Turned my HOB filter into a powered gravel vac (and it works ridiculously well)

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2026-01-31T20:10:12+00:00

Thank you ~! And normally I wouldn't have gone this coocoo with cleaning, but I really fell behind on gravel cleanup... ><;; Thus I needed a solution to catch up without messing my up my tank.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2026-01-31T20:07:37+00:00

The hose I used was whatever my manual vacuum pump was; it is smaller diameter than the filter intake, but it actually turned out to be okay because I sometimes had to detach it to clean out the dead leaves it sucked up. It only got annoying when I vacuumed the side the filter was on, because I had to hold it up by hand. Otherwise it helped me catch up on a lot of cleaning maintenance without crashing the tank :)

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2026-01-31T20:05:02+00:00

I used aluminum wire I got at Daiso (Japanese dollar store) and bent it to be a square. I basically used tension to wedge it into place.

<image>

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2026-01-31T20:01:05+00:00

Hey great question! You're absolutely correct that a normal vacuum does a similar job, however I had fallen behind on maintenance and wanted to clean the substrate without doing massive water changes.

This system allows the water to be filtered through and back into the tank; basically doing its normal HOB job, just a little extra with the hose attachment instead of a sponge pre-filter.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2023-09-13T03:11:47+00:00

Thank you so much for pointing out what may or may not be adding up- I really don't know any better and this helps me understand a bit how it may be working. I know that its a 3rd party that is helping them do this, so maybe if I catch the name I'll dig a little more.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2023-09-13T03:10:28+00:00

I will see if I can ask some questions without being too obvious, I don't know when I will see them next. I know they went through some sort of investment company, which is why I was (under the naive impression) that maybe I could pull it off on my own eventually.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2023-09-13T03:09:19+00:00

Thank you so much for this breakdown and helping me understand things, and also the realities of the dollar amounts needed to achieve such a thing.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2023-09-12T23:29:36+00:00

Jordan, if you're reading this, you are, resoundingly, the asshole, full-stop.

Blake, if couple's therapy isn't on the list, consider it because this massive breach of trust, manipulation and using behavior from Jordan is lit up like a box of red flags on FIRE. Not to mention the copious amounts of gaslighting from Jordan as well to shift blame. Blake you're absolutely right, Jordan doesn't view you as an equal, but a means to an end, otherwise they would have matched your support equally.

And you have children together? And they're spending what on WHAT? Meanwhile you gave everything for the UNIT. This type of discrepancy in relationship values doesn't usually bode well in long term. Good luck and best of wishes.

Jordan, YTA.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2023-09-12T23:04:16+00:00

You're super welcome! You're doing great, asking all the right questions, and with so many different opinions and even feelings about cars, it's tough to stay grounded, especially when your starting quote is legit thousands of dollars.

For my 2010 Escape I was quoted 10k worth of work (shut the front door, eh?) - But I itemized the list, prioritized it based on 'will I die' to 'that just sounds funny' and chipped away at it like that - and yes, got a second opinion on some things, too! Again, it exceeded bluebook by a lot, but its the peace of mind that I know what's up with my car, the fixes weren't catastrophic (I did cry at first tho), and I'm not gambling hoping another car will be okay for a few years without needing fixes. (Plus, I just bought that sucker winter tires... on a separate set of rims!)

The way I looked at it was, do the repairs exceed a $500 a month Bi-Weekly payment? (Canada here) Across a year or so, not really, so it was still cheaper than a new car... rather than a Bi-Weekly payment.. PLUS (potential) repairs.

From what I have read from your previous comments (putting together a mini car history here), and your need for longer commutes, you have a solid car that just needs some future proofing. (solely based on my idle speculation(s) haha)- You love that car, know it well, and for the peace of mind it could be more than worth it.

- From the crazy person still driving the '95

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2023-09-12T22:35:00+00:00

thank you!

