JChristophersAdventures

@nabokovfan87 I couldn't agree more on Amazon Prime! I don't use it either and have friends/family with it and they don't do any better on deliveries than I do. Yes, Amazon has gone downhill in a lot of ways from what they once were. But, that's the down-side to competition... its great for the customer when companies compete... but, eventually someone "wins" the competition... then watch out. Has anyone noticed how much Wal-Mart's pricing policies have changed since they no longer compete against K-Mart (RIP)... Their slogan was: We Always Have the Lowest Prices Guaranteed!... then, I was: Always Low Prices... then, it was shortened even more to: Always! LOL ALways... what does that mean? I'm glad FedEx works for you. You make a good point... it is important to do due diligence on each individual seller under consideration (especially on eBay and Amazon).

@Pepere That is really good service! I'm certainly not knocking USPS (they are my second choice and I use them frequently). Was that 2nd day air? Thanks.

Next Step In The Bonsai Style Aquarium Driftwood Build! After 3 days rolling around on a FedEx truck supposedly "out for delivery"(and with the assistance of a FedEx Shipping Store Manager, which is a totally separate division of the company... only human being I could reach)... My driftwood order (shipped on the 13th) arrived just an hour ago. It was ordered from an independent seller on Amazon, "Substrate Source", which is known to most of the Aquarium world as "Buce Plant". I knew this going in, as both entities have the same Woodland Hills, CA address and had the exact same bundle offers and pictures, except that the total price when shipping was figured in was significantly cheaper than their own website... plus, perhaps there is a little more security with Amazon involved. I would give the individual who picked my pieces 5 stars for sure... very nice over-all! But, I would give the packing department 2 stars, tops. There are supposed to be 6 pieces, but one of the pieces is itself in several pieces (the box was old, re-used and weak... and not well taped... coming apart with just a few pieces of brown paper thrown in). Yes, I will be gluing all these together into one magnificent center piece anyway, so it's all good. Honestly, after visiting a number of LFSs about 2-2 1/2 hours away, just 2 smaller pieces mounted to pieces of slate (and I didn't find any ghost wood like these) were a lot more than these 6 pcs cost delivered. Can't wait to get started on it tomorrow!

@Odd Duck Yes, I know... Seems to vary a lot depending on where you are at and where the shipper is out of as it relates to you. Not necessarily the miles, although that is certainly a factor, but the path each shipper uses to deliver to your door and the personnel they are dealing with. I should mention that a few months ago, I was mowing our corner lot, when I noticed a box sitting on the corner of my property, next to the stop sign. Yup! It was a neighbor's package (2 houses away), we know everybody in our neighborhood, so I walked it over there. She was waiting for it and hadn't heard anything... she never did... no phone call, no email, no text... it was FedEx. Here's the thing. I've lived in 2 other states over the last 1/2 dozen years... that's 3 different states. FedEx was terrible in the other states as well... and, not all just rural boonies. So the lesson, in my opinion, is know how the carriers do in your area and do your best to work around it.

@Creedmoor Aquatics Here's a suggestion... don't know if it will work, but here is the link for Aquarium Co-Op's partner stores page. If there is one in driving distance to you, call them to see if they would order a case of the larger (16.9 oz) Easy Green bottles for a better price, then next time they order their ACO products (grocery stores do that sort of thing for their customers all the time) they could get an extra case for you? https://www.aquariumcoop.com/pages/retail-partner-store-finder Otherwise, you would be looking at another brand... doesn't seem like anyone is doing the gallon sizes much, though. The other option is to mix up gallons of custom fertilizer from powders (like the big guys do)... cheaper, but is just another inconvenience time and effort wise. FYI: Flourish by SeaChem is NOT an all-in-one, and there is Thrive, but Easy Green in the smaller bottles would probably still be cheaper. Hope that helps.

@HelplessNewbie Yes, I can see where people are tempted to use USPS priority as there is such a huge cost savings, but we are really rolling the dice when we do that. On the other hand, where I live it is pointless to do next day, as it will always take 2 days no matter what, so 2nd day is the only good option for livestock because priority always takes 5 days or longer by USPS. Thanks.

