tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10037569089358016242024-03-08T22:35:59.881+01:00Building and using my HMF Filtered ShrimptankNielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-88689613036188818942012-03-31T11:05:00.000+02:002012-03-31T11:05:19.377+02:00Update on the Algae<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
So, ever since my last post on algae I have been trying to get rid om them. Here's a short update of the method I chose, that seems to be working so far. </div>
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My first wish was to use as little 'medicine' as possible. I read some articles that reminded me of biology class in secondary school: photosynthesis...the magic word. It appears that, as many of you will remember, plants produce O2 (oxigen) in lighted conditions and use CO2 to both produce it and in order to grow. In dark condition the proces reverses and CO2 gets produced through O2 usage. Algae on the other hand appear to use O2 (produced by plants) in daytime conditions in order to grow.</div>
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So: Lots of light will result in an overproduction of O2, which gives algae plenty of opportunity to grow. I live in a house very well lit by daylight and the shrimptank can't get away from the daylight as well, although it is pushed back as far away as possible. I also had the <a href="http://hmf-shrimptank.blogspot.com/2012/02/aquatic-nature-solar-duo-boy-review.html" target="_blank">Aquatic Nature Solar Boy Duo</a> running 12 hours a day...</div>
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<b>Here's what I did:</b></div>
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<li>I pushed back the timer of the <a href="http://hmf-shrimptank.blogspot.com/2012/02/aquatic-nature-solar-duo-boy-review.html" target="_blank">Solar Boy Duo</a> to do only 4 hour sessions, twice a day. </li>
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<li>I darkened the tank throughout the daytime.</li>
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Every morning after breakfast, I put a magazine on the shortside (held there by the cleaning magnet) and pulled a trashbag over the front and upside. (Remember the backside is covered with black foil already). I turned the light off to avoid heating and potential fires. With the filter on the opposite shortside and the ligth coming from the oposite direction, darkening that side is hardly worth the effort. </div>
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When I got home from work, I removed the foil and started switch the light back on. </div>
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<b>Results:</b></div>
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Every week I refresh abouth 30% of the water, and along with it I try to remove as much of the algae I can get my hands on. Usually those were back the week after, but that proces has stopped now!</div>
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The anubias nana is almost completely algae-free after three weeks of treatment. The valisneria seems to be getting better, although growth has slowed down significantly!</div>
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Only the plant in the back, the <a href="http://hmf-shrimptank.blogspot.com/2012/01/time-for-plants-i-decided-to-do-some.html" target="_blank">Echinodorus</a>, seems to have stopped growing and, although algae are leaving it alone, seems to slowly die on me. </div>
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As a side-effect, the moss seems to be enjoying these conditions a lot better as well! It grows better and looks more 'green'. There is also no longer a rag of algae in between the moss. </div>
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Here's a picture of my 'darkening method'</div>
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<br /></div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-41507016026500896052012-03-16T21:29:00.001+01:002012-03-16T21:30:36.021+01:00Review Aquatic Nature Cocoon<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
While I'm currently battling a plague of algae, I suddenly realised I still need review the <a href="http://www.aquatic-nature.be/2cocoon.html" target="_blank">Aquatic Nature Cocoon</a> nano tank. This particular review covers the Aquatic Nature Cocoon nr. 6, although I expect the other numbers of the cocoon series to be similarly equipped. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 'showcase' please note light & filter!</span></td></tr>
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Please note that I found a way to order the 'tank only' of the Aquatic Nature Cocoon 6. Due to a bod choice I ended up with the (almost) full set articles that the set usually consist of. </div>
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<b>The specs of the full set:</b></div>
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<li>Tank: 40x26x30 cm (31,2 litres)</li>
<li>Biological Hang On Filter 'Flow 200'. (I don't have this article)</li>
<li>Solar Duo Boy 26 watt; reviewed on this blog <a href="http://hmf-shrimptank.blogspot.com/2012/02/aquatic-nature-solar-duo-boy-review.html" target="_blank">here</a> </li>
<li>Glass plate for on top</li>
<li>Plastic edge pieces to fit the glass plate </li>
<li>Rubber matt to put the tank onto</li>
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<b>The Tank:</b></div>
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The tank looks very solid and has nice rounded edges at the front. The back has regular 'sharp' 90 degree angles. The back glass is transparent out of the box. There is no foil that can be put on the back. A bit of a downside, although it at least give you options as an owner. I purchased it separately to create a black backside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFVi8lju9ZI/TvSnNUZZPfI/AAAAAAAAAgE/9t8V4Y-hw0Q/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFVi8lju9ZI/TvSnNUZZPfI/AAAAAAAAAgE/9t8V4Y-hw0Q/s320/IMG_0249.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The empty tank, but with foil on the back</td></tr>
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<b>The Filter:</b></div>
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This is the piece that I don't own, so I hereby summarise some Dutch reviews on other sites. </div>
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A part on one of my favourite forums (<a href="http://forum.kreeftengarnalen.nl/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=6961">http://forum.kreeftengarnalen.nl/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=6961</a>) states that the filter is slightly noisy and has a relatively small biological filtering capacity. Other google results also note the noisyness...seems like a downside to me, but luckily I have my HMF which is silent and has plenty of capacity.</div>
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<b>The Light:</b></div>
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Enough has been said <a href="http://hmf-shrimptank.blogspot.com/2012/02/aquatic-nature-solar-duo-boy-review.html" target="_blank">here</a>: it is brilliant!</div>
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<b>The Glass Top:</b></div>
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This is where the pain starts with this tank! I had the setup in mind that Aquatic Nature advertises, with the light on the shortside. The glass top has a few downsides:</div>
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- It has no rounded edges. This means it does not slide up all the way to the front but sticks in the rounded edges in a strange way</div>
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- It is less deep than the tank, meaning there will be a 4-5cm wide gap at the back of the tank. This can be used for the filter normally, but it's too bad it goes across the whole width of the tank.</div>
