Showing posts with label tropical fish tank temperature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tropical fish tank temperature. Show all posts

Jardin Aquaculture Air Flow Control 3-Way Lever Valve Pump for Aquarium

Jardin Aquaculture Air Flow Control 3-Way Lever Valve Pump for AquariumWorks perfectly for my needs, strong quality construction, a nice weight to it and precise control levers. Two thumbs up!

No complaints here. I prefer metal valves over plastic just because they're more durable. Now that I think about it, I do have some valves with knurled and threaded adjustment knobs, and the ones like this with the levers can be a little touchy and harder to make fine adjustments with, but good over all, no leaks.

Buy Jardin Aquaculture Air Flow Control 3-Way Lever Valve Pump for Aquarium Now

Nature Aquarium Polished Glass Gravel - Clear Glass Gravel 8 oz. Small

Nature Aquarium Polished Glass Gravel - Clear Glass Gravel 8 oz. SmallI suppose you could of course use this in an aquarium. I purchased a bag to put at the bottom of these floating terrariums I bought for air plants. They do the job perfectly. Pieces are quite small though and they can travel far distances on their own so I wouldn't recommend working with them around small children.

Save 11% Off

Glofish Plastic Plants Small Electric Green, Moneywort

Glofish Plastic Plants Small Electric Green, MoneywortIn my glofish tank, the green is really the most awesome color. It's bright and looks amazing under the blacklight. This is definitely a good tiny plant for any tank that you just want some color in. For anything over 5 gallons I'd go with the medium size.

It glows a lot, and easy to archer in the gravel. It's really exspensive on here though I would see if it's on sale at your local PetSmart before ordering it here.

Buy Glofish Plastic Plants Small Electric Green, Moneywort Now

It is attractive and I found it cheaper at Pet Smart which is why I gave it a 4 star and not a five star rating.

Read Best Reviews of Glofish Plastic Plants Small Electric Green, Moneywort Here

This plant glos really bright cmpared to the other colors the other colors that i have in my tank. its about the only color that does glo bright.

Want Glofish Plastic Plants Small Electric Green, Moneywort Discount?

Petco 200 Watt Submersible Aquarium Heater

Petco 200 Watt Submersible Aquarium HeaterWorks really well. I actually use it to keep my chicken watering system from freezing. There is about 12 gallons of water circulating through 100 ft of pvc piping and it kept the system thawed all night with temps in the low 20's.

Kritter Keeper, Small

Kritter Keeper, SmallThe holes in the top make this unusable (without modification) for containing many insects.

The slats that you can see in the picture are big enough for many bugs to escape. What you can't see in the picture, is that for some reason the designers decided to add 2 much larger holes on one side of the top...

These holes are big enough to allow a Yellowjacket to escape. (Ask me how I know.)

Make no mistake, you shouldn't try to keep animals in the Kritter Keeper indefinitely if they are of any real size (larger than a few inches) or if they are fish. However, these containers are absolutely ideal for insects and other creepy-crawlies like spiders, centipedes, worms, and any other "bug". I highly recommend these for people who catch bugs outdoors in warm weather. Great for kids!

By the way, I wouldn't rely on that handle. It looks a tad flimsy. Carry the Keeper by its sides.

Buy Kritter Keeper, Small Now

U.P. Aqua Professional (Angle) Tweezers

U.P. Aqua Professional TweezersThis is the third pair of tweezer I bought from Amazon that is defective. First one rusted severely, second one was a replacement of first one, except its tips are not aligned, now this one looks nice,feels nice, but rusts. Unless I'm having very bad luck, something is wrong with Amazon's inventory or at least what Amazon is sending me.

The tweezers are excellent quality and very easy to clean. I do wish I could find a slightly longer version though.

Buy U.P. Aqua Professional (Angle) Tweezers Now

They are as described. Well made and easy to handle! I ordered the scissors too and both products are great

Read Best Reviews of U.P. Aqua Professional (Angle) Tweezers Here

These U.P. Aqua long tweezers are very useful to keep aquarium plants as well as for other aquarium chores.

