new2natives;2085027; said:
No need to PM, someone else might know of a better way and tell us.
Probably not, I just always have crushed lava rocks lying around from making potting soil for my cacti and aquarium soil. It is possible that the minerals in the lava rocks might promote better bacterial growth but I don't have any proof of that other than the excellent way it works for me.
Oh yes any non toxic container will work as long as it fits in the space available.
I like to place it in the corner of the tank so I can use a bubble wand to help direct detritus into the over flow but other than that it can be placed where ever is most convenient. No I do not vac the bottom of my tank, I use sand with my special potting soil under the sand. (Yes I use fine sand) Detritus is a natural part of the freshwater environment. I do use MTS to help keep the bottom free of left over food and fish poop but other than using a bubble wand to direct water flow toward the over flow I do not attempt to remove detritus.
Maybe, I put the return near the end of the tank with the over flow and direct the return away from the over flow to help water circulate around the tank. Just make sure the return helps circulate the water in the way you need it to.
When the rocks are above the water they are exposed to much more air and the extra oxygen results in a higher rate of bacterial action. The faster the bacteria can convert ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate the better it is for the fish.
You fill up the tank until it begins to pour into the sump, then you fill up the sump to the level you want. When you start the pump the level in the sump will drop as the pump transfers water to the tank. When the level stabilizes mark it with in an easy to see way and never fill the sump up beyond this while the pump is running. That way you can judge how much evaporation has taken place with out shutting down the pump and allowing the filter to drain.
The distribution plate is about 11" in diameter and has around 80 to 100 6mm holes in it. Your pump flow will determine how many holes you need. Make sure you test everything before installing it it's final place.
Not loud to me but I like the sound of trickling water.
Always question dude, never accept anything at face value, you might misunderstand me and want clarification or sometimes you might see a better way. I've been keeping fish for 45 years but the best part is learning something new. Once you know everything it becomes boring to me!
) and i think he was a lot better looking than the sterlets, but the sterlets are tiny, so maybe once they get bigger they'd be better looking. are you all out of the whites?
... more questions
