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YYC Carrie

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Posts posted by YYC Carrie

    Who’s snacking on the ramshorn snails

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 2/12/2023 at 6:11 PM, JessLynne7 said:

    I’m happy the fish ate them but I am very surprised. That’s crazy. Sorry you have the opposite problem as me since you want them.

    yeah, I'm a weirdo truthfully. Snails you say??? the more the merrier! Algae on the glass/substrate/decorations/plants.... everything else? Well that's just more biological filtration cleaning up what the bacterial colonies leave/produce. I do like a nice crystal clear tank, but I don't mind the algae either TBH.

    Who’s snacking on the ramshorn snails

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I have a similar issue with keeping snails in my 90 gallon. The 55 community tank stays teaming with snails so every once in a while I throw and apple slice or some cucumber in there and get a whole whack of them  on the fruit, then toss the whole kit n kaboodle into my 90. It's stocked with convict cichlids, snow white parrots fish and some synodontis cats. Every time I clean the tank, I see dozens of empty snail shells. I wish I could keep them alive in there though, snails do a good job of cleaning the glass :/.

    filtration - HOB vs sponge filters (not the same old question.. I think?)

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 2/1/2023 at 11:46 AM, TOtrees said:

    It's a sponge filter, just like the ones from coop. Better IMHO but I know other readers here will disagree, which is fine. Here's a link to an Ontario seller with a pic (though it's out of stock at this time): https://www.proaquarium.ca/hydro-pro-sponge-filter-coarse-h-p.html. But you can see what they look like. "V" (as in 5) is the largest size. A couple of these will give you better filtration than 4 of the dual sponges, I believe. 

    "Pro" means it's the coarser sponge option, which is better than fine IMO. 

    I have various sizes of these sponges in most of my tanks, and it would be all if budget allowed it (I'm getting there). You can easily add a power head instead of airstone, for a bit more filtration/circulation, but this will also mean more cleaning. 

    truthfully, it looks identical. I may try a couple of them. We will see how the dual sponges do.

    On 2/3/2023 at 2:25 AM, nabokovfan87 said:

    Hm. Maybe undergravel is the way to go then? Just rely on the siphon itself, not actually having to remove the filtration.

    You can pull the sponges out via the attached airline without too much fuss to clean them, that also is another point towards those ones.

    There is also some fluvial or other brands that make finger grabbers for tall tanks.

    On your python, do you have the larger tube on it to reach the full height of the tank?

    It might be a solution, but potentially side mount the HoBs?  What about making your filter a sump?

    I have thought about an undergravel honestly. I was put off them by my original experinces with having one "back in the day". I tossed that whole set up, but with more age (patience), and experience now in the hobby (limited admittedly, but getting there haha), perhaps I will give it a go and get better results. I currently have an empty 30 looking for some inhabitants and stuff, I'll likely try my hand with it in that tank once I get the 90 sorted out. One thing at a time and all that Jazz lol.

     

     

    90 gal 2 dual sponge filters 2-5-23.jpg

    90 gal bamboo stand 2-5-23.jpg

    90 gal full tank 2-5-23.jpg

    90 gal internal filter 2-5-23.jpg

    • Like 1

    filtration - HOB vs sponge filters (not the same old question.. I think?)

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 2/2/2023 at 11:44 AM, SupersoNick95 said:

    .....I just don't know how your mobility issues would factor into cleaning. Sponges are by far the easiest for maintenance......

    agreed about the sponges being the simplest/easiest. as far as other filter maintenance goes, I am 5'4 and unable to use step stools due to being unsteady on my feet. The top of my 90 gallon is at my eye level, making it very difficult to even reach in to place anything in the tank, but to also try to reach around and get the HOB off etc - it's a nightmare lol. I am working on work arounds and alternative ways of doing things, I will eventually  get it dialed in and able to do it properly 😉

     

    I am also unable to lift heavy things and, atm, am dependent on my housemates to do all the heavy lifting. I got a python water changer and have used it a couple of times now, this seems to be very helpful. 

    • Like 1

    filtration - HOB vs sponge filters (not the same old question.. I think?)

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/30/2023 at 7:26 AM, TOtrees said:

    Hi,

    I have purchased/owned/used the hygger double sponge you have in your 55, the "flat-headed" double sponge you linked above, and coop sponges. Do stay away from the flat-headed one, it's not bad for a 5-10 gallon tank, but will be massively undersized for what you're looking for here. 

