
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
16 gallon Half Circle Aquarium with light and filter

Instant Ocean Omnivore Marine Chips

Edit 5/14/13 I believe feeding this food caused my Cyanobacteria outbreak. Stick with frozen, thawed and pored through a fine mesh net and possibly Ocean Nutrition pellets.Experimentally switched to this food as a sample packet was supplied in a five gallon container of their salt I recently purchased. I am producing less skimmate and my water is maintaining good clarity after a couple of weeks without a water change. They advertise less waste due to the product's digestability which seems to be the case.
I like Instant Ocean. I like cleaner tanks. I recommend this product!
Exotic Environments Saber Tooth Skull Aquarium Ornament, Small, 4-1/2-Inch by 3-Inch by 3-Inch

The insides of the skull have small ridges where crickets may hide, although I've never seen any do it.
Cricket legs scattered around it add to the elephant graveyard look.All of the white paint has flaked off in my tank...no sure where it went...now it's entirely a drab, confluent gray since it's nothing but the hardened resin...crap product!The inside of this ornament is full of sharp jagged ridges. If you want to use it for delicate animals, you are going to have to spend some time sanding them down. But on the plus side it does look really cool.
DIEGO WITH TELESCOPE AQUARIUM ORNAMENT Decoration
Undergravel Filter - 30 or 40H Gallon - 36 in. x 12 in.

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I never change water. I have an under powered filter and an under gravel filter driven by a power head.My water stays completely clear. It works much better with a power head than air.
Read Best Reviews of Undergravel Filter - 30 or 40H Gallon - 36 in. x 12 in. Here
Nature's Pure Glass Aquarium Sphere 12" Dia x 10" Height, 2.75 Gallons.

Buy Nature's Pure Glass Aquarium Sphere 12" Dia x 10" Height, 2.75 Gallons. Now
This fish bowl is a fine product. High quality, thick hand blown glass. Modern shape. Not the standard fish bowl.Read Best Reviews of Nature's Pure Glass Aquarium Sphere 12" Dia x 10" Height, 2.75 Gallons. Here
It is a beautiful bowl. A wonderful size (3 gallon) for the kitchen table and for our pet Beta & 2 ghost shrimp. (live plants make the water clear). The delivery was excellent and super fast. Thank you!Want Nature's Pure Glass Aquarium Sphere 12" Dia x 10" Height, 2.75 Gallons. Discount?
I bought this goldfish bowl for my 3 year old daughter because I wasn't ready to do the whole acquarium scene. All I could find everywhere else was the most 2 gallon. This size gives a couple of goldfish some good room to swim.It's visually a nice decor bowl. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because due to the nature of hand blown glass it becomes very thin at the top of the bowl. Plus $40 is a little extreme I believe.
Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Sand

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It gave the tank a great start. It was a nice base to build from with other stone and live rock.Read Best Reviews of Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Sand Here
great product for beginners, i wish i could find it in 20lbs bags for this price. oh yeah and dont let the price fool you, you can purchase this at your LFS for the same price if not cheaper, and in 20lbs bags.but its exactly what you want to start a saltwater aquarium!
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the bag worked great. would like a another 3 for me soon to be tanks coming to my collection... thanks chrisMonday, September 29, 2014
SeaClear 50 Gallon System II Aquariums 36 in. L x 15 in. W x 20 in. H Black

The box contains: aquarium, hood (without bulb), and all filter media pre-filter and biological. The media is already in the appropriate chamber! It has the latest (high quality bio-balls) media. I inserted a package of Aqua Clear carbon in the chemical cup at the back AquaClear 50 Activated Carbon, 2-2/5 Ounce. The aquarium pump also oxygenates the water if you want to put more oxygen in your water you may use an additional air pump according to the instruction booklet. I chose not to the aquarium pump is doing a wonderful job. There is space at the back of the tank for a protein-skimmer and heater (for those who want a salt-water set-up).
The Sea Clear manufacturer suggests a 10-20% water change every one to three weeks that is all that is needed for maintanance of the aquarium. It's about that time so I'm going to do a 20% water change even though the water LOOKS crystal clear I'm supposed to.
I also purchased a Python(25 foot)water changing kit 25 Foot Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System, which I used to fill the aquarium, and an acrylic cleaning mitt Python Algae Mitt Cloth for Aquarium. Acrylic aquariums supposedly scratch easily so I didn't want to take any chances. I have a submersible heater (Aqueon) AQUEON SUBMERSIBLE HEATER Size: 200 WATT which keeps my turtle's water at 78-80 degrees. NOTE: Python's website has a video showing how to do water changes / gravel cleaning for your aquarium!
Red-eared sliders are messy animals but my tank (water) is always crystal clear it looks beautiful. I was able to get a Penn-Plax Turtle Topper Penn Plax Turtle Topper Above Tank Basking Platform REP600 on top too for additional heat, basking and UVA/UVB light! My turtle appears very happy! Only disappointment is an actual bulb doesn't come with this aquarium for the hood. So, if you have fish you would need to read the manufacturer's booklet / suggestion for which hood light to buy.
Everything was easy and I would recommend Sea Clear System II. I haven't been able to find a lower price for the Sea Clear System II than Amazon ($485.50) although another website had free shipping on the Sea Clear System II itself, I purchased the equipment from Amazon.
Turtle appears to be happy with a good appetite and lots of energy!
SpongeBob SquarePants® Aquarium Kit, 3 Gallon Tank

