Saturday, November 8, 2014
Cat-Life Deluxe Cat Cottage with Lounging Tower & Scratching Post, Blue/Gray - 21 x 14 x 50 Inches
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
New Life Spectrum Large Fish Formula - 2270 g
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My fish are so energetic since I began using this fish food! I do recommend it. My African Cichlids are happy!Read Best Reviews of New Life Spectrum Large Fish Formula - 2270 g Here
My Malawi Cichlids love it, BUT it nothing like the Cichlid formula. I called New Life before I bought this and they said it is the same ingredients as the Cichlid formula. Well after I used it the first time I knew that I was not going to like it. I have a 125 gallon tank and was shocked to see how the small amount of food (3mm) that I gave to the fish turned into this "orange cloud" that moved across the tank. They ate all of the food before it hit the gravel. It is very messy. I have to give a very small feeding with the (3mm)and finish with the (1mm). I found that I need to clean my wet/dry much more often. I also found that I have to do a larger water change to get back to clear water. The clean up hassle is not worth the larger food size and will go back to the (1mm Cichlid Formula) when I finish this 5lb bucket.Want New Life Spectrum Large Fish Formula - 2270 g Discount?
Fast shipping and unbeatable price. That is important when you have as many fish as I do.Thursday, October 16, 2014
Pressure-Flo Filter
Update: Just want to let everyone knows that after about 10 days, my pond is clear all the way to the bottom. I can see all the fishes hiding at the bottom when I approach. I'm able to spot out debris, such as leaves, etc. which helped with the cleaning. I'm glad I got this unit, and now I'm enjoying my pond immensely.This is a really nice filter to have on my pond, about 1000-1500 gallons. I claims its only good for 1400, but that depends on what you actually have in the pond. When I first established my pond I put in Pond Zyme, and Marble chips. The marble chips left a white cloudy water, however this filter took the cloudy out in about 24 hours.
After opening it up, I do not believe that the self cleaning back wash system will work as good as it claims. They are using two arms that scrap the sides of the foam inside to knock off the sediment, which then you can dump somewhere else, instead of the pond. This concept seems good, but without actually taking out the filter, there is no way to get this anywhere near clean enough. But it does do a good job once the pond has some bacteria.
I do wish the filter had its own pump. This is because I purchased a separate pump to go with this at 1800 GPH, of course my flow restrictions are blocking me down to 1400 or so. The 1800 GPH pump is really small, it could have easily fit inside of this filter.
Next, I really wish this had screw on pipe nipples instead of these clip in place version. Yes its nice when you need to take it appart, but it is one pain to find the right connections for setting up the back wash system.Having studied the various options on how to build my own KOI pond for the last 3 years, I am now settled on a very comfortable 300 Gallon tank with a design that will allow me to add a little more fishes as needed.
Here are the components and my reviews for each of them
300 Gallon Rubber Maid stock tank (bought from ZOROTOOL.COM ** because it is $100-$150 cheaper for the unit with free delivery. sorry Amazon !!)
Laguna Pressure-Flo 700 UVC Filter (ASIN: B001BOBPBM)
TotalPond PF850 Pressurized Biological Filter (ASIN: B004DL0Y4O)
Danner Mag Drive Pump Model 9.5 -950 gph (ASIN: B0002568G8)
(1) Rubber Main tank
Well, it is a nice size tank for KOI. I now have 7 KOI's sizes between 6 12 inches. I plan to have may be 2-3 more in the next few months. I know that 300 Gallon may not be a good size for them after they grow to >24 inch but I intend to make it work with over filtering design. To me, this will be several more years, as I am not the "over feeding" owner :-)
The tank is made with good strong and "fish safe" material. It is quite sturdy in design and able to handle the load of water (completely filled up) without a doubt. it just happened that it rained a lot once I got this tank, so I tested to full capacity with rain water (from down sprout) for a few days. by putting it on my backyard concrete patio. So far, no sign of bending or cracking. The drain plug (included) comes with threaded (1.5 in OD PVC adapter) was very handy to drain out those water when I was ready to move it for real installation.
