Showing posts with label buying aquarium fish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buying aquarium fish. 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.

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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Coral Vue Technology AC20194 Xp1000s Super Reef Octopus for Aquarium Filter, 110-Gallon

Coral Vue Technology AC20194 Xp1000s Super Reef Octopus for Aquarium Filter, 110-GallonHigh quality machine that works very well. Pulls the gunk out and makes a pleasant sound. Using it in a Aqueon sump under a 65 gal. As with any skimmer with a single pump it needs to be tweaked as the water level changes. Running a 4 to 6 inch water level. All I do is turn the valve a bit each day to keep it churning. I open up the valve when I clean the cup and add water to the sump. Easy.

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Sunday, October 5, 2014

RO Right - 1000 g

RO Right - 1000 gIf raising discus and you are wanting to use 100% RO water, this suppliment is prefect. It's the best way to add back just enough minerals to your water without the bad stuff that tap water would put in your water. Great for breeding discus too.

if you are using a reverse osmosis water for your freshwater fish tank you need this. Its not an optional thing you NEED it because the reverse osmosis takes out all the hardness in the water and this puts it back in. this will make your fish tank a lot healthier then using tap water with conditiona. My dicus fish are very happy since I started using this

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Works great but...

Adding RO Right only adds electrolytes to the water. You need to control the PH and add a PH buffer. Kent marine who produce RO Right suggest their PH buffer but the natural PH buffer is sodium bicarbonate. There is a excellent android app called " Fish Tank Hardness" that has all the calculations for RO Right bicarbonate and both dGH and dKH so you can add Ro right to achieve a desired TDS or add RO Right to achieve a desired hardness value. It calculates both. But be aware the buffer bicarbonate will slightly raise PH as well as acting as a buffer. I use this app and its so simple I've checked it against my TDS meter ad it is correct.

Read Best Reviews of RO Right - 1000 g Here

Monday, September 29, 2014

Multipet's Nuts for Knots Rope Bone Dog Toy with Squeaker, 12-Inch

Multipet's Nuts for Knots Rope Bone Dog Toy with Squeaker, 12-InchI always look for industructable toys for my Dogs. They are Husky/Lab mixes and can chew up even the most durable of toys. But these toys my dogs killed in as little as 5 minutes. I don't think I will be buying these for my dogs again!

Monday, September 8, 2014

Marineland Black Diamond Activated Carbon

Marineland PA0373 Black Diamond Activated Carbon, 40-Ounce, 1134-Gram[[ASIN:B0002566WY Marineland PA0373 Black Diamond Activated Carbon, 40-Ounce, 1134-Gram] My wife has been noticing that our cat litter box was rather odorous at times so I bought this activated carbon and mixed it in with the litter. The results have been outstanding, the bad odors have ceased and the room air is fresh. Now if I could only put a pouch of this on the back end of our dogs it would be perfect.

Bought this for a carbon filter on my tobacco bong. Works well and looks like I'll have enough activated carbon for years. awesome product

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I use some to help on oders in the fridg after cleaning and it is keeping the smell pleasent. I am still researching the possible uses for this product along with reading it is helpful for brown recluse spider bite.

Read Best Reviews of Marineland Black Diamond Activated Carbon Here

I use this for odor control in a home of smokers. I put this in the ashtrays and will use this to make satchels and vent filters. Its really good at masking the smell from smoke no matter what kind of smoke it is. Its the same thing they use in air filters. Also you can crush the little rocks to create more surface area which will help lengthen how long you can use it.

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Great, high quality, cost saving over individual packets for aquarium. Has that tell-tale crackle of quality carbon. Would recommend.

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Monday, September 1, 2014

Cyclop-Eeze Soft Gel Fish Food - 20 Pack

Cyclop-Eeze Soft Gel Fish Food - 20 PackMy fish Love this stuff! will recommend this for any salt water fish tank your fish will go crazy for this!

item arrived really fast will recommend !

