13 Reasons Why You Should Shop at a Home Improvement Store For Your Fish Tank Supplies!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Here is the Amazon affiliate link for the 27 gallon totes: amzn.to/3d11mVE Should you use pool filter sand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baKrk4SEq7ekZ7M How to make polycarbonate lids: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqq0lKiuf5yEjJY Where we find cheap rocks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioqsgZpuqNudpZo Fish Tank Background Comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZnToZidYq-ihZo Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics

[@pancudowny]

You forgot large PVC unions as caves.

[@stuartberkowitz8598]

Prime Time Aquatics a few more: that white eggcrate stuff by the lighting. Lava rock as bio media. Works fine in a sump.

[@coffeebeann1]

Jinx you owe me a soda!

[@zedalba]

With plastidip, no paint job is permanent. Look into it.

[@michealshelton2133]

Pinch, poke, you owe me a Coke.😂🤣😂🤣

[@daviddjportugal]

I started watching for the tips but stayed for the husband/wife dynamic. He talks fast and is trying to be to the point(you can tell he’s the one that edits the videos lol), and she’s having fun going at her own pace with back stories and commentary for everything. Watched the dollar store one too..More of these please!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You pretty much nailed it. Haha

[@RedrumTV5150]

This is 100% correct. Pet shop wanted $50 for enough substrate rocks for my tank. I got a 50lb bag at Lowes for $6. Does need to be rinsed a few times, but to save $40, why not.🤔

[@brynnansowells3294]

Was it a quikrete brand because that's what I started, but haven't started adding fish yet?

[@MrGrombie]

3:45 that is a thing I’ve heard all the way here in Florida as wall. Now give the lady a soda lol

[@karenwolfsen]

Lol. Pinch poke you owe me a coke or my kids say jinx and count till I say something then they say you owe me x amount of cokes depending how far they get counting. But this is the first video of yours that I’ve seen. You two are just so stinking cute! Very sweet. I must say you brightened my day in the middle of this pandemic. Thank you and stay safe ! 🌱🐟🌿

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you so much for being here!

[@therealbatmann-i8576]

If this is your wife- she is definitely Kool this video is legit n nothing is rehearsed 💯 N thank you for the video I went to Home Depot n got this light thingy n made some lids for my 100gal I love your channel. Keep up the amazing work wife N husband👍🏾

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching.

[@willjamison141]

You guys look like you were fighting the whole time lol

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Then you should see us when we are fighting. Haha

[@Whiteknight0721]

that's just married banter not real fighting LOL

[@YouNeverKnoww]

nah thats all adorable, haha the little jabs thrown each way are perfect

[@ashley-yz3hm]

she was serious about that jinx! 😂

[@andrewwhittaker2908]

Im just gonna say it. You two and your channel is the BEST fish channel!!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for being here!

[@HeyItsThattGuy]

I love using flex seal as a painted background... It works just like spray paint but bc is rubber you can peel it off if you want

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I heard if you paint all the sides your tank will never leak? Haha

[@toasty4000000]

TO SHOW THE POWER OF FLEX SEAL, I SAWED THIS TANK IN HALF

[@clairedeangeles8144]

Both of you bring a smile to my face - you both are so adorable, great couple!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you :-)

[@notsure9802]

Haha we say, "jinx you owe me a coke" its totally a thing

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

Cool, I get a coke!🙌🙌

[@butkusfan23]

😀 As kids in the 80’s/90’s we would say “jinx! pinch poke, you owe me a coke!”

[@bronxgeneral5198]

Jinx ment u smacked the other person in the back of the neck when I was a kid

[@Jimi182]

Jinx you owe me a coke is real

[@TheTruckrfreak]

It’s Jinx - pinch, poke, you owe me a coke.

[@AGENTSIXTY9]

I actually bought a transfer pump at Lowe’s and Plummed it so I can do water changes and with the flip of a valve I can fill my tanks back up too. No more buckets haha also I bought a husky tool chest at Home Depot for my 55 gallon as a stand

[@kaquarium7888]

I have one to add: 1/2" insulation foam sheets also work great to protect tanks from uneven stands! From another fishy couple, we loved the video of you both discussing so many tips and tricks that we also have found useful! Good to know we're not the only ones ;)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good point!

[@MarvinTheMusicMan]

I love the subtle banter you two have, makes the video helluva lot better. I really appreciated this one, and to say thank you I have joined your membership scheme. Best wishes as always from Manchester, England.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you so much for being here! :-)

[@slcanavan1]

I LOVE walking through Lowes/Home Depot looking for inspiration for my aquariums :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Me too!

