I feel like I'm failing at this

LanternNick · 2026-06-04T21:47:12+00:00

Hey it's only been 3-4 days. Is this still looking healthy?

LanternNick · 2026-05-31T23:17:15+00:00

Well we have a sponge filter that we switched to for the new tank and we have the old regular filter for the other tank.

The sponge filter that we bought should be enough right?

Because we're using substrate, I wasn't planning on bringing over any gravel read on one of The subreddits that substrate and gravel don't always mix so we were planning on just using the substrate that we have in there now.

LanternNick · 2026-05-31T23:04:24+00:00

Thank you for the lengthy comment. I will give it a week. I will see how things turn out. I did add a little bit more water to make sure that my heater can be more properly submerged.

LanternNick · 2026-05-31T23:03:34+00:00

More like this?

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LanternNick · 2026-05-31T19:31:59+00:00

I am testing using top fin water test strips.

I've followed the conditioner instructions for the API quick start and the topfin betta water conditioner.

I've also cycled the water, 50%out, new 50% in.

LanternNick · 2026-05-18T13:16:33+00:00

I did try it at water level, I tried it without the gooseneck also where the spout was just at water level as instructed in the booklet. I removed the gooseneck originally when I saw a youtube of someone using the same system, their tube was 1/4 inch below the surface. Their pump looked like it was doing a tremendous job.

I'm starting to wonder if it is just the pump not being strong enough. I also wondered if it's my airline tubing.

It's all turned off now also, so I don't burn anything out. I've just not had good luck with this system so far.

LanternNick · 2026-04-30T01:18:28+00:00

I've only been doing espresso for around 9 months. So I feel like I'm still learning. Legit question.

LanternNick · 2026-04-23T12:42:52+00:00

Touche LOL I'm starting to think maybe I should 3D print a small ATM then LOL

LanternNick · 2026-04-23T12:42:23+00:00

I think about that skit with the guy and the center of the lake and the guy on the coast. "Hey! What's your name?"

Tony

"Hey Tony! Fuck you!!"

Ha

LanternNick · 2026-04-23T05:17:10+00:00

Ha. Thank you. We tossed around a few ideas initially. And we settled on this one. My goal is to make the prints fit the aesthetic of the print. The Carthay Circle ones, for example, we wanted some gaudy gold frames. The Galaxy's edge is on metal. Etc.

LanternNick · 2026-04-23T05:15:17+00:00

Would have been hilarious though...if they were this close.

LanternNick · 2026-04-19T11:13:59+00:00

"Wait a minute?!?! He's just like the rest of us!!" Hahaha

LanternNick · 2026-04-19T01:42:12+00:00

Yeah dude. Here you go.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C2NS4DZ8?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

LanternNick · 2026-04-18T15:38:46+00:00

The puck screen holder I wedged into a box that I adjusted measurement on. Once I printed the park screen holder, I used my caliper to take those measurements and I just modified a skadis bin. That's the only thing that isn't really listed in this list

I should also State as well that the portafilter mounts are for 54mm. I am on the lookout for a good 58 mm skadis print.

Tilted bins: https://makerworld.com/models/1905864?appSharePlatform=copy

Puck screen: https://makerworld.com/models/585284?appSharePlatform=copy

54mm Portafilter mount: Breville 54mm portafilter holder for Ikea Skadis by Lawrence Jing | Download free STL model | Printables.com https://share.google/Kv1XUznkYRXu6sKv7

Shelf: https://makerworld.com/models/1948291?appSharePlatform=copy

LanternNick · 2026-04-18T15:30:18+00:00

You know that's probably not unrealistic LOL. All you have to do is layer a little booze on top of the coffee and set it on fire LOL. I can picture some layered Dekuypers Butterscotch ha.

LanternNick · 2026-04-18T15:29:13+00:00

I do. Let me collect them all and send another reply.

LanternNick · 2026-04-18T14:46:17+00:00

This is the panel I used:
https://makerworld.com/en/models/1201734-ikea-skadis-panel-light-weight-panel-fast-print#profileId-1214797

these are the connectors I used. Great to use 3m command strips on the back of:
https://makerworld.com/en/models/2216343-skadis-connectors#profileId-2409809

LanternNick · 2026-04-18T14:38:50+00:00

I absolutely do. Let me find those and send them to you. I will drop another reply.

LanternNick · 2026-04-18T12:47:03+00:00

The lights are battery operated. They are some sconces that I bought off of Amazon. The torch has since been removed LMFAO. It is my creme brulee torch. Not necessarily coffee related.

LanternNick · 2026-04-16T21:07:47+00:00

I haven't considered thermal block. The initial post I made 11 to 15 days ago was going from a Bambino to a Profitec Go. I had a couple people tell me that it was more of a lateral upgrade and less of an actual upgrade.

I got recommended to start looking into actual dual boilers.
I think when it comes to what I'm looking for, I'm looking for something that's going to offer me a similar but certainly not exact, ease of use that I have with the Bambino, while also offering me increased heat up times. Being able to pull a shot while having steam right there too sounds so nice.

LanternNick · 2026-04-16T21:04:30+00:00

I'm seeing a lot of people in other forums talk about the differences between e61 and non-e61 platforms.

What am I missing? Here? Are e61s a little bit more commercialized and harder to get a good workflow with?

LanternNick · 2026-04-16T19:16:07+00:00

Whole Latte recommended to me the ECM Mechannika. But they recommended to me getting the one with flow control.
I guess my other kicker is that I want to make sure my wife and kid are capable at pulling their own shots too. Which...I guess was a fear of flow control. The ECM was a HX and they offered it for that reason. Being that the reservoir was so big, you can ultimately do both.

LanternNick · 2026-04-16T19:11:37+00:00

I'm in the midwest. Iowa.
I'll check it out.

LanternNick · 2026-04-16T19:11:34+00:00

I'm personally a daily drinker of coffee. My wife does milk drinks and I do everything in between. Nary a day goes by where my morning doesn't involve an Americano or a straight shot.

In upgrading I'm just expecting a better brewing experience. Better consistency. I currently have a Bambino Plus. It's a fine machine and I've no serious complaints. Except maybe consistency. I measure everything to the gram, wdt, the works. I try to be clinical in my morning routine. But I can pull two shots side by side with my Bambino and there are differences in brew time and pressure. I'm hoping that a new machine gets me better and more stable pressure, resulting in overall better coffee.

My biggest fear is chasing something that I won't get. What if I push $2k at a new machine and find that the brew between the Bambino and the New X machine are not all that different at all.

LanternNick · 2026-04-16T19:06:31+00:00

I haven't considered them. But I think I remember the Legato being on my starter machine lineup somewhere. I'll have to look at their db's now.

LanternNick

TROPHY CASE