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  1. Aqua sobriquet

    Buy or build a cabinet

    I bought some furniture to put a couple of Nano’s on because it was the quick and easy option. The gaps around the doors and drawers though let the humming sound of the filters out so I’m now wishing I built my own.
  2. Aqua sobriquet

    Reinforced PVC Hose

    Thanks, I’ve just bought 5 metres of 5/8” bore to try.
  3. Aqua sobriquet

    Reinforced PVC Hose

    I bought some 3/4” bore reinforced hose for another job and was quite surprised how supple it is. It bends nicely but doesn’t seem any more susceptible to kinks than standard aquarium hose. I’m thinking I may get some next time I replumb one of my filters. Anyone on here tried it?
  4. Aqua sobriquet

    16/12 Stainless Adapters

    I bought these 16/12 adapters from Amazon. They are very nicely made and have a good bore size of 12mm. This makes them a bit large on the outside for 12mm hose but you can get the hose on ok if you put it in hot water first.
  5. Aqua sobriquet

    What device(s) are you using to take pictures of your tanks ?

    iPad mostly. I have used a 24mp MILC but then they need editing on a computer afterwards and it’s a bit of a faff for quick snaps.
  6. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY Nano Canister filter beginner

    The underside of most canister filter heads are generally quite flat. On some models this requires rocking the filter backwards and forwards to expel trapped air. If the underside was conical I would expect any trapped air to be quickly expelled? A quick sketch, blue is a grid to retain media...
  7. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY Nano Canister filter beginner

    Most canister filters with external pumps seem to have them mounted horizontally. This means the outlet from the canister is off to one side, the ADA is a classic example of this. I’ve always thought that if the inside of the canister lid was slightly conical the filter would be self purging...
  8. Aqua sobriquet

    Reptile heat mat vs Nano heater

    This is interesting.
  9. Aqua sobriquet

    Reptile heat mat vs Nano heater

    These are the type. https://www.globalgeckos.co.uk/habistat-high-power-heat-mat-select-your-size
  10. Aqua sobriquet

    Reptile heat mat vs Nano heater

    I use the Habistat high power mats on my 60L and 37L Nano’s. They manage ok in our lounge with the Elitech’s set to 25°C. In a cold room I suspect even these high power ones would struggle. In the 1980’s I used an under tank mat on a 50 gallon aquarium and that worked ok. For some reason they...
  11. Aqua sobriquet

    Reptile heat mat vs Nano heater

    I use Elitech thermostats on my two Nano’s with under tank mats. https://www.elitecheu.com/collections/heating-and-cooling-thermostat/products/elitech-atc-1550-digital-temperature-controller-thermostat
  12. Aqua sobriquet

    Show us your Maintenance Cart!

    Maintenance Cart?! That’s a bit posh isn’t it 🤣 My stuffs just in a bucket.
  13. Aqua sobriquet

    Cabinet Building

    I’ve been considering a new setup again and my thoughts turned to a suitable cabinet. I don’t like many off the shelf Aquarium cabinets and they are generally much too low for my liking at only 75 - 80cm high. After a quick Google I came across this site and thought it may be of interest to...
  14. Aqua sobriquet

    Water Meter

    I’m wondering if this might be handy for monitoring my canister filter flow? I’m using 16/22 hose though so it may restrict the flow. It has four modes, one of which is litres per minute.
  15. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium lids?

    I had a piece of 6mm thick PETG on one of my Nano’s and it only warped a little bit.
  16. Aqua sobriquet

    Product suggestion please for stainless steel inlet/outlet

    I’ve had two sets of 12/16 (one now retired) and one set of 16/22. They’ve all been fine but the skimmer on one set (retired) was useless. Not much to go wrong with the plain non skimmer ones as far as I can tell. I got my last set from Riverwood...
  17. Aqua sobriquet

    Air control valve?

    I’ve just seen this, maybe worth a try.
  18. Aqua sobriquet

    Air control valve?

    I’m finding it a bit tricky to adjust the amount of air going to my airstones. Have any of you found any particularly good ones for sale?
  19. Aqua sobriquet

    Low-powered inline heater

    I use High Power Habistat under tank heaters (11” x 11” - 25W) on my 60L and 37L. Run at 25°C and controlled by Elitech thermostats. https://www.globalgeckos.co.uk/habistat-high-power-heat-mat-select-your-size
  20. Aqua sobriquet

    Power cut backup?

