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Waterlife Haloex Tap Water Conditioner
by dawnmarywhite When I am buying water dechlorinator the biggest thing that will influence my choice is how many litres of treated water I will get for the price. Well, how does up to 22,500 litres (5000 gallons) for £13.99 (delivered) sound to you? To me (and my indoor pond, 2 huge, 4 medium and 2 small aquatic tanks) it sounds unbeatable. So far, this ... is indeed the case. The Haloex water dechlorinator and conditioner is exceptionally good value since you need such tiny amounts for standard sized tanks. I got the 'trade' size pack on eBay priced as above. The 500ml bottle is standard white plastic, chock full of information such as directions, warnings, and even a guide to calculate your aquarium size. The liquid itself is a very fetching vivid blue! This can stain, so care should be taken; I have had it stain my plastic sink and nothing would shift it though it did disappear completely over time. Another thing to mention is that Haloex contains formaldehyde, and smells a bit horrible if you put your nose right to the bottle neck. However when using normally you shouldn't smell anything, I certainly don't. The cap is screw on and child proof, and has a handy plastic measuring cup (2.5-20ml) that fits over it. Now, since I don't always need as much as 2.5ml, I have to use a little plastic pipette (like the sort that comes with other water treatments for disease etc), so this is a pain if you don't already have some of these. It could do with having one included since it's not available ONLY to the trade. It contains aloe vera which works to reduce stress to aquatic organisms by protecting the slime layer; aloe vera also helps tissue regrowth after injury/infection which is not just useful to fish keepers but potentially applicable for my turtles and amphibians. Haloex is suitable for all aquaria/ponds - marine, fresh, tropical and cold and is safe to plants and filters. It works by neutralising toxins such as chlorine, chloramine and fluorine making tapwater safe for any creatures. Chloramine cannot be removed by any means other than chemical, whereas chlorine can (boiling or standing for 24 hours lets it escape as gas); if you have chloramine in your water a conditioner is essential. All these nasties that make tapwater safe for us make it harmful to aquatic life, as well as the friendly bacteria you should have colonising your filter for efficient filtration. As mentioned before, it is highly concentrated so you only need tiny amounts of this conditioner to be effective. The 500ml bottle lasts forever; 2.5ml treats 112 litres (25 gallons), so anything less than that you have to work out yourself (just basic maths though), and find a way to measure it out! I know you can get plastic pipettes for very reasonable prices on eBay, so all is not lost if you don't already have these. To use it when setting up a tank/after a complete clean out, you can just add the entire amount in one go at the end (So long as your filter stays off until the water is conditioned). However, when I am doing water changes I like to add it little by little to each bucket of water, as I keep my filters running and don't want to risk any of my good bacteria. As a guide for you, I started using this in mid-December 2010 when I set up my indoor pond; I still have over a third of the bottle left. Due to the stocking levels in my tanks, I do water changes every 2-2.5 weeks and in total I treat approx 300 litres each time give or take a bit. If you're in the market for water conditioner, the main thing you need to know is that this works and it goes a really, really long way. I think it's worth buying even if you only have one normal-sized fish tank, as you can pay almost as much for conditioners that treat far less water (100s of litres instead of 1000s, let alone over 20,000). And it doesn't expire, so it may even outlast your fish! A fabulous value product that is an absolute must have in my house, so I fully recommend this one and I hope to never have to buy a different one again! Read the complete review |
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Zoo Med Reflector Dome Clamp Lamp
by dawnmarywhite These clamp lamps are invaluable in reptile keeping. They can be used to mount all manner of bulbs including incandescent light bulbs for heat and light, light only bulbs (such as energy savers), UVB compact bulbs, ceramic heat emitters, infra red bulbs. They are available in a range of sizes and wattages so as long as you stick within ... the wattage then you can use them for anything. They are only available with Edison screw (E27) fittings though, so your bulb must be this type; alternatively they can be used with converters that are widely available online to mount bayonet caps. However, all of the bulbs used in reptile keeping are available with screw caps so this is not an issue. They consist of a ceramic bulb socket with a black metal enclosed reflector dome around it - it is the size of this