(2) Danner Mag Drive Pump
This is the first component of my "over filtering" design. The pros recommend that the whole volume of the pond be completely circulated through filter at least twice in an hour. In my case, a 600 GPH pump should be enough, but I compensate for the smaller pipe and some flow rate loss etc. I estimated that my actual flow rate out of my system will still be somewhat 700+/-50 GPH from this pump. The pump is made with good quality material, the only moving part is that impeller. Having Magnetic drive technology is extremely important, because it will be running 24/7 for 365 days a year. I want to make sure that the pump will not pumping money out of my bank as much as it does for the water. Having checking calculation from may reputable web site, this thing will cost me around $3-$5 a month in electricity. Not bad at all. I gave it 5 stars.
(3) TotalPond PF850 Pressurized Biological Filter
In my design, I am looking for some kind of enclose trap. Such that, the unwanted debris of leaves, fish drops etc. will be collected here first. This way there will be much less of this stuff that will go to the next filtering stage. It turns out, this thing come with it's own sponge and bio balls so it serves as an extra bio filter to my design. This filter is made of some okay type of plastic. The connectors to the water pipe will have to be tighten from the inside of the filter I found this to be a spot where I need to pay a little extra attention. The lid also comes with extra O-ring to prevent leakage but still it has to be really tighten up real good. In my design, my MAG DRIVE pump will push the water straight from the tank into this filter, hence there will be high a pressure for this filter. So, tighten things up really good is very important. This is where I take 1 star from it I found this to be a little tricky to get it just right.
(4) Laguna Pressure-Flo 700 UVC Filter
This is where I expect my real action for my bio filter and algae prevention. Having inspect the unit, I am quite convinced that I have made the right choice. Material is well made with good quality kind. It has a well design bio foam with cleaning blade and back flush if you are the first timer to having back yard pond. Trust me, you need this feature for your filter. It also comes with built-in UV light. Althogh only 11 Watts, I was not quite sure if it will hold. But again, with over filtering design, I hope it will. Only time will tell. Installation and testing was easy to do no big deal for DIY at all. So far, it works well for me I gave it 5 stars.
In my design, it connects like this Rubber Maid tank -> 3/4 pipe -> MAG DRIVE PUMP -> 3/4 pipe -> Total Pond ->3/4 pipe -> Laguna Filter -> Rubber Maid Tank
I'm in GA, our winter is not that cold but there are days where it gets below freezing. So, with helps of my kid, I decided to bury 1/3 of the tank into the ground. The filter + pump are at ground level. When filling it up, I can still get the benefit of gravity to help flow the water. Digging + Installation to me 1.5 days. I filled it up and run it to check for leaks by the end of the second day all leakages were fixed. That when I start to add the enzyme (same thing I used with my earlier aquarium tank) / salt and stuff to prepare the water. Then I let it run for 8 days to make sure the good bacteria are well adjusted. Testing pH it was perfect.
My KOI's have been living in this system now for 2 weeks. The location of my pond is such that it has some shade most of the day from near by trees. Only between 11am 2pm that it will be in full sun. I build a floating basket (24 in diameter) that I plan to plant water lily this thing is a perfect shade for the fish during full sun. I noticed that between day 3-5 the water was a little less than crystal clear but it is still clear. After that, it slowly return to crystal clear I guess the bacteria was adjusting to the increase amount of nitrate and stuff that my KOI's dumped out.
So far, I am pretty happy with this design. Well, it seems to be working for 2 weeks now (fingers' crossed). My neighbors like it and asked that I share the design. I will do some drawing and pictures when I have a moment.
Total cost (excluding the fish), my system costs me
Monday, July 21, 2014
Aquarium Divider System in Black
I also have a 29 gallon Eclipse tank where I 'try' to raise any fry/feeders. I had a lot of 'Convict cichlid' young ones there and needed to make some safe space for the little J Dempseys. This worked well.
