Best products from r/AquaSwap

I've not been in the aquarium scene in a long time, but there are several good stores in that area, and even better, one of the best planted tank clubs in the country, GWAPA, in that area! If you plan on sticking to the hobby, look those guys up (gwapa.org was the url when I was involved). There's a tremendous amount of knowledgeable people there, meetings are a blast, and they've hosted at least 2 of the national aquatic plant association annual conventions in the past 10 years. They do interesting talks or projects at each meeting, often bring in various experts to give presentations (there is a local predatory plant expert who has spoken several times on Venus fly traps & pitcher plants, for example) And their monthly meeting auctions are amazing in available species and price. I can't encourage anyone close enough to join and attend meetings enthusiastically enough!

I hope OP doesn't give up. Like someone else said, keeping an aquarium isn't a dark art, but there are a few topics that aren't exactly intuitive that are key to keeping fish, mainly understanding the nitrogen cycle, regular partial water changes, feeding amounts and stocking levels.

Fortunately that info is widely available either online or in several great books (I'm a big proponent of a good book that I can reference when having problems). When I was managing an aquarium store, I pointed beginners to (a simple guide to freshwater aquariums)[ https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Guide-Fresh-Water-Aquariums/dp/0793821010] as it's simple, but thorough and has a good section on common diseases and how to treat them. For plants specifically, the internet is actually the best source for information unless you're looking for a plant species reference.

Good day everyone! this time the give away is ended. Congrats to our winners u/thescartographer from USA & u/MichelleTCM from Canada. Congratulation! I will PM you, pls check out your messages. Thank you everyone who entered! ☺️We've already got our next give away in the works so keep your eyes open for more chances to win free stuff!

Here are the 15% coupon codes if you are interested in.

US: G2UMWV9Q , https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KC24CKD

CAN: KAV8MP3K , https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07KF31BRT

(Enter code when you checkout)

Your best bet for a 10 gallon tank is going to be petco. They are $10 right now.

As for plants, This subreddit is the best for it. Lots of people sell starter packages regularly.

For a light, I would go with a Nicrew light from Amazon. The 10 gallon sized one would be about $15-20. Its a great light for the price.

For a heater I would stick with names brands. I personally only use Eheim heaters. They are very well made and not too expensive. For a 10 gallon you will only need a 50-100 watt one.

For filtration you can use a Hang on back filter or a sponge filter. My personal favorite for a smaller tank is a hang on back with a sponge on the intake. Also if you get a HOB filter ditch the filter media it comes with and just stuff a sponge and some filter floss in there. You can get a bag of pure polyester stuffing in the fabrics section of walmart for $4. It works amazing for filtering out particles. The sponge is good for holding bacteria because you will need to replace the wadd of filter floss(polyester) every month or so at least(one bag will last you at least 2 years at this rate).

Here is the nicrew light I mentioned. Its a great light.

https://smile.amazon.com//dp/B0191EWII2

If you're looking to swap with someone here or buy you could add your zipcode since this is the swap reddit. And you can also ask this type of info on the r/Aquariums reddit.... but since i saw your question, I have a few 5 gal and I like the Cobalt Aquatics 25 watt heaters because you can change the temperature as opposed to a preset, but they are a little expensive (to me at least).

Since I was on a tight budget, I bought the Topfin setup and hated it. The filter stopped working after a month, I returned it and they let me exchange it for an Aqueon Quietflow 10. You can sub in small media like Matrix or I really like ChemiBlue Nano but it removes tannins. If you take the hood off, the light goes with it so you can't see in the tank. I'd skip it and get a glass lid. It didn't come with a heater I don't remember. So, I've also used the Aqueon 50 watt presets, but sort of depends on ambient room temp (mine's on an outside wall, so fine for shrimp, not for fish as much). Amazon, Drs Foster and Smith, and Chewy all have cheaper prices than the big box stores unless you catch a sale. Drs F & S also have the glass lids for the tanks (Marine land for TopFin tanks and VersaTop for Aqueon tanks). This cheap little light is perfect for a 5 gal and bright too, and only $10. Aqueon Quietflow 10 is only $16 on Amazon. I used Petco Sand for $5/bag you can mix with your gravel. And used API root tabs. Great cheap driftwood and I did the research reading the bad comments lol. Perfect for nano tanks.

