Planted Aquarium Maintenance

My favorite was the use of an emersion coil looped within an old chest-type soda vending machine. Be very careful of contamination if you choose to "build your own".

Modern units come in two formats, either with a chilled coil you immerse in your system, or an external exchanger with a transfer fluid that the systems water is re-circulated through.

Whats that Latin saying? "Cave aquaristum", let the aquarist beware; there is a very wide range of quality, functionality and life-span amongst available units. By all means, compare warranties/guarantees, but do not purc

This would necessitate a panicked call from a customer and a special trip. I no longer use any Rio pumps and I dont recommend others use them for the reasons I outlined above.

I dont want to give the impression that I have nev

These systems call for chemical filtrants, more vigorous circulation/aeration, and other mechanisms to reduce water chemistry fluctuations.

Size:

Even though Im only 5 7", bigger is better (!) in aquarium sizing. Like ocean-size volumes, humungous tanks dont change much very quickly; in part because of dilution, and temperature -wise due to tank wall thickness.

Livestock:

What kinds of life youre keeping touches directly on the issue of the type of system filtrat

Then allow the growth of the fish you have to fill the aquarium to capacity.

Saltwater:

Saltwater has far less dissolved oxygen than freshwater. The rule we use for saltwater is three inches of fish for every square foot of surface area. For example, a 55-Gallon aquarium (48" Long by 13" Wide) has approximately four square feet of surface area, so approximately twelve inches of fish can be kept in a 55-gallon aquarium. In saltwater, look for quality, not quantity! If you have a wet-dry filter or Berlin reservoir, you can technically count the s

They are generally constructed for short to medium-term life, with many being so inexpensively constructed and offered that they are regarded as "disposable". Some will last more than five years (uncommon), but even they are generally "tired" and only able to provide reduced flow. Most have a useful lifespan of less than 5 years. While we are on the topic of failure and modest construct what about shock hazards? Good heavens, it is amazing and frightfully common how many people have gotten a shock from a faulty powerhead! Yet it is not actually surprising. Take a look and you will find that most have no

Reply to Need more fishy advice please

julesangel posted a reply:

hi guys...
since you all wrote that....

ive cycled water, tested ph again ..tried nearly everthing you al suggeste.