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- It is just as wide as the tank (or slightly smaller). This means there is no space to accommodate the light on the short side, as demonstrated by Aquatic Nature. </div>
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This was no viable solution for me at all! It is not aesthetically pleasing and it is impractical as shrimp can escape easily. </div>
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I went to a local glass supplier and had a similar plate crafted for me. The expensive, but pretty solution. I had initially cut a plate of plexiglass that exactly fitted my setup. The plexiglass becomes week and bends though with humidity and warmth. The plexiglass was a nice pattern for the craftsmen.</div>
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<b>The plastic edges:</b></div>
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Come in two cornered pieces and four straight pieces. Plenty of material to keep the plate steady. The material used is good, but the plastic could have been slightly more clear.</div>
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<b>The rubber mat:</b></div>
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Does what it should do; no more no less. Is is coloured black, so fits most of the soil types. </div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b></div>
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All in all I am happy with the tank. It provides a good alternative to the typical nano tanks made by <a href="http://www.dennerle.eu/global/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=126&Itemid=184&lang=en" target="_blank">Dennerle </a>and comes with good materials such as the Solar Duo Boy. The one big downside that Aquatic Nature should really work on is the glass plate on top, which doesn't fit at all. They should also be honest and show the tank in the way it can actually be setup. Mine is currently setup as showcased, but that needed glass cutting by a few craftsmen. </div>
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<br /></div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-77423642368463128342012-03-02T22:01:00.000+01:002012-03-02T22:01:32.585+01:00Bad case of Algae<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
After getting back from a holiday I found my tank in a bad state :(</div>
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In a way that is no wonder, I had not cleaned or maintained it for 10 days. But still I was a bit disappointed in the amount of algae that covered the filter and mostly the valisneria (that are usually growing really well). The valisneria are particularly weak and 'slimey' at the tips. Some cary a whole load of algue (see the picture below). The algae have also spread across the other plants and seem to have a similar effect. Only the anubias seems to tolerate the algae a bit better. It also seems to be a combination of different sorts of algae. </div>
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I am a couple of weeks further down the road now. I have done regular water changes, have done regular cleaning of both windows and where possible plants and I have started to add a daily dosis of easycarbo. (10-20 drops per day on the 32 liter tank)</div>
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The big problem: The algue are still here!!!</div>
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Who can help me solve this problem???</div>
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Please provide your suggestions below!! Your help is much appreciated!</div>
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Thanks in advance!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjNAQcz2kqI/T1EzOEhLX-I/AAAAAAAAAjw/ctJpojfTDyQ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjNAQcz2kqI/T1EzOEhLX-I/AAAAAAAAAjw/ctJpojfTDyQ/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whole load of algae on tip of baby valisneria</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzwbOayFFZg/T1EzR4Y_TUI/AAAAAAAAAj4/Rzjnltk9bbk/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzwbOayFFZg/T1EzR4Y_TUI/AAAAAAAAAj4/Rzjnltk9bbk/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Algae on tips of Echinodorus</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwrMcuCRk6I/T1EzWyJEuTI/AAAAAAAAAkA/ubgXOsG3ZS8/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwrMcuCRk6I/T1EzWyJEuTI/AAAAAAAAAkA/ubgXOsG3ZS8/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Algae on tip of (larger) valisneria leaf</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmKmAIpLd1w/T1EzawAHQCI/AAAAAAAAAkI/hIeFcQ39t1s/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmKmAIpLd1w/T1EzawAHQCI/AAAAAAAAAkI/hIeFcQ39t1s/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Combination of algae on Anubias nana</span></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-91314750279030195322012-02-24T20:42:00.000+01:002012-02-24T20:42:13.728+01:00the HMF Outflow redone<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Sometimes it takes a long period of time and just a splitsecond to think of an improvement over an existing design. The same happened to me with the HMF Filter and the outflow I was using. Time to share it with you!</div>
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<b>Before: </b></div>
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As can be seen in my earlier posts, I had my outflow passing over the long side of the tank, passing over the short side as well via a 90 degree turn to end up opposite to the HMF filter. At the time I chose efficiency over aesthetics - that much is clear. </div>
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<b>The idea: </b></div>
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I noticed that there was an abundance of waterflow in the tank, which reduced the need for my 'efficient' solution. I also remembered the more traditional HMF setup, where the water simply gets dropped on the frontside of the filter through an airpump or pump. Have a look at this site to see what I mean: <a href="http://www.swisstropicals.com/Poret%20Hamburg%20Mattenfilter%20Kits.html" target="_blank">http://www.swisstropicals.com</a>. </div>
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<b>After</b>:</div>
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I decided to take away the tubing that bridges the long side of the tank as well as the second 90 degree bend. I then twisted the upright tube with the first 90 degree angle attached to it by 90 degrees counterclockwise. I reattached the tubing for the short side that also holds the outflow. A week of testing proves that the design works just as good as the previous, while keeping all the tank's mechanics on one side. Which of course looks a lot better!</div>
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A picture of the new outflow is attached at the bottom of this post.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Note: I first thought of the abundance of waterflow that makes this redesign possible after I cleaned up my clogged up pump. An important tip: clean out the pump regularly or you will stop your waterflow!!</span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7CJa7vDIzkc/T0flQKVaI4I/AAAAAAAAAjo/2rksxcZXbok/s1600/uitvoer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7CJa7vDIzkc/T0flQKVaI4I/AAAAAAAAAjo/2rksxcZXbok/s640/uitvoer.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The outflow exiting the filter over the shortside.... easy does it :)</span></td></tr>