    I’d like something simple and flexible. I doubt they’ll be cutting the power overnight as they’d not gain much by doing that. I think it more likely I’ll be around at the time and I’d like the flexibility of plugging in what I want as I need it. I read online the likelihood of power cuts this...
  21. Aqua sobriquet

    Power cut backup?

    I’m still considering a manual backup system at the moment. The reason for this is that I might decide to use it with a variety of equipment. I’m looking at a a 1000w pure sine wave inverter and a 12V 100-120 Ah Deep Cycle AGM battery. I already have a suitable charger for the battery.
  22. Aqua sobriquet

    Painting MDF

    I used to have my Eheim 37L Nano on an Oak HiFi cabinet. Mine was all wood but they do sell painted ones as well.
  23. Aqua sobriquet

    Hose fittings

    Anyone tried these on a canister filter?
  24. Aqua sobriquet

    Braceless?

    When I see tanks like this I wonder what size/thickness glass can safely go braceless. It’s one of the things I like about my two Nano’s but I’m still thinking about replacing them with a bigger tank.
  25. Aqua sobriquet

    Safety warning! Aqueon aquarium heater causing electrocution

    Those Inkbird ones look pretty good. :)
  26. Aqua sobriquet

    Safety warning! Aqueon aquarium heater causing electrocution

    Anyone know why they don’t make the tubes out of stainless steel? In fact, with a little imagination a S/S heater enclose could be made to look pretty good. So much so you may not want to hide it?
  27. Aqua sobriquet

    Safety warning! Aqueon aquarium heater causing electrocution

    I was thinking of that myself. I use a couple of these on my under tank heaters, they aren’t that expensive. https://www.elitecheu.com/collections/temperature-controller/products/elitech-atc-1550-digital-temperature-controller-thermostat?variant=40190520393881
  28. Aqua sobriquet

    Safety warning! Aqueon aquarium heater causing electrocution

    I use carbon under tank heaters on my two Nano’s. They were very popular in the 1980’s - 90’s. I had one on my 50 gallon tank for maybe ten years without any problems. I don’t know why they stopped selling the high power ones for aquariums. The “high power” Vivarium ones I bought are just...
  29. Aqua sobriquet

    Any suggestions

    Thanks again, it worked great!
  30. Aqua sobriquet

    Any suggestions

    Thanks folks. I’ve made a plastic plug to fit into the inlet so I won’t be reusing it for the time being as it never worked very well anyway. I’ll try the bleach. ;)
  31. Aqua sobriquet

    Any suggestions

    For cleaning this?! I hadn’t realised it was so bad as it was behind some bogwood and moss. I’ve tried Hydrogen Peroxide and some Citric acid so far …
  32. Aqua sobriquet

    Figuring out how to build a cabinet. Please advise.

    Yes that looks pretty solid.
  33. Aqua sobriquet

    Figuring out how to build a cabinet. Please advise.

    Most of what I’ve seen on here looks like it requires either diagonal bracing or at least a sheet of some good plywood to prevent wracking. I’ve built several work benches and always brace or use plywood and I’ve not had any movement.
  34. Aqua sobriquet

    Share your homemade tools and hardware designs

    I fitted an old electric toothbrush head to a length of carbon fibre arrow tube. It’s great for getting into awkward to clean areas.
  35. Aqua sobriquet

    Supermarket cleaning sponges

    Lots of places sell them. Hermes Webrax Hand Pad
  36. Aqua sobriquet

    Removing Filter Pipes

    I use Eheim double taps on both of my filters.
  37. Aqua sobriquet

    3D printing

    I made a media basket from some oven mesh for my 2213 and I haven’t had any problems with the foams compressing.
  38. Aqua sobriquet

    Help designing Plywood cabinet.

    The last cabinet I made just had a centre support at the front against which the doors closed. If memory serves it was a square section of hardwood probably around 40 or 50mm. 900mm is not that long so you could probably do away with this though if the cabinet is well braced at the top to...
  39. Aqua sobriquet

    Help designing Plywood cabinet.

    I’ve not run a sump, does much water evaporate from it? Just thinking what surface finish you may need on the ply to stop it going mouldy.
  40. Aqua sobriquet

    Help designing Plywood cabinet.