My clowns love this stuff all my fish come to the top of the tank and go crazy even my cleaner shrimp goes nuts for it only thing is you have to get used to squeezing the packs because if not the food will shoot out in the tank and make your water cloudy

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my fish which includes (clowns, tangs, gobies, damsels) all love this stuff. gone in a minute. what i like is that it's a "gel" form so you can get big clumps for particular fish or small drops for others. Love it cuz my fish seem to love it.

Read Best Reviews of Cyclop-Eeze Soft Gel Fish Food - 20 Pack Here

We use all of the Instant Ocean gel foods to vary our fish family's diet. This is truly a favorite of our 2 lionfish. They seem to wait to eat until this gel pack is used more so than the others when I use 2 different packs at the same time during feedings. We also have several herbivores who like it, as well, even when they get fed their own herbal mix. If it makes it to the bottom of the tank, the crabs go after it, too.

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JUST A NICE VARIETY FOR MY FISH. DON'T USE IT ALL THE TIME, JUST FOR A TREAT. PUT IT IN THE TANKS AND THE FISH GO WILD FOR IT. A GOOD HEALTHY SUPPLEMENT FROM A GOOD WELL ESTABLISHED COMPANY

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Eshopps WD-75CS Wet Dry Filter - 10 to 75 gallons - 18 in. x 10 in. x 16 in.

Eshopps WD-75CS Wet Dry Filter - 10 to 75 gallons - 18 in. x 10 in. x 16 in.So I bought this filter a few days ago. This is the first wet dry filter I've bought, though many of my friends have or have had wet drys in the past. I finally had time to install it today. The instructions that come with the filter are pretty horrible; it looks like a 5 year old drew a picture of a wet dry filter and added captions. Luckily I've seen enough wet/drys in my life to know how it works and how it should be put together. I paired it with a marineland NJ1800 pump with variable flow and with a max flow rate of 474 gph. I figure since I have to lift the water up a few feet from the sump that would be close to the 300 gph of the overflow box.

The filter went in without much issue. I had a clearance issue but thats not an issue with the filter so i had to trim the pvc inserts they give you for the overflow line. Also perhaps my pump is too powerful but the output nozzle from the filter needed a clamp as it would constantly leak. I trimmed my lines to size and so far no problems. The pump is running full open and the overflow box seems to keep up without much issue. I had a issue with the u-tube having an air bubble in it and for the life of me I was unable to get it out but I poured a lot of water in the overflow box and it pushed the bubble out. The reason I give this 4 stars was because of the leaking of the nozzle and the poor instructions.

The pre-marked waterline is deffinetly a plus as I don't want to spend all day trying to figure out the best water level. So far I like the filter and will write another review after a few weeks. That review will be mainly about performance of the filter once its been run for longer than a few hours.

I love this system I had to do a lil modification to fit my needs but it works great I bought a longer return tubing put in on a ball valve to control the water because my pump was pumping water quicker than it was filling in the w/d all in all recommend it

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Penn Plax Tortoise Palace with Wire Top, Black Frame and Glass Terrarium

Penn Plax Tortoise Palace with Wire Top, Black Frame and Glass TerrariumIt's a beautiful enclosure. Lots of pieces, but easy to put together. I did have a slight issue with the 4 screws that hold on the front panel but in the end it wasn't a big deal. I used black silicone to seal all of the inside edges, exposed screw holes, & frame around viewing window it turned out looking great. I found the 'Lack' coffee table at Ikea for $39 to use as a stand ...looks like it was made to go with the enclosure. My Russian Tortoise uses every part of his tortoise palace so I'd have to say that he loves it too!

I adopted a tortoise recently and did a little research on their housing requirements. This seemed perfect for a Russian. I got a great deal through Amazon and absolutely LOVE it. Set up was fine. Same as IKEA furniture and my fish tank stand. one of the arms that holds it up is a little iffy but it does the job. Overall I would recommend this to anyone with a small tortoise. It looks great in my house also!

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Received this item ahead of schedule, super easy assembly, simple instructions. Plenty big enough for my red footed tortoise! Love the design, far more suitable for tortoises than glass tanks. Very stable and secure. I would highly reccommend this item! Thank you :)

Read Best Reviews of Penn Plax Tortoise Palace with Wire Top, Black Frame and Glass Terrarium Here

Some parts are cheap like the lid extenders. The brackets for the locks and the door hinges cannot hold in medium density particle wood with the screws that come with it. They require drill through bolts with large washers.