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<br />Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-17732165244133871682012-02-18T11:31:00.000+01:002012-02-18T11:36:36.862+01:00Aquatic Nature Solar Duo Boy Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After selling the Superfish Aqualed on eBay because of disappointing lighting intensity*, I quickly rushed into buying new lighting. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had done some internet-research on hang-over lights and the lights from Aquatic Nature seemed to be well-fit for the job. I was positively surprised by the price level of these lights and as I also found out, there was hardly a lower price to be found on the internet than what you pay in the typical brick-and-mortar petstore. And then the brick-and-mortar pet store gives you better service and warranty conditions over the online RMA procedures that -- even in the best circumstances -- are usually a headache.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a quick review of my experience with the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1887645836">Aquatic Nature Solar Duo </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.aquatic-nature.be/2de_verlichting1.html" target="_blank">Boy</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Conclusions:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would recommend this piece of lighting to any nano-aquarium enthusiast in both the 13 and 26 watt version, depending on the size of the tank and the plants' needs for light! It is not the cheapest of solutions, but there are certainly much more expensive lights out there. This probably gets the prize for being best value for money. It is a decently built light, with plenty of options to vary color and light-color, without a hassle. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The good:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steady and intense lighting, much better than the LED</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My plants clearly love it!</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It comes with an adapter to fit it to a range of glass thicknesses</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fit is good, the light is really steady!</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No external power adapter</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Night-time lighting through 2 LEDs</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It comes in multiple <a href="http://www.aquatic-nature.be/2de_solarkleur.html" target="_blank">colors</a> to choose from</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I picked the silver one</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are multiple PL lights and color spectra that can be bought and fit into the lighting</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I only used the default supplied light thus far</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a 13 and a 26 watt version</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought the 26 watt version, as that is more intense than the AquaLED 28</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The bad:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Switching between daytime and night-time lighting is done manually. </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This gives little added value in night-time lighting as you will either have to manually switch every night and morning, or have it stuck on daytime lighting with a timer to use the convenience of automation. I chose the latter</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has a much higher power consumption over the Aqualed 28</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has no option for dimming the intensity. It is either ON or OFF.</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Remarks:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is the option to buy the <a href="http://www.aquatic-nature.be/2de_verlichting1.html" target="_blank">Solar Vision</a>. Do note that it is the exact same light, but with the option to change the color of the cover through LED lights that are embedded in the cover. I leave it to your own judgement if you see the added value in that feature. I certainly do not.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* See my other review for the Aqualed. It is not a bad light, but it doesn't fit the needs for this tank.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With limited knowledge of electronics, but with a brother that has good knowledge, we are both convinced we can easily change the electronics scheme of the light, such that daytime and night-time lights can run on separate timers. If I decide to void my warranty, I will let you know. Encouragements are welcome in the comments below :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Buying advice: </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the luck of buying a 'tank only' version of the Aquatic Nature Cocoon series. It usually comes with a hang-on filter AND the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1887645841">Aquatic Nature Solar Duo </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.aquatic-nature.be/2de_verlichting1.html" target="_blank">Boy</a>. That basically means you get the filter for free! So if you like the Cocoon series and you like the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aquatic Nature Solar Duo </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boy, buy it in a set! I have missed out on a free filter by being stubborn.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pictures:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see in particularly the last set of pictures, a much larger part of the gravel is lit even at a daytime picture as compared to a nighttime picture of the Aqualed. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sPOaYeKCvc/Tz97Dwt50RI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/4hjU_AtqNeM/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sPOaYeKCvc/Tz97Dwt50RI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/4hjU_AtqNeM/s200/IMG_0315.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After: Solar Duo Boy (in daytime!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ-U70ZVenA/TzbL9MrDoXI/AAAAAAAAAiw/8eyCZ_Kmyvw/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ-U70ZVenA/TzbL9MrDoXI/AAAAAAAAAiw/8eyCZ_Kmyvw/s200/IMG_0265.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before: AquaLED (in nighttime!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JgaFk-w4apQ/Tz961skznbI/AAAAAAAAAjI/14ikSCdRSp0/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JgaFk-w4apQ/Tz961skznbI/AAAAAAAAAjI/14ikSCdRSp0/s200/IMG_0352.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After: Solar Duo Boy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_VElyufBvU/TzbMEJ744KI/AAAAAAAAAjA/L2wfJNPnnFA/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_VElyufBvU/TzbMEJ744KI/AAAAAAAAAjA/L2wfJNPnnFA/s200/IMG_0268.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before: AquaLED</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q5DoAkWpfKc/Tz97ILIy5bI/AAAAAAAAAjY/gFNBd4NusBc/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q5DoAkWpfKc/Tz97ILIy5bI/AAAAAAAAAjY/gFNBd4NusBc/s200/IMG_0316.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After: Solar Boy Duo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-FRgxKFGOY/TzbMBuH9JMI/AAAAAAAAAi4/4nnc-O0t3Ww/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-FRgxKFGOY/TzbMBuH9JMI/AAAAAAAAAi4/4nnc-O0t3Ww/s200/IMG_0266.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before: AquaLED</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-42854047672931108292012-02-11T21:19:00.000+01:002012-02-11T21:19:11.218+01:00Superfish Aqualed 28 Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the things that caught my attention soon after starting up the tank, was the lighting, so here comes a review!