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Comments on "Rules of Thumb" document

This is the place for comments on and any discussion of the "Rules of Thumb" document on the home page.

I can't promise that I'll make suggested changes - this has been through some strong vetting already - but I'm certainly open to hearing your thoughts and suggestions...or maybe just sharing that you find it useful!

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Permalink Reply by Zach on February 19, 2015 at 1:02pm

So when the siphon is fixed, cycle and add plants then I am good?

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Permalink Reply by Zach on February 19, 2015 at 2:56pm

I am going to rebuild my siphon I think I have the issue fixed, can I put rubber washers in the tank to help seal?

Or is silicone better? The tote goes between the two rubber washers, with the steel washer under the bottom rubber washer.

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Permalink Reply by Zach on February 19, 2015 at 3:43pm

Zach said:

I am going to rebuild my siphon I think I have the issue fixed, can I put rubber washers in the tank to help seal?

Or is silicone better? The tote goes between the two rubber washers, with the steel washer under the bottom rubber washer.

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Permalink Reply by Zach on March 6, 2015 at 7:24am

is a swirl tank needed? or will it reduce the bacteria your trying to get started?

I am looking to use a 50 gallon patio tote as my fish tank, and need to figure out what size bed I could use.

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Permalink Reply by Zach on March 6, 2015 at 2:55pm

Sylvia what am I doing wrong?
Started a few weeks ago and made some changes, bought too many fish to start but did that knowing I would loose some. was down to one, bought 3 more as I also enlarged my system bed a little.

Started in my 8 foot by 10 foot GH in Southern ontario with a 10 gallon fish tank with a 8 inch by 14 inch bed of gravel ( after the vinegar test was done) had siphon issues but so does everyone else.

Still using the 10 gallon fish tank but have a 16 inch by 22 inch bed by 7 inches high and plants as well as seeds scatered. I was getting solids so filtered them out for a while, then realized I need some solids to get bacteria started. I use goldfish and no other filter or air in system.

Its been 6 days with system bed change...plants are not falling over but not no changes either, lost another fish today. i have not been testing the water, did a PH test with a soil tester not sure if that comes out the same was 7.0

I am planning a 50 gallon sysetm in the spring but if this does not have all the bugs out then a larger system will have same issues.....reading your book now trying to find out why its so slow to get going, and why I am still loosing fish. After the first set up was going a week I could see the daily changes in the plants growing well....now not at all.

New-bee in need of help