These things seem a bit flimsy, once you have them installed they hold their place well. If you want to use the metal clips, be advised that your normal top fixtures will not fit well over the clips
This is not an 'invisible' divider, I will try to post some pictures at my web site and provide a link here. My choice was, let fish kill each other, or have some peace (with a little ugliness). I chose peace.
Enjoy
kenI bought some adorable puffer fish for my aquarium, but the little devils enjoy attacking other fish, so I had to either isolate them, or find them a new home. I saw this item and figured I'd give it a try. Easy to assemble and set up, but absolutely ugly in the aquarium. The side guards are an ugly black and really take away from the natural look of the aquarium. A solid piece of plexiglass with holes would have been preferable, but as a cheap quick fix, this works all right. Now the gourami and pleco can sleep soundly at night knowing their butts aren't being chewed on.
Buy Aquarium Divider System in Black Now
I bought these for my hamsters cages because they had begun fighting. I took FOREVER to ship. But it is a good separator. I was very pleased.Read Best Reviews of Aquarium Divider System in Black Here
I wanted to set this up in a 55 gallon planted tank to keep two strains of guppies apart. After 30 minutes of messing around with this, I decided to just let them mix.Where to begin? There are a series of annoying things about this divider. It reminds me of the book reviewer who wrote "this is not a book to be taken lightly. It should be thrown with great force." That's how I feel about this divider.
Let's start with how the perforated barrier sheet slides into the plastic edges that touch the walls of the tank. The barrier sheet slides in like a report cover (and bends like one, too), and the plastic edges are so much like the report cover binding clips that I wonder if they aren't actually report cover binding clips.
The problem is that with even a little tug, the barrier slides out of the clip. I got this divider ALMOST set up three times and then moved the plastic edges just a bit so they were flush with the side of the tank walls (this takes forever... why can't the connection points be suction?) only to barely touch the barrier with one finger, and it slid out of the plastic clips. And then you can not get the barrier back in the clip you have to take all three parts out of the tank, slide each side of the barrier into the clips, and start again. If this product is ever remade, the barrier should STAY in the clips once you slide it in.
The other major issue with this is the clips that attach to the top of the tank. Getting them to stay put is hard, but doable, but getting them to stay put AND positioning the plastic edges that are supposed to be flush against the tank walls is nearly impossible. And if you move anything even a little bit too far, you've just slid the barrier out of the side clips, and you get to start all over.
I am going to try gluing (with silicon) the barrier into the side wall clips. If that could stay put, maybe I could use this divider. i just recieved this product today, i set it up (simple) and it doesn't seem to bother my fish(large oscar, and algea eater) i have a 55 gallon tank and it fits good did not have to move any of my lids or lights or filter so for the money i would say this is a great product. but i did put pebbles on the bottom of it to make the bottom sturdy.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Sicce Voyager HP4000 Power Stream Pump
Friday, April 11, 2014
Hagen Marina Betta Aquarium Starter Kit, Sun Swirl
IN CONCLUSION: This tank is not cruelty. My fish was lively and making bubble nests when he lived there for three months, but in all honesty, a non-filtered tank requires WAY more maintenance, and if you slack off, you could end up seriously hurting or killing your fish. Ammonia, Nitrates, Nitrites, all things you need to be wary of, and it's so much easier to just get a proper tank, something with a thermostat heater and a filter. Betta need water between 75 and 80 degrees to live comfortably. They are tropical fish.
