Thursday, November 27, 2014
Elevated Feeder Stormcloud Medium 9.66" x 18.18" x 8.05" by Bergan
Monday, November 24, 2014
Mr. Aqua Hardwood Stand for 12-Inch Cube Aquarium
Monday, November 17, 2014
Jardin Plastic Aquarium Manmade Floating Fish, 5-Piece, Colorful
Friday, October 24, 2014
10 - 20 Gallon Fish Tank Power Filter
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
NLS CICHLID SINKING 80GM
The sinking pellets are good, in that they can be easily delivered to selected areas in the tank, rather than floating around and wedging in areas which the fish cannot get to. This makes for much less fouling of water.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Waterproof EC/TDS/Temp Combo Meter
The unit is waterproof, light weight, a bit smaller than the size of a small "C" cell flashlight or about the size of a large cigar. It's easy to use, easy to maintain, small form factor for storage purposes and once calibrated, I feel it's an accurate piece of test equipment that gives you the feel of having control over your spa tub water chemistry.
If you're a bit geeky, enjoy the feel of accurate test data and like the peace of mind knowing you have control over your water chemistry, after using this tester a few times, you'll feel confident that you're finally in control of your spa water readings.
Yes, the COM-100 is a bit expensive, but if you have the extra green, for the peace of mind and control over your water chemistry this tester gives you, you'll quickly come to the same conclusion I came to; money well spent.
Note 1. Be sure to buy some calibration solution so you know your reading is accurate. Calibration is simple. Holding the middle button in for a few seconds puts the unit in calibration mode and then it's simply using the up/down arrows to set the digital display to match the calibration fluids stated concentration level. In this case the calibration fluid concentration is 342ppm. You want to use a calibration fluid that's close to your expected needs. In the case of this tester, calibration is no more difficult than using a television remote control.
Note 2. Amazon has "HM Digital Calibration Fluid for Handheld TDS Meter" for sale. You can get calibration fluid in concentrations of either 1000 ppm or 342 ppm. You can get in KCl or NaCl depending on what your water chemistry is.
Note 3. FWIW, you want your spa water to be between 1000 2000 ppm TDS. When it gets above 3000 ppm, it's time to trash the spa tub water because at 3000 ppm, your chemicals become less effective. Knowing TDS is an important aspect of monitoring your spa water chemistry. Without a TDS tester of this kind, you haven't a clue what your TDS is. Due to this, you're either having to trash your water prematurely on a monthly, two or three month cycle. Or the alternative is, use up a lot of time regularly dropping in at your pool/spa supply house with water sample in hand like the doctors office where they're going want you to spend more money. I hate trashing spa water and I hate spending money on chemicals, just so I feel good about getting my water tested for free. With this tester, that's no longer an issue.
Hope the above helps. I own a commercial water testing laboratory. This is the best portable conductivity meter I've ever seen and it has a very reasonable price.
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easy to use, very accurate.I check my reverse osmosis water quality whit it, make me very confident that my drinking water is better than many bottled waterRead Best Reviews of Waterproof EC/TDS/Temp Combo Meter Here
Received item within a week. The hm com100 was as advertized and came with instructions and battery. This EC/TDS works great and was at a good price. I would recommend this seller.I bought this because I wanted to know what's in our water and I work in the science field. It is a solid product that is easy to use.Sunday, August 31, 2014
Zoo Med Turtle Dock for 15 Gallon Tanks, Medium
Buy Zoo Med Turtle Dock for 15 Gallon Tanks, Medium Now
1st I must say. Some if not most of zoomeds items like this basking dock is made with a paint-like substance that peels off into my clean turtle tank...I'm unsure how safe it it or if its lead ..if so then lawsuits can follow if someone's pet dies due to swallowing this...I don't know but I'm tired of scooping up the partials that comes from this item. Maybe its foam dunked in paint but ZooMed need to create something more safer than this coating. And it was gritty coming out of the box so I rinsed it off and it still has particles that float into my clean water.If this didn't happen it would b great...
