Showing posts with label aquarium shops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aquarium shops. Show all posts

Monday, November 3, 2014

TOM Stellar Air Pump S-30 - 30gal to 40gal tank

TOM Stellar Air Pump S-30 - 30gal to 40gal tankThis S-30 Tom Stellar Air Pump operated quite nicely, and appeared to be doing it's job rather well. However, this thing is loud! Sounds like a compressor, which of course, it is.

I went with the S-20 model, and it's like night and day in the noise department. Same build quality as the S-30 with rubber feet and all.

FYI, apparently, these are an all black model now, not like the current picture on Amazon. They have the STELLAR name vertically printed on the top of the housing in large letters.

Save 9% Off

Thursday, October 2, 2014

DSunY® 120w Unltra-Thin 15mm No Fan Noise Aquarium Light Fixture Reef Fish Tank Light/Reef Capa

DSunY® 120w Unltra-Thin 15mm No Fan Noise Aquarium Light Fixture Reef Fish Tank Light/Reef Capable Light - Fit Any Size Of TankI did a lot of research before I bought these lights because like most people I was looking for the most bang for my buck. I hoped to purchase them after reading reviews; however, I took a chance and bought it without any to read. It shipped from Hong Kong (I think from the factory) and took about 8 days. So far I am very happy with the system. The manual actually states that the blue lights have a dominant wavelength of 470nm and the white lights are 12,000K. My tank is a new start-up so I have been using the manual mode to limit the amount of time the lights run because of algae/diatom growth. My only complaint is that in the manual mode it defaults to the lunar mode being on. I'm not sure why. Otherwise I am very happy. I won't get corals until after my tank cycles, so I can't speak to coral growth, but my anemone seems to like them (I hope it survives the cycling). You can tell that the manual was written by someone who isn't American, but it makes sense. I like the charts in the manual that show what the light intensity of both blue and white lights are during a 24 hour period in each mode (Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter/Lunar). It comes with the "premium" controller box that is fairly easy to use plus it doesn't lose its' memory if you unplug it. I'm not sure how long it will keep the memory of your settings if unplugged. It comes with two brackets that allow you to connect the two light fixtures together end-to-end. The brackets give you the ability to separate the light fixtures by about 1/4" up to 6" or so. I chose to use the brackets because I couldn't get the lights to stay aligned without them. The hangers are a little cheesy, but they work fine. My only wish would be for the lights to have a bracket to sit on the tank, but that's a personal preference. The LED's are made by Bridgelux who is an American company. They aren't top-of-the-line like CREE, but they appear to be above average. Somewhere I read that the lights operate at 90% after 40,000 hours with a life of 50,000 hours. Lastly, there aren't any fans to make noise, so that is a plus. I hope this helps those who are undecided. At this point I would purchase them again.

Save 34% Off

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Marineland Rite Size Cartridge

Marineland Rite Size Cartridge Z, 3-PackI have been looking for aquarium filters for some time for a 6 gallon tank. But everywhere I went--I could not locate them. I was beginning to think that I had bought an aquarium that was out dated. Thank goodness I was able to find them on . I was able to change my dirty filter and it works fabulously! My tank is protected and I now have happy fish! Thanks again .

I often end up with 'inherited' pets. I've never been a big fan of fish, but my mom decided she was to old to keep up with the care of her two cory catfish, so I ended up with them. I prefer animals that can tell you when they are hungry; but decided to make the effort of owning fish as painless as possible for me and them.

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.

Buy Marineland Rite Size Cartridge Now

I ordered these filters for my fish tank. They were shipped quickly. The quality is good and they keep my tank clean.

Read Best Reviews of Marineland Rite Size Cartridge Here

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.

Want Marineland Rite Size Cartridge Discount?

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.

Save 45% Off

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Marineland Classic Aquarium Kit, 4-Gallon

Marineland Classic Aquarium Kit, 4-GallonI got this to house a male platy. The filter was VERY loud and produced such a strong current that he was having a hard time swimming around. Since this filter does not have any way to adjust the flow, I installed a small sponge filter and tried to unhook the filter that came with the tank. Well, the joke is on me because the lighting and filter system is on the same circuit, so you cannot unhook one and still have the other. I would not recommend this to anyone and wish I'd never gotten it.

Just bought this the other day to house my two little fancy guppies. This is my first aquarium purchase ever, so I had no idea what to look for/watch out for. It's a little cumbersome to set up with the LEDs and the filter; there are no markers for what plugs into what (though the directions tell you there are).

The water flow/current is an issue. When I feed my guppies, the food quickly gets whisked away by the current from the water coming into the tank. They find the food eventually, but there's a lot of water movement at the top of the tank due to the filter assembly pouring the filtered water back into the tank. Guppies are top of the tank dwellers, so they have a tough time up there since there's so much movement. I do see them hanging out behind where the water splashes out since there's less water movement back there. I need to find some way to adjust the flow; sadly, there's no built-in way to slow down the outpour of filtered water back into the tank. I'm thinking of shoving some kind of sponge in there to break up the current.