dome which determines the wattage. They can be attached to a clamp (included) and they also come with a small bracket for suspending them. Each end of this bracket slides into a small hole on either side of the reflector dome, allowing chain or such to be attached to the bracket. Or you can simply place the bracket over a hook or a lamp stand for this exact purpose. Their cables are fairly long with a very convenient inline switch, although you may want to use a timer switch or thermostat to properly control them. For the most part, I use them with the clamp attachment on my turtle tanks. Getting the clamp in place can be a bit tricky, as you seem to need 3 hands! To get the clamp attached you have to place the curved metal parts around the ceramic socket, while at the same time maneuvering the ball on top of the lower part in between the opposite ends of the curved parts. Once you get this all in place you simply turn the wing nut until it's nice and tight, holding the whole thing together securely. It does take a little practice and you feel all fingers and thumbs to begin with but I got the hang of it soon enough. The clamp attachment works simply by squeezing it, resulting in the two black rubber grips at the bottom separating. You then place the surface you wish to clamp it onto in between these grips and let them close, making sure you have mounted it on a flat even surface for safety. The way these are made allows you to angle the dome and position it how you like; there is flexibility and movement due to the ball design even when it's attached really tight, as it must be. This is brilliant for me using them on turtle tanks as you need to angle the bulbs over the dry basking area where they do the most good. Obviously there are safety considerations for these lamp holders. You must ensure it's mounted safely to minimise the risk of it falling and potentially injuring your animal. For me, I have to consider water in the equation as well. For this reason I use RCD sockets and check them all daily, to make sure they have not loosened off. In many years of using these though, I (touch wood) have never had one fall or become loose. I really have no complaints about these at all, they are very high quality and none of mine have went wobbly; all the domes are still properly in place around the sockets, and the clamps are still just as tight and springy. They hold the bulbs tight as well, and the reflector domes direct all the light/heat/UVB rays downward, so you really get a nice bright light in your enclosure, as well as good basking temperatures or UVB spots. These things are very important for our cold blooded friends. Another excellent thing about these, is that they don't get overly hot to the touch when in use; I have mine switched on for around 12 hours daily (as will most keepers) and I can touch them comfortably should I need to. Of course, it depends on what type/wattage of bulb you are using as some will make them hotter than others. And if you need to move them a lot, or remove the lamp for access you should switch it off and let it cool down first anyway. They can also be used on wire/metal mesh topped terrariums or vivariums with a mesh panel for this purpose, simply by sitting them on top. No need to use the clamp or hanging bracket so long as this provides the correct temperature etc; if not you may need a stand or to hang it at the correct height. All in all, I think this product is just brilliant. I am often met with the question by new turtle keepers, "How do I attach the lights they need?" and when I tell them about these they are bowled over by how simple and effective they are. And often shocked that they didn't realise there would of course be a specific range of products out there perfectly fit for purpose. Naturally, this is not helped by the common attitude that turtles are like fish and can simply be popped in a tank and kept the very same as fish but that's a whole other thing.... Prices do vary with sizes and style, but they are not the cheapest. The general price from a bricks and mortar shop for the smallest one is £15-18. It's worth shopping around online, as they can be had for amazingly lower prices from some places. Surrey Pet Supplies springs to mind, and of course there's eBay. These are definitely recommendable in my book, I will use them as long as I am keeping reptiles (which I hope to be doing until my dying day, I should still have my tortoises then!) and wouldn't hesitate to buy the same brand if any of mine ever do give up the ghost. Read the complete review |
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Arcadia Ceramic Lamp Holder and Bracket