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I will be returning this item. I am very disappointed. It did not come with gravel and I thought it would have a pump. Very generic.Read Best Reviews of SpongeBob SquarePants® Aquarium Kit, 3 Gallon Tank Here
Eshopps Float Valve

Construction isn't the best. It's a bit "wobbly" when mounted. The insert where the hose goes in is less-than-reliable. The hose doesn't fit in watertight very well, it takes a lot of maneuvering to get the drips to stop. I've also had it pop out, and nearly flood my sump before I caught it. There's also no way to turn it off for water changes, etc.
Out of the box, I wouldn't necessarily see this as "set it and forget it." I ended up permanently sealing the inlet with glue and silicone, and put a ball valve on the hose a few inches from the intake. That way not only is there a nice tight seal on the inlet, but I can stop the flow during a water change etc.
I'd recommend it to people, but only if they realize that you have to take some steps to ensure it's reliable functionality.I recieved the product in a timely manor. I did have to alter one thing on the product. the hole that allowed the water to seep through was small (microscopic). So, I opened it up more for my preference. Love the product. It come out of the box assembled all I had to do was tie in my water line that fed it.I liked the product, It does what I need it to do, but be careful you don't always get what you see. The picture and advertisement were not what came in the box. The picture showed a 90 degreee fitting and it came with a straight fitting. I called and Sandy was nice enough to send me the proper fitting I needed. She also sent me a neopreme washer because it came with a broken one. Be very carefull the clear plastic ring that holds the float is very brittle and after tighting mine and trying to to turn the float a little it snapped right off.i cant believe i was manually adding water to my tank. I couldnt be gone from home more than 2 days. I have a 30 gal square rimless tank with a MH lighting. My tank evaporates almost 2 gallons/day. I plumbed under my house directly from RO unit and it is maintenance free. This is hands down the best investment i have made for my reef tank. Do yourself the favor and buy this and dont try to diy. This unit looks really good in my sump. I tried several diy ato's and this one looks VERY good in the sump.This product is sturdy and works. Makes auto top off systems easy and manageable with this one valve and gravity!!
Marina 15 Watt Clear Showcase Bulb, 2-Pack

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The package arrived promptly and the light bulbs did not break in the mail. The are not as bright as the bulb I am replacing.Read Best Reviews of Marina 15 Watt Clear Showcase Bulb, 2-Pack Here
These 2 light bulbs only lasted 5 to 6 weeks in our aquarium.The vibration during shipping may have shortened the anticipated life of them.
I recently noticed that my local pet store had these bulbs for $2 ea sold individually which is +/40% less than I paid here.turned it on and it seemed yellow, not white/clear as i had thought it would be. however, cost is low and it worked.
Coralife 05486 50/50 Straight Pin Compact Fluorescent Lamp, 65-Watt

I think for my next fixture, I'll be looking at LEDs...Tubes give off sufficient light and duration. Only slightly cheaper than purchasing at aquarium store. In any case, these tubes are way over priced and I'd looks to see if there is not a better and cheaper technology!
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Though it's the right replacement for my lighting set up, it keeps on flickering when turned on. I returned it and still waiting for my refund.Read Best Reviews of Coralife 05486 50/50 Straight Pin Compact Fluorescent Lamp, 65-Watt Here
Crystal Clear Aquatics AAD00248 Pondseal Liquid Pond Liner, 1-Quart

I tried foam and bristle brushes and it definitely goes on easier with a standard paintbrush; especially if it's going on a rough surface.
Red Sea Reef Energy A&B
Multipet's Nuts for Knots Rope Bone Dog Toy with Squeaker, 12-Inch
Fish & Aquatic Supplies Tetra Half Moon Aquarium Kit With Led

Sunday, September 28, 2014
Aqueon 06232 Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner with Bulb, 10-Inch