The filter isn't loud, but the splashing water is. I could hear it when I went to bed last night. Small house, but still, that's some loud water!

The plexiglass is fine, but know that it does scratch easily. When the tank is full, there is some bow to the sides, but it's very minimal. Knowing what I know now, I'd opt for glass next time.

It's a nice-looking tank, I will say that. The LEDs are nice (you have a "day" light and a "evening" light; unfortunately, YOU have to turn it off each night see next paragraph) and it's a nice simple, clean design. Nice size for a desk or kitchen table or counterop. Setup took about 20 mins. and I initally put the tank on the little plastic stand backwards. If the back parts don't all nicely notch together, you've likely got your plexiglass tank on backwards.

Light and filter are on the same power cord, so you can't put the aquarium on a timer since when the unit is off, light and filter are off. You also cannot power off the filter assembly via a button; you have to unplug it. Also, since the top (light hood) has the LEDs wired into it, you cannot remove the top entirely... you have to sort-of balance it on top of the filter box when you need to do something like change water or clean.

Also, the little clear aquarium cover doesn't snap in, it just sits in a notch on top of the LED light hood, so every time I go to take the light hood off for water changes, the clear aquarium cover falls off. Drives me nuts!

Even though it's been a few days, I can say I WOULD NOT recommend this tank if you're getting a fish like a Betta or a top-dwelling fish like a fancy guppy. The little missing touches are what makes this tank a little frustrating. For the price, it was OK, but but there are better options out there and I'm kickking myself for not doing more research on tanks.

Buy Marineland Classic Aquarium Kit, 4-Gallon Now

I used this tank for a reef tank with 2 clownfish. Some of the other reviews say that the flow is too strong for their tank however, for me it's perfect! It eliminates the need for a powerhead. Also I have a lot of experience with nano tanks so I recommend you knowing a few things before getting this. I myself changed the tank a lot with lighting by added more LED's. Also with the filter I like it. It is powerful and works well. I had enough room to put in bio from my other reef in the tank to skip the cycle and with the combined filter pad and a bio wheel keeps my tank clean. I do see the problems that others have faced, but with my experience iv been able to modify and combat those problems. So overall this is not for a beginner especially if you're doing a saltwater tank.

Read Best Reviews of Marineland Classic Aquarium Kit, 4-Gallon Here

i had this tank set up for one week. it is now in the garbage. assembly is a hassle. you can't simply take the lid off to clean the tank or do water changes or feed frogs because it is connected via the cluster of wiring. the wiring is a nightmare. you can't shut off just the lights or just the filter or put a light on a timer because they're on the same circuit. the tank is acrylic which means if you put any sort of ornamental rocks in the tank you're likely to scratch it. its also super thin and not very sturdy. if you manage to get the lid to sit on correctly (mine was warped) you will soon find that condensation drips from the lid to the outside of the sides of the tank. the water from the filter is also loud and annoying. i got a 5.5 gallon kit from petsmart for $30 on sale, and the only thing i didn't like was the light, and i swapped the bulb out for $10 and i love it. opt for that route, and avoid this trainwreck

Want Marineland Classic Aquarium Kit, 4-Gallon Discount?

With numerous aquaria throughout our home, we thought it would be fun for our son to have a starter setup in his bedroom. Having had good experiences in the past with Bio-Wheel designs and Marineland products, we opted for this entry level kit. Assembly was tricky due to a lack of color-coding on the various male/female electrical couplers. Through trial-and-error, we solved this step. The kibosh was turning on the filter. It sounded like our Rancillio coffee grinder. I turned it off, inspected the impeller, found it to be of the lowest quality. Cheap, bent, cavitating wildly. I expected the Bio-Wheel to make some splashing noise, but the impeller could be heard downstairs in our living room. And we expected our son to SLEEP with this aquarium in his bedroom? Transferred his fish to a quarantine tank, boxed this kit up and made it go away. Purchased a Fluval Spec, all is good in our world.

Save 35% Off

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder

Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish FeederI have owned one of these units for over two years and use it to dispense food when I am away for short periods. The primary advantage of this unit over others that I own ie Eheim, Aquachef and Rena is the ability to dispense the precise amount of food you desire and even alternate the type of food between feedings.

Filling the small compartments was somewhat problematic until I began using a 1/8 tps measure for that purpose.

Care must be taken to ensure that the food compartment unit is positioned right side up. Failure to do so results in no food being dispensed.

The only one I have seen that allows you to vary the amount for each day (e.g. you can put more in the feeder for the weekend but still have a "base" feeding amount during the week). Also, the only feeder I have that reliably delivers the chosen amount on the day chosen.

