Project: Building an aquarium scraper

I am going to attempt to build a DIY aquarium algae scraper as shown at http://www.fishlore.com/algae-scraper.htm

The tool claims to work on red marine algae, green algae, brown algae or any others that will grow on the fish tank glass. This scraper can only be used on a glass tank as it will scratch an acrylic tank. This tool isn't very pretty, but should do a good job on that hard to scrape algae!

Materials Needed:
1/2 inch size pvc pipe, comes in 10 foot long pieces - approximately $5
1/2 inch size 45° angle elbow joint - approximately $1
pvc pipe cutter or a hacksaw
razor blade - pack of 100 is $8
Total Cost: approx $14

Directions:

1) Measure off about a 36 inch piece of pvc pipe and make the cut with your pvc cutters or hacksaw. You could make this piece shorter than 36 inches if you have a smaller tank. You want to prevent having to put your hands in the tank and possibly polluting the tank water.
2) Measure off a 3 inch piece of pvc pipe and make the cut.
3) Stand the 3 inch pvc on end and use a knife to make a 1/2 inch cut in the middle of the pvc pipe. The trick is to make this cut with the right size blade. You don't want to make the cut too wide or the razor blade won't stay secured. Be careful doing this!
4) Assemble the parts together. Plug the 45° elbow joint into one end of the 36 inch pvc and then connect the uncut end of the 3 inch pvc into the other end of the elbow joint.
5) Place a razor blade into the cut end of the 3 inch pvc.
6) Scrape off that algae! Be very careful around the aquarium sealant that holds the glass walls together. You don't want to compromise the glue that holds your tank together! Take your time and gently use an up and down motion to scrape off that marine algae. Don't push too hard, in fact you shouldn't even need to with the razor blade.

The good thing about this scraper is that you can change out the razor blade easily once it becomes dull. This makes the tool cost effective over time.

I will post an update once I have crafted this tool along with pictures and a review on how it performs.

Profile: Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus)

Common Name: Coral Banded Shrimp

Scientific Name: Stenopus hispidus

Max Size: Up to 2"

Min Tank Size: 30 gallon

Distribution: Indo-Pacific

Selection: The best way to know that you are choosing a healthy specimin is one that has been in the dealers tank for some time.

Food/Feeding: This shrimp is an omnivore and will scavange the tank in search of anything and everything to eat.

Environment: This shrimp is generally a solitary crature (with the exception of a mated pair). They are best kept away from other shrimp and members of the tank who will take them as a health meal. Generally they will hide in the rockwork and come out to feed around the tank.

Behaviour: The coral banded shrimp is generally peaceful unless there are other shrimp around and especially other coral banded shrimp.

Product Review: Visi-Therm® Deluxe Aquarium Heaters

This Double sealed heater is completely waterproof and submersible. It has a direct read fahrenheit and centigrade scale which makes pre-setting temperatures very simple. The custom double-suction mounting bracket features an adjustable three-position window that ensures easy-to-view temperature setting. With a simple "click" of the dial, you choose the ideal water temperature. Water-calibrated to ensure precise temperature selection and superior performance. CSA listed. Marine design tolerates harsh saltwater tank conditions.

I have found that this heater is fantastic at maintaing the exact temperature set. It seems well built and it is easy to read. A red light indicaters when the heater is on. The one odd thing I have noticed is that the manufacturer symbol that covers the glass wears off. I am using two heaters in my system in case one encounters a problem. I would give this product 5 stars for ease of use and accuracy. I have no way to give an indication of reliability only that the two I have are working fine.

Profile: Green Chromis (Chromis viridis)

Common Name: Green Chromis

Scientific Name: Chromis viridis

Family: Pomacentridae

Max Size: 3"

Min Tank Size: 30 gallon

My Green Chromis: Green & Chrome

Distribution: Found in the Indo-Pacific & Red Sea

Selection: Look for individuals who are not shying away from the pack, have no torn/bit fins and seem interested in their environment.

Food/Feeding: Green Chromis are omnivores. Feed them a good diet of frozen mysis shrimp and other marine fish feed. Variety in their food will help keep them healthy. They are not shy to feed and will start hovering around the top of the tank when you approach looking for food. They will zoom around the tank for food when added.

Environment: They prefer caves and holes they can swim into when they wish to be left alone. They like to swim around and explore.

Behaviour: Green Chrmois are one of the least aggressive damselfish. They school in groups as a defensive mechanism and prefer to have other members around. (They are not solitary fish) It is probably best to keep a group as an odd number as an even number seems to have an odd man out that can be picked on. They add a flash to your tank as they are always on the move and get along well with other tank mates.

Profile: Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)

Common Name: Yellow Tang

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens

Family: Acanthuridae

Max Size: 8"

Min Tank Size: 75 gallon

My yellow tang: Flav

Distribution: Found in the Pacific; principally the Hawaiian Islands, where it is the number one tropical marine fish export. Also found in the western Pacific; Ryukyu, Mariana, Marshall Islands, Marcus and Wake.

Selection: Picking a healthy yellow tang comes down to consideration of three criteria: 1) Index of fitness, 2) Behavior, 3) Color. Healthy specimens are full-bodied, in particular in the head area above the eyes should not have a pinched-in appearance. They are also curious and should be checking out their surroundings. Finally they should be a deep golden yellow colour. Be wary of tangs with red markings as they may have been mishandled in collection.

Foods/Feeding: All tangs are herbivorous to a degree. They ingest principally micro-algae, secondarily macro-algae, and that the bulk of the rest is material (associated invertebrates, fish eggs) taken incidental to these. In the aquarium environment they require regular offerings of 'greens'. The best being dried and fresh algae from the oriental sections of human food stores. They also can consume vegetable flake, pellet and frozen prepared foods.

Compatibility: Yellow tangs are almost ideal tankmates. Except for other flavescens tangs about the same size they get along very well with most all other fishes. The acanthus or thorny spine at the yellow tangs caudal peduncle is a formidable weapon, which they can and will use. But, they will not bother smaller or larger fishes unless provoked. Even then their antics are mainly for show rather than slash.

Environment: Yellow tangs need vigorous water flow as they are messy fish that do not tollerate poor conditions. They readily adapt to aquarium life and will be seen searching for food all day long. If you keep a health tank you can keep a health yellow tang.

I'm Back

I've been away for a few months with no updates to this Blog of mine. That is going to change now. Look forward to the following items in the coming weeks.
I am going to profile all of the creatures in my marine tank. This will include care information and compatibility. I am building a canopy for my tank which I will be posting exact directions on what I did so that you can build one too. The canopy will include effective reef lighting on a budget.
Also, look for more product reviews and information on keeping your tank in ship-shape condition.