by dawnmarywhite Arcadia are known to be a leader in the field of reptile lighting - they have recently released products that are brand new to the market, and are a brand I fully trust. I have two of these holders and have found them very useful, but I do have my grumbles. They are intended to be used with compact UVB bulbs, and a separate reflector ... shade (to maximise the output of the bulb) is available to buy. This was something that bugged me as all together it adds up to a pretty penny! The first one of these I bought from a local exotics shop and it cost me £15. The reflector was about the same again. Of course now I know where to find the best deals online, these prices do not apply if I were to need another bulb holder. I bought the second one on eBay and paid about £5 including postage! I actually use these to hold basking bulbs anyway, which do not need a reflector like UVB bulbs do although it doesn't hurt. They consist of a ceramic socket to hold the bulb, and this is attached to a black metal bracket. You can screw the bracket into the walls or ceiling of a wooden vivarium, in any position you like and the bracket actually has some flexibility too, and can be bent to some extent. This is handy as you can mount it pointing downward by screwing in, then bend it slightly so when the bulb is in place it covers a wider area. They also have a long cable with an inline switch and can be used with timer switches or thermostats for accurate control. I however actually use spare clamp attachments to mount these, by attaching the clamp to the ceramic socket and clamping it on to the side of my enclosures (one is on my tortoise table for their basking light, another is on a turtle tank). My biggest gripe about these, is that nowhere on the unit itself or the packaging does it state the maximum wattage! I am a regular user on a discussion forum for reptile keepers and I've seen many people asking this exact question about this item. I took a shot the first time with a 100w bulb, as I guessed they should surely be rated for that since there is no shade to restrict airflow and the socket is tough, heat resistant ceramic. Luckily I was right, and I have been using them for bulbs up to 100w since although I still do not know if they are rated higher! I should hope the reflector that matches this states a maximum wattage though. They are sturdy, and to date I have had no problems with them. No randomly blown bulbs, no loosening of parts. They both work just as well as they did when I got them. The fact that they do not come equipped with a reflector is a big downfall - these also work to protect you from glare by concealing to some extent the bulb within. Since you have an open bulb in these they do hit you in the eyes! For that reason I do not use them in the main rooms of my house and I am used to it now anyway. You should never look directly at bulbs though, particularly high output UVB bulbs as they can damage your eyes if you do. Overall, I am not pleased with paying £15 for one these days, but at the time I didn't know much better and I needed it there and then so I didn't care. This is in the past now and it wouldn't stop me buying another if it was a bargain, as bulb holders are always handy to have in this hobby. I would however give preference to the Zoo Med or Exo Terra clamp lamps which come equipped with a shade and can be bought for similar prices to this alone. They are also more multipurpose and are safer in use as well. I actually think it's more than a little cheeky to sell this separately from the reflector, as they are aimed for UVB compact bulb mounting and rarely will you find a keeper using an unshielded, unreflected UVB bulb. It's just not efficient and really lowers the output of your bulb. For a company that is dedicated to reptile lighting I think this is a bit poor show. However, the product does work and the build quality and longevity is excellent. So I am awarding 3/5 stars, marking this as satisfactory. I would really like to give it 3.5 though, as I feel 4 is too much but 3 is a little low! Read the complete review |
Reptile |
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Brand: Exo-Terra / Reptile / Type: Feeding Dish |
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1 review Brand: Tropix / Reptile / Type: Aquarium Equipment - Bubble Air Ornament |
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1 review Manufactuere: Livefood UK / Type: Reptile food |
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1 review Brand: Waterlife / Reptile / Type: Tap Water Conditioner |
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1 review Brand: Arcadia / Reptile / Type: Ceramic Bulb Holder |
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1 review Brand: Zoo Med / Reptile / Type: Clamp Lamp |
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1 review Brand: Tetra / Reptile / Type: Turtle Food |
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1 review Brand: Lucky Reptile / Type: Dry Reptile Food |
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1 review Brand: Lucky Reptile / Type: Moss Substrate |
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2 reviews Brand: Hagen / Reptile / Type: UVB Bulbs |
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| Reptile recommendations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... back next | ||
| dooyoo Results 11 - 20 of 97 | ||