One problem with other (horizontal-axis rotating) feeders I have found is that the ones I tried did not reliably deliver the chosen amount; large flakes would block delivery altogether or at least reduce it, while small flakes would lead to excessive amounts of feed, unlike the Fishmate F14.

After about a year, the rotating part on the Fishmate F14 would sometimes get stuck, which is why I am awarding only 4 stars. Still, if you want the features mentioned above, it's the only game in town that I have seen (so far).

Buy Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder Now

I spent over a week mulling over which feeder to buy. Most of them out there don't deal with pellet food well at all based on the reviews. This feeder came with some caveats based on the reviews too. But knowing what I got into made everything easy and I have to admit that this was the best purchase for my BETA fish (2 beta fish in 2 separate tanks with 2 of these feeders). The caveat that made me worry was that each compartment, when rotating, had a small ridge where all the food didn't go in, or in the case of 1 BETA fish and only 3 pellets, none of it would go in. HOWEVER, it consistently rotates to this same spot (and this was not mentioned). Therefore, when I set up the feeder, I already prepared for the fact that the feeder would essentially miss the first meal. I, therefore, fed them manually when it was first set up. After that first time, both my tanks with only 1 fish in each tank, have been operating automatically flawlessly! The easy of access to fill the individual feeding compartments was a BONUS that I didn't expect nor read about. When there is only 3 compartments left (out of the 14) with food, I go in and easily drop 3-4 pellets in the empty ones, so there is no interruption. I plan on going away for 2 weeks and I will set it to rotate just once a day with 8 pellets in each compartment in that scenario. I expect things will run smoothly.

I full endorse this product for BETA fish with pellet food since it worked well with me.

Read Best Reviews of Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder Here

I needed an autofeeder because I was going to be gone for close to two weeks. I bought this particular feeder because it gave me the ability to feed different types of foods to my fish while I was gone, rather than one big drum of flakes. It also gave me the ability to occasionally drop a shrimp pellet or algae wafer in the tank for my cleanup crew.

Some patience is required when putting food in this feeder. The sections are small, so it's easy to get food into another compartment or elsewhere on/around the feeder.

I used the air tube attachment to make sure no moisture got in the feeder, which seemed to work well. Granted, I don't know if the food would have been just as dry if I didn't hook the air pump up to it, but decided not to take a chance.

I couldn't find a good way to use the bracket that came with the feeder with my setup, which included a glass aquarium top. I have two female bettas in my tank (it's the males that will fight to the death), so I was reluctant to completely remove the glass top while I was gone. I also didn't want excessive evaporation of my tank water over a two week period. I was able to put my feeder on top of my light (Marineland LED) and remove a plastic filler part of my hood so the food could drop in the tank.

Overall, this product worked very well in my absence.

Want Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder Discount?

Worked flawlessly just as described. I always have soggy food with other feeders, but this has an airline hookup that kept food perfectly dry. also has solid adjustable clamp feet for a secure mounting on tank. I was away for ten days and am happy I bought this it is the best feeder I have ever used. I was able to fit enough food into each compartment for a community tank. I would most definately recommend this feeder.

Save 28% Off

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Penn Plax Betta Aquarium Tank Kit

Penn Plax Betta Aquarium Tank KitWe have had 2 of these tanks and they seem to be OK at first. They don't look bad and it's small so it doesn't take up much space on top of a book shelf or a dresser. But we have and 2 of them. I never put the trees in because I was afraid the fish would hurt themselves on them seeing as the space is limited as it is. The first tank we used the "water release cap" every time we changed water unless I was going to clean the whole tank. One day I cleaned the tank and the next morning the water was almost completely drained, poor fish! And the DVD's, VHS videos, and the CD's I had in the shelf that the tank sat on were all wet! I was extremely unhappy so I took it back to the store and got my money back. I went back to the pet section of the store and talked to the department manager who said they have never had a problem with them and sell several. So she convinced me to get another one. I brought it home and set it up but this time I haven't used the water release cap in the bottom of the tank, I only poured the water out of the top of the tank to change it. Well, I will say that this tank lasted a little longer than the first one but again, this morning I woke up and found the poor fish almost dead in about a quarter of an inch of water and again, my shelf of CD's, DVD's, and video tapes all wet again! I have called the company this time but of course, they were busy "helping other customers" and I had to leave a message for them to get back to me. They have yet to return my call.

So, the bottom line with the product, if you value your pets and your furniture and don't want to put your fish bowl in a bowl to catch the draining water, is don't waste your time and money on this fish tank. It will cost you more in the end to replace the damage that it does than buying a decent tank to begin with will.

I was pleased with the design of this small beta tank, although ultimately it has the same limitations as the Betta View Hex.