[@LuisGarcia-sm2xd]

Hey brother you in socal you got any nano fish?

[@treytonarcher6483]

PVC pipes for caves, too!! But I love y'alls reasons!! The poly carbonate was a life saver for me!

[@B1gHagar]

FYI: You can get 5-gallon pickle buckets for free from any fast food joint. You may have to wait a bit but since you know your going to need them, just ask and there will one or two in a couple of days. Also, if you ask, the bakery at your local grocery store has various sized bucket with premade cake icing. My bakery goes threw a ton of icing so they just put them on a cart and I pick them up after 3:00. Also, my store gives them away dirty so clean them out first thing or they'll get a funky.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jaythefishman41]

At your local hardware store you can also find many plumbing and irrigation supplies you can adapt to aquarium use---pvc pipes and fittings, valves, pvc adaptors to substitute expensive made-for-aquarium bulkheads, several types of flexible and rigid tubing. Plastic cement mixing tubs ($6 small, $13 large) to use as a pond or aquaponics planters.

[@TexasAndyAquatics]

Y'all forgot one of the MOST important things you can get from hardware store, lava rocks. Lava rocks are one of the best/cheapest biological media you can get. You can get a 20lbs bag for$4 not only is it great for bio media but for putting under the substrate in a mesh bag or just in a pile to use as a filler to make hills in the aquarium so you don't have to use as much substrate.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Lava Rocks! Yes!

[@nextdooraquatics5013]

I think I enjoyed the married couple banter more than the tips. 😻

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Too funny 😀

[@pandascribbles7211]

Jinx you owe me a coke is 100% a thing 😂

[@dclark5841]

Kids in SC say, "Jinx! Pinch. Poke. You owe me a Coke." The person who says it first, gets a soda. The slower person gets a few bruises and a slightly lighter wallet. LOL

[@Glorious_Kim_Jong_Un]

You two are made for eachother xD I wish you all many many more happy years together, it's a beautiful thing to see!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@TomohisaIshii615]

great list! I'm surprised you guys didn't mention lava rocks. they're great for DIY canister filters! and also great inexpensive way to give your aquascape some height! :)

[@Zafersan]

Just gotta point it out, you can tell she admires her husband. But back on topic, I love these money saving videos. Aquarium GUys podcast has a few episodes as well.

[@tiffanyrosea.i.t.9239]

Please do a video on the racks you used for the Nano wall. I'm apartment fishkeeping and looking into at least one rack for now. Window clings are great for backgrounds so it's not permanent for those who are indecisive lol.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Will do!

[@jenniferramos5217]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics did you ever do this? Talk about the racks?

[@Runnygraph20]

Use small bottles of acrylic paint from walmart like $.50-.75 cents and you can scrape it off with a razor blade if you want to change color...I just changed my 75gal. From blue to black

[@bobmennel137]

Hoses and tubing for filling, and draining tank and replacing canister filter hoses.

[@MaddyBlu9724]

It drives me nuts how many very basic items have prices jacked way up at petstores just because they are branded as being for fish/reptile tanks. But I am still learning all the ways to find thrifty work arounds.

[@alyssa0411]

You two are so fun to watch. I love your videos.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for being here!

[@yezryezr]

Wanted to hear about ___ riding /bucket hood 5:40

[@knyghtryder3599]

Cool topic, its like I know everything is in there but those places are basically consumer black holes thanx 4 shedding light!

[@BarrySuridge]

Home Improvement centres (and hardware stores) are a blessing in disguise for aquarists. My favourite go-to places for any sized gravel etc. 👌

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

😊

[@byronc661]

The pots! Look for the broken ones and ask for a discount. Then just use sandpaper to dull the sharp edges. I use a Dremel.

[@DarkAngel102370]

I always buy my rocks from hardware stores, I work at a pet store and suggest it to customers too. There's no reason to pay $30 for gravel when you can get it for $3 elsewhere lol.

[@bkfishing5650]

You guys are funny together! Thanks for the tips! I'm off to Lowe's...

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun! :-)

[@TinRoofVintage]

Beautiful video, thanks for the great info! Peace and blessings from Texas USA!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@deadpoet415]

Great video! Great ideas! I wanted to add that you can also buy pothos plants for the top of your tanks too!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You are so right!

[@nickybee800]

You guys remind me of my husband and I! We are super into creating cool fish tanks, and we love a good bargain!! Thank you for the helpful tips! Excited to see what other videos you have. Thank you and happy Father’s Day!! 😊

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching!