First... right to the point... shipping companies are a paradox... they mostly do a great job... at the same time they are giant, faceless holes in the ground which can suck your package into the abyss where it is just "lost" (which is a politically correct term for "stolen") and no human being can be found to answer for anything! So, let's rate the shippers. Specific fish related experiences would be great, but not required. #1 (best) UPS: Not perfect, but 99 times out of 100 they come through... reasonable timeliness and they actually get it to my address (my door or porch) in one piece (sometimes a little ragged around the edges, but passable). #2 (not bad) USPS: I guess I should say that I use almost exclusively UPS and USPS, about half & half. I don't recommend shipping fish using USPS if you can help it, but when it comes to other things, they do okay and there are often cost savings involved over the other carriers. They are also more convenient especially for small towns and rural areas. I have to drive an hour to a UPS or FedEx shipping centers, while the local post office is just a block away. Real employees, not just today's temp-of-the-week. #3 (a distant 3rd, at best) FedEx: I probably get a shipment through these guys just a few times a year. I try to avoid them whenever possible. They screw it up about half the time! I'm not kidding. Before I swore off using them, I had some very dire times where the delivery was absolutely critical... and, they dropped the ball every time... every time. I would have rated DHL ahead of FedEx, but they do so few deliveries in the US now, they are hardly relevant in my opinion, but if you have others you'd like to mention besides the big 3, then by all means let's here about them. And yes, You guessed it... I'm journeying through "FedEx Hell" once again! This is an aquarium related order (thankfully it isn't livestock!) through AMAZON, but not shipped by AMAZON. It did not occur to me that this independent seller would not use UPS. You get used to ordering through AMAZON and you get used to it being UPS... so, I didn't ask, request or direct them how to ship. Your ratings? Your experiences?

My 3rd hobby would be my micro-framing/gardening. I built a 20'x30' greenhouse out of 2x2 lumber. That and all the outdoor growing keeps me pretty busy during the warmer months (we only grow spinach for fresh eating over the winter). I would actually have to rank my model railroading as my 1st hobby, slightly ahead of my fish keeping at this point. That could change over time, but they will always be neck and neck (I have a train room, but I don't have a fish room...yet. lol).

@FLFishChik I think those will be good choices starting out, as you will see how 2 different types of filters are working for you.

@FLFishChik In response to the issue of HOBs leaking onto the floor, it is correct that the #1 reason for that happening is lack of maintenance and honestly most canister leaks seem to be maintenance related as well... otherwise, as long as the casing isn't cracked and you have the filter level (or tilted slightly toward the tank) the water is going to run out over the waterfall outflow into your tank and not onto the floor. From what I have seen, it takes a bit more to make sure the seals and clamps are correctly in place on a canister than it does when you re-assemble a serviced HOBs, but bad installation (re-installation) can bite you with both HOBs and canisters... no doubt about it.

@FLFishChik As you can see, folks are definitely "into" what there into and "not" what they're not! lol Filtration should be a "no brainer" after all these years, but few can agree on either the type of filter or even which filter in a particular category. First things first. From everything I have seen, the only AquaClear option for a 75G is the AC110... when AquaClear says the AC70 is for upto 70G, they aren't kidding... it is not just a gallon estimate, but a filter that won't fit on a 75G rim... at least not on an Aqueon standard 75G (I just don't know about other aquarium tank brands to definitively say). With the Tidals, you can use either the 75 or 110 models on an Aqueon 75G (but please know what the modifications are and why before choosing one of these). And, while I would not personally choose a canister filter, there are some that are better than others (don't by a no name brand off of Amazon of any filter type! Just say'n'). As to the cost, when Petco had their last filter sale, I was able to get them for around $60 each (some have been able to stack discounts and get them for well under $50ea). I was surprised and pleased that Petco beat the typical Amazon offer of $90-$95 by a mile! Yeah!! Of course, this generally means you could get a smaller model Fluval cannister filter for a great price, too! Sometimes you can stack 3 discounts together (some stores will and some won't do it)... the new customer order (use a spouse or friend if you have to)... the actual sale discount (make sure it is actually on sale) and order it online to pickup at the store before you go... even 2 out of the 3 is really good! Again, my second choice for a 75G would be sponges with power-heads... always a pretty cheap, yet powerful water moving option. About powerful filters moving substrate... well the ACs can do that then the water level is much below the bottom of the rim... they are really better about sending the water flow out across the surface than most other HOBs, but every powerful HOB will kick sand substrate around if the water level drops and there is a large enough waterfall effect (med-large gravel not a problem). I like to keep my tanks topped off and right at the bottom on the rim... but, I understand some don't. Hopefully that helps, but I do get it... it is really mostly about "what you like" and its difficult to know if you haven't done a particular thing before... who's right? I don't know that... I only know what and why I do what I do. Thanks.