The Penn Plax Betta Bow-Front Kit is surprisingly well-thought out: the bow-front makes for the best view possible, without the slight distortion you see in the Betta View Hex. Both come with a little gravel and tiny plant.

A nice improvement is the undergravel sifter (I can't call it a filter; there are no mechanical parts) with the drain hole (water release cap). This hole makes it easy to remove debris and water from the bottom, since it's really too small to get my gravel vacuum in.

I had to force my gravel vacuum into the Betta View Hex to clean it, which disturbed my white female housed inside and quickly sucked out half of the water before I could properly vacuum the gravel. With the Bow-Front, this isn't an issue, and it's easy to replace 20% of the water weekly, or as needed.

Another improvement is the little slot to slide the fake plant bottom into, so it doesn't float free and drift around above the betta, like the plant does in the Betta View Hex.

I like the top better, too. It has two depressions for easy lifting, and larger air holes than the Betta View Hex. I can even feed my betta through these slots, and help keep the warm air inside by not removing the cover.

The Bow-Front Kit's gravel is marketed as 'waste-absorbing crystal', and the manufacturers recommend monthly replacement.

Unfortunately, the Betta Bow Front Kit I brought home from Wal-Mart had a crack along one of the seams, and it is growing. I didn't notice the crack until my steel blue boy was already housed in it. When I purchase his larger home, I will exchange this product for a new one. As always with Wal-Mart products, look over your purchases carefully. I've seen too many imperfect returns placed right back on the shelf.

To sum, if you have a choice between the Hex View and the Bow-Front, the Bow-Front is a superior product.

Note These tiny betta homes get toxic for your fish very fast if you don't change the water on a near-daily basis. If you can keep up with this level of care, this is a very nice mini-tank. Alternatively, you can remove your sick bettas to this tank from their larger homes if you need to treat them for an illness like ich.

Buy Penn Plax Betta Aquarium Tank Kit Now

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Tetra Pirates Caribbean Aquarium Kit 1.5gal

Tetra Pirates Caribbean Aquarium Kit 1.5galPros

-Perfect humane size for a Betta

-Captain jack ornament is great

-Filter means the water stays clean a bit longer

-Storage compartment underneath is great

Cons

-Light is a bit flimsy and not too bright, but it's better than nothing

After buying a Betta with one of those teeny 1/4 gallon tanks that they sell for $4 at Wal-Mart, I immediately decided that I needed a bigger tank. However, being a college student I didn't want to splurge money-wise or space wise, so I looked around and this tank fit the bill. There are a couple other tanks that are very similar for the same price, but this one comes with the Captain Jack Sparrow ornament. While the ornament is not a perfect likeness to Captain Jack, it is a perfect place for Bettas. My fish loves it. The tank also has a cool little compartment underneath that can store food and extra filters. I'd recommend it over a plain fish bowl any day.

This aquarium works well and its at a great price.I bought for my betta fish and it loves it. The light works nicely and the little storage in the bottom is nice too. Its not to noisy and my betta doesn't freak out when I put it in. It comes with almost everything you need. So you will need t buy a little heater and it will be complete. Even do this aquarium is really nice you should eventually upgrade to a bigger tank around 3 or 5 gallons. Just like humans animals a bigger place to be in.

Buy Tetra Pirates Caribbean Aquarium Kit 1.5gal Now

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Brightwell Aquatics Carbonit-P Carbon 4.4 lb

Brightwell Aquatics Carbonit-P Carbon 4.4 lbIt is exactly what we wanted, but the container is really hard to open. We'll buy it again in the same container and probably get a smaller quantity with a screw off lid also to keep filled from the larger one.

Save 2% Off

Monday, May 5, 2014

Marineland Eclipse Hex 5 Intergrated Aquarium System (5 Gal)

Marineland Eclipse Hex 5 Intergrated Aquarium SystemI bought this last year and it runs pretty well. One problem I've had is trying to find a replacement flourescent light bulb without paying $25 for shipping. My local fish store apparently can't get them either so I bought a $2 incandescent lite bulb not as brite or white but gets the job done.

I don't recommend this for a goldfish tank as goldfish are very messy fish and will out grow this tank in less than 6 months. I currently have 5 neon tetras and 6 t-bone rasboras. This is a nice combo cause rasboras are top of the tank fish and neons are bottom of the tank dwellers.

Easy to clean, pump works well and is very quiet.

Please do your research on what fish can tolerate a small 5 gallon tank before you get fish for this tank.

This is the perfect tank for my Betta fish and 3 ghost shrimp! It is not only a beautiful tank, but I like that the footprint is smaller than a regular rectangle 5 gallon tank. The filter current is not too strong for our Betta (which is something to consider with filters and Bettas). I have a decorated it with a couple large leaf silk plant (silk plants are best for Betta so as to not damage their fins) and black gravel so the ghost shrimp are more visible. I also put in a bridge decoration that either the shrimp or our Betta like to hang out under.

