Unconventional Tools Thread

[newreef1]

Hey guys! I’m new to the hobby and learning lots on the way. While there are high end expensive products created for the “reef tanks” I want to know what unconventional products you use for tank maintenance, filtration, etc. which you prefer over brand name items! Where did your imagination lead to for a successful tank? Let’s hear it!

 

[mindme]

I got the idea from here, but it's by fair the best way I've found to feed nori so far. Screw the clips and suction cups.

Buy some magnets(dipped so they are safe in the aquarium), a short piece of PVC pipe(3/4 inch and about 6 inches for mine), and a cap(optional, but I recommend it).

Glue a magnet to the end without the cap using super glue. Now you can put another magnet on the outside of the tank, and the pipe will stick out into the water no problem.

On amazon you can find zip ties that you can release with a button. The ones I use are no longer available, but these are similiar and you get 100 of them for $7.


You can use a full sheet also, by just folding it over, but I use half a sheet at a time. Take a piece of nori, wrap it around the pipe as tight as you can, then use the zipties to hold the nori. Leave yourself an inch or 2 so you can put them back on easily, but cut off the excess on the ziptie.

No cutting, no worrying about them getting big chunks that float around etc. And the only parts they don't eat are the 2 little strips under the zipties. They stink real bad the next day, but I throw them in the tank when I'm putting the next piece on and the tangs absolutely love it. My naso is normally really shy when I open the lid, but when he see's that nori strip going in, he'll come all the way to the top to grab it before anything else can, then sucks it down.

Not sure if I could make it without it honestly.

 

[PandorasChalk]

We use Poly-Fil in all of our tanks to help catch debris (both freshwater and saltwater). Get the dirt cheap stuff from Wal-Mart or online that has no fire retardant sprayed on it and it's the same as filter floss at half the price.

This one is more known in saltwater I have seen but in fresh many don't even consider it, but RODI water is great for cleaning tank glass.

 

[minorhero]

Spring clamps for holding hoses in place so they don't make a mess on the floor.

Toothbrushes for scrubbing hardscape

Glass cooktop scrubber pads for cleaning the glass

colander for dispersing water if refilling inside a tank

My personal favorite is a long piece of plastic cut from a DVD case for cleaning the glass below the sand line

Here is a picture of my tool kit I made for my freshwater tank. I am putting together something similar (though obviously a bit modified) for my new saltwater tank.

 

[blaxsun]

I have that exact same green strainer! But I don't actually use it for straining - I place it in my pail when acclimating my fish (inverts, etc.). They just swim around in the strainer, and when ready to introduce to the tank - I just lift the strainer out and dip into the tank.

Strangely enough, that particular shade of green is very calming - and the curved nature of the strainer seems to relax them. No splashing fishies!

 

[newreef1]

Hahah some great ideas, I’m beginning to use some of the same, the strainer however I didn’t think of, I end up spending more time catching them with nets!