@FLFishChik Good options presented so far, and people can be very passionate (sometimes beyond reasonableness when it comes to this topic), so I will simply mention what I opted for and why. I am setting up a new 75G and decided on 2 AquaClear 110s (one on each end facing in toward each other). Here's why: 1. I don't particularly like canister filters over all... I like some things about them, but I think I would build a sump before I would ever get one. 2. I like sponge filters for certain applications, like breeding for example, but air bubble filters just don't cut it for me on a well stocked community display tank where you have plants, decor blocking a lot of the water flow... you really need to be able to push the water around, in my opinion. 3. My second choice would be to go with power-head driven sponge filters, one in each corner. I used to have several set-ups that used power-heads on under-gravel filters and sponges, and I liked both of them a lot. I didn't choose those, because I want the ability to swap out different media in my filters (like crushed coral) when necessary and you just don't have that in a sponge filter set-up (I don't like the idea of putting coral or other things in the substrate because if you want/need to change/replenish it, that's a huge pain)... just not going to do that... I like straight sand or gravel only. I don't have any clearance on the back of my tank for HOBs. Having them on the ends means having to build custom lids from coroplast, but I'm okay with that as it is much cheaper and will be a better fit to my needs than a standard glass lid. I chose the AquaClear after long considering the Tidals... they both have their +/-s... but, I knew I would have to modify the Tidals to be satisfied with their performance, and I just didn't feel like doing that at this stage. I know some people like the Penguins, but I just don't like the "bio-wheel" thing or the square intake tubes... but, that's just me. lol Hope that helps.

Welcome to the forums! I was the same way... don't know how long it was that I observed before saying anything. I just actually joined the ACO on YT yesterday! Been a subscriber to it for years! lol

@nabokovfan87 I am mainly interested in the ACO large intake pre-filter sponges. I know they are really coarse, but over-all I like that, but might slip a mesh "sock" over the intake before putting the sponge over that (let the sponge catch the big stuff and the mesh catch a lot of what gets through that). Is the ACO sponge flexible enough to be easily cleaned? Interested to know if you have another pre-filter sponge you like better I can check into. Thanks.

@Odd Duck More great inspiration... thanks! It will be a challenge to make sure it is both artistic and functional... but, it will be fun making it happen! Today (the 4th day) of hydrogen peroxide water and zero visible tannins in the water, so my soaking wood rounds are now drying on a rack. The rest of the wood is due on the 21st, but I suspect it will actually be arriving on the 18th or 19th. We will see. I visited a number LFS in the nearest large city last week and found nothing of interest... at any price. So, I went online and found a dealer that after several communications, worked with me to get some really nice pieces and if all goes well, I will have something "spectacular" at a very reasonable price. It amazes me how much some people are asking for a piece of slate with a ordinary tree branch screwed to it! lol @Guppysnail As for RF, it wasn't my first choice anyway, so maybe I will steer clear of it. Still working out the plant and 'scaping details. Will likely hang some moss from the major boughs (intersections) as well.