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I purchased the SuperFish Aqualed 28 in my setup, because LED lighting is starting to become good value for money. That is, you don't pay the world for energy efficient lighting anymore. I was actually surprised by the low price of the SuperFish Aqualed 28, when I found them at <a href="http://www.aquariaveldhuis.nl/index.php?productID=12541" target="_blank">Veldhuis</a>. Since I could hardly find decent review of this article on the internet, I hope to spread a helpful one for potential buyers. Here is a quick summary of my experiences. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is extremely energy-efficient: only 3 watts of power consumption!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is decently built</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has is flexible boom for the light to hang over the tank</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has a built-in dimmer (!) that allows for continuous ('analogue') dimming</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bad:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has a separate power transformer. The connection of which is slightly loose, so may fall out accidentally</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flexible boom didn't quite make it for my tank</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even when set to the brightest setting, doesn't light a 35liter tank well enough</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To confirm the last bullet point, I have attached some images. Take special notice of the third picture, as it shows the lighting without direct exposure of the camera to the LEDs. Although I am still quite fond of the idea of LED lighting, the bad shape of my plants makes me conclude nothing else than that I needed to buy a new piece of lighting. A quick response at <a href="http://www.aquariaveldhuis.nl/index.php?productID=12541" target="_blank">Veldhuis</a> tells me that it should be enough for a 35 liter tank. I dare to argue that the fun ends at a 20liter aquarium. Even then you will only enjoy the light if the tank is high, not wide like a typical aquarium. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in short: the SuperFish Aqualed 28 is the perfect light for economically and environmentally conscious aquarium enthusiasts that want to use it for a nano tank up to 20 liters. Anything above asks for more serious lighting. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up: a review of the newly purchased <a href="http://www.aqua-vivaria.nl/verlichting/pl-verlichting/pl-verlichting/aquatic-nature-solar-duo-boy-13w--2x-blue-led/86027.html" target="_blank">Aquatic Nature Solar Duo Boy</a>!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pictures: </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ-U70ZVenA/TzbL9MrDoXI/AAAAAAAAAiw/8eyCZ_Kmyvw/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ-U70ZVenA/TzbL9MrDoXI/AAAAAAAAAiw/8eyCZ_Kmyvw/s320/IMG_0265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daytime action of the Aqualed 28</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-FRgxKFGOY/TzbMBuH9JMI/AAAAAAAAAi4/4nnc-O0t3Ww/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-FRgxKFGOY/TzbMBuH9JMI/AAAAAAAAAi4/4nnc-O0t3Ww/s320/IMG_0266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nighttime action of the Aqualed 28</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_VElyufBvU/TzbMEJ744KI/AAAAAAAAAjA/L2wfJNPnnFA/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_VElyufBvU/TzbMEJ744KI/AAAAAAAAAjA/L2wfJNPnnFA/s320/IMG_0268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daytime action shot from above</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<br />Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-70949826294688269702012-01-20T21:55:00.001+01:002012-01-20T21:55:20.947+01:00<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>DIY Gravel Cleaner</b></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nano aquarium is up and running for a few weeks now. It was only running for a week until I realised I needed a gravel cleaner. Why? Because I need to take water out of the tank for a weekly refresh, I want to clean the gravel, but I don't want to suck it up with the hose!!!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I soon found out there are specialised articles on the market for these types of tanks, but also that they are well overpriced. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to use some of the leftovers to build a DIY Gravel Cleaner after the idea of JBL, found </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jbl.de/nl/nano-aquaristiek-producten/detail/3504/jbl-aquaex-set-nano#sizes" target="_blank">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. (Nice thing about it is that it is square so it can reach the corners of the tank easily)</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the steps I took:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take some PVC, e.g. electrical pipe, some tubing of roughly the same diameter and make sure to have some tie-wraps and teflon-tape or plumbers-tape ready</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a small (transparent) square container left over after the contents have run out. I used a soap-container in my example. I would not recommend to use something that stored any more serious chemicals</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean out the container REALLY thoroughly as shrimps will die if you don't!!!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut out the bottom of the container with a stanley knife</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bend the PVC pipe in a 90 degree angle to form an L-shape, such that it feeds the hose away from the tank </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Insert the PVC pipe into the fill-cap of the container. If it doesn't fit, use the plumbers-tape to create a tight fit and secure it with a tie-wrap</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fit the hose over the other end of the PVC tube by heating it in hot water, lubricating it with some soap and stretching it over the PVC pipe. Cool it down in order to quickly shrink it and secure it with a tie-wrap</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do some cleaning again to make sure any leftovers of soap are gone!</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your end-result, with all freedom for own interpretations in sizes and shapes, may look something like this:</span></div>
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsV9LvqjtPY/TxnQg1Fp2mI/AAAAAAAAAig/WclJsxavTfk/s1600/IMG_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsV9LvqjtPY/TxnQg1Fp2mI/AAAAAAAAAig/WclJsxavTfk/s200/IMG_0431.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZvDKIUczdk/TxnQltIn02I/AAAAAAAAAio/A2kxVBGJwg8/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZvDKIUczdk/TxnQltIn02I/AAAAAAAAAio/A2kxVBGJwg8/s200/IMG_0432.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Usage:</b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously, this tool is used to take water out of the tank, have enough suction power to take away dirt while keeping the gravel in the tank. Here is a quick how to:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place a bucket on the floor near the tank</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put the gravel cleaner in the tank (make sure there are no curious shrimps in it)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suck up some water from the other side of the hose (don't worry, you won't die of a little water and you will get better at it)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now quickly put that end of the hose in the bucket when pressure builds up</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a large diameter hose, like I do, squeeze it to control the flow and keep the gravel inside the tank</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To stop the flow, just pull the cleaner out of the aquarium</span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tips:</span></div>