Now, some aquarium brands sell tweezers at ridiculous (or outrageous) prices. But, guess where they are from? For example, ADA tweezers are from Pakistan (no offense to Pakistan people, though). And the price is well over $40 or $50. I don't believe the labor costs for Pakistani workers are so high that those tweezers have to be over $40 or %50 dollars per set.

This U.P. Aqua pinsettes show a very good quality. The tips are well matched and accurate. I can work on tiny coral mosses with them.

Some might consider a smaller tweezers. I have a smaller one, but I use this long one so much more frequently although my tanks are lesser than 12 inch deep. I believe if you want only one tweezers, this size would be better.

Want U.P. Aqua Professional (Angle) Tweezers Discount?

this items is well made and I haven't had and problems using it this past week. I would recommend this item.

Save 21% Off

Lees Aquarium Original Undergravel Filter 20 Inch

Lees Aquarium Original Undergravel Filter 20 InchBasically you get what you pay for with this one. Yes it gets the job done but you may have to add your own tweaks to it. First, the plastic is very thin and brittle which is a bad combination with poorly fitting parts and no assembly instructions. All you have to go by is the picture on the box, if I had never used a filter like this before I probably would have been very confused. The parts fit poorly so when you are trying to fit them together they break. Second, the "airstones" are just this plastic foam stuff that makes too big bubbles so I replaced them with real airstones. Third, for some reason the bubbles don't flow nicely, but build up and then loudly blup out every 10 seconds or so. Finally, it doesn't come with ALL of the tubing you will need, only the two short pieces that come directly from the bubblers, you will need to buy a T-valve and a long piece of tubing to connect it all to your air pump. So if you're trying to save a few bucks this will serve it's purpose after some frustration, but if you are looking for a quality product.. keep looking.

Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter

Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister FilterI know its a bit premature to write a complete review, but I'd like to set the record straight with regards to set up, and address the concerns of the one-star reviewer (David).

I found the filter a breeze to set up. My only concern is the instructions, but I'll address that below.

A few notes about my situation:

-relatively new to aquarium keeping set up first pond (small 75 gallons) this spring.

-purchased new 33 gallon aquarium to house pond fish for winter

-2x3" goldfish, 1 dojo loach

-had previously constructed a home-made filter for the pond, which was the bees knees!

When I purchased the aquarium, I bought a 30 gallon Aqua-Clear (Hang-on type) filter to go with it. I didn't even open the box before deciding it might not be the best filter for my set-up. So, I took it back.

After a bit of research, I decided on another hang-on power filter the Marineland Penguin BIO-Wheel 200. I was thinking that more filtration is better, and thus selected the 200 model.

I actually opened the box on this one, and discovered that my tank would have to be approx. 3.5" away from the wall in order for it to sit level. I didn't want the ugly thing on the front of my tank, nor could I put it on the side as my light bar did not allow enough space. I wasn't comfortable having my tank that far from the wall, so I packed it back up and returned it to the store.

After doing even more research (clearly I hadn't done enough of it by this point), I decided that a canister would meet my needs to a T. Generally speaking, they clean more and clean better, and would allow my tank to fit closer to the wall. With chemical, biological and mechanical filtering a canister seemed the way to go.

So, which one to choose?

We researched many, many, many canisters. We spent hours discussing the pros and cons of each brand, each review, each reviewer's setup (compared to ours), costs, tube size, filter media in short, we dissected each contender until we'd narrowed it down to two. The Marineland C-Series 220 and the Eheim Ecco.

In the end, cost and availability of replacement media were the deciding factors. We went with the Marineland.

I purchased Marineland C-Series 220 from my LFS for $135 CAD, and set it up in a brand-new 33 gallon tank. Although the filter is rated for a 50 gallon, I'd like to over-do it with the filtration.

The instructions were simple enough to follow, although I would recommend doing your online research on the set up of this unit, just to familiarize yourself with the process (esp. if you are brand-new, like me). I was initially a little leary with the Marineland, as I had read somewhere that contrary to its box-label, it didn't actually self-fill. But, I bought it anyways. See below for additional info on this!

This canister comes with everything you need to get going all the tubes, fittings and filter media. Please ensure that your LFS sells the replacement media you need, BEFORE you buy the canister. As Dave pointed out, what good is an excellent canister, if you can't buy more stuff when its time to replace the media?