The Betta hammock is also a good buy for the Betta to lounge on near the surface, which they enjoy. Best Quality Betta Bed Leaf Hammock / Size By Zoo Med Laboratories

I recommend getting the freshwater master test kit, too API Freshwater Master Test Kit so you can test your water weekly to ensure the safety of your fish. Don't forget your weekly partial water changes!

You should also get a thermometer (the ones that go in the water are best) Marina Floating Thermometer with Suction Cup and also a heater, required for tropical Betta fish (we keep our betta's water temp at 78) and have this heater Aqueon 100009498 Aqueon Submersible Heater / Size (50 Watt). We tried a different heater at first, and it was terrible because it was not adjustable and kept the water at 82! Too hot! But the Aqueon 50 watt keeps the temp exactly where it needs to be. It's not very pretty, so just stick a plant in front of it ;)

We love this hex 5 tank! Beautiful, easy to set-up, easy to use!

Buy Marineland Eclipse Hex 5 Intergrated Aquarium System (5 Gal) Now

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Exotic Environments Log Cavern with Plants Aquarium Ornament

Exotic Environments Log Cavern with Plants Aquarium OrnamentThis is a very attractive decoration. It's fits quite well with room to spare even in one of my 3 gallon Eclipse aquarium. Eclipse 3 Gallon Acrylic Aquarium System. The artificial foliage is in balance with the hollow log. I often find my Betta asleep in the log at night. The Otto cats love it too.

I did find one or two sharp edges inside the log that might cause an abrasion, but they are easily smoothed. Now, you don't have to worry about trying to anchor down artificial plants or trying to grow live plants that your fish keep uprooting.

In general, I am very pleased with this product. A few of the plants look a little less realistic than I would've liked, but not enough to detract from the rating, mainly because if you're buying this thing, you're accepting the fact that you're gonna have fake plants.

The log itself is painted with a very high attention to detail and looks great. The rock/sand base also looks great. The inside of the log isn't quite as nice, but it'll be dark anyway in a lighted tank and so you'll probably barely see it.

I suppose cleaning the gravel under the log could be an issue (it has an open bottom, which I like); not really a problem if you have cleaner shrimp.

The main reason why this decoration gets 5 stars despite a few flaws is that it's an excellent hiding place for fish and other aquarium inhabitants (such as shrimp). The 2 plants strategically placed at each opening of the log make sure big fish can't get in, but more importantly they make your smaller inhabitants feel secure (even if there aren't actually any big fish to be afraid of, as in my tank). Whether or not your fish or shrimp actually "need" a hiding spot, having one as good as this will make them significantly less stressed and more happy.

Considering the shipping, it's a reasonable price as well.

NOTE: There could be a few strands/strings of glue hanging off of it when you buy it new, make sure you pull these off before putting it in your tank.

Buy Exotic Environments Log Cavern with Plants Aquarium Ornament Now

I really liked this when I opened the package. It's a really nice foreground decoration. My sucker fish really likes taking naps in it during the day. It's constructed of high quality materials and looks better when put in the tank.

Read Best Reviews of Exotic Environments Log Cavern with Plants Aquarium Ornament Here

This decoration came quickly and looked like the picture above. The only problem would be the plants are stiff, especially the end ones, but they make it a nice "cave" like feel I guess, my cherry barbs like exploring it so far!

Want Exotic Environments Log Cavern with Plants Aquarium Ornament Discount?

I have this and several other pieces that are realistic like this. My cichlids just love this piece and after fighting over it has settled to one of the stronger fish in the tank. It is reasonably realistic looking and the plants look good on it too. It really adds a nice cave option for your fish that like caves.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE22007 Reef Foundation Salt Water Conditioners for Aquarium, 1kg

Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE22007 Reef Foundation Salt Water Conditioners for Aquarium, 1kgI was using kent part a and b in my tank but was not able to maintain proper levels of calcium and ph. A local fish store recommended this Red Sea product and since water levels have been great. We have a reef tank with soft and hard corals so being able to maintain the proper levels was so important. Without this product I do not believe we have had the great improvement that we have now.

I gave this product a 4/5 however secondary to the difficult to use directions on dosing. The directions are very difficult to use as they are very "scientific"'. This seems to be common with many of the Red Sea products however. Otherwise, great product!!!

It's a little bit difficult to know how to dose, but it's ok... I'm using it in partial water changes...

