two more questions

[danny]

first of all i would just like to say thanks to everyone whos helped me with my new set up
the advice has been priceless
ok then 1has any one had any experience with vortex pumps (are they worth the duh)
2 can i use rain warter in my tank if not what do i need to do to it to make it safe

 

[LoTech]

If you are talking about the Vortex XL Diatom filters, then yes I have used one. I find them to be a pita to set up, but they sure can polish water. If you are talking about vortex filters to attach to water downspouts to filter rainwater, then I have no experience - it rarely rains here. If you are asking about vortex pumps in general, then you need to be more specific about what you are trying to do

How's that for vague?

 

[Dr Joe]

I agree w/lotech, need more info on what type of vortex system your interested in.

Rainwater:

1) Are you in an industrialized area? Acid rain could be a real problem. Heavy metals.

2) Agricultural area? Airborne fertilizers and pestisides.

3) A lack of trace elements in rainwater would have to be addressed.

4) Collection method: Rainwater from roofs is contaminated by deposits from above resources, decomposition of roofing material, plus bird and possible animal waste, gutters and downspouts collect leaves and other detrius amounting to = drastically changing ph.

5) NOW, If water is expensive or has poor features in reference to fish keeping in your area, collect a few gallons of rainwater (by the same means that you are going to use to collect it for your aqaurium needs), in a clean vessel, find a laboritory in your area that can test it for most everything harmful to your cause (hopefully at a reasonable cost). Ask them how they want the sample , then give it to them in a sterilized container anyway.
Meanwhile separate rest of the collected water into several clean labeled containers. Place one quart (liter) sealed in the refrigerator and one quart (liter) sealed in the house out of direct sunlight (tjese are control samples). Place one sealed quart (liter) and one unsealed quart (liter)out side in direct sunlight. Now, daily, note any and all agae growth. Use a magnifying glass for this. First two days you may not notice any growth. Third day should start some growth, especially in the open bottle. By the fifth day it should look like you wouldn't want to drink it. If there is algae growth by the fifth day this is good and means you may have healthy enough water for your fish. If you have alot of algae by the third day it could mean a high consentration of phosphates. If all is well you can set up a twenty gallon (80ish liters ?) tank as you normally would and cycle it with some sacrificial fish. Biggest problem with rainwater is the chamical make-up can change from day to day (depending on which way the wind blows).

The above really isn't difficult to do.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you

Dr Joe

 

[Dr Joe]

P.S. Sorry forgot to say this testing is only good in warm weather, 73F drgees (23C) and up.

 

[danny]

thanks il get on them tests
the pump in question is just a pump desighned for swimming pools

 

[Dr Joe]

Just the pool pump or the whole system? Pool systems are high pressure. You usually have to have a larger tank 400g and up to use these systems because of turbulance and cost. Most pool systems use 1hp - 1.5hp motors. My 1.5hp cost $145.00/mo. to run.

If nothing else make yourself a fountain/waterfall for your new pond.