[_MB_]

I've been asked to take a few photographs of animals in my lab for the purposes of a distance learning course. One of which is lobsters - but the only one who comes out his cave is the fellow below, who is so aggressive when he last moulted he took his own claw off so there's no way I'm putting my had in to clean this tank.

Has anyone got tips on reducing the gunk on the tank to better show off the lobster?

[Chris H]

Get yourself one of these type things

ALGAE MAGNET, FOR ,AQUARIUM ,FISH ,TANK GLASS CLEANER S on eBay, also Cleaning Water Treatments, Fish, Pet Supplies, Home Garden (end time 17-Jan-08 22:14:52 GMT)

you can get them cheap from Pets at home shops

[jusu]

Do mean something like this one? Its retouched with photoshopCS3 in 30 minutes, it would be better if you use enough of time with it

[_MB_]

Originally Posted by C-Man

Get yourself one of these type things

ALGAE MAGNET, FOR ,AQUARIUM ,FISH ,TANK GLASS CLEANER S on eBay, also Cleaning Water Treatments, Fish, Pet Supplies, Home Garden (end time 17-Jan-08 22:14:52 GMT)

you can get them cheap from Pets at home shops

Now how the hell has the technician managed so long without one of these?!?! Great plan

Thanks Jusu, I think C-man's gadget will be the best way forward

[j sotelo]

you might want to consider a bigger tank usually if the tanks gets dirty quick its because its to small for whatever you have in the tank.
I had to change tanks for my fish had a 20 gal. tank had to get a 40 gal. had to many fish for the 20 gal. to handle so I had to change the water almost every month until I went to the pet store and asked and thats what they told me... they said, "Get a bigger tank theres not enough oxygen in that one, thats why it gets so dirty quick, or get a very good air pump." decided for the bigger tank so it would look better.

[Rob Barron]

You could get a tank that never needs cleaning like I have:

Welcome to SereneScreen.com



Seriously though, I used to keep fish a lot and there are various things you could consider. The screen cleaner listed is a must-have in my book, it works a treat and is dead easy to use as well as being very effective. Another thing would be to buy a couple of algae eaters. These are fish that spend most of their time gnawing their way across the screen eating the algae as they go.... and you don't even have to pay them!

Make certain you are oxygenating your tank with both a good air pump that circulates the water around the tank as well as puts air into it and also some oxygenating plants and, if you are seeing growth in one area of the tank, an air block at that point. Check your nitrite levels regularly to ensure they do not start creeping up as this is poisonous to your fish and causes the tank to get black algae growth.

Hope that helps. Definitely do this stuff rather than relying on Photoshop as despite Jusu's excellent effort here, it will be a time-consuming job and not as effective as prevention methods. Don't forget a polarising lens when taking pics (the camera needs to be at a 30 degree angle for this to effectively remove reflections).

Cheers,
Rob

[_MB_]

Originally Posted by Rob Barron

Another thing would be to buy a couple of algae eaters. These are fish that spend most of their time gnawing their way across the screen eating the algae as they go.... and you don't even have to pay them!

Not in his tank, they'd last about an hour

This is all helpful advice but as i'm not in charge of aquarium upkeep it's not something I have control over. Thanks though

[Markulous]

Put the lobster in a clean tank to take the pics!

Or take the lobster out to clean the tank - ya wuss!

[j sotelo]

or put the lobster in hot water and add butter and serve with wine.