My turtle likes to climb on it but he has to get used to it after using another bank made differently.
Read Best Reviews of Zoo Med Turtle Dock for 15 Gallon Tanks, Medium Here
May not be pretty as my 4 year old put it, but it looks like the picture and works as stated. I do have a very small turtle though I added weights to my dock and it will hold 1 lb 5 oz up out of the water before sinking under.Had the grainy sand stuff but rinsed it off before putting in the tank (who would not wash something new before exposing there animals to it any way?). No scrubbing as it is foam afterall. I like it, my kid's turtle likes it, and it is as advertised so thumbs up.
I also think it is great ZooMed provides products I can afford that work. I also use their turtle filter.
Want Zoo Med Turtle Dock for 15 Gallon Tanks, Medium Discount?
The design requires improvement due to the suction cups not staying put. It would have been better if it was designed to hook over the edge of the tank for stability. I am going to have to "rig" this dock in order for it to work, because the turtles can't enjoy it when it's floating freely around the tank. Not impressed at all.Saturday, August 30, 2014
Coralife 05476 Square Pin Compact Fluorescent Lamp, 96-Watt, 10K
My plants grown so well in it I liked these bulbs, delivered as advertised and in great shape.
I have an older lighting fixture and since purchasing them years ago they are still holding up, and looking good. They have dimmed a little but hardly noticeable.
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I never saw whether this bulb worked. The first one arrived shattered. Cross-ship return. The second one arrived shattered. Cross-ship return. The third one didn't have any glass obviously broken, but the packaging was the same and the bulb never flickered or lit. Returned.At the end of the day, Petco actually had better pricing for an equivalent bulb and shipped in MUCH BETTER packaging. So...try the bulb, but be ready to return it if you hear glass rattling when it arrives.
Read Best Reviews of Coralife 05476 Square Pin Compact Fluorescent Lamp, 96-Watt, 10K Here
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Como Aquarium Decoration Flower Lotus Plant Fish Ornament
Friday, August 1, 2014
Como Aquarium Artificial Movable Tail Swimming Fish 5 Pcs
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Monday, July 28, 2014
Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Sand 20 lb.
For my second purchase there was some floating debris in the sand, which was a little annoying, but after running the pumps for a day, everything cleared up and I was able to remove all of the debris from the mechanical filters along with doing some manual scooping with a net. I guess this is expected from live/natural sand.
Overall, highly recommend this product, especially if you're new to saltwater and hesitant about stocking your new tank with fish and other animals too quickly... takes the waiting out of the equation if you're eager to get everything up and running.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Zoo Med Spirulina 20 Flake Fish Food
Unlike so many imports from China Zoo Med foods are free of filler, sub par ingredients and what is most important free of Ethoxyquin. Ethoxyquin is a toxic pesticide often touted as a preservative It's long been banned from dog and cat foods however due to poor regulation lower end foods continue to use it.
Studies have proven that Ethoxyquin even in trace amounts is especially lethal to fish. Studies that support this can be confirmed by simply looking ethoxyquin up on Wikipedia and follow the links to the findings.
Regarding Spirulina 20 this is an outstanding, naturally color enhancing food. Packed with protein at 45% this food is perfect for fish ranging from African Cichlids to Fancy Ornamental Goldfish both of which I keep in a never ending accumulation of fish tanks.
Spirulina is a plant based plankton often referred to as "the perfect food" it's packed with protein, vitamins A1, B1,B2,B6,B12 and vitamins C and E. In addition Spirulina is rich in eight essential fatty amino acids it's a wonderfully healthy food.
The flakes are huge which makes feeding a breeze I have a huge Red Devil Cichlid who goes crazy when he sees the jar. My Ornamental goldfish and other Cichlids are equally crazy for it.
