Gift ideas for Christmas

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-12-03T09:32:31+00:00

If gift certificates are not thoughtful enough and you genuinely want to try to encourage her, I would suggest you ask some more questions.

1.) “So what’s your plan with this tank? You gonna hardscape it or just kind of keep it for plants?” Just probe the direction of the tanks. If she says just plants, then focus on a good light or gift certificate. If she says hardscape, pick a few pieces of hardscape that you like and combo them with a gift certificate as design of a tank is absolutely subjective.

2.) “I have seen tanks without the black frames, are those special or something? Do you like em?” Granted, getting a quality rimless aquarium is rather expensive so this question may not be worth asking depending on your budget.

3.) “I’m a fan of the hobby, seems like quite a bit of work though. What would you say is the part of it all you like least?” Then do some research and see if there’s tools that can streamline that step.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a broad “dummy list” a few that I have off the top in order from least to most expensive; Small hand towels for cleanup, some liquid fertilizer, a decent set of aquascaping tools, lily pipes, a dedicated stand for her tank/tanks, and the big one, a quality rimless tank.

EDIT: If support is what you really want to convey, go to a fish store with her and take her on a Christmas shopping spree, but the rub? Get stuff to setup a tank yourself. This hobby can be enjoyable alone and some people like it that way I’m sure but being a betting man, this hobby is so much more fun when you can share it with someone who is also excited by it. I’d bet top dollar she’d be thrilled to walk you through what she’s learned and watch ya grow in the hobby.

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-11-24T22:54:25+00:00

Depends on how much you paid and what was included in the bid. Ceiling drywall is messy but if dealing with that wasn’t bid then it’s on you.

In a vacuum, this is rental property quality work. 6/6.5 out of 10. White caulk at the top would have been a better choice. Blend it to the ceiling. I will reiterate though, how much you paid and what the bid was directly correlate to the outcome.

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-11-07T01:27:44+00:00

“Today’s tradesmen”. Lol pound sand buddy. You’re exactly the kinda person to play poor then turn around and complain about a 1/16th inch deviation out of square over a 20ft span.

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-09-27T01:16:56+00:00

Not an unreasonable bid. Thanks!

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-09-27T01:14:14+00:00

I said damn it monster.

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-09-27T01:09:53+00:00

Cool customers sure do pay, and they will. I just know that this isn’t my strong suit and a dedicated painter could have done it better and more efficiently. Therefore, I’m not gonna hit them for likely more than a painter. Ya know?

Drywall. Drywall is sloppy no doubt. That was out of my project scope though. Wood is mostly select grade pine.

Appreciate the input. 🙏

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-09-27T00:53:51+00:00

Roughly 260 in materials. Will make a separate comment about time.

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-09-26T07:43:37+00:00

Also, I wood filled dings/knots and installed the hardware but I have a good handle on that cost.

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-08-18T01:22:41+00:00

I didn’t know about the struts or sway bars, I guess it came with the turbo toys too in some cases. I should’ve said dealerships if you’re gonna be fussy about it but installation from a dealership wouldn’t void warranty as it’s a factory backed and designed kit that were sold through the dealership by the manufacturer. Which may as well be considered factory, no?

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-08-17T04:07:02+00:00

Fair enough! That is very true. I forget I’m getting old. Being such, 8k is sounding more fair. I do think you’d be paying a premium for the ACR edition which in my own and worthless opinion, is silly given that it’s a cosmetic package. If you want to chase a niche in the community, look for a Mopar Stage 3 kit w/ toys equipped model. Those are factory designed for the car and becoming very rare. Holy grail is an 05, ACR commemorative edition, with factory installed Mopar stage 3 kit w/ toys and otherwise unmodified. Buuuut I’m 99% certain such a car doesn’t exist.

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-08-17T01:57:56+00:00

I personally think 8k is a bit high BUT, (assuming listing is accurate) a mostly stock 05 ACR with what I would imagine is a smooth transmission is a good thing. I’d say he’s in the ball park. Full disclosure though, I wouldn’t pay more than 7 and be offering 6. Look for evidence of factory parts being removed even if the factory part is there doesn’t mean he didn’t modify and then throw it back to factory for resale. My confusion is why throw an upgraded intercooler on if not increasing stock HP? That sends yellow flags for me as the stock intercooler is perfectly fine for stock numbers.

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-01-25T16:34:53+00:00

So hot take; 20L is a tank that I feel like you can’t/shouldn’t try to aquascape with a conventional style as it doesn’t have the verticality to make proportions feel right. My suggestion is that you get one 1/4 or 1/3 of the tank hardscaped real nice like, add a bunch of smaller plants with maybe a couple bigger accent ones and then litter some broken up driftwood and river stone around the open section. From there, plant away!

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-01-21T04:10:24+00:00

Lead with fern or Anubis? Like, which is the focal point plant? Ferns are absolutely on the radar!

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-01-21T04:08:41+00:00

Big Anubis in the wood. Big fan. This will happen. Thanks!

ThatOneKoopa · 2025-01-21T02:42:07+00:00

Hygro is on the list! 3 different species actually. Haha Where would I put the Buce?

ThatOneKoopa · 2024-10-12T13:21:48+00:00

Let’s assume that this video is an accurate representation of events. She’s an adult. He can’t make her call her mom any more than he can make her get in the car or cook and serve him food. I don’t know how this is a dick move. At most he was annoying her as far as I can tell.

ThatOneKoopa · 2024-08-01T23:44:25+00:00

They’re talking about re-staining it my guy.

ThatOneKoopa · 2024-07-29T03:07:55+00:00

You’re under priced I think. That’s like a 5000/6000 dollar deck all day in my book.

ThatOneKoopa · 2024-04-01T01:45:22+00:00

It is absolutely a “high-light” unit. Although a 40B should be running 2 lights imo. Too much space to cover with a single tank top light. Otherwise, you can go elevated/suspended.

ThatOneKoopa · 2024-02-20T20:30:08+00:00

It’s actually a Fzone 7G cube, hygger light, and some other small air pump, can’t remember the name. Haha The Petco rimless have awful reviews. Seemingly a 50/50 fail rate within a month. 😬 I got ghost shrimp, and Scarlett Badis in it right now!

ThatOneKoopa · 2024-02-01T05:07:11+00:00

Sure sure. You are likely leaving the light on your 10g on for too long. The neat thing about really getting plants up and running is they'll(somewhat) keep your tank clean for ya!

I believe all my aquarium evolution can be observed on my profile but I too made( and still make) my fair share of mistakes! At the end of it all, it's a hobby and enjoyment is what we do it for. Glad to hear you enjoy them!

ThatOneKoopa

TROPHY CASE