As part of my recent move, I decided to change my son's 20 Long Turtle tank to a standard 20 gallon. I wanted to give the fish more room to swim and the added water will allow for a few more fish as well.
This morning we set up the 20 gallon, using established gravel and an established sponge filter. I use Proper pH 7.0 in all my freshwater systems, with Amquel. I allowed the new tank to run for 4 hours before moving the livestock from the old tank, just to ensure the pH was fixed. I am not worried about a bacteria bloom, given the established filter and gravel.
Here are some pics of the new set up:
I use a corner sponge filter, burried under the gravel. This is my filter of choice for any freshwater aquarium under 55 gallons. A few airline suction cup holders and a well placed piece of driftwood will completely hide the filter.
I have always had a difficult time using suction cups to hold a heater in place. They always seem to fail after a few months. Instead, I have started making a small heater stand out of pebbles, just to prop the heater off of the gravel and allow good circulation.
I made a very deep cave by cutting a front hole into a plastic storage basket. The cave runs about 9'' long and is completely hidden under the gravel.
I was hoping my DoJo Loach would take to the cave, and within 5 minutes it did.
Finally, a few pics of the Turtle at feeding time. This is the fun part. :-D
And, a full shot of the aquarium... still a little dirt stirred up.
This morning we set up the 20 gallon, using established gravel and an established sponge filter. I use Proper pH 7.0 in all my freshwater systems, with Amquel. I allowed the new tank to run for 4 hours before moving the livestock from the old tank, just to ensure the pH was fixed. I am not worried about a bacteria bloom, given the established filter and gravel.
Here are some pics of the new set up:
I use a corner sponge filter, burried under the gravel. This is my filter of choice for any freshwater aquarium under 55 gallons. A few airline suction cup holders and a well placed piece of driftwood will completely hide the filter.
I have always had a difficult time using suction cups to hold a heater in place. They always seem to fail after a few months. Instead, I have started making a small heater stand out of pebbles, just to prop the heater off of the gravel and allow good circulation.
I made a very deep cave by cutting a front hole into a plastic storage basket. The cave runs about 9'' long and is completely hidden under the gravel.
I was hoping my DoJo Loach would take to the cave, and within 5 minutes it did.
Finally, a few pics of the Turtle at feeding time. This is the fun part. :-D
And, a full shot of the aquarium... still a little dirt stirred up.