[@michaelbelanger8246]

Thank you! Also; laundry sink for cleaning, razor scraper, led full spectrum plant grow lighting, bleach for disinfecting, epoxy,Long sleeved rubber gloves. Very helpful video.

[@amrys_argent]

I've picked up many of these at home improvement stores, and also tubing (larger tubing for water changes, but they have loads of sizes, so they may even have air tubing size) as well as a small water pump I use for water changes.

[@deadspacegrave2219]

Yes . I use lava rocks for my substrate and I heard black Diamond blasting sand looks beautiful in a tank . The silicone is very cheap at a hardware store and pool sands/other rocks etc.

[@Fibonacci4ever]

Love watching you 2 together 😄😄😄

[@allysacarlson1403]

I love watching your videos. You give awesome advice, useful and important information that beginners like me how to get started with the fish keeping... Plus you guys throw a little commentary in the videos. I appreciate your time and years of advice. Thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@leafnovice7492]

Great list. Thanks for putting it together. Love the interplay over getting flowers for your wife (!!) I could be wrong, but …….I sense a more than a few hints here buddy

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You may be right :-)

[@AwoooOga3503]

HAHA I'll get the rocks from my yard!!!! 🤣🤣 FREE ROCKS! ❤🥰

[@dancurran8977]

Thanks for the tips! I just used my Walmart aquarium silicon to seal around the airline going into the cap of my DYI brine shrimp hatchery.

[@DCN2010]

Thanks for the video! In my area, Home Depot and Lowe’s don’t stock the dual wall polycarbonate sheets.

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

That’s a bummer.

[@DCN2010]

Yes it is! I can order a piece from Lowe’s (Home Depot won’t even order one) but it’s expensive. I recently setup a 40 gallon breeder and ordered a 2’x4’ sheet that cost $24.00. Thanks again for the video! I do tend to utilize my home improvement stores for a lot of my aquarium needs. 😊

[@ethanb5205]

My home depot didn't have it either but I found it at mernards but they only had huge sheets.

[@PatrickJTezak]

Don't forget vinyl tubing! My syphon just got old so I bought about 15' of 3/4" tubing to start the syphon, clamp it to the tank and let the water flow all the way to the shower drain.

[@sschario60]

What's your clamp look like?

[@PatrickJTezak]

@@sschario60 it's just a cheap clamp from Lowes that's not too strong but just enough to stop the tube from falling out of the tank.

[@MosarieMusic]

is there a specific kind of super glue to use that is fish safe? im having a hard time attaching my java ferns to drift wood

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We use gorilla glue brand.

[@Jacob_Wenzel]

A nice in between for the paint/no paint is plasti dip. It’s a spray paint that leaves a small rubber film and can be peeled back off if needed!

[@mp2bill]

3:30 I love how exasperated he gets. 😂

[@ironwolph]

Glad i found your channel , love cory but he is not putting out enough videos. Love your guys video's.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you being here!

[@Aquamarine.Aubrey]

I love you 2. You amuse me to no end! If you are ever in st louis please let me know! 😍😁

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! :-)

[@ib4296]

For the glue I recommend super weld glue. I find it at home depo. Its a small red tube with a black light. It hardens it instantly with the light ! Ive been using it for about a year now to introduce new anubus plants java fern and java moss. No fish have died on me

[@elizabethpolyak4522]

Thanks, this was a great video. A good time was had by all...lol. Another happy Monday.

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

😆😋

[@cathyhendrix7552]

As kids (and we've not grown up yet)lol we always did "pinch, poke, you owe me a coke." You have to pinch the person and poke them as your saying it to.

[@theirishman8455]

White buckets are the best especially to find any fry you may have accidentally sucked up when cleaning substrate or water changes.

[@sonnysfishroom3241]

Great idea for a video. I’ve used a lot of these through the years. Glad you put them all together. My favorite is the polycarbonate sheeting.

[@somebb]

I just asked a question on your new video "sand vs gravel" and you've answered it here lol ✌

[@Hemankshusawantofficial]

I am using currently plastic dinner mats dark brown in color used in restro for background And it looks awesome as background

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Nice idea!

[@DivaMomochi]

I made my polycarbonate tank lid from watching docent video. Made it into two pieces with hinged lids for my 40g breeder for only $25, and I had enough to go on the 10g tank as well.