WALL MOUNTING: Yes, you can screw it to your wall, but then the tank part is removable from the wall mount, making for easy water changes. You do not have to unscrew and remove the whole thing from the wall to change the water. You simply lift the tank off of it's wall mount/stand, do your do, and place it back. SUPER SUPER easy! Props for that, it's the best wall mounted tank money can buy. If you're cool with the constant water changes, then go for it.Betta need at least 2.5 gallons and either need daily or every other day water changes without a filter (really just simpler to get a filter for the tank), and a water temperature between 70 and 80 degrees (so most need a heater). This tank doesn't really allow any of these requirements. Another reviewer said it wasn't cruelty and her betta was happy I sincerely disagree. Her fish may have been happier than it was, but that's because it has only been in breeding tanks (basically the size of this tank) and the cup you get him in from the store. He's happier than he was, but that isn't saying much, and he still won't be very happy in this setup. This allows for next to no decorations, which betta like since they provide hiding places and places to explore. The only thing I'd put in one of these is a marimo moss ball. It isn't worth the money, just look into a better tank setup so your betta can really be happy.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Deep Blue Professional ADB12881 Bettastik Sub Heater for Aquarium, Mini, 7.5-watt
Buy Deep Blue Professional ADB12881 Bettastik Sub Heater for Aquarium, Mini, 7.5-watt Now
I love the look and simplicity of these, and now have 4 of them for our several small tanks. We bought 7.5 watt, 15W and 30W versions, and put them in tanks of the appropriate size (1-6 gallons).I've noticed that one tank near our radiator is running 82-83 degrees, so I put a lower wattage one in. Same thing, 82 degrees.
Apparently these are NOT "Pre-programmed" with a set temperature in any way. They're just always on.
This means that the will keep your coffee piping hot if you stick it in a small mug, or keep an aquarium sorta warm, depending on the size of the tank and the temperature of your house.
Since all the Heat Stik and Betta Stik heaters we bought all look identical, with no markings to show which is which, I bought a digital electrical meter today and measured them: 7.5W, 7.5W, 7.5W, 7.5W....
They're ALL THE SAME. So not only is the idea of a preset thermostatic control complete bunk, but they're packaging the same product as different things.I thought this would be great for my tiny desk aquarium, but there is no off switch. So, when left on, the water temp went to 86 degrees. When off, it fell to 68 degrees. So, I purchased a timer. It has "teeth" every 1/2 hour that you can set to go on or off. So, I set the heater to go on and off for an hour at a time every 24 hours. This seemed to do the trick and the water temp is at a constant 80 degrees now. That's all you need to do for this product to perform perfectly!
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I bought two of these heaters, for appropriate sized betta tanks. Shortly after adding the heaters, both bettas died. Prior to that they'd both been healthy since I purchased them. I don't believe the tanks got too hot as I repeatedly checked the tank thermometers. It was probably due to user error, but still I wonder. BTW, they are glass so are breakable. I prefer the plastic paddle type heaters now and have had much better luck with them.Sunday, March 30, 2014
In The Bag Cloth Dispenser By Ethical Dog
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the one pictured when I ordered was supposed to have blue paw prints and the one that came in the mail has pink paw prints. It wasn't worth the hassle for me to return it for the correct color.I had my last one for two years and it would have lasted longer if i hadnt let my dog chew it! it is really the most durable and easy one i have used!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Hagen Nutrafin Max Marine Granules, 5.64-Ounce
Monday, January 13, 2014
Super Orthopedic Lounge Pet Bed
Update: 6-4-13 I would give this bed 6 stars if possible! When I unzipped the cover to wash it I found that the sherpa is lined with the same fabric that the rest of the bed is covered with, and the zipper is a heavy duty zipper. :)It barely fits my medium dog (staffordshire bull terrier) he fits right to the ends and cannot lay down sideways on it. the only parts that fit sidways is head to middle belly. but he likes it and it is very sturdy and should last a long time. the cover does zip off and can be washed, but only unzips half way it will be a bit of a bear to get it off and back on after washing. The top is a thick plush foux sheeps wool. the fabrick is a very thick and coarse cotton or such type fabric. the zipper is Very heavy duty. little scratchy but doesn't seem to bother the dog.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
All Glass Aquarium AAG21530 Fluorescent Deluxe Hood, 30-Inch
Buy All Glass Aquarium AAG21530 Fluorescent Deluxe Hood, 30-Inch Now
This light and hood is as described and functions well, however the included light bulb is not as bright as some of the others that I have had. Also the included instructions were not for the proper item, but that is not that important. I did have a difficult time cutting out the holes for the filter and heater to fit in the back, maybe there was a trick to it, but like I said I did not have the instructions. Otherwise so far so good.Read Best Reviews of All Glass Aquarium AAG21530 Fluorescent Deluxe Hood, 30-Inch Here
Monday, November 25, 2013
Two Little Fishies ATLJT Julians Thing Multi Purpose Tool
I would recommend this item and this seller.
