DaveSamsell

@AndyP, Don't be so hard on yourself. We are all here to learn from each other.

@Cory, As a friendly note: I've seen the A.C. Blog list the sponge filters at "20 ppi medium porosity" and that was my reference source of information. But, would imagine it's only an approximation, for many reasons. 😉 I spent most of yesterday with the black coarse sponge pads in my hands, since it was cleaning aquariums maintenance day, LOL. Their ppi is a little different though. Both products are great. 👍

I remember seeing information about 20 ppi.

@giantlumberjack, I feel 'mutt guppies' are indeed under-rated. It's one thing to raise a very particular strain of any type of fish, but am always fascinated and intrigued at the the random colorations, styles & simplicity of breeding of the 'mutt guppy'. Plus, they are not usually 'picky' eaters. Most if not all of the many fish foods types I have are accepted by these fish.

@Solidus1833, My aquariums are in rooms that are typically climate controlled. In reality, many aquarium electrical items on, in or near aquariums generate a certain degree of heating effect. Whether that might be lighting, hang-on-back / canister filters, powerheads, etc. Our weather here in the northeastern portion of the country is having a typical summer, with some 90's on the board. I know that at least two of my aquariums would indeed have temperature issues, if the rooms were not regulated. The temperature would have probably swung around 15 degrees in difference. I have tried aquarium 'chillers', but it added too much humidity to the room for my liking and running a dehumidifier with the chiller, added more ambient heat, in general. Dehumidifiers are great though if used properly for ones unique environment. The last thing I want is mold in the house, from excess humidity. Regarding the plants: After many Aquarium Co-Op plant purchases, they are the best around, IMO.

@Nataku I feel this is an excellent post. It's a real world problem, with many possibilities. I have been thinking about this situation since you posted. Testing water parameters, that many fish-keepers test for, are very important, but often times are only a small glimpse of what is really going on, IMO. Seems like the problem started shortly after the water change and only got worse with more water changes. I have a few questions just for my own curiosity: Are you on a well or city (tap) water? Do you use water conditioner? Did any other tanks have any water changes, near and/or around the time of this particular issue? Do you have an air-stone in this tank? We may or may not ever know the real reason, but I feel it helps to talk about it. Who knows, one of us may come up with the correct question and/or answer, yet. All the best......

@pedrofisk, I have been conducting some comparisons between several sponge & box filter designs. My personal preference would be using a sleek sponge filter I.E. like the ones from Aquarium Co-Op as the main filter source; with the possible addition of a small, specialized box filter, if desired. Perhaps filled with the media of your choice for more individualized applications, for fine tuning. From an "ease of use" standpoint & overall effectiveness, sponge filters do win, hands down, IMO. The sponge filters sold by @Cory, at Aquarium Co-Op, I feel, have a good blend of form, fit & function that is simplistic, but very effective in its intended application. @Daniel, "fancy smantzy", that's a phrase I haven't heard in awhile, lol.

Knowing my experiences with magnets, it's usually easier sliding than pulling directly apart, because of the magnetic lines of force. Perhaps place only one of the sides in a stationary work vise. This would isolate one side, giving support, so you can just concentrate on the other side of the magnet. Work carefully....

@Daniel, sorry to hear that. 🤕. Can you slide the magnets? Pushing only one side against a hard surface etc. Hope your finger heals quickly.

I like to use baking soda to raise my aquariums' alkalinity. Needs to be dosed carefully though. 📊

I agree. Sometimes I enjoy watching my snails more than my fish. 🐌🐌 🌿🌾 🐌 🍁 🐌🐌 😉

@ForestJenn, My live-bearing fish love the Repashy Community Plus. They are all over it. I seen one of @Cory 's videos about making Repashy awhile back & had to try it for myself. Great product.

Streetwise, As a follow up: I have ordered through AC, winter, spring, summer & fall. Everything has always been received very well. The packing is always very professional and was never disappointed in the quality of the products or shipping/handling of the items. As a note, I remember ordering plants last winter and the temperature, on delivery day, was frigid. I thought, "I hope the plants made it through the rough weather." They did. The package had a warm heat pack inside and the plants looked great. 🙂

What type of food, in particular, do your fish "go crazy" over at feeding time?

@Tim Hopkins, on average, how much time is required for each survey?

I have used acrylic based paints on those particular plastics with success. May take a couple of coats though for adequate coverage.

Bill, The project is surely coming along nicely. You really like those USB pumps. Truthfully, so do I. Those color pots against the concrete look nice. Neat and clean looking.

No, I meant for you, since you are a 'bee-keeper'. I'll have to draw something though. 😊

@Daniel, how about a "Bumblebee Goby" next time. 😊

Thanks Brandy. I was looking for that.

Tre, I see what you are after, now. I use Easy Green, excellent fertilizer. On my API liquid test kit, one squirt in a 10 gallon tank would raise my measured nitrate reading approx 2.5 ppm

Adjusted values, see below post. (edit)

This one peeked my interest. It's a 20 W unit with a price tag of $39.99 Seems like an interesting design at this price point. The pump may be a little big for your particular requirements, but thought it may work. Hope this helps. 😊 VIVOSUN 317 GPH Commercial Air Pump 20W

Bill, All points very well taken. I suppose everyone's aquarium is different. My plants didn't do as well at 20 ppm nitrates. Of course, the tank is heavily planted. I usually run the nitrates between 40-60 ppm, with thriving plants & fish. Nothing higher than that. Anyway, as I mentioned, it is dependent on the fish kept as well. I think a lot of fear is "shamed" into Aquarists today for not keeping a nitrate-free aquarium. Just my $0.02 on the matter. Thanks for your input...😊

Sounds like good advice. Research then purchase. Lots of technicalities with these products today. Technology is supposed to make it easier ? 🤔. 😊. @Pat.Shaw