Buy Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE22007 Reef Foundation Salt Water Conditioners for Aquarium, 1kg Now

after batling with different product with different calibration , this one is sample and easy to use. Cheap , you buy all in one

Read Best Reviews of Red Sea Fish Pharm ARE22007 Reef Foundation Salt Water Conditioners for Aquarium, 1kg Here

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Snoozer-Lookout Ii Dog Car Seat - Medium

Snoozer Lookout II Pet Car Seat, Medium, GreyI have the regular size and oversized for my 2 small(not tiny) dogs. These are great! They are comfortable, sturdy and le my dogs look out the window and curl up and sleep on long drives. Get the versions with a drawer. It is worth the extra $10. The drawer is long so it holds food, toys, leashes etc. I thought they were expensive but when I set out to make my own it would have cost almost as much for the materials. These loo like they will last a long time One of them is a couple of years old and its cover has washed up a little fuzzy, but that is ok. The bed part of the foam wasn't as cushiony so I added a piece of memory foam under the cover and it is as good as new.

If your dogs are larger than "toy" size I would get the oversized regardless of how little they weigh. Your dog will aprreciate the roomier size! Amazon had the best priceseven better than ebay!

I purchased the Snoozer Oversized pet car seat for our Westie...he loves to go for car rides. We had some long trips planned this summer and I didn't want him on my lap or my husbands the entire time. I ordered this car seat specifically because it will go either in the front or back seat, and allows Kramer to look out the window, which is his favorite thing to do while in the car...all while being secure in the car. He loved it from the first short trip....and usually sleeps most of the time. There is plenty of room for him to sit up or lay down and sleep. I would highly recommend this to anyone who travels with their dog.

Buy Snoozer-Lookout Ii Dog Car Seat - Medium Now

I have two very wiggly and cranky dachshunds who love to ride on someone's lap in the car. I have tried other containment products, and either my dogs could twist out of them, or they would whine and wail because they couldn't be up front and look out the windows. They both love this Lookout car seat! It's plush and roomie (the medium is perfect for two mini-doxies) and they no longer have issues seeing outside in the backseat. It works perfectly with their Puppia vest harnesses, so I didn't have to force them in an uncomfortable custom harness. Most importantly, they are safer in the event of an accident. It's a huge lift of my shoulders.

The seat is very well made and comfortable for the dogs. Every car seat I've priced at the petstore is so hard, I can't imagine a dog enjoying that! I like that the cover is removable in case it gets dirty and the pull-out storage drawer is a great place to stuff their leashes so I am not looking for them when we get to our destination. The seat gives my dogs a great boost to see out the window, which is a huge bonus in keeping them from fussing. Installing it is a snap. You take the seatbelt in your car and run it across the raised back of the Lookout. It clipped right into place on the first try and has been snug. Even when my dogs first fought it, the seatbelt stayed fast. Removal is as easy as undoing the seatbelt and taking it out.

Your dog may be able to jump from the Lookout onto the seat of your car though. The strap that connects the seatbelt to the dog's harness adjusts to very short, but it slides back and forth along the seatbelt if you don't safety pin it in place. I found that having two dogs clipped in at once using a leash coupler often prevents one of them from bailing. Worst case, if one jumps out they are still attached to the seatbelt by their coupler and harness in the event of an accident. I greatly recommend this product if you have a dog that normally travels on a lap. It's the next best thing and you'll have great peace of mind.

Read Best Reviews of Snoozer-Lookout Ii Dog Car Seat - Medium Here

Tuffy, my Dachshund, loves car rides. He is a rescue that I got in November 2009, so I try to do as many things as possible to make him happy in his new home. So every day he gets to go for a car ride to check the mail, go to the market or whatever.

Before getting this seat Tuffy would love to sit on my lap. While that's not illegal yet (the Governator vetoed a bunch of laws that the "no dogs on laps" law was appended, so it did not pass.)

Anyway, I had my eye on the Lookout 2 seat for about a month. A couple days ago I took the plunge (Was about $125 with tax at a local pet store. Ouch).

Bonus Tip: I got the deluxe model that includes a plastic slide out drawer in the base. It's about the size of a shoe box and is covered, when closed, with the black quilt material covering the base. I recommend you get the model with the drawer because it holds a lot of stuff and it's handy to keep everything in one spot instead of all over the car floor. In Tuffy's drawer I have an extra leash, treats, pee pads and his travel first aid kit (eye flush, gauze bandages, iodine, etc.)

Bonus Tip: I placed a pee pad and small towel on the base (floor) of the seat so to keep the beautiful wool lining clean. Although the cover is washable, it's far easier to simply change the pee pad and towel.

I have a MINI Cooper and I bought the medium sized seat. (Tuffy the wiener dog is about 18" long, not counting nose and tail, so I did not want him bending his back since Dachshund's have delicate spines. I tried a small and while Tuffy fit fine, he did not have the spread out room that the medium provided.

The medium is so large that it takes up the entire passenger seat, but I did not care since the point of this is to use the passenger for Tuffy, not Tuffy and a human passenger. :)

The seat installs as advertised. Literally in 30 seconds it is set up. You simply place it on the passenger seat and pull the car's seat belt across the pet seat so that the strap that normally crosses your waist is set across the slot cut into the rear of the seat. This makes a very secure connection for the pet seat.