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I thought the base came with it. It doesn't the only place where it talks about it is on the box after it arrived. (Which I did not read until I had assembled half the unit. NOT cool...

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Filstar Progressive Micro-Filtration Pad

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Filstar Progressive Micro-Filtration PadThese filters arrived and packaged as well as can expected for filters. These are the best filters I have ever used for my Aquarium. Pricing is very competive. This is the second time I have purchased them and I will again. Thank You for a good product.

Catches a lot of fish tank debris. I can usually rinse it out and use it through two filter cleanings.

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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!

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Sunday, April 27, 2014

JAGER AQUARIUM HEATER 12" 125 WATT

JAGER AQUARIUM HEATER 12' 125 WATTExcellent product. The only downside(s) are; 1. It's a little difficult (not impossible) to get the heater positioned so you can see the "on" light. 2. I wasn't able to set the red indicator to the existing temperature when calibrating. 3. When you adjust the temperature, you have to remove the heater and hold on fairly tightly to adjust the blue control. I would recommend the company either supply a holding tool, or somehow make the adjustment system more user friendly.

Still a great heater, once adjusted.

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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Universal Rocks 36-Inch by 16-Inch Rocky Aquarium/Reptile Rigid Foam Background

Universal Rocks 36-Inch by 16-Inch Rocky Aquarium/Reptile Rigid Foam Backgroundthe backgroung looks pretty different than the picture little more greyish and weatherd looking but the foam material snaped i guess in shipping and it floats

overall i love it and do recommend it

seller made this easy to purchase and real fast shipping and over all a nice good looking back ground but the clips that is suppose to hold it to the tank failed or break also ther are no instrutions on how to install the back ground. this is the reason for 4 stars insteadof 5 stars

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I got this for my bearded dragon's enclosure. He's just a baby so he climbs on everything.. including this rocky background. Its really funny to watch him taunt my cat as he climbs up and under my cat, who can't get to him because of the screen on top of the tank. This stuff is neat. The packaging was great! Its fairly easy to cut, if you have the proper tools. I used scissors, so it took me a little while, but it got the job done!

Read Best Reviews of Universal Rocks 36-Inch by 16-Inch Rocky Aquarium/Reptile Rigid Foam Background Here

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Marina Betta Habitat - Halfmoon

Marina Betta Habitat - HalfmoonI've owned the Marina betta kit "Zen cube" version before, and I have to say it was very pretty but too small for the fish. A betta should have ideally a gallon (or possibly more) for them to be healthy and swim around.

This new one is larger (almost 1 gallon) and a lot nicer.

I got the LED lamp with it and some blue glass "rocks" at the bottom, with a few live plants, it looks very pretty.

My betta loves it, I've even put my miniature heater next to the aquarium at times for him to feel warm this winter (bettas can handle various temperatures pretty well, but they're tropical fish from Thailand originally -so the warm makes them feel good).

He keeps making a lot of bubbles at the top (they call those bubble nest), which is a sign that he is happy.

I think this is just the right size for a betta aquarium, the others are just too small (some of them are horribly tiny for the fish), but this one has enough room for the fish to swim around. He seems to love the live plants as well.

Not to mention that with the lighting, blue rocks reflection, the fish and his live plants, this aquarium really does embellish my room!

EDIT: There has been other reviews of this aquarium, but after reading them I realize they haven't actually bought the product. They're just giving their thoughts. I didn't know Amazon would allow that but anyways, this is what I have to say: There's a rule with most animals cages/aquarium, and that is the bigger the better. Then, it really all depends how well you take care of your pets. Some people would just buy it as an ornament and forget about it, but others will actually take care of it. I've owned many aquariums in the past (including a large 120 gallon) and I can tell you that although the bigger the better, it really depends on how you take care of them.

