QTOFFER
Aquarium Advice Addict
A long post about a busy couple of days...
It started two days ago, when I finally got fed up with looking at my algae encrusted 15 gal divided betta tank. I haven't had much luck with this tank, having lost three bettas suddenly to dropsy or fungus, despite the apparent good health of their cory tankmates. In addition, this tank has been plagued with several different types of algae. Gravel vacs twice a week have had no effect. I think that the reduced circulation between the divided compartments, coupled with the so-so performance of the sponge filters were to blame.
Two days ago, I moved the tank's occupants (a betta and four corys) into a 5 gal bucket containing a heater, two sponge filters, and a few clumps of Java moss. I'm thinking of either putting them into my 10 gallon tank with my Brian NY ancistrus, or putting them by themselves into the 7 gal bowfront.
I drained the 15 gal tank, removed the dividers, and scrubbed everything with warm water. I've decided to make this a lo-lite planted community tank and I planned to use a Penguin Mini filter. However, with the Penguin filter in place, the tank stuck out further from the wall and hung over the edge of my stand by 1-1/2 inches. Aaaaaagh! So, early yesterday morning, I went to Home Depot and picked up a 3/4 inch thick pine tabletop. I cut it to size, stained it, slapped on two coats of poly, and bolted it right on top of the existing tank stand top.
I just finished placing the tank in position and filling it up with water. I'm going to do a fishless cycle - to speed things up, I will seed the tank with the previously used sponge filters and Java moss. I've already purchased the tank's new inhabitants (six baby tiger barbs and a juvenile bushy-nosed plec. They are in the quarrantine tank for three weeks.
It started two days ago, when I finally got fed up with looking at my algae encrusted 15 gal divided betta tank. I haven't had much luck with this tank, having lost three bettas suddenly to dropsy or fungus, despite the apparent good health of their cory tankmates. In addition, this tank has been plagued with several different types of algae. Gravel vacs twice a week have had no effect. I think that the reduced circulation between the divided compartments, coupled with the so-so performance of the sponge filters were to blame.
Two days ago, I moved the tank's occupants (a betta and four corys) into a 5 gal bucket containing a heater, two sponge filters, and a few clumps of Java moss. I'm thinking of either putting them into my 10 gallon tank with my Brian NY ancistrus, or putting them by themselves into the 7 gal bowfront.
I drained the 15 gal tank, removed the dividers, and scrubbed everything with warm water. I've decided to make this a lo-lite planted community tank and I planned to use a Penguin Mini filter. However, with the Penguin filter in place, the tank stuck out further from the wall and hung over the edge of my stand by 1-1/2 inches. Aaaaaagh! So, early yesterday morning, I went to Home Depot and picked up a 3/4 inch thick pine tabletop. I cut it to size, stained it, slapped on two coats of poly, and bolted it right on top of the existing tank stand top.
I just finished placing the tank in position and filling it up with water. I'm going to do a fishless cycle - to speed things up, I will seed the tank with the previously used sponge filters and Java moss. I've already purchased the tank's new inhabitants (six baby tiger barbs and a juvenile bushy-nosed plec. They are in the quarrantine tank for three weeks.
Sounds like you have your act together!!!!!!!!
)