[@jerichojoe307]

Heck yeah on the acrylic/ polycarbonate. I just built a miniature aquarium room for my wife; I say miniature because it only include the 125, a 40-gallon, and five 10 gallon tanks. Anywho, because I build my own filtration systems, and most of my tanks are tempered glass, I had to make my own overflows for those tanks and many of them did not have Lids to begin with. A full sheet of the thin type polycarbonate or acrylic at my Home Depot only costs around $80 up to $120 for a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet. One razor blade and a straightedge later, and I have custom aquarium Lids that I was able to cut to every single feature and need of my tanks and overflows. One sheet of it was enough for every tank in my aquarium room, and I even used it to build the overflows. Saved me hundreds.

[@kristenwinter8157]

This was a very good video!! We make our own lids too and use supper glue and gave buckets for the same reasons.

[@QueAquatics]

Happy Monday! Love this video, hahahahah you guys are so fun to watch

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

Hi Suzy!! Happy Memorial Day Monday!!! 😋

[@borisbuliak3626]

Wow nice pointers all. Would like to add a couple if I may. For those of us stuck in a condo or without any diy skill, heavy duty racks for aquariums. I stopped overpaying for stands and stacking two high in place of just one tank footprint. Number two, egg crate, at bottom of every tank helps hold the soil in the crannies while I top it off with gravel and sand and lots of stones. Sometimes it even acts as a lid. Special mention in the kitchen department to a small sifter, it’s great for shrimp, unlike a net it is stiff and not as stressful on the critters. Good job guys!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

I finally made it home and got to enjoy my "Happy Monday" Man, y'all are keeping the tips rolling!! Before I went out of town I got two buckets from Lowe's and put my plant shipment in them with a lights over them.. because I didn't have time to plant them..they're making pretty good plant grow out tanks 👍❤️😁 now I can't wait to go back to Lowe's!!

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

You are too funny! Nice - love those buckets 😊

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

@@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497 oh yeah, I'm still laughing when you got Jason.. as soon as he realized it... All the sudden it was "made up"🤣🤣🤣🤣 that's my husband all the way.. but if they win.....🤔hahahahaha

[@snoopdogg734]

Great video. ..love the ideas and watching an awsome couple work together. Great vibe when you two do videos, true fish nerds. Have a great day!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@gregridings9962]

I use h&m pool filter sand very lite color small grain detritus and debris don't get stuck in it.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Cool!

[@aquariumhacksbymarcus5653]

Love your money saving videos! Don't forget about Wal Mart lights all purpose sand gravel too!

[@addictedtonaturetv1065]

You can also get the quikrete play sand for like $6 for 50 lbs. I use that stuff to cap the organic soil in all of my tanks.

[@seanneal3747]

100% pure silicone without any additives.

[@meggrotte4760]

Those brushes can what can be used if you put almond leaves in your tanks because the fibers from the leaves like to kind of stick to the glass

[@timorourke1155]

Cool, you gave me some ideas, and saved me a few bucks hopefully

[@newmexicoaquatics282]

Thank you for sharing! Some great ideas! - Little Bobby

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Nice to hear from you! Hope all is well.

[@therooster6664]

Another great video! thanks for the suggestions! Noticed the 49ers blanket today and I am a little disappointed. Go Hawks! .

[@johnluciano5163]

So many times for plumping I hit up box stores. I'm impressed that your Oscar is not going after all your African cichlids. Mine are not the friendliest. They live in 125 with just a Common pleco.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That tank is so strange - everyone gets along pretty well!

[@jaxntax5509]

Lol Air/water tubing usually sold by inside and outside measurements usually at least my local store has vinyl and silicone and often rubber sold by the foot. Now it has priced up a little starting for 3/16th inside measurement at .23 cents for vinyl.

[@jennifermartin4415]

40lbs of river rocks at a stone center. 5 dollars. If you you go to Lowes please be nice. Employees are stressed and tired through this covid shut down.

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

Absolutely- agreed. I love Lowe’s and their employees! 😊😊

[@-8_8-]

Yeah. Things are making less sense at home Depot. It's like they're trying to control the flow of foot traffic. They stand outside and tell you which doors to use. It's like black friday lite without the big meal and discounts. And holy crap I didn't realize that price.

[@sylviab.791]

Well they have pallets of toilet paper and water as you walk in soooo......

[@watermelon8224]

Every retail worker is

[@jtsantana7500]

Jennifer Martin thank you

[@deborahoskwarek1059]

This was great guys, great subject and really good ideas! Joanna, love your Happy Mondays!

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

😋thanks and thanks for watching!

