[Chemical filtration using a sponge filter?]

@KirstenGlad to find this out now. I just ordered 6 new plant species from ACO last night, because my current species are living but not remotely thriving. (Except hornwort, which apparently is determined to take over the world.) I'll set aside the purigen and watch the parameters and plants. 

[Chemical filtration using a sponge filter?]

6 minutes ago, Kirsten said:

Last time I tried even Purigen to help clear some tannins, my anubias all melted away and my java ferns cried for mercy.

Good to know! I thought it was totally safe for plants. 

[Chemical filtration using a sponge filter?]

If you're only using sponge filters, is there some clever way to temporarily attach things like carbon or Seachem resin to them? At least after using meds, people must have some way to get the last bits of med out of the water.

I saw on one of Cory's videos that you can stick some bio rings into the middle of a sponge filter, so it got me wondering if there's a way to use chemical filtration on them.

I'm thinking a resin bag or a carbon-infused filter pad could be zip-tied to the sponge for semi-helpful use. But maybe you have better ideas? 

[OK, Now What? (or, I Found a Bird)]

Sorry to hear it, Frank. It's difficult to save a bird so young. Good on you for trying. 

[Flexing front panel!]

5 hours ago, Daniel said:

I took the center brace out of 125 gallon tank once, and after that the front panel would flex out about 1 inch when full with water... it never actually broke.

This blows my mind. Would the glass have done that if it were thicker? Did it not, in some way, pull on the seams at the corners? How long did it last that way? 

Did the whole thing take place in an alternate universe with different laws of physics?! 🤣

[Koi Boy - my betta]

Given his feisty personality, I wonder if he would like an actual toy. I know some bigger fish like to chase ping pong balls. Maybe there's something that'd be of interest to him. If not a toy, maybe a fast-moving snail that he could watch but not hurt. 

[Just got my first dose!]

@KirstenThanks for the hydration reminder! I grabbed my water as soon as I saw it. I chugged last night and this morning, but then totally forgot to continue. Mine didn't feel like a shot. It felt like a Barbie doll punched my arm. Weird.

Off topic, but you'll probably be interested. I ordered 10 male "assorted" endlers to get some genetic diversity. They're currently in the mail. Of the endlers I ordered a couple months ago, only 1 male and 3 females are still alive, and the females don't look pregnant. So I thought I better take action to establish a colony before I end up with zero. 

[Need help finding an aquarium because Aqua Lab Aquaria is a terrible company]

I recently saw a post (though I'm not sure on what site) where someone had purchased a tank of similar dimensions. It was marketed as being for multiple bettas, and may have come with dividers that the poster simply took out. I don't know about companies, but I can at least offer the idea of searching betta tanks to find similar dimensions. 

I wonder if it'd be worth having a tank custom-made. It may - or may not - be better customer service if you're just dealing with an individual or 2 instead of a bigger company. 

[Just made this in forza horizon 4]

If I'm using the term correctly, then that car is dope. 

[Betta tattoo]

1) Ow!

2) That's a pretty cool idea. I'd be interested in how you came up with it, if you want to share.

[Just got my first dose!]

Title is the message. I'm excited. Second dose is in 4 weeks. :) 

[Hello, new to forums and getting back into the fish hobby!]

It is hard to find well-mannered online groups, and I'm so grateful to have this one. I'm glad you're now a part of it.

By the way, I think I'd enjoy a kuhli too. Not ready, but pondering it for the future. 

[Coming back to the Fish scene]

Welcome @Todd! 

Where you live, will it be practical to order supplies online? Wondering because ordering online helps me SO much. 

I hope the 30 years' worth of changes turn out to be fun for you!

[Greetings!]

4 hours ago, noctiluca1101 said:

As I'm sure it has been for lots of folks, the last year has been extremely challenging mentally and emotionally, and getting back into the aquarium hobby has been much-needed therapy.

For. Real. I've actually had about 5-6 extremely challenging years, and got back into aquariums a few months ago in an effort to save my sanity. It's a great help.

Welcome to the forum! 

[Hello there]

Welcome! Sounds like you have a lot of thriving happening. 

The shrimp are the only critters without a name? They must be so offended! 😂 Needs some Star Wars equivalent of "the Borg" or "silly peasants."

[Flexing front panel!]

Glass shouldn't flex enough to see, and it sure shouldn't happen so rapidly. I'd be emptying the tank right away. 

With glass or acrylic either one, the sheets should be thick enough to not notice bowing. 

[They're on to us. Shhh.]

1 hour ago, Colu said:

No am shoaling

That was my first thought, too! 

[They're on to us. Shhh.]

My spouse:

"So when you're on the forum talking to other people, are you schooling?"

[Atsadi, my King Betta]

Cool yellow on the fins. Almost looks like a sports jersey. 

[First. Tank. Is. Here!!!]

Title. Made. Me. Smile!!!

[Plants for High Flow?]

My angel likes to hide on the same side of the tank that the HOB is on. The water from the "waterfall" beats down pretty hard, keeping the water in the area moving. I've been giving him a hidey-hole of fake plants, but prefer real.

What are some 12-20 inch plants that can live in constant quick flow, and don't need high light? 

Bonus points if ACO sells them. 🙂 

[My First Livebearer Mutts]

They're pretty! I've been checking every day to see if any of my female endlers have had fry yet. I thought they would have by now.🤞 

[Mystery snail shell]

No experience with mysteries, but after I started giving my Malaysian trumpet snails crustacean food, the new growth of their shells looked very different from the pre-food growth. So regardless of whether there's currently a problem, I can tell you that food specifically for critters with shells is really good for them. 

[OK, Now What? (or, I Found a Bird)]

Hit up Google right away. They have to be fed *so* carefully with a syringe so it doesn't get into their airway. I've tried to save several of that age or a little older, and haven't succeeded with the safe feeding. Best of luck to both of you! 

[HOB or 2 HOB]

I think it was just last week that a filter zapped me. It was a small filter, so didn't carry much punch, but I learned a lesson. Although I won't get rid of high-watt items I already have, I'll by multiple of smaller power from now on. That way if something is releasing current into the water, it will be limited on how much. (If I understand right.)