Perfect for salt, fresh and brackish water fish Spirulina 20 is an absolutely wonderful food which will enhance both the color and health of most any fish you keep.Spiriulina is great to keep certain fish healthy and all of fish eats this diet which is great for their health. I mix it with blood worms, regular diet, brine shrimps.
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I've been doing freshwater and saltwater tank for almost 7 years and I've been using this product for about 2 years. I didn't realize how good this product was until I started using it. I love this product because my fish seems to be doing great and they would go crazy every time I feed them this food.Just like what it says on the container, it promotes good health and brings out the color of the fish really well. Plus it's high in protein so that's a plus.
I recommend this product to all aquatic hobbyist. Price is reasonable and excellent food for the fishes.
Read Best Reviews of Zoo Med Spirulina 20 Flake Fish Food Here
Bought this for my freshwater guppies, and they love this food!! They see the big blue can and come to the surface to be fed. My inverts love it as well.Want Zoo Med Spirulina 20 Flake Fish Food Discount?
This video shows two of my red freshwater ramshorn snails gobbling down a large Spirulina 20 flake. They're on the surface floating on their backs.
Of all the various aquarium foods I've tried, these are by far to me the best flakes of all. All my fish like them, and they're like catnip to the inverts. The practical side of this is that if you feed these flakes to your fish and some of the flakes reach the bottom where the fish can't find them or don't feed, your inverts (if you have any) should quickly eat up the extra. No waste!
These are especially helpful for my baby ramshorn snails and my pond (pouch) snails. The pond snails are technically an infestation that I didn't ask for, but they're so cool to watch (and impossible to eradicate) that I decided to keep them around.
I've just gotten to the bottom of the four ounce can I ordered...er...when? I suppose if I can't remember when I ordered it I should by a new supply. The funny thing is that it has taken at least six months to use up the four ounce can even after giving half to someone who raises and breeds snails. A few ounces of these flakes go a long way.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Fluval Underwater Filter
For a Turtle tank setup with part water setup, it can be laid on its side and create a fountain effect. It does a great job in comparison with the Whisper filters that can be stood up.
I use the U3 for my 29 gallon community fish tank. I take turns every month changing each carbon filter and occasionally change the bio-max (in the middle) and foam (on each side).
This filter as stated above is completely silent.. I mean completely. That alone is a attractive feature to many. Controller the water current will be attractive for plant tanks.
I do really like the Aqua Clear filters but have run into one issue twice. When the power goes out and if the filter is not unplugged before it goes back on, it will burn out the motor. It cannot prime itself. That is why it happens. This filter is fully submerged in water so that is a non issue. I have had this filter for three years and it is still going strong.
One possible downside is the fact in some peoples tank, it may appear as a sore spot. By that I mean it is a big black filter hanging inside of the tank, very visible in comparison to hang on the back filters.
One small note. the suction cups on this are VERY STRONG. I seriously thought I was going to break the filter attempting to move it, that scared me. It comes with four suction cups. I only use two and it works perfect.
I sell filters all the time for a store and these filters are a steal for Amazons current $45. Most people are paying $90 for this filter, as I did when it was new.
I am not trying to say it should be compared to canister filters because obviously they will do a better job. In comparison to hang on the back filters, I would easily recommend this filter.
Do not buy the U1 filter as the smallest one does not have a carbon insert, all it is, is a piece of foam. The U2, U3 and U4 are great though.__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 7/26/12-see bottom part of entry-upgrade from 3 to 5 stars
__________________________________________________________________________
Original review June 2012:
I'm writing a long review because I found it helpful to hear others' experience specifically with turtles. They are a little different than fish when it comes to what works.
I have a painted turtle, about 5-6 inches long right now. We have an algae eater too who helps keep the tank clean (we call it a sucker fish, not sure what its real name is). We also periodically add small minnows and goldfish to entertain the turtle and for food if we forget to feed her or go on vacation. Since she's primarily a water turtle, her tank consists of mostly water with a few haul out spots.