The tubes fit snuggly with no leakage, using the compression fittings already attached to the valve block. Familiarize yourself with the way the valve block works this will assure you that it will NOT leak when you have to remove it for maintenance.

The valve block has two tabs used to disengage it from the motor head. The first tab is actually a ball-valve, which lifts and cuts the water to/from the tubes. The second tab rotates, and is the mechanism which locks the valve block to the rest of the canister. The first tab will fold over the second to ensure that it is not accidentally unlocked.

This model has five filtering layers. They are as follows, from bottom to top (the direction the water is forced through): filter foam, carbon bags, BIO-filter balls, ceramic rings, filter floss.

Rinse your media filter, as per the directions. This model has 5 layers of media to keep your tank sparkling clean, and all the trays lift out easily for maintenance. The trays inside simply stack in order.

The one thing I'd like to point out to Marineland, is that their instructions do not indicate which port is the intake, and which is the outlet.

After getting everything situated and hooked up I thought, well... how much difference is it really going to make if I mix them up?

It makes a lot of difference, actually!

I'm not an engineer, but you need to make sure that the intake tube and strainer is on the intake tube, and the outlet tube and diffuser is on the outlet tube. Otherwise, you could press the primer button till your fingers fell off, and your canister won't fill.

It may tease you by partially filling. It may tease you by completely filling. It may tease you by dribbling a bit of water down into the canister body. Don't be fooled. It doesn't work.

The outlet is on the left, and the intake is on the right, when the canister is facing you.

Switching the strainer and diffuser, I depressed the quick-prime button two more times, and VOILA! The machine gurgled to life, started sucking back the water, and chugged happily away!

It's that easy.

I'm serious.

The motor is super quiet I have my aquarium in the living room on a buffet-style side table. The canister is simply sitting underneath, in the cabinet. I'm currently sitting approx. 15 feet away, and I can't hear it.

Below are the intstructions, in case you want to see what I'm talking about.

Looks complicated but don't be fooled. If you've got an iota of brains, you'll be on your way in no time.Stay tuned for an actual performance review.

I have been running the Marineland C-220 for about 16 months on a 30 gallon saltwater aquarium.

In general, this filter has had good flow, and been quiet and good filtration capability. With a monthly cleaning and replacement of media, water has been consistently clear and tested within acceptable parameters. Replacement media is a bit expensive in local stores, but can be had for much less online. Some items, such as foam pads and polishing pads, are easily cleaned for reuse.

However, after one year of use, this filter began developing problems. First, the leaks developed. Leaks where the hoses attach to the valve block assembly, where the block assembly connects to the motor head, in the valve block shut off valve and even the main seal where the motor head clamps onto the canister. All the o-rings and seals appear to be fine and clean, but they will still sporadically develop leaks.

The impeller has also had sporadic problems with chattering and changes in flow, even when the unit is properly primed and all air is evacuated.

Last night, during a routine water change, all the problems converged in a single grand failure. The impeller failed and is now chattering loudly and no longer pumping. The primer seems to have lost its ability to pump. And, the canister is leaking from all four areas mentioned above at the same time.

My question today is do I spend the $50-$60 dollars for a new impeller, o-rings and valve block, or simply start over.

Buy Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter Now

I purchased this filter around 6 years ago (I can't remember exactly when). The main reason was, the filter I had before that was the Magnum H.O.T. back-of-the-tank power filter. That one was good, but with the limited space behind the tank (just try and move the tank with gravel, water, etc), it scratched the wall. The first one died a little over a year later, when the impeller broke. Like others have said, since replacement parts have to be sent, I just bought a new one. That one is still in use today (around 5 years). Over the last 5 years, I found one issue everyone should be prepared for: the hoses at the pump have a tendency to separate from the nozzles. The best way to prevent it is to inspect the hoses. When it starts to pull away from the nozzle, chop about 0.5" off and reinstall. Cleaning is usual dirty work, each filter media has suggested replacement timeframes. A newest issue I am dealing with is the gasket/o-rings.

So, because most stores don't stock replacement parts, you might want to buy (1) replacement impeller and (2) replacement O-Rings/Gaskets. Another idea is to buy replacement filter media. Those may add $30 to your bill, but you're prepared!