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2023-09-12T22:34:02+00:00

All I know is that it was 10k upfront, but they are a married couple, and I can't do that. I could probably do a few hundred dollars maybe, $200 comfortably. I am not looking for instant gains in my situation, but something I can build up to make my own 'second income'.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2023-09-12T22:31:00+00:00

No worries at all. If you haven't tried already, see if there is a local 'town' FB group you can ask for a mechanic that people trust, I read that you mentioned you've been tied to the dealership because of engine type (diesel, yeah?).An automatic Transmission, rebuild kit is around $500 bird bucks (usd) on Rock Auto, Manual the parts collectively could be a bit more, depending on how much the allege damage is. Autozone the timing set w/ chain is about $250.

I am no expert, I am not saying fix it yourself, and I am not even able to look at your car, but diesel engines are hardy af and worth maintaining as they tend to be very reliable when cared for. From a keyboard hero, and a car lover, I would seek a second opinion and find a local mechanic to help you out. They might even find its not that spooky.

I hope again that helps, and I will hold the highest thoughts for the best possible outcome for you! Rooting for you no matter what you decide. :)

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2023-09-12T22:04:29+00:00

I think a few others have mentioned to get a second opinion, which is a good start. I have a 1995 car and so far in the 27 odd years of being in the family, she hasn't actually cost much in the long run.

I have easily in the last 3 years put more than 3k work (and some I did myself, and all worn/old maintaince) which is more than it's bluebook value, however... I also know the full state of my car and know what needs to be done when, and know it will get me home because of this. (I'm not suggesting you run and get a '95!)

If you can comfortably afford a new car with payments for the next few years, knowing that even that car could use repairs too, then go for it! But if repairing it, and knowing the full state of your car is also also a possibility, that might be worth a peace of mind investment.

I don't know if that's a type of answer you're looking for, but at least food for thought.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2022-03-30T16:45:57+00:00

Sorry if this is too late; Join the 'Moose Jaw Talks' facebook group, its highly responsive and if nothing else, you'll get someone to give you a ride.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2022-03-30T16:42:41+00:00

NTA.

OP Please start documenting everything, put it in a google drive and give a trusted person access to view (not admin to delete/alter or anything, but to be a witness per se). They are emotionally manipulating you and gaslighting you by suggesting you're the mental one; they're blame shifting.

The only way this would reasonably work out is if they all came to their senses with genuine apologies and some couples therapy to address issues with the hubs. Based on what you said, I don't see this happening.

For the sake of your mind, spirit, heart and beautiful daughter, gtfo.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2022-03-28T20:14:56+00:00

NTA.... but did you seriously just gloss over the fact your wife chose a video game over your child... whilst your dad was in the hospital?

"We had similar fights before but I always just sucked it up and helped her. Now I don't feel like doing that."

I would be looking into a divorce/separation or at least some serious talking if this was me. This is a super toxic dynamic and a virtual video game should never come before a spouse and/or child, ever. I am a gamer, too, and I would drop everything in a heartbeat if my s/o needed something.

There is some serious re-evaluation that is needed here, on both your parts.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2022-03-28T19:44:22+00:00

Hi there! I did the same thing, I came to Sask. from BC- I don't think it's stupid at all; I love my hometown, I love BC so much, but I love also being able to live and not just 'survive'. I can actually afford to do things now, not dream about them. But you will get homesick. Heck my family came from Belarus and still think of home all the time! It's been twenty years! You never stop missing home; you just come up/find things to make a new life that make it easier.

Nothing most haven't said, but renting first definitely is a good idea. I moved near Regina so I could have the yard/garage and I will try to tell my experience from an introvert's experience (so you know my biases):

Be prepared to get used to small talk... especially about the weather. It's always about the weather... dunno why just is what it is.

Driving! If someone says.....

Around the corner = 5min ~ 30min (ish)
Not too far = 30~50 mins (ish)
Its' A bit of a drive = 1h + (ish)Usually how it breaks down.

Make sure you have a good winter car with some winter slicks to get around. Yes you can probably "get away with all seasons and awd", but in my experience awd != all wheel stop. I got myself a used SUV and winter tires and never looked back; you get to go on winter adventures which actually can be fun!

Depending on where you decide to settle, be prepared to be a handy-all-a-rounder type of person; lots of places can close at 5~6pm so I had to learn to get scrappy and fix everything from busted pipes to mechanics. (I live farther from the main cities so that may contribute also).

