Zac460's Multiple Tank Log

[Zac460]

Hi all,

Just got home to see that my brand new roma i ordered had finally arrived. Woo!
I build the cabinet but the tank is still downstairs - I'm gonna move it up on Sunday.

I would class myself as a 'semi-newbie' so if I'm doing anything wrong, just tell me

Zac

PS: Yes I do have concrete floors

[TropicalFishForums]

[plankton]

Making the cab first is the right thing to do....

Congrats on your purchase.

[Zac460]

The tank is now on the stand and filtration pipes (etc...) are put in place.

A couple of questions:

When i turn the lights on, they flicker for a second or so before remaining fully on. Will this always happen or will it stop as i 'wear them in'? - im just a little scared they'll scare the fish.
Secondly, it is really hard to remove the lid from the bottom half of the filter. The only time i could do it was when i used a screwdriver but i don't want to do that again because of the risk of damage. (Its a Fluval 306).

Thanks,
Zac

[Zac460]

Forgot to add -  the lights are POWER GLO and AQUA GLO (both T5)

[plankton]

Isn't the slight flicker the starter warming up? I'm not au fait with T5s but the T8s tend to do it as well.

[Zac460]

Right thanks. I put the sand in today and got some more bio-noodles (AquaOne BioNood) and put them where the carbon was in the filter. The carbon (for my purpose) is useless, right?
A bit later I will be filling it up with water :D

[Zac460]

Also, Kleen-off ammonia was ordered today

[plankton]

Right thanks. I put the sand in today and got some more bio-noodles (AquaOne BioNood) and put them where the carbon was in the filter. The carbon (for my purpose) is useless, right?
A bit later I will be filling it up with water :D

Correct about the carbon

[Zac460]

Tank filled and sand was added I washed the sand and it still made the water  bloody green! Oh well, the filter is doing a good job with it though :D

[Zac460]

The water is clearing up and the filter is nice and quiet :D I'm really pleased with it. Ammonia is now dispatched (from Amazon) so should be arriving shorty.

[JoeG]

Warning with the kleen off as I put too much in and sky rocketed my ammonia... I also have a 4ft tank. Try between 5 and 10ml. That should give you about 4ppm

[Stephen]

The tank is now on the stand and filtration pipes (etc...) are put in place.

A couple of questions:

When i turn the lights on, they flicker for a second or so before remaining fully on. Will this always happen or will it stop as i 'wear them in'? - im just a little scared they'll scare the fish.
Secondly, it is really hard to remove the lid from the bottom half of the filter. The only time i could do it was when i used a screwdriver but i don't want to do that again because of the risk of damage. (Its a Fluval 306).

Thanks,
Zac

Hi Zac

I have the exact same tank, it's a beauty.

The lights will always flicker before being fully on, not an issue with the fish.

Removing the lid from the canister box is difficult but it is supposed to be air-tight.
Like yourself I first used a screwdriver but then realised there is an easier way.
Unlock the two levers. Manoeuvre one of the levers so that the top bit is back in position. Now lever the lid off the canister using the bottom part of the lever. (I hope I have explained it ok).
Something like this:-


Hope it helps

[Zac460]

Ahhhh yes thank you :D next time I open the filter I will defo do it that way.

[Stephen]

Ahhhh yes thank you :D next time I open the filter I will defo do it that way.

Only lever the one side, the top will come off with practice.

[plankton]

Warning with the kleen off as I put too much in and sky rocketed my ammonia... I also have a 4ft tank. Try between 5 and 10ml. That should give you about 4ppm

Use the force Luke...
...well, the calculator anyway
Remember to take off about 15%-20% for decoration and substrate...

https://www.tropicalfishforums.co.uk/index.php?page=ammonia_calculator