timbruun

I'm interested to see the final results. It's always good to know how well these things work.

Looks pretty good.

I've tried sticking the odd small fish with my red bellies and they don't last too long. So far I have a pleco that seems to be doing really well in there with them and that's it.

You want to have 5 times turnover as a general rule. That includes powerheads. You could just go with 2 2215 or 2236. Or go with the one and add a decent powerhead to get some water movement. It all comes down to budget.

I picked up a used 2215 and have that in my 55 gallon along with 2 AC110. I wouldn't have the 2215 alone. It's great at biological filtration but the mechanical just isn't there. Not near enough flow. You could always add a powerhead, but like everyone says, having 2 filters is a much better idea. That way if one breaks you still have one going. It is easy to add one later though if you start with young fish and as they grow just pick another up. And if it is cichlids they generally require alot of filtration.

bump

So I just found out that I have eggs from my Kribs. Looks like there is 20 to 30 or so. Didn't want to disrupt them too much. There is currently 1 male and 2 females in the tank. It is a rather small tank since they are for sale/trade and not in the main tank. Small being 5.5 gallons. I just put sponge over my AC20 intake so that should be ok. So for questions... What do I do with the fry?Care?Food? Can I leave the Male and female together with the fry? Can the other female be in the tank also? How long until fry can be sold? I assume I continue with the regular water changes which have been either everyday or every other day since the tank is small. And any other info would be great. Oh, and if anyone wants to buy breeding Kribs I'd like what I paid for them. $20. Or possible trade for plants, plant stuff, possible other fish to stock the 5.5.

Well I must say I'm convinced. I just finished setting up my new FX5 and getting my used but new to me Eheim 2215 setup and wow are they quiet. I much prefer the flow on the FX5 which is obvious. I have 2 AC110 with each filter so I should be good. Just figured I'd let people know what I thought. Being new to canisters I didn't think that there would be much of a difference. So far I'm really impressed.

The only snail that I could find that makes sense to be RH is Ramshorn. I assume that's the one?

I've got a few plecos with my africans. Only see them at night though. Always hiding in the rocks. Everything in my tank is still young. Not sure how things will go as they grow though.

The brown doesn't wipe off at all. I did scrub the top rocks and that worked out ok. I just don't want to dismantle the tank if there are other ways or if it clears itself up over time. I am not using any ferts of any kind. I was told to wait until my plants are established until I do any of that. Most plants I've only had for a week and a bit. None of the leaves are covered with BBA. Just the edges. So could I just trim the edge? Don't really want the SAE since the BBA is in my Piranha tank. Snails might work in there though. Are snails ok with africans? And what are RH snails? I assume they don't eat plants but will eat brown algae and BBA? Will they take over? I was looking into snails but not sure which are my best option. Thanks so far guys.

That's kinda what I was hoping. So does that mean that I don't have to scrub the rocks? It will get cleared up?

I've got a bit of a brown algae problem in my tank and I was just wondering if by getting it under control does it clear up itself or do I have to take every rock that it's on and scrub it off? And I think I have some black hair algae in one of my other tanks on some plants. What is the best way to deal with that? And what causes it? Edit: Oh and what are the main causes of brown algae also. I figure my nitrates are a bit high so I'm doing every other day 50% water changes and laying off the feeding a bit. And I have started to have my lights on less also. I used to have them on from 8am to 11pm which I know is too long. I bought a timer now. I only have 1.5 watts per gallon right now and it's somewhat planted. Most plants are new within a couple weeks. Thanks in advance.

Horses won't cause much. If you're worried, the county should do free water tests, but it might take a while to get it back. Otherwise you can find a place that you pay to get your water tested and they'll let you know what is all there.

I use a simple water softener with filters. My water is quite high in iron and is somewhat hard and has a higher pH. It actually comes out of the tap at 7.5 but after 48 hours it is 8.5. So what I'm trying to say is I'm sure you can figure something out.

Not a whole lot you can do. I had 4 red bellies and now have 3. One did have a chunk out of it when it was younger and now has a small scar though.

You'll have to describe not looking well... How do they look? What do they do? etc...

I've used an old aquaclear spong cut to fit. Pretty much any sponge will work. I've tried a cutout of pantyhouse but that seems to clog up too quickly if you have anything floating in your tank.

Looks like they ram the glass/decor a bit. I have one that has the same chin. How big are they?

most tanks only touch the stand on the edges anyway. If you have a look underneath the glass bottom should be held up by the edges and usually a brace in the middle.

If it's just the one then you are better off just getting any glass place to do it. They don't charge much for small stuff.

They find a way don't they. Murphy's law I guess. Not only the getting sucked up part but flow can be an issue if you can't slow your filter down enough.

It sounds like Big Al's is the best place to get Eheim. They are the main dealer supposedly. Family Pet Supercenter has the FX5 cheaper than anywhere else I have found though. So now I have to decide if I want an Eheim 2075 or Fluval FX5...

Sponge type filter as far as I know.

Thanks rayfong. Must be more...?