Bonus Tip: My car has the ability to turn off the passenger air bag. I made sure that the air bag is off when Tuffy is in his seat.

After fastening the car's seat belt to the Lookout 2 you then wrap around the included strap to the waist strap part of the seatbelt. The other end of the strap has a clip that you connect to your dog's harness. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO THIS, ATTACH THE DOG'S HARNESS TO THE LEAD OR STRAP THAT COMES WITH THIS SEAT! Why?

When the dog is "strapped" to the car's seatbelt he can move around, but only within the seat. So the dog does not go running around, he remains in the seat. It only took about an hour in his seat after which Tuffy stopped trying to jump out of the seat and into my lap where he used to sit on car rides. Moreover, if you slam on the brakes, because the seat is secured with the seat belt and the dog is secured to the seat belt with the strap, everything stays put on sudden stops.

Also, I have a convertible MINI. Imagine the horror if I slammed on the brakes and Tuffy went flying out the car. So to prevent his from happening I leave the passenger window up when Tuffy is in his seat. With him connected to the seat belt that provides even more security on sudden stops. (Make sure that your seatbelt is working properly by jerking it. Do this to see that the seatbelt locks when there's sudden stops.

As said above, get the model with the plastic slide out drawer, it's extremely handy. Before this I used to have Tuffy's travel essentials spread out all over the car. Now, the most important items are in one place (treats, dog first aid kit, spare leash, poop bags, bully sticks, two additional pee pads).

Actual Use

Tuffy took to his new seat like a fish to water. The first thing he did was start to chew the foam and wool, as most dogs would do. I stopped him and after a few "Tuffy NO!" he got distracted with the joy of being able to see all around him, so he stopped the chewing.

I can tell Tuffy loves the seat because he looks around a lot and when he wants to rest he lays down and rests his head on the seat edge. And he is happy because he can face me and be close, like he wants to be on rides. When he is facing me, his head is about at shoulder level to me and about 18" from my head. So it's easy to pet him as I drive and he gets his fix that he needs every so often.

Bonus Tip: I have a thick, plush bath towel that I keep between the pet and car seat. When Tuffy wants I cover him in the seat with the towel. He loves that when after playing in the park he wants to crash and check for cracks in his eyelids. The seat has high sides, it's wool and the towel adds to making him feel warm, comfortable and secure.

All in all this is an excellent product. The dog loves the view the seat gives him and the seat is way safer than the dog sitting on an unpadded passenger seat (the Lookout 2's foam padding gives far more protection for the dog than if all you are doing is strapping your pooch to a seatbelt.

Bonus Comment: It's a laugh riot when Tuffy is sitting in his seat. This is because the seat puts him at window level to where everyone can see him. People in cars and even pedestrians go nuts when they see this cute wiener dog sitting in his plush "throne." Literally at every stoplight people wave at Tuffy, smile and some people even talk to him. Often times people don't see that the light has changed to green because drivers are busy "flirting" with Tuffy. LOL.

So if you get one of these be prepared to be the center of attention on the road. If you don't like that then you better have your windows tinted. :)

By the way, I added on the main page a pic of Tuffy in his seat. Check it out.

And does Amazon allow links? If so, here's a couple YouTube videos I made. If the links don't work search in YouTube with my user name: heartinsanfrancisco (which is all one word).

Want Snoozer-Lookout Ii Dog Car Seat - Medium Discount?

We had one for about 7 years and they hold up great, and we would take our dog everywhere and even when we got our second Cavalier King Charles they both used the same one, of course we have the large one.

We recently went cross country so we did not have to put the dogs in cargo and got are 2nd one. The dogs had plenty of room, slept or looked out the window the whole way. If you like to travel with your dog this is a great product that is safe and compfy for your dogs. Even comes with a strap to keep them even safer. They are amazing!

Save 25% Off

Monday, March 10, 2014

453 nm Blue Cannon LED Pendant Light with Hanging Kit - 50w

453 nm Blue Cannon LED Pendant Light with Hanging Kit - 50wGreat Sps growth with 2 white, 2 blue over 100g tank about 2.5 feet above water surface (leaves lots of room over the tank). Because the white and blue light comes from different units, the light is not blended togetheryou can see blue or white only in areas of the tank. Very exciting neat look to me, but others think its unnatural looking. You can manipulate this by placement. 4 stars because price is too high IMO.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Hagen Marina Betta Submersible Heater for Aquarium

Hagen Marina Betta Submersible Heater for AquariumGood heater for a small Betta bowl. I had 0.5 G bowl and it works really well for me. Would recommend it to anybody.

