Recent content by Militarybooks

Hi, I own and run a sizeable military and general history publishing company. If anyone wants to trade a nice fake rock background for a 125 gal african cichlid tank, or anything else I might be able to use--for an equivalent of outstanding original books, most with signed author bookplates, let...

I went with Rena canisters My 135 gal L is not set up yet (still finishing the stand and purchasing items for it, but after a lot of research I picked up two Rena canisters, an XP3 and an XP4. Ordered from Amazon before the 15th so no tax, and since my company is a prime member, free shipping...

Andrew I see that some of the reviews for the water pumps are very mixed. What is your experience with this brand? Also I think in a 6-foot tank I will need two to keep water circulating in a clockwise manner. Which size do you suggest? Yes? Any chance we could chat on a phone for 10 minutes...

Brilliant Help, Andrew Moving from the last unanswered post down: 1) Heaters. Thx. I live in Northern California (the world's largest outdoor insane asylum). It gets HOT in the summer, and winters are 30a-40s at night and 50a-60s in the day. Much more important for me to run AC during the day...

It does help a lot, thank you. And a very nice article, penned by yourself. Nice job. Let me keep chewing on your good willingness to help, if I may, and ask a couple more questions/opinions of things I am research now: 1) Heater brand/size, number? 2) Ditto with Thermometer? 3) What other...

This filter, that filter, two of these, and . . .AH! --- Thanks. I had a local fellow tell me to get an XP4 and XP3. You think a pair of XP2s would be OK. Filtration is critical, as you know. Just want to get it right . . .:whistle:

Thanks Convict--cave-rocks question . . .

--- Hi Andy Thanks. So you have two Rena canisters. You find them quiet, safe, and reliable and effective? So many to choose from. I am not sure what your last sentence means? If you mean you would definitely use two on a six foot tank, what sizes would you recommend, and why? [And anyone...

Hi all I am in the process of setting up my 135-gallon, and I know--purists will tell you African cichlids need high PH and there is no driftwood in the African lakes. But I have always loved the look of a good piece of driftwood. Has anyone used driftwood in a tank of Africans without a...

Hi All I am back into the hobby after many years away (family, moves, career, etc.) You know how it goes. I used to have a 135 gal african cichlid tank and a 75 general freshwater tank. It has been about 14 years. I was a trial attorney for a long while, but fell into my love and passion for...

Hi all Finally have my 135-gal tank stand ready (sanded and re-stained) and am now about to begin purchasing equipment. Assuming all other factors (great filtration, dependable, etc.), LEAKING is a big issue--especially where tank will be located. So . . . two questions: 1) Which canister...

Do you guys/gals thinks one Rena XPXL (450 gph), is sufficient for a 135-gallon tank, or do I need two units, and if I need two, what sizes would you recommend? Thx in advance. --tps

Thx. This tank will be in the front of the house in a formal living room, so assuming the canister does what it is advertised to do, QUIET is really important. Any thoughts/experience there? (It is odd that some advertise how quiet they are, but others are silent on the subject.) tps

Thx. I have been doing a lot of reading, and assuming the canister does what it is advertised to do, then QUIET is a special concern since this will be in my living room, which is very formal, so the last thing I want is a noisy filter. So any experience in that realm is appreciated. (It seems...

Thanks All. So as to the name brand of canister . . . I have been reading a lot and the Rena does seem to get high marks. Other than size, does anyone have a distinct preference for a brand (FLuval, Cascade, Rena, Marine, etc.) and WHY. Learning a lot on this forum. Thanks a ton. tps