We just upgraded from a 20G tank to this one. Previously we've always used the Whisper Quiet filters with great success. People would rave about how clean the turtle tank was, and we could pretty much ignore it (don't worry about changing water, etc.) In the 20G tank we had the 20-40G Whisper Quiet in about 16G of water, no plants, a few submerged items, and a floating plastic "log" for basking. For the 50G, we added a few more submerged and surface items, but all are plastic or rocks, nothing living.
Upgrading to the 50G tank (with about 40-42G water) posed a problem for me. All of the larger hang on back filters required the water level to be higher than I wanted, since the turtle needs some land, and I didn't want it climbing out. I tried rigging a few up-the larger Tetra one worked very well, but I had to rig it inside of the tank, and it just took up too much room.
I decided to try the underwater Fluval for two reasons-never need to worry about water level, and because I'm not willing to invest in a canister filter.
PROS:
--silence. it's golden
--ease of changing filter media (it's really simple, you can lift it up so you don't contaminate everything or spit junk back out)
--will never dry out or burn out if you lose power and it restarts (since submerged)
--ability to place where I like in the tank for optimal filtering and flow to stir things up
--ability to change parts of filter at a time to preserve beneficial bacteria
--foam pad separate from other pieces so you can rinse that and not everything
--no splashing, so no hard water stains on side of tank
CONS:
--I want to love this filter and I hope it works long term. We used it in a tank that had been recently filled and set up, with the Tetra running for about a week. Initially this worked really well, but about a week into it, the water turned nasty green. First off, TURTLES ARE DIRTY. By nature I don't think this filter accomodates that. I'm holding off judgement since it sometimes takes a while to get things right when you set up a new tank, as it happened before with other filters too at times. However, in this case, I think it's because of a lack of active carbon in the filter. There is just a tiny bit there, and in my experience (6 years with this turtle), the active carbon is ESSENTIAL to keeping them from getting stinky and gross. I decided to remove the bio pellets from the middle part (step 3) since I never had them before in my tanks anyway, and instead fill that space with one of the tetra filters filled with activated carbon. It's been about 10 hours. The nastiness is gone and the tank looks much better. There still seem to be a lot of particles in the water, but I am continuing to work on that-not sure if I can blame it on the filter at this time. I will keep adjusting, because I think this filter is worth figuring out how to make it work for turtles.
I gave it three stars because it advertises that it can be used for my purpose, but I don't think it comes through with the media it uses. I also think their media replacements are expensive relative to other filters (which is especially frustrating when they aren't even working for me). However, if the makeshift adjustment of using other carbon filters inside the third chamber is effective, I would upgrade to 4 stars. If I get to perfectly crystal clear water without the need to pay attention to the tank every week (yes, it's possible with some cheap filters), I'd go to 5 stars. I ask a lot from my filters!
___________________________________________
UPDATE 7/26/12
This definitely deserved the upgrade to five stars. I had to leave for three weeks after adding the Tetra carbon filter to the center in place of the bio pellets, so I filled it with a bunch of minnows for her to eat over time, then came home to a tank that was still crystal clear after 24 days. (Trust me, I was almost afraid to look at the tank when I returned for fear of how gross it might be.) A few minnows were still swimming around happily too. I went ahead and swapped out the carbon filter, but it looks like I can simply wash out the outer sponge and pathetic carbon insert supplied with it periodically and replace the Tetra carbon insert in the center chamber monthly. I still don't like that I had to adjust it, but I don't think there's a great product out there for turtles, and this is working VERY well. Plus, I am now purchasing the cheaper Tetra filters, so my ongoing costs will be less.
If you go this route, it does seem like a very tight fit to fold over the Tetra filter and slip it in the middle chamber, so don't be shy. Just wiggle it as you push it in and be gentle.
All that remains to be seen is longevity, but for now I am one happy consumer!
