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DaveSamsell

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Posts posted by DaveSamsell

    SINGULAR FAVORITE PRODUCT RE-ORDER ITEM FROM AQUARIUM CO-OP

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 9/30/2020 at 11:24 PM, StephenP2003 said:

    I have a stockpile of unopened usb nano pumps and never clog air stones. I tend to keep a surplus of easy iron and easy green, too. A lot of times I only need a couple of things legitimately, and then I pile on the "cart fillers" like pumps, air stones, wonder shell, etc. to hit the free shipping mark. 

    @StephenP2003, I can relate to that.  Sometimes I only need one or two items as well, but wind up with a big order anyway.  Oh well, it's a hobby.  😊  I rather support the CO-OP than the big box stores, so it's all good.

     

    • Thanks 1

    Aquarium Co-Op Poly Pad

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    14 minutes ago, RyanR said:

    My aquariums are moderately stocked also and I water change every 2 weeks,  I am hoping that I can get 2-4 weeks out of them.  I will only have a sponge, a pad and bio media in the filter. 

    @RyanR, It's possible.  You will have to try and see.  As a note, I am very picky about my aquariums, lol.  I probably could go longer between poly pad replacements, but it's a personal preference for me, etc.   😊

    • Like 1

    Stuff you bought and recommend (not fish related)

    in Off Topic General

    Posted · Edited by DaveSamsell

    For those who still have televisions 📺, like me;  here is an interesting product that I have been using for years.

    It's an outdoor 'over-the-air' antenna that is useful and an alternative when cable or satellite reception is out; or can even be used as a primary signal source for local stations.

    Reception will obviously vary from area to area, but at my location, I can receive 30 solid, high definition stations.  Saves a lot of money v.s. cable/satellite, since over the air signals are FREE.  

    IMG_0823.JPG.a08b648f880a55325ed81b8ce866fb7b.JPG

     

    I actually have mine set up in an upstairs empty room, out of the weather elements.  My elevation above sea level is about 1800 feet and have a clear sight to many of the transmitting towers.

    This type of antenna is directional, meaning it needs to be pointed towards the signal source, for maximum signal strength.  

    Many folks put the antenna outside on an electric rotor, in an attic or if your lucky enough, like me, to have most stations transmitting from the same geographical location, a fixed antenna location.

     

    RCA OUTDOOR YAGI HD ANTENNA

     

     

    • Like 1

    Aquarium Co-Op Poly Pad

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    8 minutes ago, RyanR said:

    I know every tank is different, but how often do you need to replace the poly pads?

    @RyanR, My aquariums are moderately to heavily stocked at times.  Typically, about every 8 days they are changed out.  I like very clear water, lol.

    One thing to remember when 'hot-rodding' filters is, don't put too much media inside.  This can cause a back-up in the system and potentially flood, etc.

    I think you will like the poly pads when you try them.  They are of very good quality.

    Aquarium Co-Op Poly Pad

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    2 minutes ago, RyanR said:

    I just ordered the fine poly pad to put in all of my Aquaclears and was wondering what others experiences with it are.  I know the two of these use different ways to accomplish the same result, but I'm hoping to use this as a replacement for Purigen.  I'm getting tired of cleaning the Purigen and I have a couple of AC 20's that I don't like the way the Purigen fits in there.  The only thing I don't think the poly pad will do is remove the tanins, which Purigen did an incredible job (but fouled up in a week).

    @RyanR, I use the fine poly pads in my AquaClear HOB's.  Where I place them in my AquaClears is right on top.  Easy to access and service.  There are many ways and it's really a personal preference.

    I use the Co-Op's black coarse sponge pads, cut to fit.  They are on the bottom, Then in the middle I use the AquaClear provided foam block.  Lastly, on top, goes the fine poly pad, for fine particulate filtration.

    Typically, I just throw the poly pads out when they get too nasty.

    I have some driftwood in aquariums and it may have helped a little with tannins, but it's strong suit is fine particulate filtration, IMO.

    The fine poly pads do polish the water, for a crisp, clean appearance.  

     

    All the best.  

    • Like 1

    Are my plants okay??

    in Plants, Algae, and Fertilizers

    Posted

    9 minutes ago, siniardem said:

    Nitrate is 30-40ppm. I don't know phosphate. I was considering buying the test kit if needed.

    @siniardem,  If it was my aquarium, I personally would dose again with Easy Green , add a few root tabs & give it some more time.  The plants may stabilize & hopefully flourish.  

    In some of my planted tanks, my phosphate levels were low & my plants were being affected, since I don't feed my fish, heavily.  

    Hopefully others will chime in with more input.

    All the best....

    • Like 1

    Lowering Nitrates

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    2 hours ago, igot2gats said:

    I dose Easy Green 2x per week, Eco Complete, 4 months

    @igot2gats, My understanding is that Easy Green is supposed to be dosed, keeping in mind about 10-20 ppm of tested nitrates coming from the fertilizer itself.  This number is used as a proxy.  This fertilizer is great and I use it myself.  It is a 'hot' fertilizer, meaning it has a good amount of nitrogen in it.  Of course, nitrogen, potassium & phosphorus are the main 3 macro nutrients.  

