Fluval Edge 46l

Hi Bas.

I have the smaller Edge the 23l. The only problem I've had with this tank is it can be a bit fiddly to move things around such as decor and plants due to the small opening.  I've had no problems keeping it clean and whilst my fish options were very limited I think it's a lovely tank! I was actually going to suggest it to you instead of the biorb

If you're after a smallish self-contained tank then I can recommend the AquaCube 40. (here)It's 40cm x 40 x 40 and holds a good 55litres with a huge built in filtration system in the back. It looks stylish and you can use 'oversized external' as the filter in the Community Creator. It's easy to maintain.

In the CC, Peter (site owner) defines oversized as "one which is rated for at least twice the tank's volume".

But in my opinion that is a bit simplistic. It doesn't take into account that filter manufacturers often exaggerate the size of the tank a filter is suitable for. And the real flow rate in a tank is usually less, sometimes a lot less, that the stated flow rate as most manufacturers quoted flow rates are those with no media in the filter.

I think he's using total volume. In the CC, he says to enter the tank's volume, and if you don't know use the site's calulator to work it out. I cannot find any reference to reducing the volume to allow for filters, substrate, decor etc.
In the article here he gives an example of an aquarium with dimensions 60cm long x 30cm wide x 35cm deep, which he says is 63 litres or 14 gallons. The article says that the 2 inches per gall rule means 28 inches of fish. But 63 litres = 14 Imperial gallons, and stocking 'rules' use American gallons, so that should be 17 US galls for 63 litres, and 34 inches of fish under the 2 inch per gall rule. So that's another area for confusion, and a good reason to use metric measurements!

 

If one followed a water molecule through the AquaCube40 filter it first passes through 32cm of course sponge then passes through 28cm of ceramic noodles. This is far thicker (by roughly x8) sponge than I've ever seen replacement filter media for the biggest of external filters in the local MA. My 2000litre outside pond has a filter where a water molecule  will pass through 5cm of sponge followed by a maximum of 10cm of ceramic noodles if it's a lucky molecule.

I haven't squeezed out my AquaCube40 sponge for at least 6 months. I put a section of filter-floss on top of the coarse sponge which catches all the bits and shreds of bog-wood. I replace this every week - I bought a big sheet of the floss for a fiver from MA and cut it up. It will last about 6 months.

....so I stand by what I said. This tank is hugely over-filtered and even 'over-sized external' does not do it justice.

Wow - that told me!!

Chucklett - your reply was one of the most ill-conceived posts I've read for a long time and reflects so badly on you that you might want to consider reviewing it. The level of sarcasm, scorn, ridicule and vitriol you heaped on me was out of any resonable proportion to what I hoped was an informative post.

EDIT: 'Molecule' is taught to 12 year olds - I assumed we could all cope with that. Judging by your childish tantrum it looks like I aimed a bit high for you.

Oh-oh, what's going on? Is the heat making everyone tetchy? I was looking forward to some friendly banter when I came back....not this! Play nice, guys!

I would imagine Colin mentioned about his sheet of floss as useful info to others, who might want to save a bit of money. What's wrong with that?
I don't know why Chucklett is so upset, Colin is/was a science teacher, so it's a reasonable assumption that he and some others would be interested in the science side of their tanks. I like to read all the posts, but if they get a bit too technical, I just skim over them....easy enough. I shouldn't think that is the reason that people wander away from the site, they would be more likely to do that, I would have thought, if there is sniping going on. There are many reasons for people dropping out. Sometimes life gets in the way of forums, (I know that ) or they just stop by because they need some advice or some just 'lurk' and drop in when they feel like putting their tuppence worth in......not always helpful!

I realise that I will probably come in for some stick for getting involved in a thread that was not aimed at me, as indeed, I have been before, but I do feel that the spite that came across was somewhat over the top and unneccessary.
Colin gives loads of his time to help anyone who needs it and I for one have been very grateful to him for all the support and advice I have received during my sharp learning curve. Plus, he makes me laugh!
Why also, the dig at Steve? I have (jokingly, I think ) locked horns and teased him in the past, all in good spirit. I'm forever "going on his list" but it just makes me chuckle when he says that, or pops in to stir the pot a little.