    The hygger (and others similar to it) can move a lot of water if properly set up. I do find the fine sponges are not awesome, but see my recent thread about replacing the sponges with coarser blocks here https://forum.aquariumcoop.com/topic/30457-when-sponge-filter-mods-work-better-than-expected/#comment-283044. Product link is Canada-friendly 🙂 (and not sponsored). 

    If you're set on sponge filters, you can't go wrong with the Hydro line. A couple of Hydro Pro Vs (pro means it has their coarser sponge) would be okay for a big tank like that. If you can find them. PM me if you want suggestions for a couple of online sellers I know of here in Ontario. 

    But I really get the sense you're looking for simplicity/accessibility. For ease of maintenance, something like the Aquaclear 110 or Seachem Tidal 110 are both quality filters, that can be cleaned/serviced really easily. A pair of them would be fine for a big tank like that. 

    Or get a canister, if you can set it up with easy (front) access. Most/all canisters now have valves on the in and out tubes, so you can shut off (seal) the hoses to and from the canister, disconnect them and remove it to the sink without touching anything the tank. 

    If cost is an issue for you, head over to Kijiji or FB for used options. 

    I hope we figure something out for you, to get this back to something manageable and maybe even sometimes enjoyable. 🙂

     

    I looked up the Hydro Pro V, how does it work? Is it like a canister filter? I'm not sure about canisters tbh. As far as the aquaclear's go, I was a fan of them at first just because of the way they work with sponges and other media that you don't need to shell out for cartridges on a monthly basis, but I'm NOT a fan of needing to prime them every time they get unplugged (my cats are bad bad bad girls), or I unplug it for maintenance. bleh. LOL I know I sound a bit whiney sometimes.

    The Hygger dual sponge I have in my 55 is "rated" for up to a 50 gallon I believe, I plan to add another on on the other end of the tank one day. As far as using them in the 90, my thought was to use 4 of them. One on either end and 2 spaced out along the back wall. I have a MASSIVE red lava rock formation thingy in it that would hide most of the 2 on the back and if I put a couple of tall plants at the bases of the two on the end, I believe the plant would hide most of those two as well. Plus, if I paint the back and sides of the tank black, the filter's should kind of "blend in", especially if I use the black air lines? This is all my thought process.

    On 1/30/2023 at 7:58 AM, lefty o said:

    i would suggest picking up a good sponge filter to try. take out 1 existing filter, and put a sponge in its place for a while and see how you like it. if you think its good, you can try replacing the other one. there is no hard and fast rule, every one's tank is different, and you just have to figure out what works well for you.

    Thank you for the encouragement!! I am hoping that the sponge filters, or at least some sort of combination of them will work. I really like the idea of using the plant roots as a filter as well, but I am MILES away from understanding exactly how to set THAT up. lol

    On 1/30/2023 at 1:19 PM, nabokovfan87 said:

    Don't be.... I have been there, we all have.  Gotta start somewhere!

    Check out Sicce pumpheads or you can also look into circulation pumps / wavemakers (they look like little fans and use magnets to attach to glass.

    There is a vendor in Canada (at least one partner store).  I am unsure if they ship.  Amazon canada also used to have some items.
    https://yourlocalfishstore.com/shop/ (April's Aquarium)

    I checked out April's Aquarium store and she does ship! She also sells and ships some nice looking locally bred fish too! She's been bookmarked and I will be ordering from her in the future. There are several Aquarium Co-op items I am wanting to get so thank you for pointing that out!!

    Amazon does not appear to sell Co-op brand items anymore, at least not the items I want. I know there are a few things that used to be available on Amazon, but Amazon appears to have replaced them.

     

    On 1/30/2023 at 8:27 AM, Guppysnail said:

    I sometimes snap the coop powerheads on to the sponge filter to get more movement and a touch more mechanical filtration out of sponge filters. 

    The internal filter I bought appears to be just such a set up - which doesn't seem to be pumping properly all of a sudden. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09NBN4V2V?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details  <<-- this is the one I bought. I liked it.. but seems to not be working at all anymore. Less than a month in 😕

    • Like 1

    filtration - HOB vs sponge filters (not the same old question.. I think?)

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    @nabokovfan87I'm not really worried about the sand being a bit dirty since I do mean to add leaf litter etc. Although I think you're right about the powerhead. As far as the AOC sponges, unfortunately, I am in Canada and have not yet found a vendor for Co-op items - I live for the day I do lol. When I get home from work tonight, if it's not too late, I'll post some pics of everything even though I'm kind of embarrassed to post pics of this setup lol. It's ROUGH looking lmao.