My poor little Betta was freezing in his 1/2 gallon glass bowl. I upgraded to a 1 Gal square tank and added this heater. His water is now just a little cooler than luke warm. He is happy, spunky, and even made his bubble nest the day after I placed him in his new and warmer enviornment. It only took about 4 hours to get his water to a consistant temp and it has remained that way.

UPDATE: 01/28/13

Well, this heater keeps the water at a nice temp for ME but not my Betta. I only have a 1.5 gal environment for my fish so this heater began to make my fish sick and he almost died. I read on a site that a heater should not be used unless my fish is in a 5 gal or larger tank...oops!

I took the heater out just in time to save my beautiful fish. I'm keeping the heater because I will eventually get a larger tank for him.

This product did do its job, so it's nice.

Buy Hagen Marina Betta Submersible Heater for Aquarium Now

We ordered our first one of these heaters for the betta tank in our kitchen since it seemed to get pretty cold during the winter. It kept the water at a nice high-70 degrees in a 1.5 gallon tank. The betta went from brooding at the bottom to swooshing around the tank, chasing after us as we walked by. He was obviously much happier, so we bought a second heater for the betta in our son's room. Now 'Decepticon' is also much more active as well. We feel bad that the cool water was obviously having a bad effect on the fishes' metabolism, but now that they are warm they will have longer, happier lives.

Read Best Reviews of Hagen Marina Betta Submersible Heater for Aquarium Here

So far so good.

I have this setup in a nano tank where it gets cold and because the heater stays constant it makes the water just right.

Want Hagen Marina Betta Submersible Heater for Aquarium Discount?

My betta's 2 gallon tank was SO cold before I got this!! He was lethargic, swimming really slowly, clamped fins, not as excited to eat, and pooing less. This little heater probably saved his life!! It keeps the temperature in a safe range, usually about 74 degrees. My little buddy is now energetic, with a voracious appetite, blowing bubble nests all day.

It's safe to leave on all day, doesn't over-heat the tank or anything. Sometimes he just sits right on top of it (which he is doing right now, ha!) I'm very happy I chose Marina Betta over any other heater.

Save 37% Off

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

API High Range pH Test Kit for Aquariums

API High Range pH Test Kit for AquariumsBought to use for my African cichlid tank since cichlids require high pH (8.0-8.5). Other pH tests top out at 7.8 or so, so African keepers need one that handles the higher pH. Works fast and easy to read. Just what I needed.

I am extremely satisfied with the item it cost more in the pet store and is a little hard to find at times

Buy API High Range pH Test Kit for Aquariums Now

Friday, November 8, 2013

Tetra 77841 Whisper SoftNet Nylon, 5-Inch

Tetra 77841 Whisper SoftNet Nylon, 5-InchIt's a great net, I got mine a couple dollars cheaper at a store. I used it to get a dead fish out of my aqaurium after I misplaced my other one.

Its a great size, I have small fish so thought Id save money by getting a small one, I was wrong. When I got my new fish I was trying fish them out of the bag and into the tank, but they were to fast for me, maybe this net would make is a bit easier.

I only used it once since I bought it and it seems to be pretty durable and the net is soft. The handle is easy to hold and easy to get a good grip, it's not awkward to hold.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Alkaline Buffer, 300 g / 10.6 oz

Alkaline Buffer, 300 g / 10.6 ozThis is typically used with the Seachem product Acid Buffer as a way to stabilize the pH of aquarium water. Both products work very well.

I have used this product over the years, and bought it again when I set up a new fish tank. I was being a bit of a purist when I bought it, because I know that common, Arm and Hammer baking soda will also raise pH.

You can use baking soda instead of this, and your aquarium will be just fine, even if you have delicate fish like cardinal tetras and a planted tank. I have used baking soda in a discus tank, too. The baking soda will release some salts that this product won't, but I've never had it be a problem. Just do your water changes at least every two weeks and all will be well. All will probably be well even if you don't do water changes, frankly.

Buy this if you're super paranoid about keeping your water as close to perfect as possible. If you're on any kind of a budget, though, seriously consider using baking soda. You can combine it with Acid Buffer just like this product, and your fish will probably never know the difference. You really don't need this.

I could believe when'd I test the water minutes after ad the buffer ! Alkaline is perfect and ph are perfect also ! Tips ad half of the amount they recommend for the first time ! You will be impress with the results !

Buy Alkaline Buffer, 300 g / 10.6 oz Now

Sube el PH y lo mantiene por unos dias, lo unico es que algo no les gusta a los peces disco por dejan de comer por unos dias

Read Best Reviews of Alkaline Buffer, 300 g / 10.6 oz Here

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Tetra Betta Bubble Betta Bowl with LED Light for Aquariums

Tetra Betta Bubble Betta Bowl with LED Light for AquariumsThis is a great little bowl for my Betta. My cats do not try to stick their paws into this Biel like they did on the first one I purchased so I now have a happy fish!

Save 6% Off