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I got this for my 10 gallon aquarium and I was amazed by how well it filtered my water, I was never a big fan of in-the-tank filter but man this one gets the job done! I wish I could give this a 4.5 stars but I can't, only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is because its pretty bulky and kind of unattractive to look at and due to the size its kinda hard to conceal behind plants. Its COMPLETELY silent, if you don't need the filter to provide aeration its pretty much impossible to hear it unless you press your ear up against the glass next to the filter. The filter does provide an option where it can provide aeration, unfortunately any type of aeration (from any filter or a air stone) will cause sound due to bubbling and surface agitation.Read Best Reviews of Fluval Underwater Filter Here
I really like using canisters when I'm able, but one of my tank configurations wasn't lending itself to a canister and I don't like the constant noise of the water fall from Hang On The Back filters. I thought I would give this a try.Super easy to install. Very simple to maintain. Good volume of water flow and I love that you can run top, bottom, or diffused center output. The diffused center output also has adjustments to direct the flow 45 degerees left, straight, or 45 degrees right. I can't imagine that one of the settings wouldn't be prefect for just about any tank.
I LOVE how easy it is to remove the filtration media inserts. It does not require you to remove the filter to wash out the media. However, removing the whole filter from the holder isn't difficult at all (if you ever needed to). I do wish they had a non-carbon filter pad for the outside slots though. All you really need is polymesh unless you are removing medication from the water or trying to clear the tank from tannins if you use real wood in your aquascape. The use of carbon increases the filter cost and it isn't actual carbon, just crushed carbon media impregnated on a filter sheet. I would be more than happy with just a water polishing media insert.
Only a couple down sides, which is why it didn't get a 5th star. The way the filter fits in the mount leaves a space behind the filter above the filter mount that is about and inch wide and 4 or 5 inches high. It is just enough for a slender or small fish to fit through. It hasn't been a problem (yet), but I can definately see a fish getting stuck as they get larger. Or, freaking out and injuring itself thinking it is getting stuck. I might insert a sponge or something back there to prevent fish from swimming through it.
I don't know it it is just mine, but the upper output nozzle has an aeration feature with rubber plug that is supposed to be able to adjust the aeration amount as you turn it. But, there is no way to stop the aeration. I think my plug may just not be sealing correctly, but I removed the plug and used regular air line with an external ball valve to solve the issue. this also allows for external air to be pumped into the tank causing air turnover. Otherwise, if you just close the lid and aerate from under the lid there is no air volume exchange.
Fortunately, the aeration fitting is the perfect size to fit air tubing. I just inserted the air tubing and it was a tight enough fit that I didn't even need to use anything to seal it.
All in all a pretty good unit. I really do like canisters a LOT better though. I wouldn't hesitate from buying another if I couldn't use a canister though.
-----------
UPDATE
I lowered my rating from 4 stars to 2. The space behind the filter did turn out to be an issue trapping a Gold Barb. But, the larger concern was the lack of adequate filtration. I'm comparing this to the Fluval 106 canister filter I replaced it with.
Simply, the 106 rated at 90+ gallons per hour circulation is so much better than what's available with the U3 (rated at 155 gallons per hour) that it isn't even comparable. I wasn't getting adequate circulation and my 20 gallon long tank wasn't staying clean or clear.
I think part of the issue may be that the output and input are at the same location, which only allows enough circulation for a portion of the tank while the 106 I seperated the output on one end and the intake on the other. Even though it is rated at less, the 106 is (by far) supplying better filtration.
I'll keep this and use it as an emergency back up in case any of my other filters fail. But, I will no longer use it as a primary stand alone filter.
Another concern is that having to use specific filter pads, which increases the cost of operation. With the 106, I can share media with my other canisters and don't need to buy specific panels during maintenance.
The ability to purchase bulk media will offset the cost over time and moving to a canister filter is easily the better choice.