I mean, this is a pretty good deal imo. I don't think you should be dismissing and downvoting this post without doing the proper research. FYI did the math:

17lbs Seiryu rock - $32

Nano 511 Externa Canister Filter - $69

Jardli Glass Lily Pipe inflow and outflow - $49.90

JBJ Rimless 10 gallon - $159.99 cheapest I could find, it's 189.99 at petco

Glass lid - can't find one for 10g so I'd assume custom made $5+

GH & KH Test Kit & API Master Kit-$8.59 + $22.54 = $31.03

Tropica Aquarium Soil 3L - $49.60

5 Gallon Bucket w/ lid - probably like $3-5

Seachem Purigen - 2 packet is $19.49

Cleaning magnet - $5-20

Spider Wood - Depends like $10-25+

Siphon - depends probably $5-10

Test Strips - $5.22

• The bonuses he's providing like the aquascaping tools - probably $10+?
  
  By the way, these are all conservative numbers. The total comes to around $484.31, which is if everything is brand new. Even if some of the products are used, the cost is 52% off the conservative value of all the items in this package. So for the quality of the items here, I don't think it's a bad price at all. Now the question is, which items are new and which items are used?

Local pick up in Escondido, CA (Daily) and San Juan Capistrano, CA (Sundays only)


Shipping : I'm not too familiar with shipping large items, I assume it would pretty ex,pensive. If someone could walk me through it then I'll ship it out for you.

$55 | 36" Finnex Fugeray Planted Plus - Works great as you can tell by the photos. I own this old model and the newer 24/7 model. I honestly can't find a light output difference between Original Planted plus and 24/7. | https://imgur.com/gallery/FdpSY | This light sells for $114 new on Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GH9HUQ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_v9K0AbFH4JM2K


SOLD $20 | 30" Finnex Stingray | Fully functional light, pretty obvious that this light does not fit this tank. I can take photos of it on a 20L tomorrow if you'd like. | https://imgur.com/a/xqV3W | Selling on Amazon for $52 | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAFQ6CI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_E-K0Ab3KYKS9V

Sounds like the plants are dying a bit. They can definitely cause it.

I would try pulling the plants and doing a 40%. Put them in a bucket with water and good light for a week. Tank should clear up and after a week add the plants back one at a time after carefully scrubbing them.

Might be too many plants or not enough nutrients, but with just one fish you should have a tank that doesnt need much if any maintenance and certainly not water changes every week.

Also might try a liquid nutrient for the plants. Even a good soil can use some help.

• Regulator-$60
  
  
• 24 oz paintball tank-$23
  
  
• Paintball to CGA-320 adapter-$10
  
  
• Airline tubing-$7
  
  
• Diffuser-$12
  
  Total for everything is $112 not including tax.
  
  I use this regulator and the needle valve is a bit touchy, but its solid and works well enough. The solenoid has never stuck either. You can set it and forget it.
  
  People are going to call out using airline tube vs CO2 proof tubing. CO2 proof tubing is completely unnecessary at the pressures what we work at and isn't very flexible, so I like the airline better.
  
  This is my favorite diffuser because it has a halfway decent check valve, it has a build in bubble counter, and you can remove the ceramic disc without taking everything apart. I have 4 of these running in different tanks and 2 have had zero issues. The other two had small leaks that I sealed with gorilla glue and they've worked perfect since.

This is crazy, cause I had this list put together, let me know what you think of this stuff? May go with your diffuser tho as it seems cheaper, is it also a c
Drop checker or do I need to get one of those too? Also, should I be dosing stuff on top of this CO2 setup? Like should I use Excel and other stuff still?

Ohhh ok, wasn't sure if you tried cutting the top off of it or not.

