📧 Email: ajbrown@ajaquatics.uk 📞 Mobile: 07759 832682

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MTMS filter before first clean

MTMS filter after cleaning

🐠 MTMS Aquarium – Restoration in Progress

In May 2024, I took on the maintenance of the aquarium at MTMS, a specialist provider of depot maintenance and engineering services for the UK rail and transport industry. They reached out after their previous caretaker stepped away, and the tank had clearly been left to fend for itself.

The setup had great potential—large tank, mature fish, and a striking layout—but it was in rough shape. Plastic plants were coated in thick algae, the glass was heavily stained, and water quality was poor. The fish, including Red Devil Cichlids and Silver Dollars, were pale and sluggish. The Silver Dollars showed signs of scoliosis, likely due to long-term issues with water parameters and diet.

One Clown Loach was tucked behind the rocks, lying on its side. Knowing their quirky behaviour, I opened the lid to check—and it shot across the tank like a rocket. Alive, just not a fan of visitors.

🧼 Initial Deep Clean

I spent over three hours on the first clean: filter overhaul, gravel vacuuming, glass scrubbing, and multiple water changes. Even the impeller and housing got a full service. The magnet cleaner struggled to stay attached due to the thick buildup, and the filter was in desperate need of attention.

A month later, the tank had declined again. After inspecting the equipment, I found the UV filter was partially blocked and reducing flow. I cleaned it and removed it from the system, but the flow rate remained low. I recommended replacing the filter entirely.

🌿 Improvements and Adjustments

With the new filter installed, water clarity improved dramatically. The fish were switched to a better diet, and their behaviour and colour began to recover. I introduced live plants—optimistically—but the Red Devils had other plans. They shredded the lot.

I increased feeding to reduce aggression, but the plants didn’t stand a chance. Even newly added fish were quickly dispatched. So I paused, reassessed, and planned a new approach.

Six months later, I introduced more resilient species: Amazon Swords, Anubias, and Java Fern. The Java Fern struggled, but the Swords and Anubias are thriving. The Silver Dollars are showing great recovery, and the water remains crystal clear.

🔄 Ongoing Updates

This aquarium has come a long way—from neglected to thriving. I’ll continue to monitor progress, adjust the setup, and share updates and photos as the transformation continues.

🐠 Rescuing a Juwel Vision 260L: From Leaky Disaster to Breeding Paradise

So, I picked up this Juwel Vision 260L aquarium that looked like it had been through a few rounds with Poseidon himself. The glass was fine—miraculously—but the seals? Oh boy. The top right corner had a split seal that screamed “I give up,” and the base was slathered in so much bubbly sealant it looked like someone tried to frost a cake underwater. I suspect the previous owners attempted a DIY reseal while the tank was still full. Bold move. Not a smart one, but bold.

Anyway, they must’ve gotten fed up with the whole soggy situation and sold it off. Lucky for me, I love a challenge (and apparently, wet hands). I stripped off the old seals, cleaned the glass until it sparkled like a freshly polished pint glass, and resealed it using HA6—because if you’re gonna do it, do it properly.

💪 Bracing for Brilliance

The original support braces were broken, so I improvised with a strap around the rim. Not exactly textbook engineering, but it’s holding strong and hasn’t launched any fish into orbit, so I’ll call that a win.

The sealing itself took a few hours, and I let it cure for longer than the instructions said—because I trust instructions about as much as I trust a cat near an open fish tank. They said four days for a 12mm bead, I gave it a week and a bit. Once it was dry, I did a slow leak test: quarter tank overnight, then gradually filled it up like I was aging a fine wine. No leaks. Victory dance commenced.

🌿 Designing the Dreamscape

While the sealant was curing (and I was resisting the urge to poke it), I started dreaming up the aquascape. At first, I thought: pirate theme! Shipwreck, sandy beach, maybe a tiny treasure chest. But then I remembered—I’m not building a fishy Disneyland. I want an ecosystem where everything thrives, not just a tank that looks good on Instagram.

So I scrapped the pirate idea and went full local legend. I decided to recreate Breedon on the Hill in Leicestershire. No roads—because fish don’t drive—but I did build a makeshift church at the top of a planted hill. The idea was to let the plants grow around it naturally, like nature reclaiming a forgotten village. The fish, plecs, and shrimp seem to love it. It’s like a tiny tourist attraction, minus the gift shop.

📸 Still Evolving

The tank’s been changing constantly over the years. I’ve got loads more pictures to upload—because let’s be honest, this thing has had more makeovers than a reality TV contestant. It’s gone from leaky mess to thriving aquatic community, and I couldn’t be prouder.

I restored this Juwel Vision 180L aquarium 🐠 in February 2025. Luckily, my friend Sean was letting it go, and since he knew I was getting into breeding and aquarium/pond maintenance 🛠️🌿, he kindly offered it to me for free 🙌—a generous and much-appreciated gesture.

The restoration was smooth sailing 🚤. The seals were in perfect condition thanks to how well it had been cared for 💧, so all it needed was a good clean-up 🧼—mostly the glass. It passed its leak test on the first try ✅, which was a great relief.

Right now, it’s one of my nursery tanks 🐟. It’s currently set up with gravel and a few plecos chilling out 🪨🦠. I’m planning to aquascape it later this year 🌱 once I’ve decided on the final look I want to go for.

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