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After a week of usage, I can safely say I am amazed by options offered by this filter. I have a 30 Gallon Tank and Turtles and the u4 is doing a great job of keeping the tank clean.This filter is placed inside the tank either straight up or laid down. It has three options for filtering. A, is the strongest current, B, utilizes the filters spray bar for an even flow, and C takes care of the bottom of the tank.
I was pretty amazed at how much power this filter has, it creates a mini river flow in the tank. This helps debris circulate towards the filter and provides my turtles some fun as they exercise their way through the current.
The filter it self has a 3 stage filtration. It uses 2 foam pads and bio nodes to help keep the tank clean, there are replacements available online if you so need it. On top of that accessing these foam pads and bio nodes is made easy with the filters flip top.
Another option this filter has is outputs for a bubble wand or any other tube like apparatus.
And one last cool thing that this filter comes with its own detachable "holding cradle with suction cups." You tilt it forward slightly and you can remove the filter from the tank for easy cleaning.
Overall I give this filter 5 stars for its sleek design, many options, and great filtering. I do recommend this filter for both turtles and fish owners.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Sun Seed Company SSS88048 9-Pack Sunnatural Select Sweet Grass Small Animal Timothy Hay, 16-Ounce
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Zilla 11536 Calcium Supplement Spray, 8-Ounce Bottle
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The sprayer worked great for a while, then it clogs. Got so fed up with this I finally contacted the company, who responded quickly, however, their recommendation to soak it in vinegar was not helpful, I mean, who has the time or ornate wisdom to submerge and watch time go by? The vitamin sprayer does not cease to work, just the calcium, so the dilemma marches onward.Read Best Reviews of Zilla 11536 Calcium Supplement Spray, 8-Ounce Bottle Here
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Marina Deluxe Oval Bubble Disk, 4.75 inch
Also great for larger bird baths! It seems to attract more birds b/c they see the water rippling great item to stock up on for the warmer months!The tube doesn't stay in place, and it doesn't create bubbles throughout the entire surface. It floats, and doesn't stay in place even with heavy rocks weighing it down. Beautiful and neat idea, just flawed design.
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Great product, I a m very pleased, thanx a million. Ten more words, I'm not great at explaining how happy I am, but very pleased and it's over ten words now, lol.Read Best Reviews of Marina Deluxe Oval Bubble Disk, 4.75 inch Here
I love this airstone. The bubbles are large enough that I don't have to worry about them lodging in my larger fishes' fins and strong enough that works even when buried under the sand in my tank. Be advised that the stone doesn't say submerged as easily as pictured and will need to be mostly buried.I purchased this while it was on sale and probably wouldn't get another one unless there was another price cut.As another reviewer noted, it's too light-weight to stay anchored to the bottom of the aquarium on its own. There is a small dimple on the bottom side that I hot glued a small suction cup to. From there, I could mount it anywhere I wanted. Just be careful that the hot glue is safe for fish.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Pet Buddies PB1716 Googlie Ricky Rabbit Medium Toy
I'm not sure how long this toy is going to last, but given how much Frank loves it, I don't care!
You can check out a larger version of this toy here Pet Buddies PB1715 Googlie Rocky Rabbit Large Toy
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Lee's Pet Products ALE16015 Rigid Tubing for Aquarium Pumps, 3/8-Inch by 3-Feet
regular tank siphon to pull out too much water and make it hard to target areas where debris accumulates. I can
get those areas with much greater precision by attaching the original vac hose to this rigid tubing and using that instead.I bought these for storage of end mills, as they tend to dull themselves if allowed to bang together in a drawer. The tubing works well for this, I just cut it into sections long enough for the cutter, slide it in and cap it. Allows me to easily identify them by size and type, since it is clear. I expect it would also work well for aquariums, but I didn't try them for that.
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The tubing was exactly as advertised. While I was concerned about the safety of delivery, I did not need to be as the product arrived in perfect condition. Arrival was prompt.