    • Like 1

    filtration - HOB vs sponge filters (not the same old question.. I think?)

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Hey fam,

    Here's my problem. I have a 90 gallon I am working on getting filtered properly and I thought I had it dialed in - I so did not. Not at all.

    There are two filters on it, one is a modified HOB with filter floss instead of the cartridges, and some terrestrial plants with the roots in that. There is also a submersible filter on the other end of the tank. I am not happy with the HOB, at all, and I don't like the internal filter because it just is so... difficult for me.. to clean. I struggle with mobility problems and cleaning these filters is proving to be a monumental task.

    I have loved the ideal of the sponge filter's and I believe this will be effective for most of my tanks - I have one like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Aquarium-Replaceable-Biochemical-Filtered-Gallon（M）/dp/B07VV89SJY/ref=sr_1_5?crid=24AOKAQDI4L89&keywords=hygger%2Bsponge%2Bfilter%2Baquarium%2Blarge&qid=1675058485&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=hygger%2Bsponge%2Bfilter%2Baquarium%2Blarg%2Cpets%2C175&sr=1-5&th=1 in my 55 gallon and I like it a lot, I need to get something for a bit more water movement at the other end for this seems to be working for that tank.

    The question here is, would running 2 or even three of these in the 90 gallon be enough filtration for a fairly heavily stocked 90 gallon. Currently in that tank is a 4-5 inch sand layer, a few floating plants - mostly duckweed, a breeding trio of convicts with some of their offspring, 10 platinum parrots (young still), 6 Sydontis cats, and snails.

    I plan to rehome most of the convicts, I am hoping the parrot's and the Sydontis cats will cohabitate for a while, though I think I may have underestimated the size the platinum parrot's would grow too. I was told they would only get to about 4.5-5 inches and would be smaller than their blood parrot relatives.

    I have one of the hygger sponge filter's posted above, but I also found https://www.amazon.ca/Aquarium-Equipment-Suction-Double-Biochemical/dp/B07ZS9QQM3/ref=sr_1_24?crid=1OCRI93FHRR9X&keywords=powkoo&qid=1675058147&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=powkoo%2Cpets%2C123&sr=1-24&th=1

     

    I am about to give up on the 90 tbh, rehome all the fish in it and pack it away till I'm grown up enough to handle it. I feel defeated by this tank. I'm tired of the filter's getting all clogged up. I've got an HOB running on my 30 gallon also - I hate it too. 

     

    anyway, thanks for letting me rant, ask rambling questions, and pick all y'all's brains. 😉

    • Sad 1

    Chili's with peas

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Good morning all, 

    As you know, I have 2 empty 5 gal's and 2 empty 10 gal's. Having never kept one, I think love pea puffers. I thought about getting like 5 in a 30 gal, planted ofc, but what about a nano tank instead. 

    I would like oppinions of keeping maybe 5 chili rasbora in a 5 gal with a single pea... thoughts?

     

    TIA

    • Like 1

    BIG Ideas you'd like to see: LFS Edition

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/24/2023 at 6:45 PM, Katherine said:

    Cardboard would be such an easy way. Even if it was just a flat piece cut to the size of the bottom.

    The first time I bought tank decor I was at a big box and put a 10g tank on the floor and then put the pieces I was thinking of using in it to make sure they'd fit. I'm not sure they would have been to happy with that if anyone had happened to notice.

    This made me chuckle. also, love it!!

    On 1/25/2023 at 6:07 PM, Schuyler said:

    QR codes next to fish info plates.

    Scanning it will bring you to a website with a species overview.

    this is a really solid idea in my mind. I think QR codes for a lot of items, not just fish/plants, is a great idea.

    • Like 1

    Something new at Aquarium Co-op

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/19/2023 at 4:40 PM, Jurrian Hering said:

    So jealous of everyone who get to call this their LFS!!

     me too, although I'd probably get in trouble for just, like, never leaving hahaha

    On 1/19/2023 at 3:37 PM, nabokovfan87 said:

    Remember those ronald mcdonald things on a bench...... 

    I wonder if they can make one of Cory and have him sitting on the bench outside.  People can always get their photo taken with him 🙂 .

    oh heavens, please no!! Those Ronald McDonalds benches all weirded me out as a kid. Let's not make Cory the stuff of nightmares, I'd like to continue enjoying the content and learning lol.

