treefisher

I almost went with an Alita. They do have some great reviews, but after replacing diaphragms in some of my cheaper pumps I decided to go with a piston design. You probably can't go wrong either way. Diaphragms in quality pumps like the Alita would probably last a very long time, and you can always get replacements if necessary. My vote still goes with the Jehmco piston, pump, though.

Exactly, I haven't cleaned some of my sponge filters in almost 2 years and my water is perfectly clean. Poret foam won't break down or collapse, so there really is minimal maintenance with it.

I knew I'd hear this here. I probably shouldn't have even asked. Oh well, I'll just cut the barrier overhangs I was planning on. I have a plan for that. It's not a very good plan, but I'm aware this is an issue I'll eventually have to face. I honestly don't foresee having to clean them often. I use the same foam for all my sponge filters, and rarely clean them. My shrimp water always tests clean, and the shrimp never complain.

Somewhere on the internet I read about people dividing shrimp tanks with Poret foam. Was that anyone here, by chance? I'm about to do the same, but have one concern; will the shrimp likely climb over the foam? I've never had shrimp attempt to escape before, but I guess I've never given them a ladder and a reason to go. My water line will be an inch or two below the foam. I might make some acrylic overhangs above the foam to prevent escapes, but I'd rather not have to if I don't need to. Opinions? Thoughts? Experiences?

I've been using a Jehmco LPH26 piston air pump for 5+ years now, and it's been as quiet and hassle-free as the day I bought it. I honestly don't have a con to give, other than the price, but now that I said that it'll probably break tomorrow... Whatever you plan to get, linear piston air pumps are the way to go, imo. They work great, and no worries about blowing diaphragms.

Same here. They're two different varieties as far as I know. I only have the (light blue) blue velvets, raesunrae.

I can do 10 (+2) Blue Velvets for $40 shipped, but can't make it to the post office until early next week.

I'll take 10 if still available.

I have some tangerines if you can't get any through Joe. My asking price is $45 shipped priority for 10. Not quite as cheap as Joe's, I guess, but it looks like it's about the same after shipping charges. I wish I would have noticed that preorder sale in time. I would have gotten some stuff too.

I have tons of floaters. I normally ask $15 shipped for a baggy containing any of the following: Red Root (This is grown under lowish light. It's healthy, but doesn't have many long red roots. It needs TLC and more light to look it's best.) Frogbit Asian Watergrass Greater duckweed Salvinia (maybe) Water lettuce (This is surrounded by lesser duckweed. You probably don't want it. This Duckweed is evil) I can send you some, but it may be risky. I haven't been shipping anything lately. It's cold outside, and I don't have heat packs unfortunately.

You're probably right about the ricer type machine. It's most often baked, I'm sure, but I'm betting there is some type of bonding agent that holds it together. Anybody have any insight into what that might be?

Specifically plant and shrimp substrates. I understand how they work and whats in them for the most part, but how are the materials sourced? How are the pellets formed? Is there some kind of bonding agent? They're generally baked, yes? How do? Can any of you guys link me to a site (with pictures; I like pictures) that gives a run though on how they're created.

Are you getting rid of everything?

True, indeed

Thanks for the follow up. I did get a pretty bad splinter from picking up sticks in my yard, but I think I'll be OK now. On another sad note, a family friend on my wife's side was swept over a creek bridge in his car. They found his body a few days later. Sucks, he was an alright guy from what I remember. I feel bad for his family.