Short People with Big Tanks -- Maintenance Question

Salty Lemon · Jan 9, 2019

Saveafish said:
Cvs Walgreens. Look for the reachers. Buy the toilet seat helpers. I use them. The reachers not the toilet seat helpers. ;Facepalm

Now that is an image to think about.

Salty Lemon · Jan 9, 2019

Katrina71 said:
Me too!!! My Christmas wish list included hair clips for this exact reason! Is it just me, or does that first frontal dip feel more like 50 instead of 78?

Just like the shock of jumping into the swimming pool for the first time. Only we don't get do to an impressive cannonball into the water. Although...there are some people on R2R whose tanks are large enough.

Salty Lemon · Jan 9, 2019

Diznaster said:
Here is another idea for cleaning glass. This is the "Kit" but you can buy parts individual. The swivel head mop works good, I've been using it for months.

https://www.marinedepot.com/Continu...ts-Continuum_Aquatics-4C4163-FIMTASAC-vi.html

I've tried a few Mag Float type cleaners and they just don't get me what I need. They can't get the top edge because it hits the hood, I'm afraid of going low and picking up sand to scratch the glass. With this and the "mop" I do everything within a few inches of the sand quickly like a whirling dervish. Then I go around the bottom and I can lift it and shake it after every each stroke so I know I'm not dragging sand on the glass. I usually try not to touch the sand anyways. Then I switch to the metal blade (they make a plastic one for acrylic also). I scrape off any obvious coralline spots and get the last of what I might have missed along the sand line (scape down, lift, scrape down lift, repeat...). I bought one that was a little longer than needed, longer should be better... I ran into an issue where I kept hitting the ceiling at the top. So I pulled off the rubber grippy handle and found it was a solid fiberglass rod. Did a quick measure and cut off a couple inches. Put handle gripper back, now it is perfect custom length.

One thing I've been wishing I had was something like a slotted spoon on the end of the long stick. For scooping snail shells and such off the sand. I can design an attachment for this and 3D print a prototype. I haven't done it mostly because it seemed like a small need for me. I can go armpit deep and get it. I'd rather not do that, I had to do it just now and if my daughter wasn't in bed I might have tossed her in the tank. Thinking about someone like you where it is much harder to reach the bottom, I'll work on it. If I get something that I like and it works well I'll send you a copy to beta test.

The 35" at BRS https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/35-aquablade-aquarium-scraper-continuum.html

First of all, I love the term "whirling dervish". I must remember to use that more in my everyday conversation. ;Wacky
Thanks @Diznaster for the links. I can see where they would help. These are great tools.
If you have access to a 3D printer and the technology to create something new -- you could create yourself a patent. It is simple and useful. And if it doesn't work out, you can always toss your daughter in the tank as you said before. I tell ya, these kids are handy.
Although...I do like the idea of rubber-banding a slotted spoon to the end of a stick.

Salty Lemon · Jan 10, 2019

So the tools arrived...along with a snorkel and mask which is a gift from my husband. He thinks he is funny. But I'm sure I will use them at some point. LOL! He says he wants to give it a go on building a plank riser.

emvanburen · Jan 12, 2019

I use something like this to catch drips from all these tools when stored. Hardware Resources TO14-REPL 14-3/4-inch Plastic Tip out Replacement Tray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HS0GJQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_r0QoCbMFHHGBG

Also for the long tools you can mount hooks on the back of the tank to store them. Or inside the doors.

Salty Lemon · Jan 12, 2019

emvanburen said:
I use something like this to catch drips from all these tools when stored. Hardware Resources TO14-REPL 14-3/4-inch Plastic Tip out Replacement Tray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HS0GJQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_r0QoCbMFHHGBG

Also for the long tools you can mount hooks on the back of the tank to store them. Or inside the doors.

Awesome! Great idea!

Salty Lemon · Jan 20, 2019

I actually used the scuba mask yesterday. One of my Anthias died and got wedged underneath one of my rock-scapes that was epoxied to the bottom of my tank. I couldn't reach it with my new fancy tools and I couldn't see where I was grabbing, so I put the mask and snorkel on and stuck my face in down to about my ears. Blech! The shower came shortly after. Next time I'll be certain to get a photo.

tripdad · Jan 20, 2019

Nice to see your really " getting into" the hobby, LOL! My first wife was 5'1" , never used the upper shelves in any of our kitchen cabinets so I can appreciate your challenges. I personally never fit into any car I like without hitting my knees or head so it's a challenge the other way too.

Salty Lemon · Apr 15, 2019

vetteguy53081 · Apr 15, 2019

M3loe1 · Apr 15, 2019

Thanks for the idea. I was just going get a regular stool but with this i just have to move it twice on my 8ft tank ksnkanha

Scurvy said:
Could get something like this to pull out whenever you need to get in the tank. The extra height coould help extend your reach.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gorilla...PIPHorizontal2_rr-_-100662616-_-305590237-_-N

mrjoev · Apr 21, 2019

I have a few of those Aluminum stands for Home depot and lowes. they go on sale every black friday for the last 10 years for $20. I plan on using them for my 210 that arrives next week. on problem is the stand i built is 45" Tall. so the stands will be to short.

FishyFish · Apr 21, 2019

I'm 4'10" and I had to buy a step stool from Amazon just to clean the sand in my 28g tank. It's good to know that someone around here understands the struggle!

My dream is a 300+g reef. I might have to start taking scuba lessons...

Salty Lemon · Apr 21, 2019

mrjoev said:
I have a few of those Aluminum stands for Home depot and lowes. they go on sale every black friday for the last 10 years for $20. I plan on using them for my 210 that arrives next week. on problem is the stand i built is 45" Tall. so the stands will be to short.

Send me a message to let me follow your build thread. My tank is a 210 and I love it -- despite not being able to touch the bottom.

Salty Lemon · Apr 21, 2019

FishyFish said:
I'm 4'10" and I had to buy a step stool from Amazon just to clean the sand in my 28g tank. It's good to know that someone around here understands the struggle!

My dream is a 300+g reef. I might have to start taking scuba lessons...

Oh at 4'10" I'm sure you just have to jump in to clean that thing. I have actually used my snorkel to place corals.

MSB123 · Apr 21, 2019

Reading through this thread, I am dreading my new tank.
36" front to back, 26" tall, on a 46" stand. ugghh

Salty Lemon · Apr 21, 2019

MSB123 said:
Reading through this thread, I am dreading my new tank.
36" front to back, 26" tall, on a 46" stand. ugghh

Have fun, my friend. Prepare to get wet. However, your tank will be gorgeous. Be sure to message when you start your build thread.

MSB123 · Apr 21, 2019

Salty Lemon said:
Have fun, my friend. Prepare to get wet. However, your tank will be gorgeous. Be sure to message when you start your build thread.

Its in my calendar- I have already started it, but I originally listed 72"x36"x24", but I added 2" to the height to compensate for the water line.
The plan is to scape it dry. The tank is rimless, and it is up against a wall on the right and back. It is going to be hell to set up and aquas cape, but once it gets running it will be amazing!
Here is a link:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/a-dream-tank-finally-becoming-a-reality.572224/page-2

Salty Lemon · Apr 21, 2019

MSB123 said:
Its in my calendar- I have already started it, but I originally listed 72"x36"x24", but I added 2" to the height to compensate for the water line.
The plan is to scape it dry. The tank is rimless, and it is up against a wall on the right and back. It is going to be hell to set up and aquas cape, but once it gets running it will be amazing!Here is a link:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/a-dream-tank-finally-becoming-a-reality.572224/page-2

I'm officially watching it.