Picked up my 125 today

[haynchinook334]

Lava rock also helps filter the water. Can't wait to see it fully set up.

 

[tcarswell]

Thanks Toddo I appreciate the link. Once I get home from work im going to play with the filter some more. Also on another topic I really want this tank to look top notch so I am going buy all new decor, I am thinking of buying some large pcs of black-red lava rock from a stone supplier and then try drilling my own holes with a carbide drill. This will save a ton of money- except for the carbide drill bit a 1" dia bit costs about $45.00 Has anybody else tried doing this?

I wouldnt think you would need to go carbide on it. You will save a ton of money either way. Try some cheaper bits on the rock first they worked for me. I just used a ton of revolutions and low pressure and I never cracked a lava rock. And as mentioned lava rock helps with bio quite a bit. Sounds like .30 a pound is an awesome deal try the cheaper bits first is my .o2

 

[Jaybird1]

I wouldnt think you would need to go carbide on it. You will save a ton of money either way. Try some cheaper bits on the rock first they worked for me. I just used a ton of revolutions and low pressure and I never cracked a lava rock. And as mentioned lava rock helps with bio quite a bit. Sounds like .30 a pound is an awesome deal try the cheaper bits first is my .o2

Thanks for the help I will try the cheaper High Speed Steel bits first.

 

[tcarswell]

Thanks for the help I will try the cheaper High Speed Steel bits first.

I have some glass bits and carbide and all that on hand (Thank you company I work for. office workers enjoy free office supplies. I enjoy free tools and bits the company gives me the excess tools and such after they charge the customer for the job and I get to keep the left overs. )

Anyways I never needed to use the expensive bits the cheapo's did a good job. I used a lithium ion 18 volt cordless makita hammer drill.

 

[yzf450motoxrider]

it dosnt work b/c of the air pocket in the canister when its3/4 full. You need to fill it so the water is about 1.5 in below the top of the canister. If that dosnt work release the two front clips on the canister that will break the seal letting air out and water in be sure to lock the seal fast tho or the canister will overflow.

 

[Jaybird1]

it dosnt work b/c of the air pocket in the canister when its3/4 full. You need to fill it so the water is about 1.5 in below the top of the canister. If that dosnt work release the two front clips on the canister that will break the seal letting air out and water in be sure to lock the seal fast tho or the canister will overflow.

Thanks I have it running good now,

 

[Jaybird1]

I have another question for everybody, is putting all new rock and decorations in the tank going to cause my water to fluctuate drastically? I mean raise the ammonia or lower the ph? The reason I ask is I cant get all the new Lava rock till this weekend but i want to put some of my fish in the tank now and when I go to put all new rock in I dont want to upset all the fish and stress them out. Do you guys think I should fully decorate the tank first then check water parameters and then add fish? Sorry for the novice questions but I have only had small tanks my whole life and am a little nervous with this tank.

 

[Jaybird1]

No help on the question above? Bump

 

[Pharaoh]

I doubt the rock will be an issue.

As far as the Rena Filstars, here is what I do and it has never failed me.

1. Get the canister as full as possible
2. put on lid
3. Make sure the locking tab is upright
4. Unscrew cap and fill with water
5. Put lid on and close locking tab
6. Let water siphon into filter
7. turn on filter
8. as filter is running, tilt it from side-to-side & front-to-back to remove any trapped air
9. Should be working just fine.

FYI, the cannister does not have to be filled up at all before starting the siphon, it just speeds things up.

 

[tcarswell]

You should be fine adding the rocks just rinse and soak well! How did drilling the rocks go ?