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Post by angelminx on Dec 12, 2014 17:36:21 GMT -5
Hi All, I got my "supplies" for the sandbox for the Cories and Banjo catfish. They are both from Petco, the sand is 5lb (for $4.99) and the bowl is a Medium/3 cup ($3.99): I poured the sand into the bowl to the desired depth, then poured it into a Gallon zip-bag. Then I removed the label and rinsed out the bowl, and while it was draining added ~1/3 bag of warm water to the zip bag. I stirred the sand lightly and carefully poured off the excess water (had to do it in the kitchen sink because of the time of year) and repeated 2x. After this, I added some more water, and Prime, and "massaged" the bag a bit to mix it in. I then closed the bag most of the way, letting out air and excess water. I only lost a tiny bit of sand during the whole process. Once at the aquarium, I turned off the filters, removed (and replanted) the Jungle Vals I am nursing (and the Anubias afzelli), then placed the bowl where I would use it (the only place that it really fit) and sank it into the substrate. I had to rearrange the substrate a bit to "cover" the sides--this would be best done when initially setting up the tank (as it is, it is sitting on top of the sublayer of sand--hopefully this won't be a concern),so that a layer of gravel would be under the bowl. Next, I placed the zip bag into the bowl, opened the zipper a few inches, then up-ended the bag in the bowl, with the opening inside of it. I slowly let the sand out into the bowl, and only lost a bit when I "misjudged" the placement (I sneezed). After that it's just cosmetic...smooth out the sand and make minor adjustments. And, of course, turn the filter back on.
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Post by angelminx on Dec 12, 2014 17:45:40 GMT -5
Here are a before and after shot: And in use: As I said, placement would be easier if done when 1st setting up the tank, all you'd probably have to do is cover the bowl and weight the cover when adding your water. [I used to have some arragonite in the tank (before I discovered Carl) and water changes weren't too bad if you pour the water in away from the sand, and when gravel-cleaning, hover the bell of the gravel cleaner ~1" or so over the sand.]
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Sandbox
Dec 12, 2014 19:06:33 GMT -5
Post by Carl on Dec 12, 2014 19:06:33 GMT -5
Awesome Angelminx!!! I like how the Cories are using it too! I have never thought of something like this, so a great idea!!! Carl
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Sandbox
Dec 13, 2014 16:26:07 GMT -5
Post by devonjohnsgard on Dec 13, 2014 16:26:07 GMT -5
This was a great idea... Thanks for sharing. I think I'll try this one
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Post by angelminx on May 8, 2015 19:00:07 GMT -5
I may change-up the sandbox.
I am thinking about investing in some live blackworms (if I can get hold of a blackworm keeper somewhere), and the cats' present "playground" is deeper than I would like for releasing worms for them to dig for. I have a cone worm feeder, but I would like my "kitties" to be able to forage for them naturally, and a shallower "sandbox" will allow for that. While I was in town today, I noticed some plastic "drip trays" for planters that came in various sizes and colors, that were much shallower than what I've got at present ("no" plant supplies available when I purchased the present sandbox). I need to measure my present one so I know what size to pick up. They had grey (no black) so that's what I'm hoping to get...but it wasn't available in all sizes.
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