Filtered pools 101

YYWW · Post by **YYWW** » Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:44 am

So about filtered pools.. This is what i've got so far, PLEASE correct anything i'm wrong about:
I can use any filter, as long as the SW is SWcompatible filter (lookin at Aqueon QuietFlow).
I can take out the media filter and replace it with sponge media of my liking, and sponge media is all i need.
I fill pools (outside of crabitat) and sprinkle a dash of fish food, turn filters on and do nothing for about a month. After a month i can take a water sample for testing to the pet store. If its not yet cycled, i just give it a week more at a time until it is.
Once the pet store says my tank is cycled, i can plop the tanks straight into the tat.
I only need to do 20% water changes each week when my tank is cycled.
If my water level goes down to 80%, adding 20% is the same thing as a 20% water change.

I also have these questions:
How do i keep the bottom clean, after crabs drag in substrate and dump poo?
Would it help to use live rock or marimo moss balls?
Is there a critter that can live in either pool that can help keep the tank clean?

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MuseCrazy · Post by **MuseCrazy** » Thu Nov 20, 2014 4:28 pm

YYWW wrote:I fill pools (outside of crabitat) and sprinkle a dash of fish food, turn filters on and do nothing for about a month. After a month i can take a water sample for testing to the pet store. If its not yet cycled, i just give it a week more at a time until it is.
Once the pet store says my tank is cycled, i can plop the tanks straight into the tat.

You can start it inside the tank, let the crabs play in it and their poop will start the cycle. During this time you do have to do tests and water changes.

YYWW wrote: If my water level goes down to 80%, adding 20% is the same thing as a 20% water change.

Nope, you still have to remove some water. Like if you had a glass of lemonade and 20% of it evaporates it's just super condensed lemonade. The nitrates are still there. If some evaporates you top off with freshwater otherwise your salinity will be too high. Only use salt water for water changes, fresh water to replace water that has evaporated.

YYWW wrote: I also have these questions:
How do i keep the bottom clean, after crabs drag in substrate and dump poo?
Would it help to use live rock or marimo moss balls?
Is there a critter that can live in either pool that can help keep the tank clean?

Live rock does help kickstart the cycling process, I don't have experience with the moss. You can use a vacuum to clean if you're keeping your tank bare bottom. If you use aragonite sand it's really not necessary if you get a clean up crew.
Snails come in saltwater and fresh water species and you can always get some shrimp or marine hermits for the salt water tank.

YYWW · Post by **YYWW** » Thu Nov 20, 2014 5:45 pm

THANK YOU SO MUUUUUUCH!

Looks like i'm good to go!

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KellyCrabbieLove · Post by **KellyCrabbieLove** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 2:00 am

This is on my to do list behind adding levels and wrapping my ramps in embroidery canvas. Let me know how it turns out! I am hoping to get it going as soon as I can afford it.

YYWW · Post by **YYWW** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:42 am

I'm still searching for the tanks, but the filters are on order

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KellyCrabbieLove · Post by **KellyCrabbieLove** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:48 am

What size tanks?

YYWW · Post by **YYWW** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 12:36 pm

2.5, mught have to mod the filter

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KellyCrabbieLove · Post by **KellyCrabbieLove** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 12:48 pm

I got mine at petsmart.

http://m.petsmart.com/h5/hub?id=supplie ... 3D36-16838

YYWW · Post by **YYWW** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 2:06 pm

I keep trying to go to petsmart to buy em but thwarted by the cold and the baby.

i'm kinda thinkin just order it now!!
What filter did u go with??

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KellyCrabbieLove · Post by **KellyCrabbieLove** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 3:14 pm

I didn't get that far yet. Biiig water changes.

YYWW · Post by **YYWW** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 12:12 am

thats what im afraid of! SW i mix and let sit overnight, so water changes are a bit daunting for me. I did pre-sort the salt, though. I have about 16 little baggies filled with the glistening white instant ocean

sitting in a shoebox

that way i dont have to measure every time i make SW. But with all my mixing taking place in a plastic jug, i am Thoroughly looking fwd to less & smaller water changes!

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KellyCrabbieLove · Post by **KellyCrabbieLove** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 12:03 pm

That is a great idea. I have 2 gals worth of instant ocean left and my water will be changed tomorrow. I am picking some more up and will definitely use your pre measure idea. Between the 2 of us we might have this stuff figured out. Lol

YYWW · Post by **YYWW** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 9:59 pm

I wish! I'm dreading my first surface molt or mite infestation. I might just crash & burn at either of those!

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KellyCrabbieLove · Post by **KellyCrabbieLove** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 10:01 pm

I have had a surface molt and he survived. No mites or mold though.

YYWW · Post by **YYWW** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 10:39 pm

So apparently 2.5 gal tanks will mean 2x50% water changes per week. To cycle for 10-20% 2x weekly water changes you will need 10gal at least. You need the larger body of water in order to create a stable cycle. Any smaller body of water will be very unstable. Howeverrrrr i am keeping crabs and not fish, so i'm going to proceed with my 2.5 as if it were a 10gal. I'm not sure what to do to make 2.5s more stable but i'm gonna find out, dangit! I went out in the bitter cold with a grumpy toddler just to get 2 tanks. To be continued! Rah!
On a side note 2.5 tanks look like they make the cutest ISOs ever!

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HCA: Hermit Crab Association