inexpensive Inventions to make your fish tank look 'ice'

[LmaoOffical]

Thats a nice setup I'm jealous

[sgtmyers88]

I made a homemade sponge filter. Just use a powerhead and a undergravel filter uplift tube and a 3"x6"x2" filter sponge. Cut a hole in one of the ends of the sponge and carefully stick the uplift tube halfway inside the sponge but do not make it poke out the other end! With some further modifications this can be made to fit over a power filter uplift tube as well. You may be able to use a large household cleaning sponge but make sure it has not been used for anything, just rinse it to be safe.

[jacpizza36]

She sounds like mirandasings !!!

[morphicification]

sorry girl, that looks like a welfare case of a set up, but to each his/her own.

[2studmuffin]

Doesnt hot glue release toxins into the water? I would have gone with silicone (the fish safe one) to avert that chance. Salt isnt really good for fish without scales its more detrimental to them, however your other scaled fish will appreciate the salt. Very creative none the less. Take a look at my video. I also have a 29 gallon tank too. I would like to hear some input on my tank too!

[divemunster1]

Do you ever throw anything away ?

[fishdude3213]

the salt is bad for the cory cats they make them less active and stresed

[whita4]

i have the little orange fish

[venusflytrap99]

you should put some rocks in and around the plant's

[Aquajerryum]

I like youre ideas. I can use some in my tanks. They probably don't sell the bubbler w/suction cups is bcuz they couldn't sell them separately for a rediculously overpriced item.

[dclx5i]

nice tank and vid. you can also plant some Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea lotus 'Zenkeri') in there. Will look good. cheers!

[laurajdahl]

@TheOrockmoney

They are aquatic/aquarium plants. The responder was just being sarcastic. :)

[lemonchucker]

Ugly fish tank, but I bet the fish are happy, and that's all that matters lol.

You could stack some rocks around the base of the pots and stick some plants/moss in between to fill it out and give it a natural look, if that's what you want to go for.

[varmman]

you have a mini garden inside your tank

[REDBULLskater11]

great channel lots of help subed right away nice tank check out mine subscribe let me know what you think

[VUMMIDI1]

hi laura,

What sort of glue you used? Did you get them from a pet store? You are very creative, Good job

I have an idea for you. I got this from another post and it helped me a lot. Take some used or torn Leggins. Cover the intake tube for the water filter and used a rubber band to bind it to the tube. This acts as a prefilter and will extend the life of your filter replacement catridges/ inserts. U can wash it every time you clean you tank and put it back on.

[laurajdahl]

@VUMMIDI1

Hi :)

I have used Hot glue but to make it more permanent you would have to use the aquarium glue sold in the stores.

Sorry for the late reply and good luck with your aquarium. I now have a better set up and have since built a stand for my new 40 gallon... I will try to upload a new vid soon..

Thanks for your comment and have a great week.

[heidbrain]

good to see people being creative. ..thanks..

[clscloud]

why do you put salt in there?

[g230258]

you could also put like gravel or gems or what you have in the bottom of yore tank

in between the bubbler and that will hold it down i putgems in my bubler and it works

[zharnotczar]

lol "I heard they're supposed to balance the ph or something."

Sea shells raise the PH of your water. Water is what your fish live in. Keep track of what everything does to your water. If you don't you'll likely kill some fish.

[brazilianfishkeeper]

Hey there, I like your idea. I did something like this.

[CLONEtrooperECO]

Why do you need salt for a fresh water tank

[laurajdahl]

@CLONEtrooperECO

Its actually Conditioning salt. It helps lessen stress and gives the fish a slim coat.. However, too much is bad.. Too much can kill them.. I just put a little in (teaspoon or less) when I change the water or clean the filter.. Or if I see stuff sticking to the fish -especially if the tank is new...

Thanks for your comment..

[jasonheob]

@CLONEtrooperECO

aquarium salt [really just kosher salt] is good to prevent bacterial infections and it's good for the fishes general well being.

[catsma97504]

@jasonheob Salt is not good for freshwater fish or for their well being as you've stated. Prior to 1980, aquarists used salt as a substitute for tank maintenance. In the past 30 years, we have learned that salt is not good for freshwater fish and that many species do not tolerate it. Corys and other catfish are one species that is slowly killed by salt concentrations.

[TheHyperOctopus]

I have A 30 Gallon Aquirium And we Have the Same Fish Too. Neon Tetra's And Albino Catfish. Lovely Tank.

[metalarms1231]

keeops loeding

[EnglishMadMan1]

Clever ideas, but I would rather have my smaller 10 gallon to your 29 gallon, having all of those plastic pots and stuff make the tank look cheap (if you know what I mean). Try a more natural look...