    • Haha 2

    Why did the under gravel filter lose popularity?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/24/2023 at 6:27 PM, nabokovfan87 said:

    A. Circulation (may or may not be an issue)

    B. Location (definitely isn't easy to fiddle with)

    C. Size / Design (people might be stuck on wanting to have it fit perfectly, doesn't need to)

    D. Homemade things basically replaced it.

    Yep. You definitely didn't need to scoop out the gravel once every few months and rinse it off in the sink to get it back to blue. Definitely didn't need to, but we did.

    UGFs are fine. Air lift tubes are fun to stare at.

    homemade things? I like homemade if it means it's cheap and comparably effective......

    and I think the scooping out to rinse the gravel to clean it was likely why I hated the UGF so much. I was under the impression that you had to get all that icky stuff out of it/off of it. I think.... I know I would do it much differently now.

    and yes, I did like the air lift tubes and watching them bubble away LOL

    On 1/24/2023 at 6:30 PM, Tactical Error said:

    When I upgraded from a 30 to a 45 last year I asked for an UGF at the local shop, and got scoffed at by the owner.   So I pulled the plate out of the 30 and Putin it in the 45.   It covers roughly 2/3 of the bottom, and I have a HOB as well.   It’s heavily planted and the plants are doing great.  I’ve only ever used UGFs - all the replaceable filter cartridges and accoutrements for HOBs and canisters are such a racket.

    agreed! watching the youtube vids comparing sponge filters that are powered by the air pumps vs. HOB's I had almost decided to get rid of the HOB's all together. Then I saw the video about maximizing the HOB by replacing the cartridges by adding a rinseable sponge and some bio balls or coral or whatever you need to amend your water hardness and dissolved solids. I no longer use the cartridges, I use sponges, floss, various "bio ball" type media's in little mesh bags... I like that a lot better. Recently, I have also started adding house plants in them, though I'm not sure how much I like that, we shall see.

     

    I like sand though because I want to eventually get some loaches, species/type undetermined right now, but if you did the UGF with sand, maybe you could put a fine mesh screen on top to stop the sand getting into it? So for example, what about a layer of gravel, then the mesh/screen, then capped with sand... I am sure I am missing something that prohibit it being a reality but what does everyone think?

    • Like 3

    Catching/moving fish ... Does this get easier??!?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/24/2023 at 9:28 AM, TOtrees said:

    I think netting fish does get easier with experience. You'll also learn what works for what species that you have. You'll learn that bigger nets work better for faster swimming fish. Get two hands in there, and use one hand to slowly herd fish (individuals or groups) into a waiting net, that is set up in a corner or between a couple of plants or decorations. 

    Try to never net fish when you have a tight timeline. If you only have 5 mins, you'll need 30. If you have 2 hrs, you'll only need 5 mins. 

    Use vertical space to your advantage. Some mid and top swimming fish are easier to catch if you get a big net under them, and come up from below. 

    Usually, moving slowly works better. If you're chasing them down, they're going to win. 

    Sometimes I get the fish trapped in a net against the front glass, but they refuse to swim into the bag part of the net, and I know they can scoot around the rim of the net the second it comes near the surface. I've found that a quick "scaring" motion with your hand on your side of the glass can cause them to swim back into the bag. 

    Also, don't get frustrated. Have a plan, and be patient with it. For example, if you set your net on one side of the tank, and use your hand to herd the fish around that plant, along the glass there, and past that heater, and the fish escapes at the last second and goes right back to where you started, you might have to try that same thing 8 more times. Or 20. But take it slow. Fish are not rocket scientists, and you'll be able to predict where they escape your plan and head them off earlier the next time. Or the time after that. Or after that. 

    Also consider that sometimes, if all the stars align and you put the net in just right, and you're not rushing, the fish might just swim in for you. 🙂 Although that usually only works for the fish that is beside the one you actually want to catch. 

    And when all else fails, leave yourself enough time to take out decorations, filters, heaters, wood, floating plants or whatever, then net the fish. And maybe it's even a good chance to pull up that overgrown crypt or sword, cut it back, and replant it smaller when you're done. 

    A lot of great tips! I have tried some of them, but not gonna lie, I'm not the most patient person in the world when it comes to things like this LOL... hhmm, aquarium keeping as a road to self growth?? who'd-a-thunk it. 😉

    Seriously though, thank you for taking the time to type all this out, I will definitely keep working at it, thank you for the encouragement. 🙂

    On 1/24/2023 at 1:23 PM, Lots Of Loaches said:

    ...... I still have vivd memories of having to catch a certain goldfish out of a tank with a 1000 feeder goldfish in it because a child got a free goldfish coupon at their school field day. What a joy that was!

