400 Aquarium Emperor Filter Media

Air Pumps and Paraphernalia:

These are a source of pressurized air for operating undergravel air lifts, air diffusers (aka "stones"), and air-driven foam fractionators. There are several varieties, the most common/popular are the lines of "diaphragm" type air pumps. These are simple, solid designs that are (hopefully) quiet, consume little energy and are easy to service. The pump must be located higher than water level or employ a suitable back-flow preventer (check-valve) to prevent water capillating, draining out in the event of power or air-pump failure.

Air-line tubing is the 3/16"

A simple, yet absolutely essential process in putting up a new aquatic system is the introduction and culture of these beneficial bacteria.

Where do they come from? How do you get them to populate your new tank and keep them going? As you will find, there are almost as many opinions on how to "cycle" your new system as there are ways to do it. Yes, th

Achilles and Powder Blue Tangs for example, do not handle stress well, and are particularly susceptible to lateral line diseases and Oodinium.

Some so-called "experts" would strongly disagree with us on certain species weve named in our list. There are always going to be exceptions to any rule. Some hobbyists may be willing to slave over their sensitive specimens. Others may be willing to set up special habitats for certain species, such as Seahorses. Then there will always be the one hobbyist who has kept a fish

They provide valuable circulation, surface agitation, and oxygenation in any aquatic exhibit. Without them our aquaria would be lifeless stagnant pools of water.

Here is a brief roundup of the commonly available powerheads found in the aquarium hobby.

Aquarium Systems Maxi-Jets

The Maxi-Jet powerhead on the left is being used to power a small protein skimmer. The attachment on the inlet allows air to be drawn in through the impeller, producing very fine bubbles.

I have found these pumps to be some of the quietest and mos

One note on their use though. If you decide to purchase one of these, be sure to account for any reductions in flow rate or down time due to powerhead cycling in your calculations for total circulation needs.

Cleaning Under Your UGF
If you've ever considered tearing down your under gravel filter, just to clean the junk out from under the plate, here is a tip you'll enoy. ....

Fish on a plane
http://www.livescience.com/animalworld/060822_venomous_fish.html.