So, I HIGHLY recommend it, as long as you buy replacement parts ahead of time. It has kept my tank clean and healthy for the last 6 years!

Read Best Reviews of Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter Here

Pro's:

-Quiet

-Self priming (after the hose is initially filled)

-Good flow rate

-No leaks, no mess when removing hose block

Con's:

-Flimsy (I'm returning it before it breaks)

-Prime pump is very stiff doesn't work well (didn't need to use it though)

-To complicated/to many seals--every basket has a seal that needs to be in place

I've had the fluval 304 and the Eheim Ecco. After fixing the Eheim for the 3rd time I decided to give up on that piece of junk and get something more durable. I looked at the new fluval and didn't like the design so I bought this filter and used it for a week but will be returning it due to the cons discussed above. I looked at the Rena and this seems like the best design (more durable, simpler design, fewer parts) so I'll try that one next. It also has better reviews though I am concerned with the leakage comments.

From what I know I would rank filters in the following order

1. Rena

2. Marineland

3. Fluval

4. Eheim

Want Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter Discount?

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!!!

This is hands down the best filter I have ever used. Easy to get started, quiet as a mouse, and easy to perform maintance.

Penn Plax Standing Buddha Aquarium Decor

Penn Plax Standing Buddha Aquarium DecorThis lovely Buddha ornament fits comfortably in my 10 gallon aquarium. It acts as a very charming centerpiece. I'd recommend it for anyone looking to get that Zen feel, especially for goldfish. I find that this Buddha is perfect when coupled with fake bamboo and oriental/Balinese lamps. Though it is quite tall, the statue itself is rather thin and thus does not take up too much space. Overall, I am glad to have made this purchase. It's a great addition to the tank.

It looks great in my Betta aquarium, and even though it is plastic it doesn't look cheap. I think it looks like kind of like aged stone. I've even thought if I wanted to give the Betta more swim room I could put a clear vase filled with water standing upside down on the hands of the ornament (making sure I leave a pocket of air at the top for the Betta). I haven't tried this idea out yet, so I'm not sure if it will be stable enough, we'll see when I do try it.

Buy Penn Plax Standing Buddha Aquarium Decor Now

Deep Blue Professional ADB12881 Bettastik Sub Heater for Aquarium, Mini, 7.5-watt

Deep Blue Professional ADB12881 Bettastik Sub Heater for Aquarium, Mini, 7.5-wattThis is a constantly-on heater, so the temperature your aquarium reaches depends on its size and your room temperature. It must be used with a thermometer to make sure you don't overor undershoot your desired temp. If room temperature fluctuates, so will the tank's. (The packaging claims it is "preprogrammed" but in fact there is no program or any temperature control.) It is a compact and apparently well-made device and can easily fit into a small tank. So far I have had no problems with it. It is able to bring my 2 1/2 gal tank up to correct Betta temperature in a 73F room.

This little heater does the trick and keeps my bettas warm and comfortable. The only drawback is that there is no light to tell that it is on, and .. there is no way to control the temperature. They are preset to only get to one temperature and that's it! My bettas were swimming in water that I knew was way too cold for them, and after I purchased two of these heaters, one for each bowl, they seem much happier and are definitely more active in the bowl. The cord hanging on the bowl doesn't look great, but you gotta do what you gotta do to keep your loved one's happy! My bettas look healthier since warming up the water with these heaters and the product has worked great. I have owned it for a couple of months and have had no trouble. The water doesn't overheat and I have about a 1-1/2 gallon decorative bowl (one for each betta)set up with live plants and decorative colored stones. The heater works well -I only wish I could control the temperature and that it had a light of some kind to tell me it is on and working -now I have to place my hands on the glass or look at the thermometer to tell that it is on and doing its job. Just to have a little red light that I could glance at from across the room, telling me that the heater is on and working, would assure me that my fish are warm, instead of having to check the thermometer or feel the glass. I would recommend this product to a friend and a family member to purchase.

Buy Deep Blue Professional ADB12881 Bettastik Sub Heater for Aquarium, Mini, 7.5-watt Now

I love the look and simplicity of these, and now have 4 of them for our several small tanks. We bought 7.5 watt, 15W and 30W versions, and put them in tanks of the appropriate size (1-6 gallons).

