Archive for October, 2007

The Essential Nitrogen Cycle

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Any fish tank, large or small, needs some way to control the waste products of your beloved fish. This can be done by several methods, from changing the water every day to expensive canister filters and sumps.   Whatever you use in your tank, it is best to have some sort of ...

Under Gravel filter Cleaning

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Most people complain about the cleaning of UGFs and their effectiveness after a while.  It involves taking the tank down, re-locating the fish, plants, ornaments etc., emptying the gravel out and cleaning it, lifting the UGF and washing it off, (holding your nose while doing this), scrubbing the tank itself ...

Air Pumps

Monday, October 22nd, 2007

Air pumps are an essential piece of any aquarists toolbox, as they not only offer pleasing effects but also essential oxygenation and current to the aquarium. Not all aquarists use them though. It is possible to have an aquarium without one, but it poses challenges sooner or later. What do they do? An ...

Making a DIY Lighting Canopy

Monday, October 22nd, 2007

This How-To details a simple way to make a new lighting canopy for any rectangular tank.  It is designed with simplicity in mind and easy enough for almost anyone with basic DIY skills to make.  Tools: Hand Saw Hammer Screwdriver Tape Measure Pencil Set Square Electric drill Selection of drill bits Fine sanding sheets.   Materials: 9mm Plywood 25mm x 25mm soft wood batten Piano Hinge Wood ...

Water Chemistry: What about it and why should we worry?

Sunday, October 21st, 2007

The chemistry of the water in a fish tank is very important. A fish tank is a closed environment, where everything that goes into it affects the chemistry in one way or another.  Imagine you are sealed into a room with no toilet, no windows and fed only when the keeper ...

DIY BBS Hatchery

Sunday, October 21st, 2007

Here is an idea that I  use to great effect with my BBS and have been asked to pass on the info on how, so here it is:   To make a hatchery this way is very easy. All you need is an empty 2 litre cola bottle, a polystyrene tile, a ...

My World

Sunday, October 21st, 2007

Hello all. My name is Tim Gautrey, and I have been asked to write a small profile of myself and my experiences, such as they are. I hate the thought of singing my own praises, so this will hopefully be low-key and modest, but if not, please accept my apologies, ...