20g Stocking/Compatibility:Scottbeck32976 (Questions & Advic

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

You can heavily plant it and in essence use them as a filter, Do the sponge filter (I don't like them), or stick a cheap hob filter.
Without an actual filter you'll have more issues when it comes to clear looking water imo. Plus you'd have to watch VERY well how much you feed....unless you plan on doing a lot of partials?
Ps. I do flake spirulina..if you want powdery..just crush it between your finger tips until it gets dust like.

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

Liquid fry food isn't necessary IMO. Crush the flake food and it will be fine.

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

And for the filter, even though Dawn does not like them sponge filters, they are the best for raising fry. HOB filter have even with the smallest a large amount of draw comes into the filter and can suck babies up easy if your not careful.

Sponge filters are kind of like undergravel filters that go through a sponge instead of under gravel.

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

If you look at my Vermont Endler tank that runs on a powerhead driven sponge filter.

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

Sponge filter is an air pump, a tube and a sponge with some airline tubing

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!



Airline goes into the tube down the middle, the displacement of water from the air pull the water through the sponge

You can make one yourself

DIY - Do It Yourself Aquarium Sponge Filter

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

Sorry, I don't know what turns me off about the sponge filters lemon.
For some reason I prefer to use a pre-filter sponge over the intake of my hob...In my head, I think it circulates the water better and does a better job.
Just my way of thinking?
Multiple ways to get the job done so to speak.

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

Powerhead Sponge Filter PDF link

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.fish.state.pa.us/education/tic/assembling_hydro.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.fish.state.pa.us/education/t ... _hydro.pdf</a>

Its ok Dawn.... the Angel fry got sucked into the prefilter for me doing it that way so I am not a fan of that... never did the powerhead technique though... looks good though! Best of both worlds!

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.fish.state.pa.us/education/tic/assembling_hydro.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.fish.state.pa.us/education/t ... _hydro.pdf</a>

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

The real question is....what do you like? Sure everyone can say this, that or the other. But is it really what you want? Vision what you are looking to accomplish and then build it. Build it...and they will swim. ;o)

Like me, I could suggest something to the effect of 4 panda or skunk cories, 2 ottos. Here's where it gets interesting....create a shoal of harleys, rummynose and cardinals....five of each. With this definately get lots of plants and a couple of branchy pieces of driftwood.

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

I like it Ryan!
Hey, I wonder if anyone has tried zip tying one of Seachems "the bag" over their intake?
Thinking about testing it on the Xp4 since when I just shined the light on it I can see cherry shrimp and guppy fry (I probably ain't got a chance in heck of getting them out of there either).

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

I tied a Tetra bag (just the filter floss) over the intake of a cheap low output HOB and you should have seen all the angels glued to it that I could not free without injuring (hundreds).

Stupid fish must have clouded around the intake and all were vacuumed in!

Never again!

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

Hey people ! Has no one noticed I use a Powerhead Sponge Filter in my VT Endler tank ? I mentioned that earlier but I think everyone skipped over my comment.

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

Pre-filter....problem solved! Get the AquaClear sponges and cut a hole in it. Slip it right over the intake. I have em on all of mine.

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

I saw it.. .then I Yahoo!ed a how to!

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

Again, I have had issues with those (not livebearers though)

 

Re: Starting out from scratch!!!

Curious...what kind of issues? Haven't lost any fry or shrimp using them. Typical maintenance though when performing wcs...just squeeze em and put em back on. ;o)