I've noticed that one tank near our radiator is running 82-83 degrees, so I put a lower wattage one in. Same thing, 82 degrees.

Apparently these are NOT "Pre-programmed" with a set temperature in any way. They're just always on.

This means that the will keep your coffee piping hot if you stick it in a small mug, or keep an aquarium sorta warm, depending on the size of the tank and the temperature of your house.

Since all the Heat Stik and Betta Stik heaters we bought all look identical, with no markings to show which is which, I bought a digital electrical meter today and measured them: 7.5W, 7.5W, 7.5W, 7.5W....

They're ALL THE SAME. So not only is the idea of a preset thermostatic control complete bunk, but they're packaging the same product as different things.

Read Best Reviews of Deep Blue Professional ADB12881 Bettastik Sub Heater for Aquarium, Mini, 7.5-watt Here

This heater has kept my betta warm in a 1-2 gallon tank with a room temp of 65 degrees for several months now. The only annoying feature is there is no auto shut-off, so I do have to watch it if the ambient temp goes up (not very often in Seattle).

Want Deep Blue Professional ADB12881 Bettastik Sub Heater for Aquarium, Mini, 7.5-watt Discount?

I thought this would be great for my tiny desk aquarium, but there is no off switch. So, when left on, the water temp went to 86 degrees. When off, it fell to 68 degrees. So, I purchased a timer. It has "teeth" every 1/2 hour that you can set to go on or off. So, I set the heater to go on and off for an hour at a time every 24 hours. This seemed to do the trick and the water temp is at a constant 80 degrees now. That's all you need to do for this product to perform perfectly!

Save 21% Off

Smooth Rock Cave Ornament

Smooth Rock Cave OrnamentI love this ornament. It is the biggest round rock cave I've been able to find. I was looking for something that looked like Patrick's rock (from Spongebob) for my Bikini Bottom tank setup and this is PERFECT.

I would only warn other customers that the back isn't round, it's a little lumpier, though it's not shown in the photo. I had wanted to turn it around so that the entrance wasn't visible, but it didn't look like Patrick's rock anymore when I did that.

It's still a really nice, well-made decoration and my fish LOVE it.

If you are looking for a resemblance to Patrick's rock, this is not the one for you. It is oblong and looks nothing like the photo. I am very disappointed. But if you just want a rock for your aquarium...it is great at being that....

Buy Smooth Rock Cave Ornament Now

Although it's not authentic "Patricks house" it completes the whole bikini bottom theme! our aquarium now looks like it's right out of Spongebob Squarepants!

Read Best Reviews of Smooth Rock Cave Ornament Here

My frogs were very skittish little guys, and this rock, after many failures with other ornaments, became their main home where I dropped their food for them.

Want Smooth Rock Cave Ornament Discount?

Zoo Med Repti Temperature Rheostat

Zoo Med Repti Temperature RheostatI am using this for a purpose which probably voids the warranty, but works well. It adjusts my crafting (wood) burner so that it is cool enough to work with wax.

Perfect.

I picked up this product with the idea of controlling the temperatures in my ball pythons enclosure but even on this rheostat's lowest setting it was still way to hot. If this is used in conjunction with an under tank heated save yourself the money and just get a plug in lamp dimmer for home depot.

Buy Zoo Med Repti Temperature Rheostat Now

This thing even at its lowest setting remains way too hot. Your reptile can suffer severe burns that result in illness, death and unneeded veterinary bills. I'd agree with the other reviewer. Avoid this product.

Read Best Reviews of Zoo Med Repti Temperature Rheostat Here

this product keeps the under tank heater and lamp at a good warm for summer and can be turned to a hotter temp. for winter. I LOVE IT. only thing is that it took some wiggles to get the plugs in.

Want Zoo Med Repti Temperature Rheostat Discount?

I guess I didnt do enough research on this and thought it was something else. Basically its just a light dimmer and doesnt really dim that much. Not even using it right now since the lamp is on full blast anyways because its so cold in NY. But I will probably use it in the summer time and have it on the lowest setting so my turtle doesnt overheat. I kinda wish it would be a bigger difference from high to low, but its okay.