    Every aquarium is different and fertilizer dosing should be dialed in for your own, unique application plant requirements/fish sensitivity , etc.

     

     

    • Like 1

    Lowering Nitrates

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    19 minutes ago, igot2gats said:

    I'm not one to chase numbers, and everything is going good in my tank. But, in what ways can I lower my Nitrates? They're consistently 40ppm on a weekly basis. API Master Test Kit is used.

    I have a 10g planted tank. Plants include: Anubias Nana Petite, Crypt Wendtii Green, Crypt Parva, Rosette Sword, Bacopa Caroliniana, Anubias Frazeri, Crypt Lutea, Banana Plant, Ammania Gracilias, Pogostemon Stellatus Octopus, Dwarf Aquarium Lily.

    Livestock: 5 Chili Rasboras, 7 Ember Tetras, 3 Kubotai Rasboras

    Inverts: 1 Nerite snail, 2 Blue Velvet Shrimp

    I do weekly water changes. I rinse out my AquaClear 30 every water change, I squeeze out the sponge in tank water, and change out the filter floss.

    My GE T8 4100k Florescent is on a 7 hour light cycle - on a timer.

     

     

    What % of water do you change?

     Are you overfeeding the fish perhaps?

    What substrate are you using?

    How well are the plants doing?

     

     

    API Master test kit - Nitrate shaking

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    @aquachris, The Tetra test strips will definitely get you there in being very close.  I like the API liquid tests a bit more, but that's just me.

    Folks that have a lot of aquariums, generally use the strips, while average fish-keepers like myself, have the time for the liquid tests.  

     I was just testing all my aquariums today and I really shake the nitrate bottle a lot.  Feels like my hand is still in the other room, lol.  

    Seen a video on the internet awhile back where they put the test bottles into a fully padded 'rock tumbler'.  Not sure that would work, be too rough, make the bottles leak, etc, but wanted to mention that technique, for what it's worth.  

    Anyway,  I also use Seachem Nitrite/Nitrate tests & they don't require any shaking, just some stirring.

    BTW, you are not a "terrible fish-keeper" as you stated, for not using the liquid tests.  There are many ways of testing for the same result.

     All the best.......

     

    • Like 1

    MYSTERY SNAIL FOUND STRANGLED / C.F.I. REQUESTED ​🐌​

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    @Daniel,  Wanted to share a story with you & everyone as a C.F.I. item.

    Found one of my larger mystery snails strangled in the aquarium.  

    Culprit identified: One of my Anubias plants was tied down with some clear, fishing line.  Evidently, the snail caught itself into a loosened loop of the line.

    It appears that it twisted itself and actually partially severed it's body.  Not a good sight....  

    First time I've seen anything like this with using fishing line; maybe others have?  🧐

     

    • Like 1

    Favorite Plant

    in Plants, Algae, and Fertilizers

    Posted

    5 minutes ago, Lynze said:

    I love Vallisneria. I seem to have better luck with Corkscrew Val than any other type, not sure why. I wasn't really a fan of the Corkscrew variety, but it has definitely grown on me. I can dig it up, move it constanty, my fish dig it up and it spreads runners while it's halfway floating, it doesn't seem to care. It has grown on me because of how well it does.

    It seems so far,  everyone's favorites rely mostly on how well certain plants do in our own water and whether or not we have trouble with them, as well as how useful it is in our tanks. 

    @Lynze, Initially, I had some difficulty growing Val, but turned out my substrate was lacking some nutrients.  Never tried the Corkscrew Val.  Thanks for the recommendation.  

    Streetwise Indoor Aquariums

    in Photos, Videos & Journals

    Posted

    8 minutes ago, Streetwise said:

    Thanks!

    That tank probably has the most tannins because of the large Mopani wood, and the Yoyo Loach digging into it all the time. Another tank with a large piece is also very tea-colored. Some of my smaller tanks, run with the same style substrate and spider wood are much more clear.

    I really like spiderwood.  It grew some mold/fungus, but cleared fairly quickly once it was in my aquariums for awhile.  

    • Like 1

    REPASHY * COATED * ALGAE WAFERS ​🥣​ ​🐸​

    in Photos, Videos & Journals

    Posted · Edited by DaveSamsell

    On 9/17/2020 at 3:14 AM, Dawn Dare said:

    Wow I love this idea! I’m going to make this super treat for all my fishies.

     

    @Dawn Dare,  Glad you found the information useful.  As a note, I have been trying other mixes together with the Repashy gel base;  I.E. Hikari Crab Cuisine & Zoo Med Banquet Blocks.  They have worked well for me.

    I like to try different things with my fish food, lol.  😊

     

     

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