[Fx4Ranger2002]

I got a question about the sand you used. I am looking to set up a 55g tank soon. Tanks that size usually need about 65-70lbs of gravel or sand and I really dont want to spend 80 dollars on bags of sand or gravel at the pet store since the biggest bags ive seen are only 20lbs and they are like 15-20 dollars a bag. I can buy play sand at home depot for like 3.99 for a 50 lb bag. I really like the color of your sand. did u mix dirt with it? whats the best method of washing it to make sure its safe

[laurajdahl]

@Fx4Ranger2002

Hi, Sorry for the late reply... But, I used the Pre-washed play sand.. However, it still had a lot of dirt in it... So, I had to rinse the small partials and dirt away till the sand settled quickly. (I mixed in a 5 gallon bucket and swirled the sand around while allowing the fine/small dirt and sand to escape in to the garden (if you have one).. Definitely want to rinse it even if it says "pre-rinsed"... It would be bad if you get too much in the filter. Could destroy it...

[thadon774]

you can get drift wood from you river and also rocks,sand just clean them realy good and let then sit in boiling water for about 60min. Dont boil the rocks just pour boiling water over them

[Superthecod]

@TheOrockmoney no there cup plants

[Superthecod]

very cool

[Hotlips4000isback]

Wow, some really good ideas!

I'm innovative with bit's i put in my tank, anything to save a bit of cash, but it has to work/be safe for my fishes to! ;p

I will do what you did with the air stone, that's a great idea! My fish dig it up often, they are quite inquisitive :)

I made my own veggie clip, with an old plastic clothes peg/cable tie,& a suction hook.Its on my glass now for when i put spinach in the tank! I also have 3 terracotta Pots for my fish to hide in, just clean them first!

[fishkeeperforlife]

THis is amazing!!!

[Julianartz]

put the plants with the roots in the zand the big one as center peach and the other one a round in the corner eand hide you pump under some rocks!

you plants will die like this and the fish.

[Superthecod]

That's pretty cool

[biggil90]

@josecx dying laughing! lol

[LittleShinobi92]

I like a natural setting better but your style is cool. looks kind of...urban, in a sense. lol, kinda looks like fish city xD Love your neons btw <3 wish I could get some but alas, they are easy prey for most larger fish...

[daddybuddy100]

LOL I used to before my 29 gallon tank i got now i had a 10 gallon that was crammed with fish and disqusting and somehow they thrived in it O_O LOL I got my inspiration back for my fish tank so im remodling it sorta. Nice vid.

[TouchedbyCastiel]

I glued river rocks together to make a wall along the back of the tank. I but the same bubble thing behind the wall, and with another section of glued rocks I placed it on top of the bubbles. Now it looks like the bubbles are coming from the rocks!

I used aquarium glue from home depot. Must say "aquarium safe" of else the silicone releases toxins in the water

[Kon2336]

your tank is REALLY "ICE"

[countersmart]

you are a true inventor and i can see you are passionate about your fish which as a malawi keeper i found a bit of a turn on... lol...kept cichlids laura?

[kmscutie132]

also u should get a backround that enhances ur fishes colors! and the plants!

[freakshow841]

I am a notorious ghetto aquarium keeper..the cheaper and more inventive the better.

[stupidself00]

i like it.

[ZzReload]

I love it Really nice Looking :D

[brad2556299]

id hate to be the kid to play in that sand, ouch

[TheBalhamboy]

look up "amano takashi"

[meyer3738]

Awesome!! I really wish I thought of something like this..!!!

[Crusadinn]

Several types of plastic are not safe for fish. You can't just lob any old thing in a tank.:/

[funnymakeslifesunny]

something new to try is to get some big rocks from your backyard (smooth not rough) boil them to sanitize them, and stack them in the aquarium, makes great caves for your pleco and cories.

[ox387]

that is awesome i have a bunch of flower pots and im going to use them as caves and suround them in substrate and plants so you cant tell their pots just caves. i have a new 75 gallon tank and i couldnt figure out what to do with it but this gave me lots of ideas thank you

[games4fish]

hay does your neon fish live well with those plants becouse i have two big plants in my tank 10 gallon but umm plz tell me i can use neon tetras in my tank well it is a 10 gallon 2 fake plants a fake driftwood thing with fake plants on (my fish love it ) and two realy big real plants that add a whole lot of ph level to the dank umm lot of gravel and some rocks from lake serperior so yea and my fish are two gouramis ,two silver dollars ,and twotiger barbs (one tiger barb is pregnet ) so can

[games4fish]

nice use off materials :)

[barrowscasper12]

hmm, original idea, of just putting the plants in pots instead of planting them :) interesting set-up :) nice

[m0j0101]

you have to let the silica settle and then filter the water. then settle again. very tedious. playsand works fine

[itanaru03x04]

I dont know why eveeryone is being mean. I like the Idea with the bubblier.

[kingjamescrab]

cool

[noahhill308ruger]

the bubble stones are made and meant to be burred in your gravel i have 2 just like yours in my 55 gallon tank and if you cut off the air pump you cant even tell its there if its burred .

[1Filmproducer]

Whats with the plant plots!?

[aljondavid]

what do that small container with a blue cup on do?

[a869553]

im not really a total fan of the plastic pieces BUT beggers cant be choosers right? it works for you! haha i just used sand from the store and have fake plants in there since my cichlids will uproot them within an hour (tried 5 times) but great idea with the play sand!!

