My favorite aquarium add-ons...

Eheim Automatic Feeder:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/...d1=2911;pcid2=

I have two, one for Tetra Crisps and one for sinking shrimp pellets. Feeds exactly as much as you want as often as you want without fail. A lifesaver when you are away, and a timesaver when you are home.

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Tetra Whisper Power Filter 60:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/...tegory_id=3319

I've used a lot of different filters over the years, HOBs and canister, and this one is my favorite. Quiet, never breaks, simple to clean, cheap, and even better the media is even cheaper.

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Quantum 15 Watt Color Intensifier T6 Lamp-18"

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/...d1=1843;pcid2=

I replaced my stock lights with two of these bulbs and, even though my 55g is way underpowered at 30 watts total, the colors are a big improvement. Not bad for $16 total.

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Oceanvisions - 23" High - Crystal Black (Petscape)

http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products.../Itemdy00.aspx

I always hated trying to tape on backgrounds - they never looked right and water always seemed to get behind them. These backgrounds are like a big static sticker, so no tape, water fuss, or general uglyness. The best backgrounds out there hands down. And black makes your fish stand out great, no fake plant designs that make your tank look like you are 5 years old.

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Python No Spill Clean And Fill-25'

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/...tegory_id=2281

If you still use bucket to do water changes, I feel bad for you.

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Anyway, I hope this list helps, I sure wish someone had written something like this for me. I can't tell you how many bad products I've gone through in my fishkeeping before I finally found a combination that everything works right. My tank has been set up like this for about two years now - the maintenance is VERY minimal and the water always looks clear. Hope it helps!

Tony Starks A.[acronym:03cf679214="Kelvin or Potassium, depending on context"]K[/acronym:03cf679214].A. Ironman

[BrianNY]

Great Post. Without a Python I'd give up keeping discus.

[mvigor]

Please tell me more about that automatic feeder. I read the product description on the page linked above, but the desc. doesn't mention what the buttons do.

I'm looking for a feeder that has a "feed them some right now" button and a timer that can be disabled. I would like to run a wire extension to the "ok, drop the food" button for use with my in-wall tank so I can stop having to go behind my furnace so often. [acronym:9bff6769d6="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:9bff6769d6]!

Originally Posted by mvigor

Please tell me more about that automatic feeder. I read the product description on the page linked above, but the desc. doesn't mention what the buttons do.

I'm looking for a feeder that has a "feed them some right now" button and a timer that can be disabled. I would like to run a wire extension to the "ok, drop the food" button for use with my in-wall tank so I can stop having to go behind my furnace so often. [acronym:4b75ff2ba1="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:4b75ff2ba1]!

Why not just let it automatically feed? I honestly have no idea if what you want to do will work, but it kind of defeats the purpose of the whole thing.

[mvigor]

Yeah, maybe the intended purpose of the product, but if my purpose is filled exactly, then I'm not defeating any purpose, I'm actually fulfilling one.

I want to push a button from the front of the tank, which will feed my fish even though there is a wall between us. I know I could autofeed, but then I don't get to watch.

Originally Posted by mvigor

Yeah, maybe the intended purpose of the product, but if my purpose is filled exactly, then I'm not defeating any purpose, I'm actually fulfilling one.

I want to push a button from the front of the tank, which will feed my fish even though there is a wall between us. I know I could autofeed, but then I don't get to watch.

Sorry, can't help you with that. You really enjoy watching your fish eat flakes that much?

[RoK]

Well, if you figure out what time it drops the food, you can watch them. :P

[mvigor]

Yeah, I'm a weirdo. I'm sure I'm the only one who enjoys feeding the fish we keep.

[jonnyb1425]

nope.. I get a kick out of feeding frenzies as well

[Apocalypse_Gold]

Set an alarm to go off 30 seconds before the food drop.