Posts by Brosj

What type (like brand and even name) of the testing kit that you use for your tanks? Do you have a all in one kit, or do you a variety of multiple dependent on what you want to specifically test for?

I tend to find that tanks that are setup in a more professional way tend to have them together - and more DIY or starter tanks tend to have it separated so one can learn what they do or if they are required.

Probably has to due with the fact that the equipment that is required is built to be way more reliable, have to do with the corrosion aspect of salt in water, and probably that there tend to be more pieces involved with a saltwater filter vs. a freshwater filter to handle other aspects.

Have you tried looking on eBay or OfferUp or even on here for some type of used tanks in your area or equipment?

100% not required but it really is helpful depending on the fish you have. Plus who doesn’t like not having to do water changes a lot since nitrate will be partially removed automatically while adding a cool plant that flows on the water naturally?

I just used some tanks from Petco’s $1/gal sale, some silicone, some PVC piping and a water pump (to make a custom overflow aspect) to make the perfect setup for me. For those worried, silicone is super easy to clean up or repair (and if you screw it up no one will see anyways so you can over silicone if it’s your first time doing so ever).

100% LEDs all of the way - they are cheaper to run (less wattage), way brighter, and you can get unique color combinations that you may not have normally or with any type of light bulb/system.

With the huge variety (from name brands to knock offs), which brand of canister filters have you tried and which ones would you recommend to others?

I have to say that I’ve used almost all of the brands (Eheim, Marineland, SunSun, even the cheap Top Fin brands) and they all worked well. Just make sure that you set it up correctly, and don’t stuff a lot of filter media since that tends to burn out the motor in the cheaper units. I also would HIGHLY recommend using some type of lube on the O-ring seal and even on the tubing to help stop leaks in the future.

Sometimes this can be a HUGE change, although it normally happens through time. You might notice spots forming of different color, before a full transformation.

Otherwise if it seems to be a gray coloration or another type (let’s say a Neon Tetra turning white) than it actually might be a disease vs. normal color changing.

Is this still for sale?

How much water are you changing for routine changes? And how often? Some say 10% per week, some say 25% per week. Some even say every 2 weeks is good. I’ve been doing 10% weekly (or sometimes bi-weekly) but curious on what others are doing. ?

Any hints on when the next one will be by chance?

Do you buy your tanks online or do you purchase them in store through some type of special order process?

Mostly have been using fine sand, and if my water isn’t right in terms of buffering then I tend to just use crushed corals or aragonite underneath/near the base of my live rock.

I’ve mostly been using pure LEDs for awhile with my freshwater and coral tanks - but tend to find that the LEDs can allow for deeper and richer color than what a normal bulb that has and type of tint over it could provide.

I’m just happy that the cost has gone down over time since I remember when any LED light fixture was easily over a few hundred.

If I remember mine was Java Fern since my local Petco had them for sale with pieces of wood (which worked out to add some cool real decorations to my tank).

Count me into this!

I say yes since it honestly it adds beneficial things to most fish, makes them feel super secure, and the color doesn’t even look bad unless people assume if the water isn’t crystal clear it’s a horrible thing.

Have you guys who can’t seem to keep real coral alive just use fake coral? Do you go for those ones that they sell at like Petsmart, or is there a go to brand?

I just jumped in from the first time that I managed to go into a fish store near me! Love the fish curse.

I’ve recently dealt with some heaters that either overheat, are reading incorrectly, or just have horrible reviews online. What heaters companies and brands do you guys recommend for your tanks?