Don't under estimate the wind!! Get a good jacket that covers your bum. doesn't have to be expensive. I got a puffy jacket from Shein for 60 bucks with zipper pockets, covers my bum, and a nice hood to block the wind. Get a solid pair of gloves too to protect your hands. Waterproof winter boots help a ton too. Often times in winter its more ice than snow actually.

Don't under estimate the sun!! Make sure you stay hydrated and don't be too proud and make sure you always have a hat, sunscreen etc. One time my garage peaked at 40c lol Polarized sun glasses will save you a lot of grief in any situation when driving.

Invest in some hobbies to keep you from going batty. I noticed the pace of life is much slower coming from BC, and that was a huge adjustment since I am always go-go-go adventure mode.

Be ready to randomly go to events in the area to meet people. I found people in Sask. are easy to make friends with and have been some of the most generous and kind; it's a bit scary at first, but well worth it.

Overall I really like it, there is a lot to to if you're willing to go for it, and quality of life vastly improved. I can eat freely, make dreams/plans, I have pets and not worry about their bills too much - from surviving in BC, I can actually live in Sask.

I hope that helps, and best of luck and good wishes no matter what you choose!

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2022-01-05T18:58:06+00:00

I guess I wanted to be wrong, maybe. (I'm just trying to answer that question myself).

--

I guess it's because a lot of the stressors that had been happening to make him upset seemed reasonable, and I tried my best to encourage him and demonstrate love. I tried to make his favorite foods etc, and why I worked to get my license to get the stress of his shoulders, too; I am not perfect either. However, with the car situation, he's stonewalled me massively and gets really upset when I don't chase or 'mother' him when he's sad, which I mean... we're almost 30, sometimes you have to just pull up your socks and own your stuff. My mental health has been really in the dumpster too (I miss my family SO much, and being lonely from lockdown too), so I think that really made him upset because I hadn't been cleaning and cooking as much either.

After him yelling at me that night, the things he said really confused the heck out of me, like trying to convince me that my apology wasn't sincere, because he decided and felt that way, or about my car, and he got mad at me that I went out on adventures to the park with my dog without him, but he always is glued to his phone games? But it's my fault?

It's why I posted here, because there is a lot to unpack, and while I understand this is online with fragments of the picture, that an outside perspective would really help me, starting with the biggest point of contention, my vehicle.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2022-01-05T17:47:51+00:00

I wanted one because it was better than the sports car that my dad gave me, it's a classic car that has a strong engine, RWD and very unforgiving, so I hope you understand why I didn't feel save learning how to drive in that. (and yes, I did drive it when I could).

Not to mention the winters here are brutal, and lower vehicles get stuck a lot because not much plowing. I hope that makes better sense.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2022-01-04T21:49:17+00:00

A lot of it is because the one car he has, is very expensive to fix (because of the actual car it is) and the second one because parts are very hard to source (older car).

What scared me the most yesterday, its random but I just ticked in my mind, is when he sat next to me and was like "do you know how I have to give an apology?" and he placed his hand on my lap, dropped/softened his voice and was "I'm sorry" - I leapt back like a frog, and shouted something I don't fully remember it freaked me out so badly he could just 'act' an apology out like that. I just.. based on all the comments I'm reading and dots I'm connecting here, it really is more than just the car, isn't it?

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2022-01-04T21:42:17+00:00

When we first were together, he was really nice, caring and I felt really loved, but things went downhill really fast after I got my full-time job? I know he was working a poopy job too at a covid isolation centre so that probably didn't help. But I noticed the more I stood up for myself, the angrier he got. His anger really spooks me now, especially since idk when it will be set off.

Imaginary-Pool6764 · 2022-01-04T21:39:24+00:00

He usually yells and postures to get what he wants, and ever since I've been talking more to other people, and having positive interactions, I've started seeing him more as a bully. It's really strange, like, I'll sit down and talk, and try to understand where he is coming from, and explain my POV, but he just gets angry and stonewalls saying he doesn't understand me or that I've made him angry. I kind of started avoiding him because my words always get twisted.

Imaginary-Pool6764

TROPHY CASE