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Post by Carl on Nov 14, 2013 20:50:01 GMT -5
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Post by Carl on Sept 3, 2014 13:32:52 GMT -5
I have further updated our Freshwater Aquarium Care article. This includes a new link to a recommended wholesaler of freshwater fish (I recommend contacting them for dealers in your area or giving this link to your local dealer) Our recommended dealer to supply the best possible freshwater livestock to your local fish store: AquatropicReference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Basic_Aquarium_Principles.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Sept 16, 2014 18:48:42 GMT -5
I once more have updated our Freshwater Aquarium Care article. Here is an example of an updated section: "Air Pumps:
If an air pump is used for added circulation or to power a filter such as a Sponge Filter, placement of this pump can make quite a difference in its longevity. Placement above the water level, even with the most inexpensive air pumps DOES make a difference in the life span of the pump. I have had many a 'cheap' pump last 4-5 years when placed above the water level and 'better' air pumps last less than a year when placed under the aquarium. If not possible adding a check valve is a must, as well looping the tubing about three times at the top of the tank can help. Without taking these measures, a pump below the water level can also back siphon water during a power failure or simply if the pumps fails.
Additional control of air flow can be done with airline control valves and Ts. Use of both T and valves can allow for bleeding off of air to prevent damage to the air pump by just using a valve to lower air volume."Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Basic_Aquarium_Principles.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Feb 2, 2015 19:11:11 GMT -5
I have updated the "Planted Aquarium Care" article. Here is a snip: "The Water-Plant CO2 system with refillable CO2 containers is a definite step up from the previously mentioned CO2 systems and DIY methods, yet without the hassle and expense of the professional CO2 systems. This system has a pressure regulator, bubble counter, and top notch diffuser as with many pro systems, but is much simpler. Probably the best choice for all but the most die-hard of advanced planted aquarium enthusiasts."Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumPlants.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Jul 7, 2015 17:46:45 GMT -5
I have once more updated the popular Freshwater Basics article Here is a snip from this article: " A common mistake with basic aquarium set ups this simple single cartridge only filters (especially the simple single cartridge filter kits sold at Walmart, PetsMart, etc.), is to throw way the cartridge during routine maintenance. Unfortunately if this is the sole filter, every time the filter cartridge is thrown out, the majority of the essential Aerobic Autotrophic nitrifying bacteria is thrown away too. Better is to have second cartridge seeding for at least two weeks near the filter intake or exhaust and then to use this as a replacement. MUCH BETTER is to have either a Sponge Pre-Filter on your filter intake which will preserve this beneficial bacteria OR to have a second (or even the primary) filter that is a "stand alone" Sponge Filter. With either of these sponge filters, rinsing with de-chlorinated water will preserve your important bio filtration colonies and constant & dangerous ammonia/nitrite spikes will be a thing of the past!"Reference; www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Basic_Aquarium_Principles.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Feb 5, 2016 16:39:41 GMT -5
I have updated the "Freshwater Basics" article. Here is a quote from the section about determining bio load capacity: "Well maintained water chemistry, including GH (mineral ions), KH and Redox not just low ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. In other words, a Redox that moves up in down with large changes in ORP likely indicates an aquarium with too high a bio-load."Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Basic_Aquarium_Principles.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Jun 1, 2018 13:40:28 GMT -5
I've updated the "Freshwater Basics, Care" article, in particular the lighting section. Here is an excerpt: "For the average freshwater aquarium, lighting is not as important a consideration as it is for a planted freshwater aquarium or reef aquarium. is often a problem in established FW tanks with poor lighting (usually the incorrect spectrum, PAR %). There is also some evidence (not conclusive) that good lighting aids in Correct Redox which is a water parameter that has an definite effect on fish health.
A popular newer technology is the LED Aquarium light fixture. If you need an entry LED light, especially for community or low/medium light planted aquariums for the basic model and one for high light plants for the upgraded model, this AAP/Aqueon LED might be a good fit. These are about as efficient as many other entry level LEDs (such as Finnex & Fluval) without the price and slick marketing."
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