    That cabinet looks quite nice. What filtration are you planning on using?
  41. Aqua sobriquet

    Sound proof cabinet

    Does your filter have a stainless steel impeller shaft? If so these can wear quite badly sometimes and the impeller will rattle around. Many manufacturers use Ceramic shafts that seem to wear a bit better. Luckily you can buy these on eBay - provided they have your size...
  42. Aqua sobriquet

    Sound proof cabinet

    Any old foam won’t help, it needs to be closed cell. You first need to isolate the vibrations from the filter going into the cabinet. Mines on a foam and cork mat. Gaps around the cabinet door let out sound as well. Any gaps where the hoses exit the cabinet need to be covered somehow as well. My...
  43. Aqua sobriquet

    Eheim Skim 350 Modifications review

    I’ve had a variety of different skimmers over the years and I haven’t found anything that works particularly well long term. I’ve also seen a display tank that had a weir at one end and that still had surface film!
  44. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY Optiwhite tank build

    Thanks for that. I was thinking of maybe a 720 x 450 with a height of 400. 10mm glass gives a factor of 10 so that’s good?
  45. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY Optiwhite tank build

    I’ve been considering the safety of unbraced tanks and can’t help thinking it’s a combination of not only the height but also the length of the longest side on a rectangular tank? Is there a good online source that works it out for you?
  46. Aqua sobriquet

    Cabinet Height?

    Yes, armpit height is a limiting factor unless you resort to using a step up.
  47. Aqua sobriquet

    Cabinet Height?

    What height are most folks Aquarium Cabinets? In the past I’ve made cabinets using easily available doors or made use of existing furniture. Just wondered what folks think is a good height?
  48. Aqua sobriquet

    Eheim Skim 350 Modifications review

    I’ve used stainless mesh on my other skimmer to stop all but the tiniest shrimp being sucked in. It is a problem with any system with a surface intake. I’ve heard of folks having the same problem with a weir filter.
  49. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY Purigen Reactor/Regeneration technique.

    I neglected to say earlier but a box of Siporax media came with the last filter I bought and seems to be working well enough. It’s also easy to clean at filter maintenance time.
  50. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY Purigen Reactor/Regeneration technique.

    Sera Siporax is only sintered glass media. As far as I’m aware it’s completely inert?
  51. Aqua sobriquet

    Hypothetically

    If I wanted an optiwhite tank with mitred corners is there anyone in the UK that makes them? Asking for a friend ...
  52. Aqua sobriquet

    Managing hoses

    Strangely the Eheim double taps are about £2 cheaper than the JBL on Amazon for the 16/22.
  53. Aqua sobriquet

    Perspex Lids

    I’m using 6mm PETG on one of my Nano’s and it’s not bad.
  54. Aqua sobriquet

    Shake to start Gravel cleaner

    How do these shake to start gravel cleaners work? I’ve got some materials so would like to make one for my Nano’s.
  55. Aqua sobriquet

    Oral B

    No, I haven’t lost my marbles just yet. :) The hygienist at my dental surgery recommended that I get an electric toothbrush a few months back. Being time to change the brush head I wondered what I could do with the old one. Aquarium cleaning brush obviously! I tried it out today and it worked...
  56. Aqua sobriquet

    cutting/routing acrylic

    I’m note absolutely sure but I think that black textured plastic may be called ABS Pinseal?
  57. Aqua sobriquet

    cutting/routing acrylic

    I tried to cut some Acrylic with a jigsaw many years ago - big mistake. A hacksaw works fine though if you’re cutting small pieces. I generally gave up using it though. I did need to make some frontsight elements many years ago though and I used to cut the Acrylic into 1” squares with a hacksaw...
  58. Aqua sobriquet

    cutting/routing acrylic

    I was surprised to learn many years ago that most if not all plastics absorb moisture. I’ve seen instructions that say Acrylic should be dried before bending.
  59. Aqua sobriquet

    cutting/routing acrylic

    This is the guy on YouTube I like. Watch some of his videos and it may give you some ideas or an insight into the process.
  60. Aqua sobriquet

    cutting/routing acrylic

    No you can machine Acrylic just fine it just needs to be done with the right tools. Cutter speed must not be too high or the plastic melts. Tools need to be very sharp and in the case of Acrylic keep vibrations to a minimum. I’ve just done a quick search and although there are lots of other...
  61. Aqua sobriquet

    cutting/routing acrylic

    Does it need to specifically be Acrylic? I’ve done some machining on a variety of plastics over the years and avoid Acrylic like the plague because it breaks so easily. For clear plastics I used to use Polycarbonate but have also tried PETG. Polycarbonate was used in those NASA bubble helmets in...
  62. Aqua sobriquet

    pH tester

    For what we do as hobbyists aren’t PH papers good enough? Surely we’re only looking at a ballpark figure.
  63. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY ADA 60P Cabinet Build

