Aquarium Maintenance

One last post for today - before I get completely computer worn out. (I still have recent digital photos that I need to process.)

I did some maintenance on the Christian's aquarium tonight. On Tuesday or Wednesday, I'm not sure which, the power was interrupted and when it was restored, the aquarium started making a horrible noise. Worse than the noise was the fact that the water was not being pumped up into the filtration area. I cut a small hole in the uptake inlet strainer and placed a small airstone - with the air pump running, just enough water was pushed up the tube to keep the carbon filter wet - but not to keep the biowheel running. (I have an Eclipse System 12.) I ordered a replacement strainer, replacement impeller, and replacement impeller housing. The parts were delivered on Thursday, but I didn't get a chance to swap out the parts until today. Pictures of the parts can be found in this photo album. I've swapped them out, but after doing so, I think I probably should have ordered a replacement pump and filtration housing. Water is being pumped through the filtration and the biowheel is spinning again, but it doesn't sound that great. Oh well.

Since the last Cichlid baby is growing in that tank, I probably should be thinking and planning for at least a 29 gallon tank as a more permanent home for him. I guess I need to update my wishlist to reflect that too...