Thanks!
MarcHonestly, the pieces it comes with are a little confusing and the instructions are fairly terrible, but the thing works as advertised and does a good job. It's build quality is good and seems like it will last. I recommend it.
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It's basically a syringe with a long hose. The components are sturdy enough, but it's assembly is more in line with DIY than a commercial product. If you can create it on your own, you'll probably be better off.Read Best Reviews of Two Little Fishies ATLJT Julians Thing Multi Purpose Tool Here
Initially I had rated this product low, but I've sinced changed my mind due to the customer service. I had received the product damage and had notitfied the company immediately. Though they didn't respond to my query, they did send me a replacement product, which I am happy with. I will definitely do business with the company again.Want Two Little Fishies ATLJT Julians Thing Multi Purpose Tool Discount?
I used Kent Seasquirts (and still do for other things) but this is the best tool for target feeding your corals. I found that the kent product was good, but it doesn't allow for changable tips.. so you need to get 2 if you want to cut a tip larger for more meaty feedings. With this, you can get a 3 pack of changable tips cut them to fit your needs for particular feedings.I also like the seringe style.. With the baster style feeders I tend to loose more food trying to gently get it out of the tube with this it's very easy to spot feed individual polyps. great little invention. and you can't beat the amazon price.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Fish Acclimation Kit 1-pk
- Adjustable drip acclimation system for new aquarium arrivals
- Gradually equalizes water parameters to minimize stress and shock
- Ideal for the acclimation of sensitive fish, invertebrates, or corals
*Includes air tubing
*Turning knob thingy (Flow valve)
CONS:
*The U part doesn't fit on my tank
*The Flow valve is a bit hard to turn
OTHERS:
I wanted to buy this because I liked to keep my fish longer from dripping them
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Fish & Aquatic Supplies Activated Carbon In Jar With Media Bag 78Oz (2Pk 39Oz Jars)
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Laguna Spitter Kit
Item being reviewed
Laguna Frog Spitter KitSmall, lightweight spitter. Dimensions given are accurate, only I never can equate the actual numbers until I see the product. Nice length of hose preconnected. Should be used in a windfree area as it topples over easily.
I receivd what I ordered, I just wish I had read description and detail more closely to see what I was really getting.it is very cute the only reason i gave it four stars was because the pump is small and doesnt pump as strong as i would have like but i really love itLeaks out of the body, hose does not remove from the pump and spitter. This product is a lightweight cheaply made p.o.s.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Spio III CO2 Diffuser - Glass Reactor for Aquarium Plants
Biggest complaint I had was that it did not come with a suction cup....... How am I supposed to attach it to the tank? Stuff it into the substrate? Luckily I had a suction cup laying around the house that was close enough in size to work but is not really my permanent solution. Now I have to find a place to order custom suction cups or find another route. I'm glad I had something close enough laying around.
Buy Spio III CO2 Diffuser - Glass Reactor for Aquarium Plants Now
This diffuser creates a very fine co2 flow, no issues so far, although when I received it there was a good sized chip in the glass just above the ceramic diffuser disk, I took a chance at not wasting a week or two in returning based on the overall cost. I was happy to see that once pressure was applied that it did not crack the glass, would be 5 stars if not for the chipped glass.Read Best Reviews of Spio III CO2 Diffuser - Glass Reactor for Aquarium Plants Here
Works well, small and efficent. Great for small aquariums anywhere between 5-30 gallons.Reccomend this product to anybody that needs a diffuser for DIY co2
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Received this in once piece, however the unit leaked where the spiral meets the inside of the cup. There are also leaks around the diffuser disc, causing some pretty large bubbles. This seems to be a cheap Chinese knock-off. I'm pretty disappointed.Monday, July 1, 2013
Komodo Kricket Keeper
The problem: If I put any more than 1 or 2 dozen in, they escape. I don't know how, but I don't have a problem with "escapees" if I keep less than 2 dozen. I still deal with the occasional escape artist though, but consider the fact that you are keeping insects in your house and there are bound to be at least a few running loose in your house anyway.