</div>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I actually use the same hose, but in reverse, for filling the aquarium</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The larger the difference in heights between the bucket and the tank, the higher the flow-rate</span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have fun using this cheap solution to great aquarium cleaning!</span></div>
</div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-54782997131573155792012-01-08T17:57:00.000+01:002012-01-08T17:57:58.500+01:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By now all the preperations were done: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buying stuff for the tank & planning</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Building the filter and outflow</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Testing the tank & filter</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Running for 1 week to test for any flaws and allow toxics to dissolve</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Running for 1 week again with plants inside to allow the filter bacteria to start working</span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So.. It's <b>Shrimptime!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had already made up my mind on the Shortlist of Shrimps:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bee-shrimp (<a href="http://www.garnalenenkreeftendatabase.nl/?id=389" target="_blank">Caridina cf. cantonensis</a>)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crystal Red (<a href="http://www.dwerggarnalen.nl/content/view/3/71/" target="_blank">Caridina cf. cantonensis 'Crystal Red'</a>)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Red Bee (<a href="http://garnalenweetjes.webklik.nl/page/de-dwerggarnaal-de-meest-bekende-soorten" target="_blank">Caridina cf. cantonensis 'Red Bee'</a>)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Red Fire Shrimp (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_shrimp" target="_blank">Neocaridina heteropoda</a>)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given my criteria (no heating & low maintenance) I decided to go for the Red Fire Shrimp. It's said to be a real shrimp for starters -- Yes I am a complete noob at shrimps. As a noob I have no interest in buying expensive shrimps that die in no-time due to my bad shrimpkeeping capabilities. I found that these shrimps can be found both in pet shops -- all 4 species can be found at superb local pet store <a href="http://heems.nl/">heems.nl</a>, but come with a price -- but also at breeders all over the country that offer more generous prices. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found a semi-professional breeder at <a href="http://marktplaats.nl/">marktplaats.nl</a>, the Dutch equivalent of ebay. She made me a good offer for only €10,- for 'about' 10 shrimps. She was really nice and I ended up with about 20 shrimps of varying sizes and (unfortunately) also varying shades of red. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also bought some food at her 'attic-store' for €5,-. The food consists of tabs that sink. There's a red color and a green color, I presume with slightly different ingredients. I use one every week and alternate colors. The food smells like typical rabbit food to me...is that strange?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took the shrimps home in a small plastic tray provided by the lady. She included some plastic foil for the shrimps to hold onto on the road. I honestly believe it works for them to keep their stress levels normal. They were all clumped onto the piece of foil when we got home. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I introduced the shrimp to the aquarium slowly and the same day they were happily walking, swimming and foraging around!!! It really is great fun to look at and these little animals are absolutely fascinating!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pictures:</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I43ZRtM7DhA/TwnFxSN-_iI/AAAAAAAAAhY/Pw1inMTOy5Y/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I43ZRtM7DhA/TwnFxSN-_iI/AAAAAAAAAhY/Pw1inMTOy5Y/s320/IMG_0317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shrimp on the end of a valisneria leaf<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4xdij4iSik/TwnF1mqgJHI/AAAAAAAAAhg/enncIu8efKg/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4xdij4iSik/TwnF1mqgJHI/AAAAAAAAAhg/enncIu8efKg/s320/IMG_0318.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shrimp on the filter, where they are often to be found!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-orr0FcwP1Gs/TwnF50pB-FI/AAAAAAAAAho/BM74NAozTLg/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-orr0FcwP1Gs/TwnF50pB-FI/AAAAAAAAAho/BM74NAozTLg/s320/IMG_0319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A shrimp-shell: a good sign for shrimp keepers!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjbqEyfdjnw/TwnGLKyoCsI/AAAAAAAAAiI/gMdtK0QB1RA/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjbqEyfdjnw/TwnGLKyoCsI/AAAAAAAAAiI/gMdtK0QB1RA/s320/IMG_0326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two shrimp eating a 'red pill'</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq-pKB1Jz_U/TwnGSl-2WKI/AAAAAAAAAiY/u2_xVTl5Q30/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq-pKB1Jz_U/TwnGSl-2WKI/AAAAAAAAAiY/u2_xVTl5Q30/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An yes, we have a pregnant shrimp already!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-1407581469287812962012-01-06T22:28:00.002+01:002012-01-06T22:37:29.586+01:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for plants!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to do some reading on plants that were nice to look at but low maintenance. I found your typical starter-aquarium-plants lined up on this site: <a href="http://www.hobbykwekers.nl/planten/aquarium-inrichting/1608-de-beginners-inrichting-54-liter" target="_blank">Hobbykwekers</a>. I also watched out for plants that didn't need additional heating so much and little light (more on that later).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since my aquarium turns out to be much smaller, I needed to do some compromises.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hobbykwekers.nl/planten/achtergrondplanten/1614-vallisneria-americana-natans" target="_blank">Valisneria</a> to cover the front of the filter, I knew that upfront so that was a no-brainer</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hobbykwekers.nl/planten/achtergrondplanten/901-echinodorus-bleheri" target="_blank">Echinodorus Bleheri</a> -- said to be a touch plant and quite a space-filler</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=768+2384&pcatid=2384" target="_blank">Anubias Nana</a> -- a tough cooky again and instead of the Windelow that is suggested on the Hobbykwekers site. I wanted it attached to wood as well</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Moss Ball (or 2) -- it is said they can't be missed in a shrimptank</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some decorative Java moss that I wanted to attach to wood as well. Great info can be found here: <a href="http://www.aquamoss.net/Articles/Microrasbora-sp-Galaxy.htm">Aquamoss</a></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition, I bought a piece of wood and some fishing-line (thinnest available) to attach the plants to the wood. To start everything up, I included some fertilizer balls as well. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took a bit of time to wash away all the wool & plastics that the plants are grown on. It is well worth it though, as it gives you a good look at the plants you bought -- you probably bought a couple bound together. This has shown me that I had plenty of valisneria, two pieces of anubias and an almost-double echinodorus. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I put the Echinodorus in the back, and carefully planted a row of valisneria in front of the filter. In the meantime I had cooked the wood through and through and messed up a pan as well. I then started to bind the Anubias plants and Java moss to the wood. I arranged it all, put the moss balls in place and filled it up with water carefully. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first time it is easy to fill the tank 'in reverse' by filling it up through the filter. It then flows slowly into the tank, instead of messing up your landscape. I don't recommend doing that later, as you will flush all your filters bacteria and rubbish through your tank... (trust me, I can tell how it looks). </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Too bad.. the piece of wood showed a strange fungus or something slimy after a few days. I took it out, detached the plants and kept them separately. I cleaned the wood in a salt-solution on advice of the pet-shop and tried it again. It didn't work and the smell was aweful! Luckily the guys at the petshop were kind enough to replace the wood. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the look, still a bit 'newish' looking: </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2RknoaqyVU/TwdnVmr1FdI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/BN7W-3P097U/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2RknoaqyVU/TwdnVmr1FdI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/BN7W-3P097U/s400/IMG_0316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-77533250688473085232011-12-23T17:18:00.002+01:002012-01-06T22:37:22.842+01:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the filter finished, it was time for the finishing touches: Filter Materials, Tubing and Testing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Filter Materials:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As mentioned I want to use ceramic rings in the middle section of the filter. I do want to change/wash them every once in a while so easy removal is key. I used a new (mind the detergents in used ones) bag that we normally use to wash delicate laundry. I put in in the filter and slowly filled up the bag with rings. I cut off the remaining piece of the bag, as it was too large to fit in the filter completely. The result:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujSjIyWxlGA/TvSnGxCGNeI/AAAAAAAAAf0/Nr9e7phW4BE/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujSjIyWxlGA/TvSnGxCGNeI/AAAAAAAAAf0/Nr9e7phW4BE/s320/IMG_0244.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSkdb2gg2Kc/TvSnKpAw1pI/AAAAAAAAAf8/rD6pJ3RotCU/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSkdb2gg2Kc/TvSnKpAw1pI/AAAAAAAAAf8/rD6pJ3RotCU/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intermediate step: </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to have a black backside in the aquarium. I purchased black foil and specialized glue at the pet store. See the result below, which I'm quite fond off.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFVi8lju9ZI/TvSnNUZZPfI/AAAAAAAAAgE/9t8V4Y-hw0Q/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFVi8lju9ZI/TvSnNUZZPfI/AAAAAAAAAgE/9t8V4Y-hw0Q/s320/IMG_0249.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tubing:</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With two 90 degree corner pieces and some standard tubing (that I knew would fit the pump!) I created the tubing upward out of the innermost filterchamber and via a 90 degree turn to a horizontal piece. The last 90 degree turn then guides the water to the outflow. I created the outflow from a piece of PVC that I had lying around. I shopped the internet beforehand, but only found expensive outflows for either original filters or lily pipes. The latter is nicer, but expensive. I simply cut the pipe, poured hot water over it, bend it in a 110 degree corner and flattened it. I then attached it to the tubing. The end result:</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTERF4X9IXI/TvSnRm2e9fI/AAAAAAAAAgM/9O9GONo3sbU/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTERF4X9IXI/TvSnRm2e9fI/AAAAAAAAAgM/9O9GONo3sbU/s200/IMG_0254.JPG" width="150" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3yIYf0a08M/TvSnV_PV5LI/AAAAAAAAAgU/3Fk-K1SVKmQ/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3yIYf0a08M/TvSnV_PV5LI/AAAAAAAAAgU/3Fk-K1SVKmQ/s320/IMG_0255.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note that I bent two small pieces of plastic to form attachment clips of the filter to the tank. Easy does it!</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Testing:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then filled up the tank with soil in order for the filter to remain in place </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and water</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I tested the filter and checked it regularly. As you become used to it not leaking or malfunctioning, you automatically check less frequently. I checked water quality using a 7-test strip and kept this running for about two weeks. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHwTcZf6w-s/TvSnZ-V0hDI/AAAAAAAAAgc/eOpuD83RdmQ/s1600/IMG_0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHwTcZf6w-s/TvSnZ-V0hDI/AAAAAAAAAgc/eOpuD83RdmQ/s400/IMG_0261.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up will be planting the tank.</span>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-88285717484386047102011-12-23T17:00:00.000+01:002011-12-23T17:18:58.208+01:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All parts were in, ready for assembly. Take your time if you're planning for an activity like this; it's not over and done with in a rush. The end result is nicer if you plan carefully and take the time to work with the materials. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First I drew out the acrylic parts on the acrylic. It has got protective foil attached. Leave it on there and you can use it to draw your lines with a normal pen. I then attached painting-tape to prevent the glass from breaking while cutting/sawing it in shape. I decided to go for the latter with an old, small-toothed saw. This is what it looks like:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T1Wr8t3Xt3E/TvSgL6L5bYI/AAAAAAAAAew/ElJrdMGh4tk/s1600/Plexiglas+tbv+HMF+Filter+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T1Wr8t3Xt3E/TvSgL6L5bYI/AAAAAAAAAew/ElJrdMGh4tk/s200/Plexiglas+tbv+HMF+Filter+01.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wCc_-BngwY/TvSgQG2933I/AAAAAAAAAe4/H7MEnQWX8rc/s1600/Plexiglas+tbv+HMF+Filter+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wCc_-BngwY/TvSgQG2933I/AAAAAAAAAe4/H7MEnQWX8rc/s200/Plexiglas+tbv+HMF+Filter+02.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pictures above show the upstanding sides of the filter. I also created two squares to form the base. The two are to be glued on top of each other to form a solid base. The lower plate is slightly smaller, to allow for the silicone glue in the sides of the tank to stay intact.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then used sanding paper to make the edges nice and even. I also created the overflows in the smallest of the upstanding parts. Note that you need to cut out the overflows quite deep, as otherwise the waterlevel will need to be fairly high for the filter to start working!!! (one of my pitfalls...)