There's a secret: DO NOT overfeed your fish. In nature, they barely eat anything (if they find something), that's why they naturally spend their lives crawling for food, that's what their life consist of essentially. But in a controlled environment, it can be tempting to give them as much food as they could eat. The problem is, fishes do not store fats like we do. And those pellets and other fish food we buy are nutritionally very, very rich.

I grew up in a home with a 120 gallons aquarium back in the days when I was living in Europe, and we would only feed them once a week. Some of those fishes have lived for longer than 10 years, and others for as long as I can remember off. Bigger is better, but care is key.

The bottom line is, if you're genuinely interested into "adopting" a pet betta fish, then read about their needs. The internet is a wonderful space to learn. Don't get an aquarium too small -they're fishes, they need to swim for them to stay healthy. This one is just the right size for a small betta aquarium.

Bought this for my first betta fish. Thought I knew about the proper keeping of bettas, but after some reading I realized I was misinformed.

While this bowl might be good as a hospital or quarantine, I wouldn't want it as an "everyday" tank. By the time you add a plant, there isn't any room for the fish. Having to do daily water changes (necessary for this size unfiltered tank) is a pain in the rear.

We've since upgraded to a 6.6 gallon.

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From personal experience as well as from research, I would not keep a Betta in a tank smaller than 3 gallons. Bettas actually don't live their whole lives in small puddles; they live most of their lives in vast rice paddies, thousands of gallons of naturally filtrated and aerated water, and only live in small puddles of water for 2 to 3 months a year during the dry season.

What's more, fancy bettas aren't as hardy as their wild buddies, and need more space and stimulation. This 3 liters (I think that was the measurement, but either way I've seen these sold at stores and they're far too small) is not what I would keep a Betta in forever; maybe a temporary home as I cleaned his tank or maybe while setting up the real one, but that's it.

However, this would look awesome with some plants in it! :-D

Read Best Reviews of Marina Betta Habitat - Halfmoon Here

Great shape and too bad not a five gallon at least!

45 years experience, background in biology et al and lived in Japan where rice patties are huge systems (and the local rivers are where wild betta's may enter in these systems as well are full of algaes (even the cyanobacteria which works symbiotically with the rice for nitrogen fixing). Wild betters (former reviewer) are tough btw and due to inbreeding for ages now commercially grown ones are not so but none the less their instincts and their psychology demand more space (which means better water quality) just as you could not survive long... as found on a fish forum...

In a cold bathroom, with no room to move, with a toilet that was "cleaned" once in a while (to be determined by outside forces not by your needs) and on occasion bits of dried up solid food you can not recognize metabolically, shoved under the door and labeled "food" UGH.

I am always stunned to see anything under a five actually (better water chemistry esp for beginners, just because they surface breathe (still do through gills btw it is a survival mechanism during drought times not meant for for-ever) does not mean they can do well with amonia (burns delicate multi layered gill tissues OUCH!) and in bacteria laden cold water (or proper temp for that matter and unless you have an expensive small heater you are subject to coming home with cooked fish)...

Betta's tails are a single layer thin and as many find out too later subject to bacterial invasion esp as they languish on the small torture chambers bottom where all the bacteria are brewing.

I am more stunned therefore that in spite of such cups being sold as proper environments for any fish, that any one (who apparently does not do any real research on the subject and this does not mean ask Wahoo! type forums where blind lead the blind) WOULD even consider buying one.

I've done hundreds of betta rescues and it is a horrific way to go.. fish btw have pain receptors just as we do, and some are more sensitive then ours esp around the mouth after all they need this to survive!

Please never put your fish, esp this intelligent, curious, loves to roam and look about lovely fish. They will greatly reward you if you just do some serious research and add plants, and great water quality in a decent sized tank. They are living beings not objects.

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Nutrafin pH 3.4-Ounce

Nutrafin pH Adjuster Up 3.3 ozI believe the product works fine. I do agree with a previous review that the packaging is horrible. The print is so small you can't read it. I do also know that you have to be careful with adjusting the PH down too fast I believe I am able to control my application of the product well because it dispenses in drops.

This product seems to work faairly well. It is a challenge to keep the PH at a correct level in this area My main complaint was the small writing for the directions which made it difficult to read. using drops was easy to administer..