The Kricket Keeper is easy to clean (especially when you line it with a small clear plastic bag), easy to access for feeding/watering, and easy to get the crickets out with the wand. A great "starter" cricket housing item, or for those of us who use very few crickets and only feed them as a treat!I have various sizes of Lee's Cricket Keeper's and they don't even come close to the quality of the Exo Terra Cricket Pen's
Both have the same Removable ventilated lid, however Lee's (feeder) tubes slide into the lid rather then the body of the Keeper like Exo's does. A BIG minus.
Both have "Cricket dispensers" Lee's is round while Exo's is square, no biggie.
Here are the BIG differences:
Lee's has these "Lame" round flaps that (suppose) to cover the tube opening when pulled out and almost all of the time they (flaps) fall off!
The Exo Terra Cricket Pen has a drop down "Flapper door" built into the the inside of the pen's sides (not the lid) that will never fail.
Simply slide the tube out of the Exo Terra Cricket Pen and the flapper drops down automatically to prevent escapes and easily reopens when the tubes are reinserted.
The Exo Includes a cricket food tray and water bowl tray with tapered steps (that includes a sponge to retain water) held in place by the (inserted) square tubes that keep the trays from sliding around. They can easily be removed for refilling and cleaning. A very nice touch!
At the time of this review both are eligible for "Prime" with the Exo costing ONLY 22 cents more!
Plus the Exo has a nice shinny Black cover.
I removed the sponge from the water tray and fill it with Fluker's Cricket Quencher
Read Best Reviews of Komodo Kricket Keeper Here
I bought this item to house my crickets for my hungry beardies and panther chameleon. Unfortunately though crickets CAN and DO escape from this item. My son was wondering what was crawling on him in the middle of the night and we discovered crickets all over his room. I tried placing the cricket keeper in the bathtub and sure enough when I returned later there were crickets in the tub that had escaped (and yes the lid was snapped tight and the two tubes had their covers on them). Now I have to keep the keeper tied up in plastic bags when crickets are inside until I can find another cricket keeper. So unless you want to be a Kricket Wrangler .....Want Komodo Kricket Keeper Discount?
I bought the Kricket Keeper to hold crickets for a juvenile leopard gecko. It did a fair job. I had read about the escapes, we might have had one small cricket escape through the small square holes above the tubes, but we're not sure. Once the gecko grew a bit and could eat the larger crickets that was not a problem anymore.The part I'm unhappy with is that the clear plastic covers used to cap the black tubes break relatively quickly. We would take the caps off to clean the tubes when we cleaned the keeper. After a few cleaning cycles the caps would crack in half. They give you a few extra caps to use as "dishes", but instead I just used them as replacements as the caps broke. Eventually we just used clear plastic wrap and rubber bands to cover the tubes. The Kricket keeper once fell from the chest of drawers it was on and the clear plastic container cracked (no crickets were in it at the time, we had just finished feeding the last ones to the gecko). The good news is that the container it is a standard size, so I was able to buy a replacement base for a small amount of money.
As the gecko grew we needed a larger keeper to reduce the number of trips to the store. We picked up the Exo Terra cricket pen, Large. I couldn't find it on Amazon, so I ordered it from another online retailer. That one works better, no small hole above the tube to escape from, and the caps are a more flexible plastic which have not broken yet (much longer that it took the Lee's caps to break). I'm not sure how Lee's Kricket Keeper was able to become so ubiquitous (petsmart, petco, amazon), the Exo terro cricket pens are better products. I just wish it were easier to find them. But I guess is doesn't matter for us as we have all the cricket holding pens we need for now.

