CryptKeepers 75gal MTS/Clay Loam*Updated Pics *1/1/10* Last Page

[fshfanatic]

What did you fill your two XP3 with? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Complexity]

Originally Posted by Torpedobarb

yeah.. I have both intakes in both of the corners and the discharge spray bars on the ends pointing towards the middle..

I do have the flow wide open.. but I am also using a diy co2 reactor on one filter and the uv sterilizer on the other filter.. so I have them both running wide open. I also use a powerhead to create more flow

Thanks for the description. I have my uv sterilizer on my Eheim. I received a simple (cheap) plastic diffuser with my setup which I need to replace. I'm not sure what I'll get.

I'll send you a PM on the PowerBook G4 a little later. Remind me if I forget.

[Complexity]

Originally Posted by fshfanatic

Cute! I've had a pesky gnat buzzing around me and walking on my monitor all night long. Good thing I didn't use too much force when I tried to kill yours!

[fshfanatic]

I made that for an avatar, but they don't allow animated images for avatars here.

[TheCryptKeeper]

Originally Posted by Complexity

Thanks for the description. I have my uv sterilizer on my Eheim. I received a simple (cheap) plastic diffuser with my setup which I need to replace. I'm not sure what I'll get.

I'll send you a PM on the PowerBook G4 a little later. Remind me if I forget.

I have an extra co2 reactor for sale.. it is 20.00 shipped. it is the rex style diy.. let me know

[TheCryptKeeper]

Originally Posted by fshfanatic

What did you fill your two XP3 with? Inquiring minds want to know.

my xp3's have the 4 sponges that come with it at the bottom.. 2 fine and 2 coarse. I have ceramic rings and bio chem stars in the second tray seperated by the divider. I have the purigen and carbon in the top tray and on the top with the divider the polishing sponge. both setup the same.. my water is always crystal clear. I also have sponge filter cartridges over the intakes to keep the larger crapola out!

[Complexity]

Originally Posted by Torpedobarb

I have an extra co2 reactor for sale.. it is 20.00 shipped. it is the rex style diy.. let me know

See PM.

This thread did spark me to get my 2nd canister for my 75. I bought an XP4 off of eBay for $150. Not too bad. As I'm working on some of the basics of my setup still, I figured I'd better go ahead and get my second canister now since I know I'll need one. The Eheim doesn't have a very strong flow so I figured the extra power of the XP4 would compensate. Plus, it gives me one extra basket to load up which I like.

[lauraleellbp]

Originally Posted by fshfanatic

No they wont. I have grown a lot of Anubias planted and it does great. Just dont bury it too deep.

*smacks fsh upside the head* Just b/c you needed it... did you look through the whole thread just to find something to pick on? ROFL

[lauraleellbp]

Originally Posted by Torpedobarb

my xp3's have the 4 sponges that come with it at the bottom.. 2 fine and 2 coarse. I have ceramic rings and bio chem stars in the second tray seperated by the divider. I have the purigen and carbon in the top tray and on the top with the divider the polishing sponge. both setup the same.. my water is always crystal clear. I also have sponge filter cartridges over the intakes to keep the larger crapola out!

Hey what sponges did you put over your intakes? I've been debating what to put over mine...

[TheCryptKeeper]

I bought these and just slipped them over. I tell you what.. they work wonders with keeping the big stuff out! when I clean them.. I just take a ziplock bag and put it over the sponge and slip it off into the bag as to not get all of the debris in the tank.. rinse it out and put it back on! works great!

here is what I bought
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752618

they just slip on over the intake strainer!

[lauraleellbp]

AHA! See, someone else recommended those to me over in the shrimp forum, but then I couldn't find them online... that's exactly what I've been looking for, thanks!

[TheCryptKeeper]

your welcome!

[MikeS]

I have been debating whether to do that or not. What would be the cons of the sponge? Less water flow?

[Complexity]

I have a sponge on my intake tubes of some of my tanks. The pros are many. It keeps small fish out of the filtration. It keeps large debris out, as well. And it's yet another place for bacteria to grow. I've also found that many of my fish and shrimp enjoy clinging onto it and eating off of it.

I think the only real con is that it does become cluttered with large debris which becomes unsightly if you don't clean it off. But as Torpedobarb suggested, just place a baggy (or very fine netting) over it, turn off the filter, and remove the sponge. You can then wash off the large debris in syphoned tank water.

The sponges I prefer to use are a bit more course than what Torpedobarb is using. I like that because it allows larger debris to pass through (such as uneaten food and waste) while still keeping fish, shrimp and truly large debris out of the canister. I've also found that my RCS absolutely LOVE to cling to the bottom of the sponge. Why, I don't know! But there's always a group of them in that spot all the time.

EDIT: I must correct something I stated in this post (and some other posts which I will also be editing). I suggested using a course sponge over the intake with RCS (Red Cherry Shrimp). I retract that suggestion! I ended up with some RCS babies getting through the sponge and into my filter! I have since removed my course sponge for one with a finer texture. DO NOT USE the course sponge I suggested. It is harmful to RCS.

[MikeS]

Complexity, what sponges do you have?