Rent diatom filter or uv sterilizer for GW

[fishx]

Hi people.

I have a major case of green water.

I've been trying various things over the past month including using algone and have had no luck.

I need to either borrow or rent a diatom filter or uv sterilizer to get ride of the algae.

I heard that Aquarium Enthusiasts rented them in another thread, but I called them and they said they don't rent anything out.

I just bought a new filter system for 4-5 hundred from the US and wanted to clear it out before using the new system.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Sam Chicklets]

Have you tried Daphnia?

[corrosionjerry]

4-5 years ago I had the same problem in my 75G tank..... This is what I did.... I covered the tank with a cotton sheet after a 50% water change and at the same time I used one of the algae removal products( Jungle if I remember right) I kept it covered fro 3-4 days... removed the cover and did another water change and used the algae remover again.... after that the water was not totally algae bloom free but it started to decrease gradually and Voilla about a week later my water was crystal clear...

A tank that has lots of plants in it is also a bennifit to combat algae...

Not sure how your algae problem started.... mine started when I didnt know mutch about filters and tanks.... I cleaned my biological filter with tap water and as a result started a fresh cycle and algae bloom////

[fishx]

--Have you tried Daphnia?

I wanted to but I don't know where to get it. I called Big Als and Nature's Corner but they said nothing is available anywhere.

Where do I get daphnia in Edmonton?

--I covered the tank with a cotton sheet

I've read about black outs but don't want to try it as it might be stressful for the fish. And I do have live plants in the tank - they seem to be dying.

--Not sure how your algae problem started.

I'm not sure either, but I just think it's the filter not working - that's why I bought a new one, it should arrive this week. For those who want to know, the aquarium is a 70 bow front from Aqua Giant - if you buy these you should buy a separate filter as the equipment they give you will not be sufficient for the tank.

[snaggle]

What is the filter that you bought from the states?

[fishx]

What is the filter that you bought from the states?

I bought the Pentair Aquatics Rainbow Lifegard (long name I know) series filters (double size) with the FB600 fluidized bed filter.

I got everything except the heater and UV module. I also got 2 spare filter cartridges and some media for the filter.

As a side comment, anyone know how to deal with UPS regarding their brokerage fees? Those fees are quite unfair I think.

I might clear customs myself but it might prove difficult since the package will be in Vancouver and not in Edmonton.

I really don't want to go to the air port, so any one have advice on either waiving the fee or at least reducing it?

[Toirtis]

As a side comment, anyone know how to deal with UPS regarding their brokerage fees? Those fees are quite unfair I think.

I might clear customs myself but it might prove difficult since the package will be in Vancouver and not in Edmonton.

I really don't want to go to the air port, so any one have advice on either waiving the fee or at least reducing it?

Clearing customs can be complicated and time-consuming, which is why many people use brokers, but UPS' broker fees are wildly high (sometimes approaching 50% of the value of the item)....your only option is to have the goods shipped USPS, which is far, far cheaper.

[Toirtis]

I nearly bought myself an M-6 ( http://www.pentairaquatics.com/products/detail/M-Series.html ) cart-mounted unit when a local wholesaler was blowing-out a bunch of Pentair stuff cheap (it would have cost me about $600), but really had no need/excuse to buy it....in retrospect, I probably should have, although I have no idea where I would keep such a beast.

[fishx]

...your only option is to have the goods shipped USPS, which is far, far cheaper.

Wish I knew that earlier - it's too late now as I paid for it last week. This is my first time buying from the US - now I know better. I did a lot of research after I realized all the horror stories about UPS and I would not ship with them again!! I'll share a couple tidbits for those who are given a round about when talking to them:

1 - You DON'T have to have a broker - you can be your own. And it doesn't matter if is your personal possession or commercial goods or whether it's a personal purchase or a business purchase.

2 - If it's a business purchase they have to call you to ask if they can be your broker. If it's a personal purchase YOU have to call them if you want to clear it yourself or have your own broker - they can't say no, Either call them when you get the tracking number of tell your shipper to inform them (better to call them as some shippers won't do that).

3 - It is illegal to be someone's broker without their written consent/agreement - so technically any customer who has paid for their brokerage service without them asking could sue them. Although I hear that they have what's called "automatic power of attorney" for personal shipments which allows them to act as your broker - I don't know which law would overrule the other.

4 - Anyone can be a broker, so if you have a friend at the point of entry to could just allow them to clear it on your behave - you would have to give proof that they have you permission (a simple letter with your signature will do).

5 - You can save your self some money buy calling them and prepaying for their brokerage so they won't charge you COD fees when they collect money on arrival (it's about $5).

That's about it for the important stuff.

The M-6 is quite a beast indeed - way overkill for a house unit. The one I bought is 27 inches which is still too big to put under the tank so it's have to go outside. The good thing is that it will look kinda cool I guess :thumbs:

[fishx]

Still looking for information on how to get my hands on a diatom filter or UV sterilizer before my new filter arrives - anyone?

[Toirtis]

Still looking for information on how to get my hands on a diatom filter or UV sterilizer before my new filter arrives - anyone?

I can offer a few good places to buy them both new, and UV sterilisers come up frequently at ACE auctions (diatom filters less so)....I suppose for used your best bet is looking on here and the various local reef boards.

[BooUrns!]

Still looking for information on how to get my hands on a diatom filter or UV sterilizer before my new filter arrives - anyone?

Try Trident Wholesale Pet Supplies (North of Princess Auto around where 111th ave becomes Mayfield) for a Lifeguard UV sterilizer. They have them in stock and I think you will like the price.

[fishx]

Thanks for all your input guys/gals.

I just called Trident Wholesale and they said their 8Watt lifgard is $2??.00 (two hundred something - I forgot). That's a little pricey for me given that JAQUATICS has them for $147.

Regardless, I'm actually not looking to buy anything new as I won't be using it much if at all. I just need it this one time - so if anyone can lend one to me (I'll give you $20 for 1 day) that would be appreciated.

Toirtis - just for informational purposes, where are these places that I can find them?

[BooUrns!]

Thanks for all your input guys/gals.

I just called Trident Wholesale and they said their 8Watt lifgard is $2??.00 (two hundred something - I forgot). That's a little pricey for me given that JAQUATICS has them for $147.

Strange, i thought the lower wattage ones were on for under 200, I thought the 25watt was over 200. Maybe they changed their prices or misread the list.

Edited November 5, 2007 by BooUrns!

[jvision]

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