Filter Questions!

[Ifti]

Hi all, new here, and new to fish keeping!

I've just purchased my first ever aquarium. It's only a 48 litre, but enough for me, for now!

Anyway, im a little confused when it comes to the filter etc.
This is my plan for setting up, which i will do this weekend:

1. Rinse out tank to get rid of dust etc.
2. Rinse gravel and add to tank. Spread evenly.
3. Add some Tetra NitrateMinus onto gravel, and add another layer of gravel on top.
4. Place filter into tank.
5. Place heater into rear of tank, in a diagonal fashion. Set between 24-27 degrees.
6. Half fill tank with water - adding tap safe formula to tap water etc.
7. Add plastic plants and ornaments etc (after washing them)
8. Fill rest of tank with more tap safe treated water.
9. Add some Inperpet Filter Start to the tank to get the good bacteria going!
10. Switch everything on and cycle for at least a week!

Does that sound about right?

Now, my questions:

1. The filter I have is an interpet PF1. This has the sponge filter, and carbon, and the fine sponge. The fine sponge isn't in the filter but came loose in the box. Should I add this? If so, does it go on the ousted of the carbon filter - so between the cabin filter and case?
2. How often should the filters be changed? Is it safe to change them all together just like that, considering you are then getting rid of all the good bacteria etc? Should I do anything to encourage the quick introduction of the good bacteria when filters have been changed?
3. After filter changes, should I insert a Tetra Aqua Bactozym tablet into the filter to get the good bacteria going again quickly, or is this not really necessary? I got some Interpet Filter Start with the tank. It says to use this every 2 days for 2 weeks whenever you introduce new filters to get the good bacteria going again. Is this simply an alternative to the Tetra Bactozym tablet? I guess the tablet is easier to use though since you place it in the filter and that's it?
4. I also have a plastic tray that came with the aquarium, which has raised ridges etc. I understand this usually goes beneath the gravel. Is it actually needed? If so, what does it do?
5. I also have some Tetra EasyBalance. I have been informed that I should add the correct dose to the tank weekly to keep the water in good condition? Should I start using this as soon as the tank is set up, or is this only to be used on a matured tank, when I have fish etc in it?

Apologies for all the questions, but just want to make sure i have everything right before i begin!

 

[guppi]

Please read this http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/
If you dont do the fishless cycle you will forever be changing the water, or if you dont your fish will die.

 

[karin]

Yeah, unfortunately you have some reading to do. BUT this can be really fun. It is a challenge and very gratifying when you get it all going. Do the reading recommended above and then read through some of the "cycling" posts in this section to get a feel for what is going on.

The unfortunate thing is that fish stores try to make it sound like you can get bacteria in a bottle and cram fish in their right away, and then when they die they can sell you more.

Oh and come back with any questions you have.

Best and welcome to the Forum.

 

[Gvilleguy]

After you look through the beginner's resource threads, please have a look at the "do and don't" list on cycling in my signature below. It can answer some of your questions not addressed in the resource section, particularly the media stuff.

 

[Ifti]

Thanks guys - although Im using the Filter Start etc, I still plan to cycle the tank for around 2 weeks etc. Sorry if I made it sound like I wasnt above!!

My questions are more in regards to when there are fish in the tank, and a month or two down the line I have to change the filters etc. This gets rid of all the 'good bacteria' - so whats the proper way to do it and get the 'good bacteria' back - using the Filter Start formula?

 

[Manosa0429]

Thanks guys - although Im using the Filter Start etc, I still plan to cycle the tank for around 2 weeks etc. Sorry if I made it sound like I wasnt above!!

My questions are more in regards to when there are fish in the tank, and a month or two down the line I have to change the filters etc. This gets rid of all the 'good bacteria' - so whats the proper way to do it and get the 'good bacteria' back - using the Filter Start formula?

I signed in to get this EXACT question answered. My tank has been up and running for 8 weeks now. I had a tank for over a decade - started in college and got rid of in divorce - and am coming "back" to hobby. The irony is back in early 1990's the internet did not exist, and I did not even know about cycling. I used to buy tanks, throw in dechlorinator, throw in fish - and they all lived!

But now, knowing all this information I'm STRESSED. Like before, before I found this site, I unknowingly did a fish-in cycle. Lost alot of fish, but now I think everything is stable.

BUT MY QUESTION - does replacing my power filter cartridge restart the cycle process? Where EXACTLY is "media" is good bacteria stored. I have standard Aqueon in-tank filter from Petsmart with disposable Power Filter Cartridges.

Thanks!