[CanadianAnimalLuver]

I have rinsed and rinsed my sand ssooo much. The water is still cloudy! Could it be it's too fine? What kind of sand did you pick up at Lowes?

[blackcat2246]

Look like crap amd also the bubbler is sapost to be unde the gravel but I do like your salt holde idea verry neet

[nuttybar9]

im lucky i live where i can get about everything i need for free the neighbors around here often throw aquarium plants and decorations out...and also landscaping stone out too a couple times they through ten gallon tanks out but i did'nt need them so i didn't take them...and you also can go to the park to get some plants out of the ponds and usually there is snails and tadpoles in them too.

[nuttybar9]

did you ever use ice trays for arranging your plants

[jojoe53]

For the bottom of my tank I used gravel that they use on the winter roads that I collected before they swept them and cleaned really well

[jojoe53]

I put half a coconut shell in my 10 gallon I think it is but I scrubbed it down a bunch cause I was worried about my fish eating it and getting sick but never had a problem and when I got a placatamus it took it over as a home and loves it.

[nuclear763]

I used a Styrofoam cup for my tank and has worked good.

[liljdog687]

a cool thing to do is take claypots and either lay them on their side as a house, or you can have it upside down and break off a little to make it a house and use the broken of peice like gravel to add come color, plus plecos and suckers love it

[nuttybar9]

@liljdog687 fish also like laying their eggs on them

[chikabaki]

I don't like plant's . . .aqarium didnt look natural !

[gttoharo]

That filter u have there the aqueonis not that great

I understand u r trying to be cheap but I have a 15 gallon tank and I've got a bio wheel and a fluvial c2 to replace the aqueon

[MrDarekx12]

why are u cheap u had enough to buy a starter kit ^_^

[RadioactiveZombieKat]

wow o.O realy kool ideas XD

[laurajdahl]

@RadioactiveZombieKat

Thanks for your positive comment. Wish more people could show their better side on yt. :)

[cleerin1]

@laurajdahl ya it works fine just make

shure to clean it well most people with eels have pvc in there

tank

[sk81514]

plecos will eat the roots of your plants

[laurajdahl]

@sk81514

Eeerrr.... I've owned plecos most my life and they didn't eat the roots.. Perhaps you are talking about some other fish? :)

[sk81514]

is any pvc pipe ok to put in a fish tank if cleaned out with running water

[laurajdahl]

@sk81514

I don't know... To be honest.. I found the pvc pipes in our "white trash" yard.. When we were cleaning up the yard.. I would assume most would work... It would be interesting to know what type of plastic the decorations they make for the tanks.are.. Good Luck. :)

[smokinjojo74]

@laurajdahl yes, i think its alrite to use them, i have as caves and such since when i first startd keepin my first synodontis two years ago but i got sum old pipes from more er less the same way, old nasty, dirt encrusted things but i jus pulled out the old toothbrush an used a little antibacterial soap an scrubbd all the visible dirt away an then scalded it until the hearts content an plopped em on in there. the s. eupterus love em...p.s. from most of what ive read, the caves an decorations

[smokinjojo74]

@laurajdahl these days are usally jus poly resin molded

[MegaPhoenix07]

@sk81514 yes as long as there was no soap used to clean it.

[tropicalfish666]

Hi, nice tank. I would be careful with the shells though cause they can cause probs with the ph they can raise the calcium. :-)

[laurajdahl]

@tropicalfish666

Weird.. I've Never had a prob with the shells.. Perhaps they are different in your area. Thanks for the comment though. ;)

[shyea85]

omg $40 a bag that's crazy and so not worth it, i guess it's cause i live in florida, not sure. i dont have a pleco, only cichlids. i think i had the sound off when i viewed it, but anyways still nice tank.

[laurajdahl]

@shyea85

I know everything is so expensive in Seattle... :(

[shyea85]

also putting shells from the beach in a freshwater tank will eventually make your tank cloudy, idk if it's ok for the fish but i did that before, even after rinsing them really good and my tank got really cloudy until i took them out, no fish died, but just a thought.

[laurajdahl]

@shyea85

I've put shells from the beach in my aquariums for many many years and have NEVER had an issue with cloudiness.. Perhaps, I'm lucky..

[shyea85]

cute tank, i got pool filter sand, it's 50lbs for like $6 it's really cheap and light colored, works great. also, i went to a local landscape place where they sell rocks/stones and got about 5lbs of rock, just a few, for like $0.64. real cheap and all you have to do is rinse them good.

[laurajdahl]

@shyea85

Oh, you must have missed it. Because In my video I mention that I put in landscape rocks from the local hardware store in the tank...

Plus, I already tries the Filter sand for pools and it was too fine of a grain. It would stick to my Pleco- causing a rash and also stuck to one of my plants.

I didn't have luck with it.. Also, it wasn't $6 where I got it...More like $40 a bag.

[petersmonkey]

Cool stuff. Pretty nice looking tank. As for the bubble thing, they have the sucktion cup on there, but they jack up the price like crazy...

Anyways, I like the plant pot idea. good stuff

[laurajdahl]

@petersmonkey

Oh, I didn't know that they already sold the suction cup bubbler. That's good to know. :)