I was surprised that Chucklett felt she should say that she is probably more intelligent than most people, including Colin and Steve...who really cares? We just like fish!
I had a horrendous time at junior school with a math teacher who delighted in making me stand at the board to do some sum or other in front of everybody, I still can't add 1 plus 1 if someone is watching me. Consequently, when I went to senior school I never did a single math problem, instead taking out my english, biology, R.E. or almost any other subject and doing that. Obviously, my math teacher was aware of this but allowed me to do that. In hindsight, perhaps not the best thing for me, but hey, that was then and the world was a very different place.
I have no degrees but have managed to get through life so far, and it makes no difference to me whether folk have degrees or mathematical or scientific brains....I don't feel threatened by it.
I have a friend who takes every opportunity with everybody she comes across to drop in to the conversation that she, her husband (who used to be a teacher) and their son all have degrees. She has zero confidence and was a librarian, he is so offensive without realising it, that he alienates any friends they get and their son has never had a job except a brief stint at a call centre, which he had to leave as he couldn't cope with it. So, further education hasn't helped them much.
Everyone is different, thankfully...or we wouldn't need assorted biscuits...would we?
We are normally such a friendly, happy group, it would be a shame if that were to change.

Well, enough waffle from me (I hear your sighs of relief), please be nice, we lost Dave after someone was rude putting their point across...I should hate for that to happen again.

Hey, come on....have you had a bad week or something?

I only got involved because I felt that you didn't need to be so unpleasant in your response.
I personally don't find Steve to be arrogant and rude, I take what he says or rather how he says it, with a pinch of salt. I have a Yorkshire father-in-law and a mother who "calls a spade, a spade" so perhaps I am just used to Steve's type of plain speaking. Or maybe, I'm just an eejit, who doesn't recognise rudeness when I see it.

However, I am pleased that I have been able to amuse you, as you had seemed to have had a sense of humour by-pass.
It was irrelevant to me who had or had not made mistakes or who was offering guidance. I had taken issue only with the tone that the guidance was given. I have never said that the person was not knowledgeable but I'm not sure I would use the term "friendly" and I don't feel that just because someone "has been here for years" means that they automatically know everything or have the right to be judgemental of others who perhaps don't agree with their way of thinking. That person still 'pops' in now and again though, even after saying they were leaving because they didn't feel they fitted in.

Healthy debates and discussions are one thing, but it is a shame when someone can't put their point across without resorting to spitefulness and/or insults.
I have found, with a couple of exceptions, people on this forum to be friendly, helpful and welcoming to new fish keepers....it would be a real shame if that changed.

Wishing you a happy weekend...

Dear Resa,
First of all, please, accept my apologies for “popping in again” – I am really sorry about it.
The reason for me doing it this time is that my humble self has been brought into the conversation yet again...
May I enquire about the guidelines on what language and style is considered plain to the point speaking in comparison to rudeness? It appears that this largely depends on the person who is being judged... In this case, again, accept my sincere apologies for having used the style and language which is only allowed for selected few. I understand that it was extremely inappropriate that I dared to use that sort of style as I do not belong to the approved members list.
I also understand that I should not dare to think that I have some knowledge on aquariums – this has not been approved either. The only thing I can be proud of is the fact that I provided an everlasting entertainment and a topic of conversation.
Sincerely yours,
Natalia

Dear Steve,
I have just seen your recent entry whilst preparing my letter to Resa. I can say that I quite like your style and respect your knowledge. However, I do not think that both Chucklett and you have to apologise to Resa or Colin. As I understand, Resa and Colin have joined into the conversation out of their free will and were not forced to do so. Therefore, logically – this is not yours or Chucklett’s fault.
Steve, I am the one who will be beaten to shreds here – and brought into any conversation where a symbol of the Evil of The Universe is needed. Please, do not add Chucklett to this. Theoretically, The Evil of The Universe can have more than one name and multiple faces (Chucklett being the second candidate to join me) but I would rather keep it simple: dear all, please, be so kind to concentrate on my humble self – I am getting used to it.
Sincerely yours,
Natalia

Hi Colin,
That was exactly my point - I am glad you agree...