Nicole

 

[karin]

To answer both your questions, we no longer "change" media on a regular basis. The media that "houses" the good bacteria is largely the sponges and ceramic (or similar) balls or noodles in your filter. These days we leave out carbon unless we need to filter out medications or other toxins. If your filter came with carbon (black stuff) just keep it out on hand for a day when you need it. Fill the filter with sponges and ceramic stuff and buy more if you need it. THEN, once the tank is cycled, what most of us do is just swish and squeeze the sponges in old tank water once a month or so. Do not get rid of it until it is falling apart in your hands. That means you do not have to spend money on replacement media every month or whatever the manufacturers and fish stores say. I've had the same media for over a year and it is still going strong.

The other thing above again is please read about cycling. Two weeks is not enough and you need to know what you are expected to do.

Nicole do a separate posting on your filter type to see what others do to work around the "disposable cartridge" thing.

Good luck guys... sounds complicated but once you get it it is simple and fun.

 

[Gvilleguy]

I like what Karin said. I went down this path last year with my own filters. I ignorantly inserted carbon filter cartridges in both of my filters, and then 4 weeks later the water started to back up and hit the overflow because the carbon was saturated. I threw out the carbon and my tank entered a mini-cycle because I discarded so much good bacteria.

If you have a large enough filter (like an under-cabinet canister), the ideal media set up would be, in order of where the water hits it:
1. Sponges. Capture particles and also grow tons of good bacteria.
2. Pre-filter pellets. At Petsmart you can find "Fluval Pre-Filter". These are hollow cylinders which break up the flow of the water in the filter, causing larger particles to settle out and not get to the bio media.
2. Bio-media pellets or cylinders like Biomax. These have uneven surfaces designed to give bacteria colonies a good foot hold.

As Karin said, you leave this media and do not replace it until it is falling apart. I have not had to replace any of my media yet, and it has been 11 months. I simply rinse the stuff off in a bucket of tank water once a month or two. When I notice that my sponges are starting to tear or fall apart, I will replace them in stages - like cut one if half and put a new half sponge in its place. Gradual media replacement is the way to go.

If you have a smaller power filter with limited space, I would recommend:
1. Sponge(s)
2. Biomedia

Do not worry about buying different brand media than your filter (expect perhaps for sponges that fit the opening properly). Any biomedia pellets should be fine in any brand filter.

 

[Ifti]

Excellent - Ive got it now. Thanks very much.

I do have Interpet Filter Start which I am supposed to add every 2 days for 2 weeks, then weekly after. I think this is to get the 'good bacteria' going in the filter etc.
Should I abandon this and purchase biomedia pellets instead?

 

[Unknown10101]

I'm not sure about your filter, but this is what I would do if I were setting up a new tank:

1: Rinse gravel.
2. Rinse tank.
3. Add the gravel and smooth it out.
4. Add water about a 4th of the way up.
5. Rinse ornaments.
6. Add ornaments and stuff. Also, you should have atleast one live plant in your tank.
7. Add a heater, follow the instructions for specific.
8. Fill water up all the way.
9. Add the filter
10. Add Water Conditioner
11. Add Bacteria Supplement.
12. Wait for a week or 2.

 

[Ifti]

I'm not sure about your filter, but this is what I would do if I were setting up a new tank:

1: Rinse gravel.
2. Rinse tank.
3. Add the gravel and smooth it out.
4. Add water about a 4th of the way up.
5. Rinse ornaments.
6. Add ornaments and stuff. Also, you should have atleast one live plant in your tank.
7. Add a heater, follow the instructions for specific.
8. Fill water up all the way.
9. Add the filter
10. Add Water Conditioner
11. Add Bacteria Supplement.
12. Wait for a week or 2.

Excellent, that makes it seem nice and simple
Thanks!

 

[waterdrop]

and unlikely to do anything of use.

Learning how to really qualify a filter is one of the most useful pieces of information available to be shared in this beginner section. It's a shame when the chance is missed.

WD

 

[Gvilleguy]

The "wait a week or two" option is not the advice you are being given on this forum. For the well being of the fish that have to live there, we advise you to take the time, research the threads offered here, and really cycle the filter prior to adding fish. This typically takes a good bit longer than two weeks, but the results can be amazing.

 

[Gvilleguy]

And I'm not saying the Interpret Filter Start will not help the cycle, but many question the effectiveness of that type of product. How do bacteria remain alive in a closed bottle for more than a week or so? They need a fresh flow of water, oxygen, and food (ammonia) to stay alive. Your best bet for cycling is to get a source of pure ammonia (10% ammonia, 90% water, no additives) and start feeding that into the tank to start the cycle. The bacteria that already live in your water source will start to thrive.

 

[anon02]

You have already received some good advice and if you start a cycle log similar to most you will read in this beginner section you will continue to do so. For now the best advice that I can offer is to completely ignore point 12 in post # 10