@Elyse Douglas Honestly, I have been looking into this for awhile now, including what salt water aquarium keepers say with regards to managing salt concentration. I had already come to the conclusion that in minute dosages, most freshwater aquariums can benefit from some salt... but, I'm talking about a mere fraction of what the labels typically recommend... maybe 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of marine salt (not aquarium salt) per 5 gallons and this is really more about adding in a few trace elements not normally present in most of our water sources. Softer water fish (like many tetras, for example) are much more sensitive to salt than hard water fish (like mollies, swordtails and nerite snails), so it also depends on what you are keeping as to the potential benefit or harm of using salt. It should be noted that the higher the salt content the more potential for salt "stratification" where the concentration becomes different at different levels in the water column. Salt should be very well dissolved and diluted in water before adding... then add very slowly and intermittently, making sure you have really good water movement and agitation. Any sudden changes to water parameters really stress fish anyway, but higher temperatures, oxygenation (which may be different at different levels due to the salt) and general salt sensitivity are all possible reasons for your issue. Thanks.

@Odd Duck Sounds like sound advice. No doubt there would be some trimming to do at some point, but at least it won't look like I gave my tank a "haircut" like as if I was using vallisineria! lol My understanding is that Christmas moss is slower growing or I might even do some of the pads in Riccia Fluitans, too... they wouldn't all have to be the same, as long as they are mixed evenly throughout. Or I could do only buce on some, only anubias on some and only moss on others... just have to wait and see how I am feeling about it when I actually order the plants. The weeping willow idea is a good one... perhaps there are a number of options that would give that look... I will look into it. Thanks.

@Bonnie Welcome to the forum! Looks well seasoned, you must have re-sealed it pretty quickly and re-introduced elements from the previous tank? Thanks.

A large school of small-med tetras... cardinals, embers, blue emperors, green neons, or rummynose.

Shrimp and snails going into a new setup aren't generally a problem. As I'm setting up my new tank, I will be doing the plants 1st... 2nd a few shrimp and a few snails, 3rd more shrimp and snails... but it is not until 4th when I get the first fish that I will be quarantining.

@Odd Duck Yes, partially... I am thinking about doing it a little differently. The disc/rounds are large enough that I think I will place a small anubias or buce in the middle (because it will be taller), then surround it with a bed of moss... I know it might look a bit "landscaped", but I think it would look pretty cool! Thanks.

@fishboy A really great project. Looking forward to hearing about it as it unfolds. I am familiar with Green Aqua (already subscribed to it, actually). Thanks.

@fishboy I would keep them in a set-up as their own colony, rather than with a community of fish and/or other inverts. Having kept them and other crustaceans, I know it is very challenging to mix things as @Lennie has rightly stated. Fish that sleep near the bottom are vulnerable as many crabs/crayfish are nocturnal and hunt at night. It works in reverse also. Keep in mind how much fish love to eat baby brine shrimp (bigger fish also like to eat bigger shrimp, too). They can sense/smell them... fish are naturally attracted to all crustaceans as a potential meal... especially the more carnivorous fish, but omnivores as well. The nipping is natural. Yes, you probably could get away with it if the crayfish were few, small and had a place they could hide from the fish. In my newest tank, I will have neo-shrimp in a community tank, but I won't be breeding (at least not in that tank) so, I don't expected any babies to survive. But, you have stated a desire to breed crayfish. That will be fun... but, much more fun if you don't lose fish or sleep over it. Definitely worth another tank set-up. Go for it and keep us posted. Thanks. (As for a tank size it depends on the size of the colony. You could easily start with a 10G and go from there, moving babies to a separate grow-out tank and up-scaling the original tank over time as the colony expands)

@AquaLu It doesn't seem to have a really straight forward answer. If you continue to make changes, make them one at a time and note the results before moving on. Good luck. @Tanked makes a good point. Try re-arranging one thing at a time in the tank and observing the results. You might also be in touch with your LFS and let them know what's been happening. Thanks.

Yes, I was thinking more of the wall space needed fleshing out as well! lol