Thanks for the python idea, I was going to put it on my christmas list. I've used the pea gravel idea also.
moneysaving ideas
- Thread starter christopher1260
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before i bought my python, i shopped around...the same diameter tube that python uses was $1.25/foot. The 50' python was only $40
Make sure its the same size...and check python prices first
Make sure its the same size...and check python prices first
Here are a couple things I do to save money ; Instead of getting a tank divider at the pet store,I went to walmart and got the plastic canvas people use for needle craft's for around $2.I bought a peice of plexi-glass instead of buying a new all glass top when a peice broke , I've heard of people using poly fill from craft departments for media and I also have those great shop lights!
I second the poly-fill cotton batting idea, instead of buying filter floss. I've been using that one for awhile.
If you want some marble call your local head stone manufacture or granite supply store chances they have a whole bunch of broken pieces, chances are that you could get them for free or at a real cheap price.
this is awesome. there are some great ideas here. i just wanted to post another one. personally, i would never buy them at the LFS. they end up raping you there. i use sandblasting sand and hypoallergenic kitty litter as a substrate. i got the kitty litter at wal mart and the sand at a local hardware store. it cost me a grand totoal of $8 to do the substrate in my 75G. lets keep this thread going to help everybody out.
For Sand Substrate:
If you want coral based go with SouthDown Play Sand @ Home Depot. It costs about $3 for a 50lb bag as compared to $20 for a 20lb bag elsewhere.
Regular Play Sand can be used as a substrate as well. However, it needs alot of washing.
I really like Pool Filter Sand as a substrate. The larger sized grains make it easier to wash and use. Alot less washing than Play Sand. Costs a tad bit more ... but still alot cheaper than LFS .. etc.
Home Depot also has a HO lighting unit. I think its around $40-$50 or something like that. An HO lighting unit purchased elsewhere will run you ALOT more than that. \
Never buy rocks from the LFS. Either go collect them yourself or get them from a quandry or Landscaping place.
The same is true for wood.
I know of some people who use cinder blocks and plywood as stands. They just cover it with a sheet or something similar. They've even used this setup for larger tanks like 100g +
Another money saver for those into breeding. You can use the Large Plastic tubs as holding/grow out tanks. Rubbermaid has sizes from 15g - 100g+. Those Plastic Tubs have a ton of uses ... including sumps and for central filtration.
If you want coral based go with SouthDown Play Sand @ Home Depot. It costs about $3 for a 50lb bag as compared to $20 for a 20lb bag elsewhere.
Regular Play Sand can be used as a substrate as well. However, it needs alot of washing.
I really like Pool Filter Sand as a substrate. The larger sized grains make it easier to wash and use. Alot less washing than Play Sand. Costs a tad bit more ... but still alot cheaper than LFS .. etc.
Home Depot also has a HO lighting unit. I think its around $40-$50 or something like that. An HO lighting unit purchased elsewhere will run you ALOT more than that. \
Never buy rocks from the LFS. Either go collect them yourself or get them from a quandry or Landscaping place.
The same is true for wood.
I know of some people who use cinder blocks and plywood as stands. They just cover it with a sheet or something similar. They've even used this setup for larger tanks like 100g +
Another money saver for those into breeding. You can use the Large Plastic tubs as holding/grow out tanks. Rubbermaid has sizes from 15g - 100g+. Those Plastic Tubs have a ton of uses ... including sumps and for central filtration.
I've never tried this, but in Confessions of a Fish Doctor the author, Scott Brodie, tells that he uses african violet potting soil as a substrate for growing plants. It needs to be soaked first, but this potting soil has no vermiculite (those little white plasticy looking dots you find in some potting soils). The next time I build a tank from the ground up, I'm going to use this tip...
Val
Val
BigOh-
excellent advice, I have four tanks in my room
the brackish tank has pool filter sand in it...the sand is beautiful, it is a great color of brown sand and black sand...it was a little dusty, but it settled in a few days, with some water change
in my 75g I have sandblasting sand from Menard's
it was 2.50 for 50lbs and it looks exactly like beach/desert sand, it is absolutely gorgeous
in my other tank I have black sandblasting sand, 3.47 for 50lbs, also from Menards
and I also built the particle board/cinder block stand for my 75g
the stand is 36 inches tall, 2 feet deep, and 49 inches wide
total cost: $51.37...beats the hell out of the pet store's price for a stand
excellent advice, I have four tanks in my room
the brackish tank has pool filter sand in it...the sand is beautiful, it is a great color of brown sand and black sand...it was a little dusty, but it settled in a few days, with some water change
in my 75g I have sandblasting sand from Menard's
it was 2.50 for 50lbs and it looks exactly like beach/desert sand, it is absolutely gorgeous
in my other tank I have black sandblasting sand, 3.47 for 50lbs, also from Menards
and I also built the particle board/cinder block stand for my 75g
the stand is 36 inches tall, 2 feet deep, and 49 inches wide
total cost: $51.37...beats the hell out of the pet store's price for a stand
Another big money saver for all those people interested in raising their KH and GH. Especially good for AFrican Rift Lake cichlid keepers.
For raising KH = baking soda
For raising GH = epsom salt
Compare the cost of the above listed items with "cichlid buffers" .. etc.
For raising KH = baking soda
For raising GH = epsom salt
Compare the cost of the above listed items with "cichlid buffers" .. etc.
