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It will take a couple of weeks for the new sponge filter be fully effective. Keep your old filter running until the new filter is ready. Does your sponge filter have suction cups or is it designed to sit on the tank's substrate? If designed to sit on the substrate, I bet the problem is air...

Imagine, and aquarist who is free from pride and arrogance! In my case, to borrow a Beatles songs, 'The long winding road,' it was decades! Welcome to the 'I should have better' crowd. You made it! So, now take what you have learned and share it with other aquarists!

Yep, the leaves need to be above the water's surface. If you can position the leaves above the water's surface it will grow like crazy as it sucks the excess nutrients from your tank. I used Pothos in my Archerfish tank (initial set-up) and was it amazing. I also have also used it in...

If you can get your hands on some historic aquarium books, they will discuss 'old water' and how much that golden hued water was cherished back then. Some aquarists traded and even sold their 'old water.' The books also mentioned the disastrous effects of introducing large amounts of 'new...

Very helpful. Thanks, GaryE!

That's a lucky betta. Personally, I would continue to hand feed it as you are doing and be satisfied knowing you are doing all possible to make it comfortable.

Could you please take a picture of this Co2 system? I am having a difficult time visualizing your situation. Are you asking how to route the hose through the soda bottle's screw top? Is this something you made (DIY) or something you purchased that only needs to be connected?

Are you sure that the nitrate reading is zero? I always find it really odd when all of the readings are zero. Especially nitrate. What type of test kit are you using? Is the tank cycled and how long have you had the plants?

Tough to beat that magnificent ballad by the late, great Percy Sledge. Runners up are: 1. Because - The Dave Clark Five. 2. Love is all around - The Troggs. Yes, the guitar was out of tune...even with itself but that adds so much character to the song! Any musicians out there?

Yeah, I really miss FAMA. Don Dewey was so visionary. His love for tropical fish and R/C made him truly unique. I remember reading an issue of RCM and seeing an advertisement for a new magazine, FAMA. Couldn't wait to subscribe. I wrote Don a letter and told him of my love for both hobbies...

I'm not sure if this will help but I use rain barrels (not rainwater but tap water) to season my replacement water and then do water exchanges from them. But I use a siphon system from the rain barrel for my Archerfish tank. I have found over the years the Archerfish is sensitive to water...

They breed like rabbits. No idea how many over a two-year period but it was many. In 2007, I was giving them away like crazy until the 'market was saturated' and then I split up the pair. They are amazing fish. I actually acquired and bred them for about a year in preparation for a feature...

Intentionally, the American-Flag Fish (Jordanella florida).

Personally, I would turn it into a scalare species tank. And, when (if) you have a mated pair, find good homes for all of the other fish and enjoy an amazing experience!

It has been years since I've had guppies but did not know that. I never looked that closely at a new-born. Interesting!

Intentionally or by accident?! :)

I am not familiar with that filter, but I looked it up. It is rated up to 400L. My guess is that the rating is based upon the performance of a new motor and impeller and completely clean filter media. I would lower your biomass (number of fish) given your unit is used, and unlikely to always...

No, unless you find they become territorial (nipping etc), or start reproducing and exceed the tank's limits. You are very kind to let them live out their life in a good and familiar home. I use Prime and it is outstanding. It says on the label you can use more if needed. Just don't over-do...

Nice illustration!

I reexamined your photos and see you have a double sponge filter in the betta tank. I can't tell what the other tank has. In any case, that is good. Here is what I do and it works: Clean one sponge the first week and the other the second week. I took sharp scissors and cut a very small piece...

My first thought is the infrequent cleaning of your sponges. Every two months is not frequent enough. Try every two weeks. Continue to rinse them in old tank water and gently squeeze them when cleaning. Use a bucket. You will need to rinse/squeeze them several times. I would do that for...

Even though we didn't win, I'm happy for your team! Enjoy the fun!!!!

It sounds like a problem with your water parameters if your tests show any ammonia. I have not kept mollies for many years so I'm going by memory here. Success was achieved by keeping them in a fully cycled, hard water tank, neutral pH, no ammonia, no nitrites and very low nitrates. I agree...

Welcome to the forum! You are a well-experienced aquarist so the transition will not be difficult. It might help if you first identify how much money you have to devote to the project and effort you are willing to exert. You mention marine has become expensive. Yep. But a high-tech plant...

What's to fix? The second one has very nice depth. The first is a plant showcase. They are both beautiful.

Hi Benji K,, We have aquatic nurseries in the USA and I bet there are some in Australia too. The one I am most familiar with here is Florida Aquatic Nurseries. They don't sell privately but will fulfil retail store orders. I have ordered (through a tropical fish shop) from Florida Aquatic...

Not sure how far you are from Seattle but this might be a helpful link: https://www.gsas.org/

We had a joke back when I was teaching scuba and trying to keep the scuba shop afloat. It is appropriate to the tropical fish hobby and went like this: "How do you make a million dollars in one year owning a scuba shop?" Start with two million!" The answer to our future is aquarium clubs and...

Welcome from another 'noob' on this site!

Hi dumbeginner123, It's normal to be sad when losing a pet. I am sorry for your loss. But look at it this way, you gave that fish a good home that it never would have had in a pet shop's crowded & bare tank. Now is a good time to examine how to prevent this loss from occurring again. It...

Those were the good ole days.

I hope I didn't 'rain on your parade' by suggesting first doing a business plan with a market survey etc.! I would suggest before spending any money to first identify your goals in writing. That first step is essential. I'm going back to my Business 101 class here :) Identify your goals...

Sort of like Jack and the Beanstalk!

It's a "watched pot never boils" kind of thing! I find it helps to take a daily photo of new tanks/plants to see the subtle changes.

Oh yeah, I fully understand not turning the house into a rainforest! Your tank is gorgeous. I have never owned a pet shop. I wrote for the tropical fish industry for many years and have known many 'mom and pop' pet shop owners and can say for certain, you would be wise to do a market survey...

Good day Jiff101. I am a little confused with your question. Are you asking for assistance on how to open a retail pet shop or setting up a fish room for your personal use in your home?

I use a rain barrel to season my water. A day prior to water exchanges, I add a heater if the water temp needs a minor adjustment.

What size is your tank and where is it located? Do you have room for a 'seasoning' tank/container near your tank?