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Monday, February 24, 2014

OSI Marine Lab Mountain with Trees Medium Aquarium Ornament

OSI Marine Lab Mountain with Trees Medium Aquarium OrnamentI bought this med. one for my 12 gal. tank because I already have the large one in my 30 gal. tank. My fish love this ornament. They swim in & out & even stay inside it & just hang out. Best purchase for my fish I ever made.

This is a very nice decoration. It doesn't look fake like a lot of aquarium decor out there at this price ($12.98). Would recommend this if you are trying to keep a natural look to your aquarium.

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This is one of the best decorations for an aquarium I have ever seen. Everyone I show it to loves it. I bought the larger mountain to go with it and they are just superb.

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Sunday, February 9, 2014

Rena Air 300 Air Pump

Rena Air 300 Air PumpThe most quiet air pump I have ever owned. I was a faithful customer of Hagen and Tetra air pumps but got fed up with the noise... then I tried Rena. My Rena Air pump has been running for 3 years without any problem. The pump is powerful enough to generate a curtain of air bubbles using long difusers. The air flow is adjustable.

I have a 55 gallon tank with an arowana who are super sensitive to changes especially when the oxygen in the water changes. this tank is in the living room. The Pump is so quiet you forget its running at times. its a great buy Ive had mine for a few years now, only till now to buy another one for my other tank. It makes me and my Aro super Happy!

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When they were good, they were very, very good and when they were bad, they were horrible.

I'm apparently slowly working my way through Amazon's stock of Rena Air Pumps.

First I ordered a 400. It was LOUD (bumped a quiet room from 40 to 46db at 1m (kind of making me seriously question Rena's 30db at 1m claims). Once plugged in, it turns out it generated no power on one side. The 400 is supposed to be two 300s in the same enclosure. I'd bought one 300 and one noise maker that didn't push any air. Fortunately, Amazon are awesome about returns.

Given the 400 was only 50% successful, I replaced it with two 300s. That way, if one was faulty, I could keep using the other one while I sent the faulty one back. It's $10 more than a 400 but keeps the tank aerated in case of issues. I'm very glad I did. Sure enough, one works well while one makes a lot of noise and can't drive air through the airlines, let alone produce the air a borrowed 200 is producing.

The lessons I'm learning here are:

1) Rena's quality is *very* variable. You can get very good ones. And you can get very bad ones. I'm running at about a 50% success rate (counting the 400 as two pumps as it is exactly that two x 300s inside one enclosure).

2) If it's running very loud or barely putting out air, even after you adjust the flow control, you likely got a bad one.

3) Decibels are an incredibly subjective measure. What does 30db at 1m recorded in a silent room really mean in your home? With a TV on, with background noise, it shouldn't be too noticeable. In a quiet room while you're home alone, expect to easily hear it through an aquarium stand and for it to be approaching the noise of a running fridge. If it's louder than the fridge and the airflow is poor, you've likely got a bad one.

4) Order in pairs so you've got something to compare to and can return one if it's noticeably louder or produces noticeably less air. Having one on its own, with nothing to compare to, just leads you to questioning your judgment.

5) Get used to the idea you'll possibly have to return a couple until you get a good one. Fortunately, Amazon's great about this.

6) If returns annoy you, don't get the 400. If there's a 50:50 chance of getting a faulty 300, you now have a 75:25 chance of at least one side of the 400 being faulty. Plus, if one 300 fails later, you've still got one pump. If one of the two 300 pumps inside the 400 fails, you've now got a loud unit to either deal with or entirely replace.

Read Best Reviews of Rena Air 300 Air Pump Here

This pump lives up to the hype! It is a little pricey but maybe you do get what you pay for. I'll know more a year from now. Up to this point it is a good working , QUIET pump.

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Purchased this air pump to replace my much older whisper pump and this one was VERY quiet. Had it now for several months and would recommend it to anyone wanting peace and quiet in their home.

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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit

Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit, 5-GallonMy Betta fish looks extremely happy into this 3g tank; I just regret I didn't buy the 5g version.

The Whisper Micro Filter works SO good, it has a Flow Control system which allows me to select a very low flow, perfect for bettas!

