15 gallon overhaul

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ckirby

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This week I did a complete overhaul on my IM 15gal cube. This thing has stressed me to no end which is why im posting about it here lol. Over the past week or so I have installed a new return pump the mighty jet 528 (sprayed gallons of water all over the floor), built and installed a new negative space rock scape ( aquarium epoxy is not your friend) and im currently battling cyano because the tank got moved across the country less than a month ago. Im starting to dose microbacter to hopefully prevent future problems. Whoever called this hobby relaxing lied but almost 3 years in starting my second tank and im still enjoying the journey. If anyone has tips or tricks feel free to reach out.












 
This week I did a complete overhaul on my IM 15gal cube. This thing has stressed me to no end which is why im posting about it here lol. Over the past week or so I have installed a new return pump the mighty jet 528 (sprayed gallons of water all over the floor), built and installed a new negative space rock scape ( aquarium epoxy is not your friend) and im currently battling cyano because the tank got moved across the country less than a month ago. Im starting to dose microbacter to hopefully prevent future problems. Whoever called this hobby relaxing lied but almost 3 years in starting my second tank and im still enjoying the journey. If anyone has tips or tricks feel free to reach out.












20260813_151036_BE4A9634-26CB-4594-8D28-DF60ECBDA797.png
 
This week I did a complete overhaul on my IM 15gal cube. This thing has stressed me to no end which is why im posting about it here lol. Over the past week or so I have installed a new return pump the mighty jet 528 (sprayed gallons of water all over the floor), built and installed a new negative space rock scape ( aquarium epoxy is not your friend) and im currently battling cyano because the tank got moved across the country less than a month ago. Im starting to dose microbacter to hopefully prevent future problems. Whoever called this hobby relaxing lied but almost 3 years in starting my second tank and im still enjoying the journey. If anyone has tips or tricks feel free to reach out.












20260813_153550_C9128387-7419-4507-9EA2-22FCB99E88A2.png
 
Love the minimal aquascape but was a fan of the long rock!
 
Get a jar of copepods and a bottle of phytoplankton. Dump the jar of pods in your aquarium and dose a cap full of the phyto daily. Keep the phyto in your fridge and should last about a month. POD population will help bring balance to your system.
 
Get a jar of copepods and a bottle of phytoplankton. Dump the jar of pods in your aquarium and dose a cap full of the phyto daily. Keep the phyto in your fridge and should last about a month. POD population will help bring balance to your system.
You know I was going to but dosing the microbacter has made my pod population absolutely explode! They cover every inch of the glass now lol
 
You know I was going to but dosing the microbacter has made my pod population absolutely explode! They cover every inch of the glass now lol
Oh great! Then maybe just dose phyto to keep them thriving and siphon out as much of the cyano as you can every week with a 3 gallon water change maybe for 3 weeks. That will help get rid of the cyano and the nutrients that are feeding it. That stuff is a pain.
 
Looks great! The struggle is half of the fun 😁 excited to follow along
 

HOW MUCH DOES A FISH’S FEEDING REQUIREMENTS AFFECT YOUR STOCKING DECISIONS?

  • A lot! - I avoid fish that require frequent or specialized feeding

    Votes: 20 32.8%
  • Quite a bit, but an automatic feeder can change my answer

    Votes: 8 13.1%
  • It depends on whether my nutrient export can handle it

    Votes: 9 14.8%
  • It depends on how badly I want the fish

    Votes: 12 19.7%
  • Not much. I’m willing to adjust my routine

    Votes: 9 14.8%
  • Not at all. Feeding demands don’t limit my stocking choices

    Votes: 11 18.0%
  • I usually learn about the demanding feeding schedule after buying the fish!

    Votes: 2 3.3%
  • I haven’t really considered this before

    Votes: 4 6.6%
  • Something else (see my comments in the thread)

    Votes: 2 3.3%
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