Yes, removing fish isn't a priority. I've done it by draining the water level down to almost nothing, holding it in Rubber maid bins and then using a pump to pump the water back into the tank once the culprit fish is caught. But at this point if a fish gets picked on they tend to congregate in a corner by the filter outlet where I can fish them out easily.
Part of the problem in the winter is that I don't have a warm water source in the basement. So for water changes I typically fill up several rubbermaid bins and then use old heaters to heat them. Then the next day after treating and buffering, I use the pump to pump it back into the tank. I do use the python, but it drains so slowly. So I've created a drain using 2 inch PVC that drains over half the tank in less than a minute. It goes into the sump in the stairwell to my basement and pumps the water up into the yard. At first I was afraid the salt would kill the grass, but that area has the greenest grass in my yard.
I'm looking at getting one of these 300 gallon tall containers for water storage so I can have it buffered and treated and ready for a water change.
http://www.plastic-mart.com/product/3732/300-gallon-vertical-plastic-storage-tank-vt0300-35
Currently I'm using one FX 5 and one Rena Fillstar on the tank.
I just reviewed the photos, and I'd made some changes that weren't exactly explained. Since the cross strut on the 150 long was broken I had moved almost all of the rock into a 150 Tall using the preferred method of the light filter things under the sand. So the rock work is just as incredible, just doesn't match what you are imagining from the original pictures. I'll post pictures soon.
With the 150 long, I don't have much as far as rocks in there right now. I have about 50 pounds of lace rock. I'm looking to add about 100-150 pounds more. As far as the rocks now that I have them in the 150 tall, I won't be able to get them out without putting a pully into the rafters. (I dont have the strength after a back injury) Some of those rocks are 80 pounds and longer than the cross brace so you have to put them in at an angle and then turn them to the desired position. Lace rock is appealing because It stacks without looking stacked and I can move it piece by piece. No doubt the granite is super heavy.
Research right now for me is into LEDs and Upflow Algae Scrubbers. I think it would be great to have two of these going and then instead of cleaning it give it to the fish to eat, while you put the old one back in. I'm researching magnets to hold it in place. Plus I don't have an air pump and want to make sure I get a good one. I'll post pictures soon of both tanks. I'm looking at ordering magnets right now to make my own algae scraper, but I'm a noncommital researcher.
Thanks for the interest and I'll post pictures soon.
Matt
