Recent content by Personage

Well to all I have to say bravo for your venture into a very variable sea of variances. Basically everyone has a different tank and a water quality that is completely different even in the most minute degree. Therefore the chemistry or the bio aspects of any tank will succumb to the variable of...

Well I guess I should've mentioned that I just replaced my RENA Filstar canister filter with a new leaky Plen-Plax Cascade 1000 due to aged gaskets and O rings. While I'm refurbishing the RENA I have the Cascade to relieve the pressure of immediate repair. I could have reused the bio medium but...

I'm not really having any Ph issues and my tank seems to be doing really well. I mostly use the test strips and Ph seems to read about 6.6 however sometimes after a water change it drops somewhat. I was just looking for a less expensive way of Ph control over those little packets they sell...

Has anyone any info on the use of baking soda to raise Ph after a 25% water change. The stuff they sell at Petco is costly. Sent from my iPad using Aquarium Advice

Take a plastic tub from something like a butter spread. Cut it in half then place it at the bottom of the tank. Cover the tub with gravel and place pieces of slate around the front to hide the plastic edge. There you have it - Instant cave! The larger the fish the larger the plastic tub...

I start everyday searching for those insidious parasites Malaysian snails. I had some come in on a plant some time ago but have succeeded in nearly eradicating them. Get them young and small and remove them from the tank not just crushing them because they may have eggs in the crush that you...

The ideal aquarium is one that is as close to nature as possible and one that is well balanced. Simply put I would add it to my tank if it did in fact have a beneficial effect and for the same reason I have real plants, snails, moss balls, bottom feeders, CO2, plant food, etc. It is not an easy...

Okay I researched this and it is called Corixidae "Boatman" insect. They are Herbivore so they may not pose a threat to my tank - but I'm going to wait before I would introduce one to my aquarium. Here is a link from Aquarium Advice on this bug - Scroll down to view the PIC...

Well thanks for the replies! They only have two little flappy extensions that propel them in the water. I doubt I would introduce them to the tank in fear of some parasitic effect that could essentially wipe out my fish. I'm going to research them and get back to you on this. Sent from my...

So when the chlorine in my pool gets low I see these little creatures swimming along the surface. They obviously don't have legs and are specific to aquatic life. So I'm wondering if I could out one or two in my 55g tank. Would they be beneficial? Would the fish eat them? Do any of you know what...

Slate does lend itself well in the overall look of a natural environment but I've always found that slate creates areas that are conducive to nasty stuff build up and snail reproduction habitats requiring frequent cleaning. Do you have a photo of your DIY Filter? Sent from my iPhone using...

DIY Brackets When I had turtles there were many instances when I needed to figure out how to suspend things. Buy some Brass Wire at the hobby shop and bend and shape them with needle nose pliers to hang off the side of the tank. Then attach whatever it is you want to attach. If you have a...

Hi Everyone! I came across this site while browsing the net for some advice and discovered that this is one of the best I've ever visited. I'm looking forward to learning more and sharing what I already know. I've had many pets throughout the years. Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Birds, Turtles, Snakes...