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Post by nocturnalflower on Jan 6, 2020 17:43:16 GMT -5
Hello everyone! I thought it might be neat to start a thread where we can share our favourite tank maintenance tips that we've discovered over the years. Even after decades in the hobby I'm amazed that there is always something new to learn, or a cool and helpful tip I haven't discovered yet! I'll start  I recently learned that I can use a magic eraser (original) to clean the inside of my tank glass, silicone, outlets, and decorations like rocks, etc. This was a game changer for me, especially for my smaller tanks where I can cut the sponge to get into the small nooks and crannies. |
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Post by gabor129 on Jan 6, 2020 20:27:08 GMT -5
This is an excellent topic! Hope we get a lot of tips.
Let’s see, 3% H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide ) to get rid of most algae on plats or decoration. Works for black beard algae too. It is great because H2O2 turns into H2O + O when hits water, and you can get it at the dollar store.
Clean your filters on different days than you do water changes. It will save you some headaches. And you won’t have cloudy water! Also you have to siphon out a bit of water from your tank to wash the filter in, so it forces you to do a mini water change!
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Post by Crazygar on Jan 8, 2020 22:17:06 GMT -5
Pillow Stuffing purchased from Michael's is excellent for Filter Moss. I've been doing this since 2002. A large bag lasts an extremely long time.
The small bags they sell at the Chain Pet Stores is one use for $8.
Old Bank/Credit cards make excellent scrapers. I use an old Bank Card to help remove from time to time any Green Spot Algae that surfaces. Since it's plastic and rigid, it won't damage glass or acrylic.
Gary
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Jan 9, 2020 13:38:43 GMT -5
Bar Keepers Friend will bring an old dirty Aquarium back to like new condition . It removes old calcium buildup and other nasty’s . Can be found in most hardware stores, Canadian Tire etc.
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Post by jred on Jan 9, 2020 14:31:25 GMT -5
Invest in a hose hook up to the sink tap - whether it’s a python or DIY, will save tons of time refilling tanks.
Use some kind of tracking system to know when water changes were completed. I tried excel, then would forget to update immediately. Then I tried a notebook and it kept getting wet. Now I just use a paint sharpie to write on the tank, it’s waterproof and comes off easily with a razor blade.
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Post by lesfromlakeshore on Jan 9, 2020 16:48:31 GMT -5
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Post by Andre on Jan 10, 2020 9:42:16 GMT -5
Hmmm let's see Don't get caught into the trap of having to buy new insert for your HOB filters, I've been using the same filters for over 6yrs now, just a quick scrub with fingers and rinse in tank water and filters are good to go again. I posted this a while back, but if you want to save money and you do a lot of water change then get yourself the powder form of Seachem Prime called Seachem Safe. windsoraquaria.proboards.com/thread/4416/seachem-safeAs many have said, a python or diy python is great but also are huge water wasters when emptying tanks. As i'm changing roughly 175 gallons of water weekly/bi weekly, i use a small pump with hose to sump pump to pump out most water and syphon to bucket to pick up waste debris and then refill with a python and do multiple tanks at a time. Sponge filters, thus ugly and not appealing to many fish keepers are still hands down the cheapest and easiest to filter an aquarium especially when having multiple tanks. |
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Post by Andre on Jan 10, 2020 9:55:56 GMT -5
Another quick tip... You can use a syringe for proper measuring to medicate, dechlorinate your tanks I use a syringe like this  |
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Post by nocturnalflower on Jan 10, 2020 12:56:54 GMT -5
If you run a canister filter (or sump), drill a small hole in the inlet pipe a few inches from the top of the tank. If the filter (or sump) springs a leak or malfunctions, this will prevent it from siphoning your whole tank onto the floor. (Just make sure to keep the tank water level above the drilled hole.)
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Post by christopher on Feb 27, 2020 14:52:05 GMT -5
Out of 5 tanks I have none with heat. All of what i keep thrive at room temperature.i dont have a python because we have only funky faucets in our house that dont work. In summer I refill my tanks right from the garden hose in through the window. 😀 as long as it's running near my tank temps. And when I do my weekly water changes I syphon with a long clear hose right back out the window.
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Post by phish on Feb 27, 2020 20:22:22 GMT -5
When using Python or diy Python, you can clean the tank without shutting off your Hang Over the Back filters. What I do is siphon the gravel until the waterline is just above the intake of the HOB then I reverse the flow and fill up with fresh water. When the tank is full, I do another siphon of the gravel until just above the intake of the HOB then reverse again and fill up with fresh water. Can do this back and forth until you are satisfied with the cleanliness of the substrate. Having the HOB running the whole time helps get the particles floating around while you are stirring up the substrate. I find this get the tank cleaner and you don't have to mess with stopping and starting the filter(s) back up. Another tip... If you want fish that don't die on you due to poor tank maintenance or just for no reason, keep African Cichlids |
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Post by nocturnalflower on Mar 8, 2020 14:50:24 GMT -5
I just downloaded an android app from the google play store called aqdiary. It's an aquarium maintenance and dosing tracker. Super simple, practical, no frills interface. I really like it! Very handy way to keep track of multiple aquariums!
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