</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMYReL08y50/TvSiDMI6ZeI/AAAAAAAAAfE/-4j4RDjsRvM/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMYReL08y50/TvSiDMI6ZeI/AAAAAAAAAfE/-4j4RDjsRvM/s200/IMG_0232.JPG" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I removed the protective foil and used a 'creme-brulee torch' we had lying around, the edge of an old table and a piece of spare wood to bend the sides in a 90 degree angle (along the table, flattened with the wood as the plastic becomes hot). The end result, already in combination with the base and the pump (for illustration purposes) is shown on the right:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As mentioned I used special purpose silicone kit to glue the sides and the bases together. This is a slow process and an ugly result - unless you're really good with this stuff. For future attempts I would prefer to spend a little more and buy 'welding-liquids'. These melt the plastic locally and 'weld' it together. The result is much cleaner and stronger.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then cut the old cable guides to fit and glued them on the sides to hold the mat. I also used a spare piece of plastic to bend in form of the mat that is intended to keep the soil away from the filtermat for easier cleaning/removing. I then cut the mat in shape (calculations make this easy) and inserted it into the cable guides. A last photo before testing is shown in the pictures below:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJcuGRsXx-M/TvSjbQD-iBI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/dk3Ihr3SvnY/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJcuGRsXx-M/TvSjbQD-iBI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/dk3Ihr3SvnY/s320/IMG_0235.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HcAkA6e2jyc/TvSjh6DtvnI/AAAAAAAAAfg/h3i53L4D_0Q/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HcAkA6e2jyc/TvSjh6DtvnI/AAAAAAAAAfg/h3i53L4D_0Q/s320/IMG_0237.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HcAkA6e2jyc/TvSjh6DtvnI/AAAAAAAAAfg/h3i53L4D_0Q/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final test is to put the filter into the tank. Luckily I had done my calculations correctly and the filter exactly matches the tank. See the picture below. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMyeluN0HXQ/TvSjlVFlQtI/AAAAAAAAAfo/IHnR3NdcSd4/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMyeluN0HXQ/TvSjlVFlQtI/AAAAAAAAAfo/IHnR3NdcSd4/s320/IMG_0239.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next post will cover the tubing, installation and testing</span></div>
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<br /></div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-29218070377264625202011-11-22T22:43:00.001+01:002011-12-23T16:26:28.160+01:00HMF Building PlanI had read a lot about the Hamburger Matten Filter - from hereon referred to as HMF. The HMF is said to:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Be a cheap filter to install</li>
<li>Create a (very) large filtering surface for (good) filtering bacteria to do their work and therefore function better than the average internal filter</li>
<li>Give you room for CO2 and Heating to be hidden in the filter</li>
<li>Not take up room outside the tank (one of my favorites)</li>
<li>Give opportunity for experimenting with aesthetics</li>
<li>Be big fun in combination with shrimps as the low water flow and filter bacteria give them plenty of surface to graze</li>
</ul>
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Some of the things I personally found to be a downside were:</div>
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<ul>
<li>In a typical HMF, there is just one filter chamber. In typical external canister filters, there are 2 or 3 chambers</li>
<li>You have to build it yourself to create an optimal filter. That means having to glue inside your tank and thereby devaluing it a bit</li>
<li>There is no easy way to change the filtermat, even if it only needs to be changed once a year</li>
</ul>
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This is the design I figured out in order to overcome these downsides.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TpoJrLyd1hk/Ttim7IafN2I/AAAAAAAAAec/oPzLdKZYxN8/s1600/HMF+3D+Model.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TpoJrLyd1hk/Ttim7IafN2I/AAAAAAAAAec/oPzLdKZYxN8/s320/HMF+3D+Model.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7RPsRt7c70/Ttim9wXBaFI/AAAAAAAAAek/4xl2fMDUz88/s1600/HMF+3D+tekening+Backside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7RPsRt7c70/Ttim9wXBaFI/AAAAAAAAAek/4xl2fMDUz88/s320/HMF+3D+tekening+Backside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As can be seen from the plan, there is a second chamber behind the filter-mat that contains ceramic rings that are normally found in cannister filters. The third room, the inner-most room of the quarter-circle design, contains the pump and can contain other equipment or additional filter materials. As can be seen I've modeled overflows to the final chamber.<br />
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It was my specific intention to build the filter in a 'closed' format, i.e. the chambers are closed and the filter can be placed in the corner of any tank without having to glue anything. The water pressure and weight of the soil should, in combination with the enlarged footplate, keep the filter in place.<br />
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I also included a curved 'barrier' for the soil to be put up against. This doesn't touch the filter, So I can exchange the mat without having to move the soil.<br />
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Using the information on <a href="http://www.janrigter.nl/mattenfilter/">janrigter.nl</a>, it was easy to calculate if the filter I was about to build would obey the laws of building a good HMF:<br />
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<ul>
<li>a 10cm radius, and a height of 30cm (the height of the tank), would provide a filtering surface of h x w = 30 x w = 30 x (1/4 x outline) = 30 x (1/4 x Pi x radius) = 150 x Pi ~ 471 cm2</li>
<li>the pump capacity of the pump I ordered was 250 l/h. That brings the flow-rate to (250 x 60 x 1000)/471 = 8,87 cm/min. This is right about what it should be -- again I used the formula on <a href="http://www.janrigter.nl/mattenfilter/">janrigter.nl</a></li>
<ul>
<li>In fact: I used the other formula for Q to find the minimum and maximum pump capacity that would drive me to the minimum and maximum flow-rate described. That brought me to a pump capacity varying between 140 and 340 l/h. I settled in the middle. </li>
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</ul>
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This all felt good and I finished a shopping list:<br />
<ul>
<li>Filter material (I used filter mat for pond-filters bought at a gardening center -- <a href="http://www.intratuin.nl/" target="_blank">Intratuin</a>)</li>
<ul>
<li>The mat measures 120 x 60 x 2 cm, which is plenty of surface for the filter I designed </li>
</ul>
<li>Lycra (I used 2mm thick material bought at the local DIY store)</li>
<ul>
<li>The glas measures 120 x 60 x 0.2 cm. In hindsight, Plexiglas would be the better choice as it is better to be used in combination with adhesives and withstands heat better.</li>
</ul>
<li> Tubing (1 meter at the aquariumstore (<a href="http://www.heems.nl/" target="_blank">Heems</a>))</li>
<li>90 degree angles for tubing (2) (Heems as well)</li>
<li>Two suction cups to fix the tubing to the side of the tank (Heems as well)</li>
<li>Silicone Kit for use in aquaria (Finally found it at the hardware store: <a href="http://www.gamma.nl/" target="_blank">Gamma</a>)</li>
<ul>
<li>Shrimps are sensitive to chemicals, don't use regular kits!</li>
</ul>
<li>Two cable chuts I had lying around will be used to clamp/fix the mat</li>
<ul>
<li>I only use the part normally fixed to the wall. It is exactly fit to push the mat into</li>
</ul>
</ul>
So, I finished shopping. The next post will be about the building process, along with pitfalls that I encountered. <br />
