sooo I happen to have an extra Eheim 2217 classic if youd like it. Its just been sitting here. I own an aquarium service company so I often find myself with extra "things". Eheim is a much better quality product than fluval(no affense if youre partial I was keeping it, waiting for a clients filter to break down but they never do! I guess thats a good thing but let me know if youd like it.
As for drilling, I usually drill my own holes with a Dremel and diamond bit and a nice flow of cool water in the bath tub. I drill a bunch of holes after marking the size for the appropriate bulkhead and when the center falls out, i grind the circle smooth with a stone sanding bit. I find it fun, but LOUD, so earplugs may be needed
The heaterI have is a hydor. I got it from foster and smith for 50 bucks. it works great so far so id recomend them(especially since noone else makes them yet
I love the idea of breeding food animals at home but its just too much for me. I have 2 reef aquariums and Ruperts tank.
As for Rupert, Im still somewhat new with him. I used to have maybe 10 different arrow frogs back in the day and couldnt help but take Rupert home when I saw his pathetic little legs sticking out of what seemed to be just a mouth! these things are so cool!! Ive always been pretty good with animals and seem to be doing well with him so far. I dont know how to sex him but i guess Ill study a bit to find out how Ill have to take some pictures. Ive hit such a road block as to what to do with his tank. being in the aquarium industry and being very handy. i can do just about ANYTHING to it so the possibilities are endless, which is why i have the problem to begin with! Im working on how to make a stoney backround with real stone. ill need to figure out if limestone will make the water too acidic. maybe i should take a pic of this drawing i just drew up and see some opinions. hmmm