JT CO2 Tank 12oz w/repeater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0008G2WAM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-t03AbGZWQRJ7


Interstate Pneumatics WRCO2-5A4 CO2 Paintball Tank CGA 320 Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I2UMZ2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iu03AbTZCMEKR

CO2 Regulator Aquarium Mini Stainless Steel Dual Gauge Display Bubble Counter and Check Valve w/ Solenoid 110V Fits Standard US Tanks - LP150 PSI - HP2000 PSI Accurate & Easy to Adjust Comes w/ Tools https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C6HKTN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Fu03AbFC8ZJ3S

Rhinox Glass Drop Checker Kit - 3 Seconds to Read CO2 levels - 3 Minutes to Setup - Fastest way to ensure sufficient Co2 in Planted Aquarium - Includes pH Reagent indicator solution & Color chart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005C74ZCA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Xu03AbX7A0N5G

Pollen Glass CO2 Diffuser with U-Shape Connecting Tube for Aquarium Planted Tank (20 - 50 US gallons) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2LZOCE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dv03Ab406ZNJT

AQUANEAT 25 FT Airline Tubing Suction Cups Control Valves Tee's Check valves Aquarium Air Pump Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076Z8ZR9H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sv03Ab2DJ19BC

Rhinox Brass Check Valve for Aquariums - Sturdy, Reliable, Anti-Leak, Anti-Backflow, Non-Return CO2 Air Valve That Ensures One Directional Water Flow, Perfect for Sensitive Fish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IHXW5SC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Gv03Ab2QEHCZQ

Regulator (it says not for aquarium use but it’s perfectly fine. Read the reviews, plenty of paid ole are using it for planted tanks.)

Hydroponics (Co2) Regulator Emitter System with Solenoid Valve Accurate and Easy to Adjust Flow Meter Made of High Quality Brass - Shorten up and Doub https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016NGH4M6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_y49oQQvbnDObI

Co2 tank

Aluminum CO2 Paintball Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0008G2WAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_WS6y6wpDabbwP

Co2 tank adapter

Interstate Pneumatics WRCO2-5A4 CO2 Paintball Tank CGA 320 Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I2UMZ2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ygLvJnhVJyGBc


Have been running this setup for awhile now and don’t have any issues.

Beamswork DA 6500K 0.50W Series LED Pent Aquarium Light Freshwater Plant Discus (90c... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KYELCSA/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_rYfMBbT1TGHVK

Very happy! I do have a dimmer which in my mind is a must for this or else it is very bright. I went with the Current USA online dinner on amazon.

Went from 8 jungle Val 3 months ago to “I can’t count how many anymore” haha.

I have a 5 gallon I’m selling with a light, heater, and HOB filter for $60 so definitely put your zip code! But before I upgraded my tank I had a simple sponge filter with air pump from amazon, a Nicrew light, and driftwood from a local store that cost me $10... in total my first set up was... air pump , sponge filter , Nicrew light (that was $14 when I got it...) and the tank $10, lid $10, driftwood $10= about $8”:) or you can do this HOB heater

Oh and for plants in this sub, there’s tons of people that sell good, tons of plants, good priced! I got TONS OF PLANTS for $20-$30 from bquad. But he isn’t the only one

Old light from my 29 gallon, works perfectly fine, but decided to go with a more high tech lighting setup.

Local pickup only!

Here's the amazon listing for more specs: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ID3OK3S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Spectrum-Planted-24-inch/dp/B071LJKNWS/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=nicrew+aquarium+light&qid=1554221216&s=gateway&sr=8-6

here's the new version of their brightest light for $25

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Spectrum-Planted-24-inch/dp/B071LJKNWS

I run this light on my 10 gallon heavy planted tank and it works really well.

https://i.imgur.com/XvtWfJw.jpg

I have a Current satellite + and while it has all types of adjustable setting i just never use them.

I just bought this BeamsWork and while it has no bells and whistles it's very bright. The Pent version has 5 rows of LEDs and rather cheap for what it is.

I would say its all what your looking for, fancy features or just a LED.

This is what have on my 10 gallon and would recommend for low tech https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iUPZAb39MW6BX

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share that’s the link for the light. The tank I got from petco

You will need an Paintball adapter.

You’re better off buying a new light. This is the light I use on my 10g tank and it has no problems growing plants - NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, 6W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_b6BbBbP8R6C5H