     

    Joy, yes, that's the word 😉 lmao~!

    then again, I'm that customer who goes "I need x number of females and y number of females cause that's what I read is best for keeping in groups of these", also, I am the customer that says I want *THAT* one. TBF though, I do try to curb that tendency, however, the only way to do that successfully for me is to show the employee the tank I want fish from, and which type if there are multiple species, tell them how many I want and go to a different set of tanks while they catch the fish. This is likely also problematic but I do the best I can to be as NOT annoying as I can LOL.

    On 1/24/2023 at 9:14 AM, Plechoeco said:

    Ah ok. Well we’ll see how it goes for me as I’m working to set up a 55 gal right now which will be my first tank with a middle support and with live plants in the way! 

    Good luck!!! let me know how it goes!

    Why did the under gravel filter lose popularity?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/24/2023 at 9:12 AM, Chick-In-Of-TheSea said:

    UGFs work well, as they pull waste down past the gravel, and the gravel and UGF plates house beneficial bacteria. But people are now going w/ planted tanks, and the UGF is not a good pick for a planted tank, because you want to keep nutrients (root tabs) next to the roots, and with gravel and UGFs that doesn't work; there is too much flow underneath the substrate. Therefore the plants suffer.

    I have a UGF in my tank, but I disconnected it by removing the riser tubes and covering the holes w/ gravel, then leaving the existing gravel as mulmy as possible (plant food) and adding a 2" sand cap (Thanks, Father Fish).  The sand provides extra filtration for the tank with layers of anerobic and aerobic bacteria, as well as helps keep the plant roots and root tabs in place until they reach the gravel where the roots will find more (mulm) food.  The sand also encourages microfauna which live there and help to consume excess waste.

    Folks using the easy planter should do ok w/ the UGF, because they can open up the rock wool and place their root tab in there, then return the plant to its pot, and the pot to the easy planter.

     

    Thank you for the info. I have considered trying the UG thing again in a 30 that I plan to not use rooted plants in. I seem to remember that cleaning it was a hassle? Maybe I'm wrong. It was a long time ago for me to remember truthfully lol

    Catching/moving fish ... Does this get easier??!?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/24/2023 at 8:42 AM, Plechoeco said:

    I’ve seen Cory use this technique in some videos. I haven’t been able to do it well yet, but want to try and do it this way when I need to catch fish moving forward. 
     

     

    I've watched and rewatched this video. I have succeeded in having the stars align for me one time allowing successful netting of a fish. Usually it's complicated by either a piece of decor or, more frequently, the support beam plastic piece in the middle

    What was the best advice you were given as a beginner? If you could give one piece of advice what would it be?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/20/2023 at 11:59 AM, Jurrian Hering said:

    This! The coop YouTube videos really helped me understand the basics! Will recommend their videos to all beginners!! 

    I started watching the co-op vids when I got my 55gallon. Love them and recommend them to anyone I meet wanting to REALLY learn. A bonus benefit is how Cory is always talking about how to get the most bang for your buck.

    On 1/20/2023 at 1:37 PM, Pepere said:

    The only sure fire way to keep algae out of your aquarium is to never put water into it.

    This just made me laugh because I legit don't understand why people freak out over algae. Water = algae.... Algae is a plant....

    On 1/23/2023 at 12:32 PM, Sweet Fish O Mine said:

    No matter how hungry you may be, don't eat your fish. 

    Bahahahahaha..... I had an acquaintance go perch jerking in Louisiana. He caught a sun perch. (beautiful fish, truly), and didn't want to clean it right away. He kept that perch for EVER and would often joke about how someday he'd be broke, out of groceries, and have himself a good old fish fry. O.o

    • Like 1
    • Haha 1

    Catching/moving fish ... Does this get easier??!?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/23/2023 at 8:19 PM, Mynameisnobody said:

    @YYC Carrie It seems like you have a good grasp of what you’re doing. Mistakes will always happen, no matter your experience level. It’s the one thing that keeps me glued to this hobby, is the constant learning/experiments. 

    Yes, I believe this is what's going to keep me going in it. I have tried, as I mentioned in my intro post, a few times. This time though, I am still enjoying it with more than a couple of months in. I won't lie though, it's tough to find a group or forum that doesn't just slam you for even asking a question. I like how Cory has created this community and works hard to disseminate consistent, ACCURATE, solid, helpful advice and knowledge.

    • Like 1
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