[@noelbrucker135]

Great video for a Memorial Day - May need to hit the sales today :) Great, useful list! I’ve gone to the home improvement store for sand and polycarbonate (saved me a bunch for a replacement lid for a small cube tank). And yes! “Jinx! You owe me a Coke!” (‘Cause I grew up in the south where everything was “Coke”).

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

Yes, a great weekend to hit the sales today! For us ... Coke means pop too. It’s settled. He owes me one. 🙌

[@audrisampson]

Did I miss PVC pipes on the list. The smaller pieces have been great in a few situations I've ran into for fish needing caves. I have an Anostomus that pretty much lives in a PVC pipe.

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

Oh yes!!! That’s another great one!

[@harryarmstrong5728]

PVC elbows with a cap at one end seem to be vastly preferred over shells for shell-dweller breeders. Getting them out is as simple as removing the elbow, taking off the cap, and pouring out the fish. The downside is they are ugly. We can't have it all.

[@NiX_aKi]

Cool topic! Very helpful even for seasoned hobbyists.

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

Yay! Thank you!

[@aaronhoyt8689]

Great topic guys! I'm a salesman for a local lumber company and constantly buy stuff for the fish room there. 😁👍

[@lahormiga1989]

I use my kitty litter bucket after I finish the litter. Who needs to buy a bucket if you can recycle an old one. Just make sure it's clean before you use it. Also I used to just say jinx you owe me a soda.

[@giosasuman702]

I went to Lowes yesterday, and picked up a nice size river pebbles.

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

🙌

[@byrguy1295]

u2 are great together, thx for the video

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! :-)

[@-shmoopie-]

I'm feeling the need to run to Lowe's... for perhaps the first time in my entire life ☺ another great place for buckets is Tractor Supply... I've seen buckets break so I only use livestock buckets meant for carrying water because I'm all phobic about it now haha! between my horse and fish I've got buckets everywhere 😄

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very good point! I always have this fear that the handle is going to fall off. I guess I have a bad case of handlephobia! :-)

[@fantom5894]

Using a 2.5 gallon $1 dollar tree bucket for changing water in a 30 gallon Tetra tank

[@-shmoopie-]

@@fantom5894 I would be super careful!! I've seen several videos where the bucket or the handle breaks... it's crazy. livestock buckets are meant to hold water so both the bucket itself and the handle are very strong! my horse's bucket hangs by its handle full of water 24/7 😊

[@aquagolly9497]

Lol I didn't know anyone still said "Jinx, you owe me a coke!" 😂 Great video. The home improvement store has too many options for aquariums. So many projects waiting to happen. I've been going to my local store for pond projects I've been working on👍

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

Sounds fun! Thanks for the comment 😊

[@aquagolly9497]

Mrs Prime Time Aquatics No prob👍 I did a concrete faux finish on a stock tank pond with some foam and chalk paint, came out pretty cool😁 I have a video about it if you're interested.

[@paigelee6048]

The ad for this video was PetSmart! 😂🤣 I’m going to Lowe’s!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Too funny

[@migueleespinosa2632]

Plant lights work great. GE 32watt leds blew me away, it look like sunlight. Water replacement filters can be modified for polishing. I attach one to a water pump and plug the other side. 100 micron all the way down to 1 are available. Pond filters, pumps, water fall features.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Nice ideas!

[@oscaresquivel3985]

You guys are the BEST. Happy holiday!

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

thanks, Oscar! Yes, enjoy the day!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! You too!

[@remmys.c7522]

Happy Monday! Grow out totes tip just saved me from once again groveling to my wife for ANOTHER tank🍻🥳

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

😂😂

[@ejfishes7610]

Yes, you can never have enough buckets! Great video guys, hope you’re doing well.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks man! Hopefully the Greenwater meetings start again soon!

[@KG7BYT]

I cut an opening in the side of a terra cotta pot to make a cave for my catfish

[@debrascheer4577]

Great idea's I have been useing all of those but the brushes I will have to try that 👍

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

😊

[@monaangela4667]

Happy Monday.😊😍 Thank you for sharing always smth to learn. 🙏😍😍😍

[@johnwood738]

Shop those stores for the mentioned stuff. For the glue if you are at Ocean State or Big Lots stores you can at times get great deals and stock up.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

John Wood nice idea!

[@anthonybrown8158]

Paver sand works great. It’s very cores. So it don’t pack as much as most sands

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Interesting idea!

[@BayouDreamz]

I use the leveling sand. It's super fine for the axolotls, in particular. Warning: requires LOTS of rinsing.

[@41rgm]

Really good job guys! I enjoyed your video!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!