    I’ve got a thing about wood screws ever since I went to Canada. The most widely used over there seem to be Robertson Square drive. As a result I’ve only ever bought square or Torx drive screws over the past 20 years. I’ve always disliked pozidrive and Phillips screws. I also like Spax screws...
  64. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY ADA 60P Cabinet Build

    Can I just say it’s very easy to split MDF if you don’t pre-drill and use the right type of screws. A guy at work didn’t do this and got lots of splits in a toy box he was making. As an alternative you could screw through the sides of the MDF panels into hardwood battens inside the cabinet. If...
  65. Aqua sobriquet

    Elitech Thermostat

    Their online shop is still open and they were originally responding to emails. I can’t help wondering if these thermostats are manufactured abroad and packed with unprotected plugs how many of them get damaged in transit before they even get sent to customers. The box is only just big enough and...
  66. Aqua sobriquet

    Elitech Thermostat

    I got it direct from Elitech at £15.99 inc delivery but curiously delivered by Amazon Prime, as was the replacement. As they haven’t responded to emails I do have an outstanding case lodged with PayPal. I’d really like an undamaged unit but I have an STC1000 somewhere I bought years ago that I...
  67. Aqua sobriquet

    Elitech Thermostat

    Not having much luck. I’ve already got an ATC-1550 running on my 37L Nano with an under tank heater and it works great so I ordered another for the new tank. Duly ordered it arrived a week later with a damaged case because the mains lead was packed with the metal plug pins against the casing...
  68. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY ADA 60P Cabinet Build

    Yes, very handy being able to have it all cut up like that. I’m sure my local wood yard would do it as well if asked but not tried them.
  69. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY ADA 60P Cabinet Build

    This is the problem with standard MDF. I believe you can get a water resistant version but not sure how readily available it is.
  70. Aqua sobriquet

    DIY ADA 60P Cabinet Build

    Nice job! I’m not a fan of MDF but you can get a nice finish with care.
  71. Aqua sobriquet

    External filter hoses kitchen cupboard HELP

    I don’t think drilling the worktop is that extreme to be honest as long as it’s done carefully. Should you ever not need them a couple of nice blinking plugs for the holes needn’t look bad. Cutting holes in the doors is not a good look in my opinion but it’s your call.
  72. Aqua sobriquet

    Can anyone recommend a waterproof grommet/cable gland?

    What type of cable is it? Ideally it needs to be round and a good tight fit in the rubber seal.
  73. Aqua sobriquet

    Bottle Brushes

    These are in Lidl at the moment for around £3. The long one is about 12mm dia the small one about 11mm and the fat one is about 22mm. Might come in handy for cleaning some bits.
  74. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium Heater Mystery

    I emailed the manufacturers (more likely importers?) of the heating meat telling them how I’m using their mats and asking if they can supply other sizes, particularly of the high power ones. Sadly they never replied. The tank is extremely stable temperature wise at the moment.
  75. Aqua sobriquet

    ADA ALON Aquarium?

    Just wondered if ADA will be the first to make a Transparent Aluminium Aquarium?! :lol: https://makezine.com/2012/01/17/transparent-aluminum/
  76. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium Heater Mystery

    I neglected to include this earlier but this is the foam pad with the cutout for the power connector.
  77. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium Heater Mystery

    Well the outside temperature has dropped and although we obviously have the CH on during the day it’s set quite low during the night and the tank is very stable temperature wise. I’m thinking of maybe setting up another Nano, this time a 60 litre and although this isn’t a cheap heater option I...
  78. Aqua sobriquet

    Led bulbs

    I would have preferred to just buy one but couldn’t see anything suitable. I bought SES E14 lamps so maybe that was a mistake. If I’d chosen a different fitting maybe there would be a better choice of lamp holders? The COB LED seller on eBay sells the lamps in about five different fittings.
  79. Aqua sobriquet

