Dr Joe;2152394; said:Multiple air driven sponge filters and multiple air lift tubes for HOB style filters (this may sound like we're going backwards but I'm talking large HOBs here) give good filtration and needed aeration.
Fish need their required temperature ranges for good health, so insulate the warm water tanks on sides, back & bottom with lids to cut down on evaporative cooling but still have gas exchange.
Pay attention to water chemistry, small corrections are cheaper than starting over.
Passive solar water heating is possible from a window with good sun and an insulated sump to balance water temps.
Buy in bulk if the numbers work out right for you. Both chemicals and food.
And if you can't afford them don't keep them. It's not fair to the fish and may cost you more in the long run in med.s or dead fish.
Dr Joe
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touche on the last part. I would like to clarify that I, or I believe anyone here, was ever thinking of doing something that would jeopardize our pets; but it is a good thing you said it so people don't get the wrong idea from our thriftiness.
