Quote:
Originally Posted by BiscuitSlayer
Homer -
Looks like you have something working there  .
Two questions for you:
1. What are you doing for a filter?
2. Why is the tank running so warm? Lighting? |
Thanks BiscuitSlayer
(1) I left the biowheel intact. I know some suggest removing it off as it is implicated in removing whatever c02 is left. I spoke to a few members who have had success with this type of tank and they both told me that they saw no adverse effects leaving the biowheel alone. Instead of using the filter catridges made for the tank, I lined the filter tray with pantyhose containing one Tablespoon Seachem Purigen and overlaid that with Polyfloss, split two ways. The polyfloss only gets rinsed once a month and only part of the polyfloss is replaced. The seachem purigen in the pantyhose gets replaced with new granules once a month. Otherwise, 30-50% water changes weekly, only because I have shrimp in there and dose the tank with a pinch of phosphates, nitrates, potassium, and seachem equilibrium plus 1/2 tsp yamato green.
(2) You hit the nail on the head. The tank is running hot because of the lighting combined with a tight fitting canopy that leaves little room for air circulation. The weather where I am is pretty weird right now, super hot days one week and snow today, so I don't want to mess with the room temperature too much as I fear that if the aquariums experience temperature swings that may be even worse for the fish. Leaving the feed flap open does not seem enough to cool the tank. I have a couple of options. Rig a fan in the canopy to provide cooling. I am not much of DIY type of guy and I don't know if having a fan so close to water(given possiblity that it could become subject to water splashes and condensation) is such a good idea. I could reduce lighting, but am not sure how well the plants will grow. I tried a 10 watt coralife colarmax when I had this tank set up as a natural planted tank and even with indirect sunlight hitting the tank, there appeared to be insufficient light to spur any growth. Since the lighting is off at night, I am going to leave the canopy off to cool the tank. If there is a 4th attempt, I am going to go topless, remove the stock filter and use a Aquaclear 20 or Mini HOB, canister(zoomed 501 or Tom Rapids) and shine an adjustable desk lamp with 15 watts over the tank.