ChevyB

Here is a bit more detail on the Series, it looks slick! http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/...m.php?news=2219

Had the chance to stop in at the new Big AL's in Calgary this weekend, nice store, well laid out and clean. Much less cluttered then the Big Al's in E Town. Still lots of empty tanks as one poster stated a week or so back but had some nice Cichlids in stock and some nice staff. Prices seemed OK as well. Its a big store so they are going to have to do some serious $$. Was not overally busy on Saturday but we were there just after opening. A nice addition to the fish keeping scene in Calgary if they keep it up.

Hi everyone, Well my job has now taken me to Calgary from Edmonton. Sad to go but now have to work on the next chapter in ones life. Anyhow, where are the best Aquarium places in Calgary? Actually moved to Airdrie so if you know of a good one here let me know too although I have not seen any. Brent

You will love the sand substrate, i used Pool filter sand and it hardly had to be rinsed even. Its been in my tank now for i think close to two months and wow, what a difference in cleaning and everything. Plus the fish love it.

Big Al's hey, funny they dont have it as a online choice too? Guess its a reason to stop in during the work day. Need some Eheim pads any how so might as well get the food too. I have never tried NLS but see some good things online about it.

Where are you guys picking up New Life Spectrum in the Edmonton area? Or what ONLINE shop have you found it at

Whats everyones favorite Cichlid food? Do you find some bring out the colors more then others? I have had good success with Tetra and Omega 1. I tried Big Al's but found the flakes really were always so crushed near the bottom, more so then most others.

Exactly the system i used (Ice cream pail) What with the lovely weather we have been having in Edmonton. My biggest problem when doing the substrate change was removing the old gravel and getting the last little bit out. I found that if you cut the icecream pail lid in half it makes a excellent aquarium gravel scoop. Once the change was done though any silt etc in the tank settled in a few hours and it was crystal clear.

Well did the substrate change today. All went quite well, Pool filter sand is super clean even compared to gravel you get. Was probably the easiest substrate i have cleaned. The worst part was the removal of the old substrate (gravel). The crap that was kicked up turned the tank into a thick fog. However, kept at it and once done and fill back up, the Eheim and Fluval have cleaned it down to at least a decent level. I would anticipate by the AM to be clear again. Looks good, i will post some picks once things totally clear up.

Where does everyone in the Edmonton area pick up their rocks (not substrate) like river rock, lava rock etc. Is there one place in particular that offers a good fair price and good selection?

Welcome aboard!

Im running a Fluval 404 and a Eheim canister filter so once things settle they should take care of the left overs. Let you know how it goes. Should be doing it this week/weekend

Hey everyone, Well I have decided to make the jump from the big gravel substrate to a sand substrate as part of a re-design itch in my 75 gallon corner. Its seemed through research that pool filter sand was the way to go so that is what i have went with, I have cleaned some of it but unfortunatly due to our winter weather I have done it in small batches in the tub instead of outside so not quite done cleaning it yet. Looks like nice stuff, grabbed it at beachcombers spa in the westend. Nice size grain and seems very clean as its not taking much to clean it out. Whats the best way to switch things out? I dont really have a place to put the fish so I would prefer to do this with them inside. Most say thats fine from what i have read. Has anyone found what is the best way to get the sand in with the least amount of dust floating around? My plan is to remove all rocks etc, siphon out as much of the accumulated debries that is under that stuff then just scoop out the old gravel. AT this point i am thinking just slowly lower the new sand in and when complete fill the tank back up. Then I would guess let it settle with no filters for a bit as to not get sand in the impellers etc, then fire things up. Anyone have any thoughts on how long it may take to clear the cloud that is sure to develope?

Just found this forum a week or so ago, nice to have something local so that people can make local recommendations to others. Anyhow, my name is Brent, from Spruce Grove Alberta, just outside of Edmonton. Currently have just the one tank (did have 3 going at one point, then got married<G>) its a 75 gallon corner tank that was purchased new from big Als 2.5 years ago. Currently housing a variety of new world Cichilds and a some dithers. Anyhow, look forward to chatting with you all and sharing advice and information on shops and equipment. :beer: