Pools - fine tuning.

[KellyCrabbieLove]

I currently have a 2.5gal sw pool and am going to upgrade my fw to that size too and filter and cycle them. I started looking around and found med sized KK would work and be nicer looking. Problem is they are plastic versus my glass 2.5 aquarium. Has anyone had problems with this?

Also I found this. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=9821
I am trying to find out if it is compatible with both water types.

Substrate in the pool. I found a sand that says it instantly cycles the tank. Is that true in small levels? I would think no. I also saw crushed coral gravel. I thought gravel was a bit too rough. Any suggestions?

[YYWW]

I originally wanted 4 KKs, unfiltered bubblers, because they could stack and wouldnt leak unless they were damaged. I think KK pools are fabulous and i dislike the gaudt black rim on my 2.5s. But as an aboveground pool, i prefer the 2.5s. I imagine KKs are more prone to small scratches, and thatd be the only downside, looks. Whatever! I couldnt find enough KKs, and they cost as much as glass 2.5s, so i consider the glass a better value.
That filter looks so good! I got Aqueons because there were a lot of positive reviews. There also seems to be a good resource of info should i need to tweak or repair. Also the Aqueon is known for how quiet it runs, so factor that in, too. I like that the reviews saythe Azoo is simple to modify, which is always good.


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[aussieJJDude]

I interested on getting one of those filters for my SW pool, but I am not should that the media storage compartment would handle being a bit under the sand. How do you plan to position this?
Basically plastic can become more brittle over time, however it is something that will take time & you probably don't have to worry about it for years to come. Plastic can discolour easier than glass and like you mentioned, scratched easily. However, after listing all the negatives, plastic makes a wonderful choice as it can be modified easier, comparing it to glass. Plastic is lighter then glass, making it good reliever if a crab is buried under the pool.
Its all a matter a personal option, whatever works for you.

[KellyCrabbieLove]

Ok then. Kritter keepers and azoo filters it is.

[KellyCrabbieLove]

Once I find out about the saltwater thing. Since it looks to be only a sponge wouldn't it be compatible.

[wodesorel]

The Azoo is a little noisy, but it is a heck of a filter and will move a lot of water. It was way too powerful for a betta in a 2.5, so it can definitely filter enough water for the hermits. The media inserts were really lacking, so I suggest buying a separate package of foam blocks (like for aquaclears) and cutting it to size.

And yeah, the good bacteria that needs to grow in a filter need a constant supply of food and oxygen, so those prepacked bags are a scam. There are some refrigerated cycling products that work, but they have to be fresh and have been transported properly.

[KellyCrabbieLove]

Thank you for your advice Wodesorel! Would you be so kind as to give me a link to the inserts I am supposed to get? I want to be sure to get the right ones.

[wodesorel]

These are the ones I use and recommend. I have a block that turned 10 years old in June that is still in use. It's gone through filter and tank upgrades and is still in great condition.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=3630
20/Mini Foam 3 pk, CD-350113,

[KellyCrabbieLove]

Thank you!

[KellyCrabbieLove]

I am going to the pet store to get everything except the filters that I will have to order. Is the crushed coral good for the inside pool substrate?

[wodesorel]

Crabs have a tendency to trash their water source and drag a lot of debris and poop into it. Having something that you can easily rinse clean is a plus. Crushed coral (aragonite) can work for both the saltwater and freshwater pools and has the nice bonus of raising the pH of the water so there's less damage their shells over time. Natural gravel will also work for the fresh, but if it's coated I don't think it will stand up to the salt very well. (I personally like Exoterra Turtle pebbles even though they are expensive since they have no epoxy coating and are larger in size.) I use sand in my fish aquariums, but it took a long time to get used to it and it's still can get really messy when cleaning. (Not to mention it can wreck filters and clog drains.)

[KellyCrabbieLove]

Awesome. Ok. After my dog's vet appt (shots) we are going to persmart. He will be a happy dog going in there. Makes up for the shots and I can pick up my stuff.

[KellyCrabbieLove]

I bought everything except the filters since I have to order them. Is there anything I need to do to the argonite or can I put it straight from bag to pool?

[wodesorel]

You should rinse it under running water until the water runs clear - it's going to be dusty from transport, and that dust can damage the filter.

[KellyCrabbieLove]

That is going to be a lot of rinsing. Lol