Unfortunately, the tank comes with a "medium" size filter, which is way TOOOOO big for the small tank. I know there is a "small" version of the Whisper Micro Filter, so I don't understand why Tetra didn't bundle it with this tank instead of the Medium size. :-S

The tank itself looks crystal clear, acrylic made, very resistant, and easy to clean. I recommend you to buy a special acrylic cleaner sponge since regular sponges will scratch it.

I was speechless when I first turned the LED Lighting Lamp ON, it is magnificent! Perfect room lightning at night. LEDs technology is awesome, it doesn't only lights better, but it saves a lot of energy compared to regular bulbs.

I love all Tetra products! They are definitely the best.

Don't get me wrong by the three stars. This tank is great but the filter set up is not a good one. The design of the items for the tank make everything fit perfectly. There is even a slot for a heater cord. The problem is the filter mount when used has the top of the filter to high in the tank so that the top of the filter is the same level with the top of the open tank thus can SLOWLY leak water along the mount to the outside of the tank. Bottom line is use the suction cups only and you will be happy. Had I really known about how this filter worked I would have gone with something like a fluval U1 or U2.

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As a first aquarium, it's pretty terrible. As a tank purchased purely for the fun of experimentation, with the hopes of re-homing some guppies, it's decent, and I don't regret the purchase. (I agree with the folks who say that bigger is better, for your first. Three gallons is harder to maintain, and is very, very limiting when it comes to fish selection, if you want them to live in a comfortable, happy environment. This tank has other problems, though, so if you are looking for your first aquarium, keep reading.)

The filter (Tetra Whisper Micro, not 3i ... good luck finding cartridges) is half-way decent, and it is inevitably, being made of plastic, had marks in it. After cutting the surge protector on and off, the filter only half worked and I had to move it up to full power (no, do not run your filter on full power this is why people are having trouble with it and set it low on the hook). The hook is covering a suction hole remember this when you take it out for any reason, or you will have water everywhere. Don't use it without the hook, or the filter will sit on the bottom, and that's where its intake is located.

I am hoping a small power filter, such as the one Azoo makes, will fit the space. I haven't measured to be sure, yet. If not, I suppose I'll use a small sponge filter ("Lee's Round Dual-Action Foam Filter" is sold by Amazon, as are replacement sponges, and is supposed to be good for tanks up to 5gal UPDATE: I am now using this filter, and I like it a lot better). The given filter takes up a lot of space if you plan on putting any ornaments in. I just want plants. I might put a small shelter in.

That all being said, I have mine set up as a low-light dirted environment (more gravel, less dirt under the filter), and my microsword is relatively happy (it needs a stronger light, but at least it is growing). I would recommend this as a functional, but not perfect, guppy tank. It's bright, attractive, and retains some moisture in the form of condensation.

I would use light-colored substrate. Don't use sand, as the filter will likely suck it up. I have dark blue, red, and green gravel, and it just absorbs all the light. If I were to start it over, I would try white or beige gravel, or Caribsea's Torpedo Beach substrate, as it looks like it will be very attractive, and seems like it might be heavy enough to not be sucked up. I'm using Sunset Gold sand, now, in another tank, and I like it. Maybe some more plants or some decoration will brighten it up.

As for the top of the tank, yes, it does fit after water is added. It comes off easily enough; though, for maintenance purposes, the light needs to come off, as well. I would *not* use this tank without the lid. There would be nothing to protect the LEDs from condensation, and I have already, on a past setup, lost a tank light (an incandescent, which I do not wish to ever own again) to such cheap construction. The lid is specifically designed for the given filter, and has a hole on the other side of the light (which you mount to the tank), should you wish to add a heater (Hydor's Mini 7.5 Watt, for 2-5 gallons, is probably the only thing that will fit it works to a set number of degrees on top of what you have, so monitor). This could also be a good entry hole for piping, such as for air or a DIY CO2 system.

The pictures are deceptive: the light comes all the way to the feed hole and pretty much covers the top of the tank. It is a bright but bulky thing, and for the brightness, has no power. Good for energy, medium-to-low level for plants.

