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Good catch Donya! There is so much garbage out there causing untold damage to our hobby.

I had a crayfish live for a long time in a 29-gallon tank and it did fine. Given you have a 55-long, you might consider an Australian Yabby. I also had one of those in a long tank like you have and it was amazing. Just be sure to have a tight-fitting top on the tank with a Yabby.

I am sure Archerfish use facial recognition. It is simply astounding. Family members are able to approach the tank and get within inches. While a complete stranger causes near panic with the fish bolting to the other side of the tank and hiding among the plants. They are beyond a doubt the...

I would never do an aquarium in your mother's situation. The risk is too extreme. If the tank has to be as you say, high up, it indicates a major safety risk. She would have to find a location that is so stable and secure that it prevents anyone from pulling the aquarium over or climbing up...

How long has your tank been established? Reason I ask is it could be several things. Some fish foods leave an 'oil slick' on the surface, especially if overfeeding. Your hands and arms might have oil on them and transferring to the water. This is especially true in the winter when we tend to...

I have had Java Moss attach to glass when it was initially growing on a log leaning against the tank's side. It was not a new tank and over the years, probably had micro-scratches not visible to the eye. It took months and honestly, was not by design. A faster way that I deliberately used was...

I bet there are several locally owned aquarium shops in the greater Boston area who can supply your plant needs.

I used them with canister filters. I that application, they work well. I have one in use outside in a 40-gallon porch pond. It is made by Eheim. Are you looking to prefilter an HOB or canister?

Thanks. Mine never bred, even when living in an indoor pond. I was published about them and during researching, I located a breeder who told me he had to 'strip' the eggs. I do know this for certain, the fish is very sensitive to nitrates.

I have sponge filters in all of my tanks and will make this guess: Your sponge filter has reached its lifetime usefulness and is clogged with all sorts of debris. CIt is time to replace it. In the meantime, can you run a course filter (as you mentioned) along with this old filter at the same...

The last of my five Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) passed away last evening at fourteen years of age. I would like to share lessons learned with anyone who is interested in keeping these amazing fish.

Good deal. You have a really nice aquarium. The plants take some time to acclimate to a new environment.

The yellow leaves will not turn green again so it is best to trim them at the base with sharp scissors. I can't tell from your image but the crown of the plant should not be covered. Rather than disturb the plant, you can take a clean (new) turkey baster and gently blow the substrate away and...

I second what @GaryE said above. It hurts and can be deadly. I suggest immediately unplugging the cracked heater and get rid of it. Yes, turn up your home heat as @Fishmanic suggested. Your fish will be fine.

Welcome we are so glad you joined!

I have not set up a fish room in a shed. Only used basements, garages and throughout the house. Here is an interesting article that might help. Based on my pond experience, make sure you have easy access to water, a good drain system and professionally installed electrical service. I have...

That is an interesting idea. I would need to recirculate the water some way and that leads me back to a chiller.

You are spot on again GaryE! Last summer, condensation occurred multiple times depending on how much evaporative cooling was introduced. Condensation went away in the evening when ambient cooled and the evaporative cooling was discontinued. You actually asked the question I should have asked...

Welllll, college dorm room.... :)

Oh, I forgot to mention that all of my tanks sit on a thick styrofoam sheet. I think it helps if there is an imperfect surface.

Oh my gosh, @GaryE! I haven't run across anyone for many years who knew of the beer cooler/dorm room refrigerator idea. Showing our age!

Yeah, I am aware of those issues (loud, expense and the fish can live at that temp etc.) but that is not what I am asking. What brand do you have? I don't want to debate whether the fish can endure the heat because that is not what I am asking. I have had the archerfish for 15-years. They...

I am sure the silicone you used, assuming it was for aquarium use, was a good product. But removing the center brace (s) greatly weakened the tank. The amount of light lost from those braces is minimal. One pet shop I used to visit had a 450-gallon tank that started leaking. They used...

Thanks for the response. I am looking for anyone who is using a chiller. I probably should have posted this question on a saltwater forum.

I have an interesting challenge and would appreciate input from those who have used aquarium chillers. Situation: My 90-gallon Archerfish tank resides in a sunroom where in July and August, the water temperature without mitigation, would reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.5 Celsius)...

It is best to fully research that before spending money on expensive plants. Do you have an extra aquarium with a glass lid? They are easy to find at yard sales and cheap. I am sure there are posts in our plant section about emersed growth. Best to check there first. If not, I will help you...

How do you plan to grow them?

To answer your question, I grow emersed plants and it is worthwhile. They grow emersed very quickly because they have an unlimited supply of CO2 as well as other factors. Many of us keep paludariums with all sorts of emersed plants. I am attaching an image of my courtyard pond showing Java...

Add the correct amount for each bucket and stir before use. It is best to dose as the water is being added if you use a hose. To answer the title of your post: None. Your fish should not be exposed to any chlorine.

Agree. I used a Hydor 300W inline coupled to a Marineland canister for many years on my Archerfish tank and the system performed flawlessly.

What size is your tank? What is your desired water temperature and what is the coldest room temperature the tank will experience?

I've seen many tanks that size at thrift (charity) stores. Also, look for yard sales or locally advertised. On sale, a new tank (just the tank) costs about $40 bucks. So, use that as a guide and look for something in the $15-20 range as long as it is in good shape (not all scratched up or...

Welcome! A 29-gallon tank is ideal. Please let us know what you plan for the tank.

What type of plants? Is the substrate new or well established? How many fish (and type) are in the tank? Type of lighting? These questions are all part of the equation. The answer is probably not what you want to hear. It depends.

Your 33-gallon tank will make a fine planted aquarium if you do research and plan ahead. There are people keeping spectacular nano high-tech planted aquariums. I also ran high-tech aquariums for a long time. 'Plug and play' systems are ok but, in my opinion, you would be better off to custom...

One of the most beautiful aquariums I've ever had was a Dutch style planted tank. Visitors (especially those who had aquariums) would rave over the gorgeous plants. It was always fun to hear someone say, "Hey, there are fish in there!"

Perhaps you will consider keeping your aquarium as species tank. You can get complementary color from various aquatic plants and decorations. I would avoid overstocking the tank regardless of what you read here or on the web. Personally, I think a group of say, 20 black neons in a heavily...

Since you don't have any fish that eats the stuff and are in a hurry you might try what I did. It works if you are meticulous: Wait until it is time for a water change. Turn off your filter. Remove as much as you can with a fine mesh net. Lower the water level about 2-inches. Wipe off the...

I agree with @Back in the fold, Marineland heaters are fine. I use them as well as other brands. In my experience, Marineland really stands by their warrantee if needed. Most importantly, size the heater to your tank's desired temperature vs the coldest ambient room temperature.