This blog post details a recent experiment in budget-friendly aquarium supplies, focusing on the purchase of cheap driftwood from an Asian eBay seller. The author compares this inexpensive option to purchases from reputable US retailers like Doctor Foster & Smith and Aquarium Coop, highlighting the trade-offs between cost and quality. The post also documents a concurrent battle against a camellia worm infestation using La Vamos All flake food and Levamisole powder, providing a glimpse into the author's aquarium maintenance routine.The central theme explores the risk versus reward of buying aquarium supplies from less conventional sources. We'll delve into the surprisingly fast shipping, the varying quality of the driftwood, and a comparison of the Asian eBay purchase with more established brands. The author offers insights into their experience with both budget-friendly and higher-quality options, ultimately helping readers decide what approach best suits their needs and risk tolerance when stocking their aquariums.
Read more: Top 5 Driftwood Aquariums for Betta Fish
Treating Camellia Worms with La Vamos All Flake Food
I discovered a potential camellia worm infestation in one of my aquariums. To combat this, I'm using La Vamos All flake food alongside Levamisole powder, a treatment I've already started. The instructions recommend feeding the flakes one to two times a week for three weeks after each powder dose, followed by a significant water change and turning off the lights on treatment days.
This two-pronged approach aims to eliminate the worms effectively. I've already completed one Levamisole treatment and am incorporating this flake food as an additional measure. The light sensitivity of the medication necessitates keeping the tank covered during treatments.
Driftwood from Asia: Unboxing and First Impressions
I ordered three pieces of driftwood – extra small, small, and medium – from Asia via eBay. The total cost was a surprisingly affordable $5.19. The seller was located in Thailand, and the delivery time, while initially estimated at a month, was much faster.
The package arrived well before the expected delivery window. My cat even tried to open the package! One of the significant advantages of this purchase was the low price, making it an attractive option despite the uncertain nature of the product before arrival.
Driftwood Comparison: Asia vs. Other Retailers
I've purchased driftwood from various sources, including Doctor Foster & Smith and Petco. While the Asian driftwood was incredibly cheap, the quality is unpredictable. Doctor Foster & Smith offers a more reliable product, though at a higher price. Three of four pieces from this source were good, whereas only one from the Asian seller proved disappointing.
The unpredictability of ordering driftwood online is evident. Buying from a reputable seller like Doctor Foster & Smith offers more assurance, but comes with a higher price tag. In contrast, buying from Asia comes with a lower cost, but the buyer accepts more risk.
Aquarium Rocks: A Random Ten-Pound Purchase
I also purchased ten pounds of Oco/Dragonstone from Aquarium Coop. I opted for the random option, rather than pre-selected pieces, to save money. The result was a single nine-pound piece and a smaller one-pound piece; not quite the variety I'd hoped for.
While I received the total weight ordered, the size distribution was uneven. The large size of one piece limited its use in my smaller tanks. While the price was reasonable, I would have preferred a more even distribution of sizes for better adaptability.
Final Thoughts on Cheap Aquarium Supplies
The cheap Asian driftwood turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The quality was decent for the price, and the quick shipping time exceeded expectations. Overall, purchasing random aquarium supplies like driftwood from Asia involves a degree of risk but offers considerable savings.
This approach is best suited for those willing to accept some uncertainty in return for substantial cost savings. Reputable brands are better for guaranteed quality, but they come at a premium. A balanced approach is key – know your risk tolerance.
