Zero Water Change Test (Froggy)

[FroggyFox]

Hey all, This is the "official" thread for my Zero Water Change System test. The system is by HiQ, one of the MFT Sponsors here.

I am setting it up in my 46 gallon bowfront. Currently it is empty and has been for the past couple of months since I moved. Although my 46 has has fish in it before and I'm not using all new things, the gravel and everything has been completely dried out and I won't be seeding with anything from my other tanks as I would if I were establishing a new tank.

I haven't decided which fish to put in it yet...im open to suggestions Will probably go by the local stores after a few days and see what strikes my fancy.

I spent awhile last night putting the plates together and getting the towers situated in the tank. I need to pick up some fresh test kits, a python extension and some more gravel...then I'll be ready to start.

[Orion]

Now I'll delete this thread unless you get some photo's up soon. Even if it is of plastic parts, empty boxes and bare tanks

[FroggyFox]

Ok ok ok! Here ya go

Everything came in a neat little box...I didn't think to take a picture of all of it before I put it together, but here are the extra pieces...


This is a full shot of the tank...


This is a straight on shot of just the tank...yes the glass is really that dirty and the top (as you will see in a minute) is sitting next to it on the recliner...

They say pictures are worth a thousand words...well...I like to call this one "DEAR GOD WHY ARE PYTHONS NOT A COUPLE FEET LONGER?!" Seriously thats how close it gets. pfft.

And...last but not least in case you wanted to see my tanks situated in the basement at my new house SW 29 on the left, 55 Cichlid (my JD) in the middle and 29 FW community on the right.

[Cichlid-Man]

Meh, just tip the tank a little to make the python fit. Looks good, looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

[FroggyFox]

hehe yeah since they're somewhat flexible if I stretch it I can touch the tank...I could *probably* shoot the water in there with a minimal mess

[Kissyboots]

Oooo! That couch looks just like our old one! Can you take it apart? We used to build stuff with ours, like little caves and such but it got so full of cat fur that we gave it away...

So the towers can be submerged completely? Hmm, in the video on the MFT home page, the towers stretch above water level...I think.

[FroggyFox]

Yep its actually in three sections. One of my old roommates left it when he moved so I decided to keep it for the basement

Hmm well lets put it this way, if they can't be submerged then I better switch to a 10 gallon tank I'm pretty sure they're actually supposed to be submerged because the tank minimum height is like 13 inches, there are powerheads seated in the towers that need to be submerged in order to work.

[Lone Wolff]

Originally Posted by FroggyFox

"DEAR GOD WHY ARE PYTHONS NOT A COUPLE FEET LONGER?!"

Be thankful that vinyl tubing is cheap and plentiful at your local home improvement/hardware store.

[FroggyFox]

LOL yeah, no. This girl is NOT equipped to do that. I'll buy a python extension or ask dad to help because I am so not mechanically inclined that I'm SURE that would end up in disaster if I tried! lol

[Lone Wolff]

It's nothing mechanically challenging. Just a matter of pulling the short piece off, and buying a longer piece, and putting the longer one on.

No tools needed, but if you're more comfortable asking your dad, go that route instead of buying a python extension. You'll save some coin for sure. He'll show you how easy it is. If the tubing size isn't stamped on it, just take it into the store with you to make sure you get the right size.

I don't have a python, but I bought 20 feet of tubing to extend my gravel vac to the floor drain in my laundry room. Makes it so much easier.