5 days. The drip system adds a gallon every three minutes, so I think I will do periodic partial water changes, and not...

I should mention that I will brace the front of the aquarium with a face panel, and the bottom will have lighting diffuser placed to protect the bottom from scratches and dings from any heavy objects moving around. That's really the danger with this type of construction, I suppose: any defect in...