    Led bulbs

    I bought the ceramic inner holder that the bulb screws into from eBay. I made the main body from aluminium tube, also bought from eBay.
  80. Aqua sobriquet

    Led bulbs

    The spotlight in my picture is sold as 6000k - 6500k.
  81. Aqua sobriquet

    Led bulbs

    There’s also this one at Ikea https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/vaexer-led-cultivation-light-silver-colour-40333455/
  82. Aqua sobriquet

    Led bulbs

    I bought a cheap COB Lamp on eBay and made up this. It looks a bit like a Laboratory retort stand (and you could use one) but I actually made the base and column. I already had the boss and clamp but I bought a new clamp as it was a bit tatty. I had to make the light fitting as I couldn’t find...
  83. Aqua sobriquet

    Söchting Oxydator

    I cut off the end of some 99% commercially pure Titanium rod that I had and turned a 10mm disc a few mm thick from it. I placed it in some 12% H2O2 and nothing happened. Looking closer I could then see a continuous stream of micro bubbles coming off the disc.
  84. Aqua sobriquet

    UK equivalent of DryLok

    I made a background for one of my tanks many years ago. It was made with Polyurethane foam that was carved to shape once dry. This was then painted with Epoxy resin with sand applied whilst it was still wet. It was very effective and concealed the inlet and outlets nicely.
  85. Aqua sobriquet

    Tank over hang

    Yes, that should be fine screwed into the back of the cabinet.
  86. Aqua sobriquet

    Tank over hang

    As said mine was 50mm x 50mm but as it’s at the back you never notice it, at least I didn’t.
  87. Aqua sobriquet

    Tank over hang

    I had a similar Quandary some years ago although it was a larger overhang. I screwed a 50mm wide strip of hardwood to the back of the cabinet.
  88. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium Heater Mystery

    So far so good, the heater has been running now for a few weeks and the temperature has been stable. I suppose the real test will be in the winter time.
  89. Aqua sobriquet

    TetraTec Scraper

    Most of us will find a scraper useful at some point. I used to have one of those Algarde ones with the planting fork on the other end. They work well enough but they are only about a 30cm long. Some years back I bought one of the Tetra ones and it works very well. The reason I decided to post...
  90. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium Heater Mystery

    I was looking for something in the shed a couple of weeks ago and I found the old thermostat I used over 30 years ago! Things have moved on a bit from those days! :lol:
  91. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium Heater Mystery

    Yes quite. I admit I’ve done water changes before hastily switching the glass heater off! In fact I’ve probably done it a few times many years ago. Luckily no bangs or 240 volt water!
  92. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium Heater Mystery

    Anything’s possible I suppose but as I said at the start these were very popular for many years. I ran one for ten years and a friend used one for fifteen years without issue. Why would it not work now? The mats are the same but thermostats seem even better these days. Glass heaters were well...
  93. Aqua sobriquet

    Pincette/tweesers

    I bought the large 35cm May Instrument ones from Amazon, they’re not bad at all. I only get my fingertips wet now! :lol:
  94. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium Heater Mystery

    I’m still collecting bits but here’s a shot of the heat pad installed under the tank. The power connector is about 6mm thick so I could have used 8mm foam for the support but I chose 10mm to be on the safe side. I just cut a square to relieve the plastic part and a slot for the cable. I like...
  95. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium underlay matting

    Mine arrived the other day, all trimmed to size and under the tank. I don’t know what grade it is but suspect it’s the CF45 though and I’m sure it will be fine.
  96. Aqua sobriquet

    Sound proofing/vibration

    I thought UV also help reduce some algae?
  97. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium underlay matting

    I’ve ordered some 10mm but it’s not arrived yet.
  98. Aqua sobriquet

    pH Probes

    It says this one has a one year life span so I’m guessing it’s left in the tank? https://www.swelluk.com/jbl-ph-sensor/ I’m sure someone on here can give you a definitive answer, if not you could email JBL.
  99. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium underlay matting

    I’m going to use an under tank heater on my Nano and unfortunately there is a plastic moulding that covers the electrical connections where it joins the mat. On my old tank I just made a cutout in the underlay for it but these latest mats seem to have a thicker connector. I’m waiting till it...
  100. Aqua sobriquet

    Aquarium underlay matting

    No, it had braces front and back. It was 10mm glass obviously. The matting is only there to take out any irregularities between the tank and the base, at least that’s what I was told.
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