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This 3 gallon tank has been great. The filter is very quiet, but is very powerful. The tank has not required much cleaning because the filter is rated for tanks much bigger than 3 gallons. The downside is that the filter itself is big, so it takes up more room in the tank. The shape of the tank allows for a great presentation, but it does not take up much room. The only complaint I have with the tank is the the top that is provided does not fit on very easily. Overall a great small tank!!!

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I just got this tank a few days ago, and so far I like it a lot for my betta. He seems to be happy with all the extra space, and it is an attractive setup. I have to say that based on other reviews there are apparently two versions of this tank. Mine is a Marineland Crescent, some others have reviewed an Eclipse kit. It appears the Eclipse unit has the filter installed in the hood. My Marineland kit came with a Whisper filter that is WAY too big for this tank. It seems to function well, but blows my betta around the tank and he stays to the side opposite the filter while it is running. It seems absurd that Tetra didn't put a smaller filter with this kit. Unless I can ever find a small filter that works well and is gentle enough for a betta, my fish will have to deal with this huge filter a couple hours a day so his water can be cleaner. Also, if you use the clip to hang the filter over the edge of the aquarium, it is too high, making it sit above the water level. You will need to remove the clip, and use the suction cups so you can position the filter lower. The kit comes with an extra suction cup for the top half of the filter, but it does not fit in the hole so you will need to stick something in it, like a key, to widen it out enough to fit the suction cup. The top lid fits just so-so, but does provide ample opening to fit even the big filter plus a heater, so the lid doesn't sit on top of the cords. There is also an open area toward the front of the lid to feed the fish. The LED lighting is bright and provides a pleasing view of the aquarium. For installing the light fixture, there are two screws provided to attach the clamp. Be careful not to twist the screws too tight. I did screw one in too tight, which caused a little crack in the aquarium. This is an an excellent tank so far, but can't give it 5 stars because of the ridiculously big filter.

***UPDATE 6/29/12*** The other day while re-positioning the filter, I discovered that there is actually a switch on the back of the filter at the bottom that allows you to adjust the flow-which I obviously missed before. I set it at minimum and my betta seems mostly ok with it on. I'm going to run it most of the day, and turn it off at night so he can sleep well...and see how that goes.

***UPDATE*** 8/8/12 A few weeks ago I took out the big Tetra filter, and replaced it with the Azoo Mignon Filter, which I bought on Amazon. It sits outside the tank, has adjustable flow, is very quiet, and is easy maintenance. When set the right way, there is practically no current from the flow and I leave it running 24/7. Strongly recommend it.

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Monday, December 30, 2013

Old Bell Aquarium Decorations

Old Bell Aquarium DecorationsI love this ornament. I placed it in my 65 gal freshwater tank. It is very realistic looking. It does not have that "plastic" look. Many fish need places to hide. This ornament allows the fish to swim into it.

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Monday, October 28, 2013

Petco Reversible Swirl/Solid Terrarium Carpet for Reptiles

Petco Reversible Swirl/Solid Terrarium Carpet for ReptilesLove the pattern on this reptile carpet. Love the way it looks in my terrarium, BUT wish I hadn't wasted money buying it. It is way too small. You might think 'so what?' if it leaves a 1/4 inch to a half inch of bare glass on the floor. Problem is if you use live feed those worms and crickets use that area to get under the carpet and hide...so no food for the Bearded Dragon and a nasty mess to clean when you pull the carpet out to clean his tank. AVOID this product! Hope I can find it somewhere where they will cut it to the correct size. Price at Petco is CHEAPER than Amazon!!! Purchased for $11.99 @ Petco Love the pattern but it is WAY TOO SMALL for tank. Measures 29.5 x 11.5 inches.

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Sunday, October 27, 2013

Aquarium Fish Tank Silicone Sea Anemone Artificial Coral Ornament SH220S pu

Aquarium Fish Tank Silicone Sea Anemone Artificial Coral Ornament SH220S puThis has nice authentic detail, but has a strong unpleasant odor. Don't think I would put it in an aquarium with live fish I was just using for a model for science class had nice oral disk detail.