I have always filtered my tanks with power filters – canisters, internals, or HOBs. They have all worked great. But I am considering switching exclusively to air driven sponge filters. Why?
Rethinking my filtration
Supplies
Another custom tank on order
Because I have become so enamored with the custom ~34g I ordered in August 2025, I decided to get another one. I ordered it this week from Glasscages. You can read more about that tank here.
OASE BioPlus Thermo 200 review (follow-up)
At the time of my original filter review, I had not used the BioPlus Thermo 200 on a tank containing fish. I have now used it on both a tank containing only fish and a tank containing fish and plants. Keep reading for my thoughts on its usage in both scenarios.
Easy on the lights!
Unless you’re keeping live plants and/or maybe New World cichlids that utilize light cycles to spawn, tank lights are mostly optional.
Why consider a custom fish tank?
Is locating a new fish tank in your area or finding exactly what you want a problem? Many of the chain pet stores, like PetSmart and Petco, sell a variety of tanks. If you have an LFS, they will sell them too and sometimes have a better selection. But what if you want something that no one has?
Aquarium heaters and failures
Anyone who knows me is aware that I don’t use heat controllers. I have nothing against them but they’re just not practical for my set up.
Don’t overthink that set-up!
Fish tank and fish room set-ups come in all different varieties and flavors. From the filtration to the plumbing to the lighting to the substrate, there are so many ways to set everything up.
Sicce enters the hang on back (HOB) filter market
If you’re a fan of hang on back (HOB) filters, you might want to know that Sicce has developed and released an HOB for home aquaria.
What water conditioner do I use?
If you read the previous post, I discussed a popular myth about water conditioner usage. At the end of that post, I also said I would share what brand of water conditioner I use.
Saving water during water changes using a Python
Are you using a Python or something similar to perform water changes? If so and you’re using it the way it was intended, you’re wasting a lot of water. With a little more expense, I will show you how to waste less water. Keep reading.