Hope that pertinent info helps someone else not buy the wrong size vacuum!
As far as the construction of the product it looks great and bulb vacuums really do make cleaning the tank half the work.Although I did not buy this from Amazon, my resident shopping "store", I did buy it from a pet store. I have had an aquarium for 15 years and siphoning out the water was a chore, especially getting the water to flow at first. This is simple and works everytime. There is only one drawback. The intake tube and the tubing itself come apart when moving it around in the aquarium. I rememdied that easily by going to the hardware stoe and buying a clamp. Problem solved. Great product!!!
Buy Aqueon 06232 Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner with Bulb, 10-Inch Now
This is a great product for me, but did come with a learning curve not for the product/siphon itself, but how to make it work with my tank and its placement. I have a 75gal and a 100gal fish tank that are in my living room (not near a sink). This worked very well, but as someone said before, it moves water quickly, and without help, you have to stop the suction to dump the bucket. I bought some tubing at the local hardware store and a tubing adapter, attached these to the end of the siphon tubing put it out a window and now it waters (and fertilizes my plants as I clean). My siphon also got rocks stuck in it, but doesn't seem to pose any issues, just rattles and annoys me. Last but not least, I also had to turn the siphon bulb the other direction for it to properly work. Easy fixes, and now is a DREAM come true in helping clean two large tanks by myself.Read Best Reviews of Aqueon 06232 Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner with Bulb, 10-Inch Here
This is an outstanding product for doing water exchanges and gravel cleaning with ease. Before I always would siphon using standard tube and starting the flow with my mouth haha, no more! Very simple to use, water flow is ample for my 40ish gallon tank. Tube length/diameter's work great. Good value and would definitely recommend.Want Aqueon 06232 Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner with Bulb, 10-Inch Discount?
Product works great. For the people who say they can't get it working try this:I believe the siphon bulb is one way, because it wasn't working for me at first until I flipped it around.
Also, start by filling the vacuum tube with water and holding it up until the hose is filled. Then re-submerge the tube and pump the bulb to start the siphon.
I had never vacuumed a tank or siphoned anything before (I have a 60 gallon tank) and was able to use this without problems.
PondCare Spring and Autumn Pellet Fish Food, 9 Ounce

Aqueon 06227 Siphon Vacuum Aquarium Gravel Cleaner Extender

I do not recommend this product. it picks gravel up and they get stuck in the end. constantly having to pick rocks out of siphon. will work good for changing water though.
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Marineland Rite Size Cartridge

I wanted a tank that required minimal cleaning so purchased the 10-gallon Marineland Eclipse, and some extra filters. I do love this system. About once a month, I rotate out about a quarter or 1/3rd tank of the water; and the filters do the rest. The tank stays clean, the fish seem to like the extra space. I'm very happy. It's made owning fish, mostly painless. Now if I could just figure out how much to feed them on the regular basis, I'll be set.
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I ordered these filters for my fish tank. They were shipped quickly. The quality is good and they keep my tank clean.If you have a five gallon hex, this is the only filter selection you get. The length of effectiveness depends on the condition of your tank, number of fish you keep, etc. If you have a light tank load, you can rinse these at least one time and reuse. I am able to rinse after two weeks and replace after roughly four to six weeks. Use it much beyond that and you just make your maintenance and water changes more of a workload. As a point of reference I am doing partial water changes two or three times a week and am able to keep very clear water. Marineland is decent product line and I have had no troubles with these filters. I use in conjunction with a biowheel, which is crucial to maintaining healthy condition of your water. My only "con" is that you can only purchase in quantities of one or three. I wish there were a discount economy pack say of ten or twelve. Finding these in stock at your local store could be hit or miss over buying them through amazon. Keep your eye on the prices as I have seen them fluctuate. You should be able to get the three pack for eight or nine dollars if you get it at the right time. I've seen them go for over $11 for the same thing so if you get a good price and have more than one tank or just want to stock up and not worry about reordering, get them at the better price while you can.Marineland cartridges are very easy to use. They leave the tanks clean and the fish happy. I use several different sizes for my several tanks. This review is for the size Z. I have a 5 gal hex and the cartridge cleans the tank effectively. It is a no mess no fuss filter set up. One just lifts out the dirty cartridge and inserts the new cartridge.I have fish, live plants, and snails in the tank. The tank needs a filtration system to remove the fish and snail pollution for lack of a better word. The water remains balanced with their use. So much easier to use than other types where one has to measure charcoal, filter floss, and etc. I suppose I shouldn't but I extend the life of them a bit by rinsing them out in between using a new filter. The charcoal isn't the same after the first use, but the filtration of particles remains good. I find them actually a lot less money to use than a regular charcoal, and filter media filter to use.biOrb Plant Ring Large (biUbe or Mega)
Jardin Plastic Fish Tank Aquarium Plant Décor with Ceramic Base, 5-Piece, Red Green

The quality of the plants is good, and the bases are weighted enough to keep the plant down by itself. You will not find this color combination in this style of plant anywhere else, and the price is good, around a dollar and some change each. I recommend you buy this item. Since it comes with 5 in a pack it is really ideal.