Recent content by Sicklid

BTW, chloramines are what most tap water contains, rather than chlorine nowadays, and is known to constantly drive us crazy with false positives for ammonia... The "amines" in chloramine IS ammonia, but a different type. You still want to bind it with Prime or similar, but it isn't true ammonia...

No no, I'm sorry if I am not explaining myself correctly. When I describe a tube, I am not talking about the airline tubing, I mean a lift tube. There can be aeration INSIDE the rock filled chamber, but the bubbles meander through the spaces haphazardly, here and there getting trapped, even...

Also, that sponge is a good supplemental filter design, and will definitely help with nitrates, but it doesn't get my nod as a great standalone filter... It doesn't create anywhere near the flow that a sponge filter with an uplift tube creates, and is restricted by the lava rock. I save rock for...

Nope. It is fine, unless you don't like the shade of malachite green you've got going on. LOL, I like it. Eventually, it will turn brown anyway, with the mulm and bacteria in there... this would have happened even when it was white, which may have been even more unsightly (my opinion.) This is...

Really depends on the joists and subfloor construction... can you see any of that anywhere? Through a crawlspace or something? Flooring should be on 8 inch joists, I don't think 6 inch joists will cut it, but they might. Also, is it near or on top of a load bearing wall from below??

For small tanks, nothing is quieter than internal filters or sponge filters.

Throw some stem plants like anacharis in there... you’ve got slow growing plants that aren’t taking up the nutrients fast enough. Also, increase water changes and filter cleanings (but not extremely aggressive ones, just light cleaning of the media and sponges, etc.)

It’s fine, but be aware that it will be kind of hard with sodium bicarbonate if you’re keeping soft water species... unless it’s distilled as stated.

Yes. Also, you can and probably should T off the return line with a smaller hose going back into the main sump chamber... great way to relieve high flow back to the tank.

NICE. Stalsbergi, no?

My lone green terror in a 55.

1) Stop believing any LFS blokes. They NEVER give good info. 2). Increased water changes with fry are good for them. The problems arise IF your local water is treated heavily at the distribution point. 3) Your stick on thermometer is outside the aquarium, so it will give a mixed reading of the...

It can fix itself. I'd try an Epsom dip, which helps. It can return though... once a fish get it, it seems to get it again.

You can make a feeding tube from a short length of PVC pipe with an elbow on the end to get to the bottom of the tank. Put sinking food in it, and squirt some water into the top of the tube to push the food out of the elbow at the end. They'll find it!!

Appears to be prolapsed anus to me.