And there is the problem, I will never water change a tank more than 25%.
There's a common parroted saying "there's no such thing as too much filtration" which is incorrect the way it's commonly interpreted. However, "There's no such thing as too much fresh, clean water" (you can quote me!).
I prefer 50% (or slightly more) weekly and in some of the crowded grow out tanks, I'll do about 50% twice a week.
When does anyone actually stop learning about anything?
If they're smart, never because the more you learn, the more you realize that there's much more to learn. I cooked food for thousands, I built my 2 story home with my own two hands, I wrote PC computer software, I created a
website in a couple of days, I've been a fishkeeper for many, many years. I've been on the "learn as you go" program!
Even an experienced aquarists with 20+ years under his belt still needs quality test kits. I don’t care how much experience you have, or how long you have been keeping fish, you still need to frequent test your water.
With well established tanks on a stable maintenance schedule, I rarely test the water any more. Oh I once was a bit 'over concerned' about water parameter test results, but the notion finally passed.
Please don't get distracted by the odd verb...'pilfered'. In the context used, perhaps scavenged might have been more universally acceptable.
Perhaps 'repurpose' or 'recycle' isn't typically in the UK verbiage? I tend to appreciate a DIY approach and where something once used for one thing and perhaps destined for the trash bin serves very well in another use and saves money as well! Like my re-invented Tap Water Filter to address source water nitrates, or the simple bucket filter for the turtle pond, an inexpensive 45g bin for a sump, a DIY pvc spray bar for the 110g canister filter...and on and on.
I don't need to read 40 year old book to figure...
There is no denying that one could throw LOTS of money into this hobby with tanks, filters, media, food, and fish. But what if you have the "fishkeeper itch" and you're a teenager or a young adult on a tight budget, a single mother living on paycheck to paycheck.... There's nothing wrong with KISS (keep is simple, stupid)! One doesn't have to have an expensive canister filter when a simple HOB or sponge filter will do. One doesn't need expensive bio-media when sponges work just as well. One doesn't need high end lighting when floating plants do well under almost any light. With some thought and inspiration, the hobby is accessible to more 'regular people' that also have a life but perhaps not lots of cash for a HOBBY!
https://mjvaquatics.com