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</div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-78752008340472974612011-10-30T22:26:00.000+01:002011-11-06T10:55:22.606+01:00Where it started<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It all started with a birthday gift from my brother: a <a href="http://www.dennerle.eu/global/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=126&Itemid=184&lang=nl" target="_blank">10 liter Dennere Nano Cube.</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a really nice tank with all the things you need as a starter. I equipped it with some real plants -- instead of the plastic ones that came with it -- as well as some guppies. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PD4BNPNeWaI/Tq257fGvKJI/AAAAAAAAAbU/cKHSrFzJp7E/s1600/Nieuwe+vissen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PD4BNPNeWaI/Tq257fGvKJI/AAAAAAAAAbU/cKHSrFzJp7E/s200/Nieuwe+vissen.JPG" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The guppies in the 10l tank</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That all worked really nicely. We must have had the fish for more almost a year after they started 'leaving' us. As one of the guppies was definitely more dominant than the rest, he was the last to remain. Solitude didn't bring him happiness either as a short while later he left us as well...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All that being sad and all, it was time for some in-depth investigation as to how the perfect tank should look like and how I could bring maintenance time down a bit. The 10 liter tank takes up a fair amount of time as it is difficult to control algae. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By now it was a year later so my brother gave me two books for starting aquarium enthusiasts for my next birthday. They were:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bol.com/nl/p/nederlandse-boeken/raadgever-aquarium-het-nanoaquarium/1001004006543013/index.html" target="_blank">The nano aquarium</a> by Jakob Geck & Ulrich Schliewen (ISBN: 987-90-447-2361-8)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bol.com/nl/p/nederlandse-boeken/raadgever-aquarium-zoetwatergarnalen/1001004006543011/index.html" target="_blank">Freshwater Shrimps</a> by Reinhard Pekny & Chris Lukhaup (ISBN: 987-90-447-2256-7)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you understand, putting shrimps in the aquarium was his advice for keeping algae under control. He also found it a low maintenance inhabitant that supplied a lot of entertainment.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In reading the books I soon found out that larger tanks take less time than small tanks since there is a more balanced environment in larger tanks. The tank thus was to become larger, but not larger than 35 liters due to spacing restrictions and my personal beliefs with regards to interior design. That sounded like an upgrade, which meant a whole new range of options and decisions. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't like the 20 and 30 liter <a href="http://www.dennerle.eu/global/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=126&Itemid=184&lang=nl" target="_blank">Dennerle cubes</a>, as their shape becomes a bit too bulky in these dimensions. I did some thorough searching on the internet and stumbled onto the tanks made by <a href="http://www.aquatic-nature.be/2eng_aquariums.html" target="_blank">Aquatic Nature</a>. Both the tanks in the '<a href="http://www.aquatic-nature.be/2eng_cocoon.html" target="_blank">Cocoon</a>' series and the '<a href="http://www.aquatic-nature.be/2eng_evolution.html" target="_blank">Evolution</a>' tank had my attention. There are some alternatives, but they didn't seem to have the same quality standard after reading various reviews. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next choice to make: the fully featured, nicely built, but expensive Evolution? The cheaper <a href="http://www.aquatic-nature.be/2eng_evolution.html" target="_blank">Cocoon nr. 6</a> (7 is too big for me)?? Or a DIY alternative???</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Evolution soon quit the shortlist, as my girlfriend thought it looked like a deep frier. I then found a small company in the Netherlands that supplied the Cocoon in a tank-only delivery -- thus no filter & light. An ideal solution for me, as it brings the tank with the nicely rounded edges (as compared to squared glued edges of a DIY tank) as well as the freedom to experiment with the filter that was advised in the two books I had read: <a href="http://www.janrigter.nl/mattenfilter/" target="_blank">the Hamburger Matten Filter</a> -- or short HMF. The link to <a href="http://JanRigter.nl/">JanRigter.nl</a> shows you all the details!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ordered the tank, as well as a <a href="http://www.aquariaveldhuis.nl/index.php?productID=12541" target="_blank">LED light fixture</a> from Superfish and a <a href="http://www.aquariaveldhuis.nl/index.php?MINI-WATER-POMPJES=SUPERFISH-AQUA-POWER&productID=12569" target="_blank">Aquapower 300 pump</a> from Superfish. I am always conscious when it comes to energy usage, and both the LED light and the 3 Watt pump are the obvious choices in that case. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also sold the old tank on Marktplaats.nl (eBay). I've attached the promotional pictures at the bottom for the curious folks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time had come to wait for delivery and start to make a building plan for the filter up front.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSa4Y8M2Et4/Tq2_uJBrIII/AAAAAAAAAbc/FS4w2Ilusxw/s1600/Nano+Cube+voor+verkoop+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSa4Y8M2Et4/Tq2_uJBrIII/AAAAAAAAAbc/FS4w2Ilusxw/s320/Nano+Cube+voor+verkoop+02.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003756908935801624.post-23757114790276932392011-10-30T15:22:00.000+01:002011-10-30T15:41:51.740+01:00Introduction<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">It has already been a while since I got the idea of upgrading my 10 liter Dennerle Nano cube to a bigger and more sophisticated tank that was better suited for shrimps and easier to maintain. It has also been quite a while since I started to draft the ideas for it and implemented it. It has even been a while since I started the tank. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">Ever since I started searching for more information though, I found there was too little of it available for the specific tank I was about to build. Therefore I have carefully noted my findings during the selection of parts, suppliers and DIY actions in order to share them with other interested folks around the globe.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">As you probably understand by now, I finally got myself to publishing my findings on this blog. It will be filled with a step-by-step description of how I chose, built and selected my nano shrimp-tank as well as my experiences along the way of keeping it in shape. It will be on a chronological basis, although it will not be timed correctly due to my late start.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">I hope the information provided is useful for you. I sincerely believe that the more information becomes available, the easier it will become for shrimp- and nano-aquarium enthusiasts to practice their hobbies. Therefore I hope that if you have question or a comment, you feel free to post it to me personally or directly on the related blog. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">Best regards,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;">Niels</span></div>Nielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12347600509516947754noreply@blogger.com0