Filter Questions

ponyo · Oct 30, 2011

Just wondering if the filter should actually be cleaning out the poo from the tank or is it normal for it to settle on the bottom of the tank? Just worried that my filter isn't working properly as I'm having to hoover the gravel weekly and there's a lot of mess that comes out with the water when I do a water change.

Also how far down the tank do you position the filter? I've got mine about 1cm below the water line, should it be further down in the tank?

dh058977 · Oct 30, 2011

You might see some waste on the bottom of your tank but it could be sign of overstocking or overfeeding. You should be syphoning/cleaning your gravel anyway. Your filter outlet should ideally be positioned along the water line to cause some movement on the surface.

ponyo · Oct 30, 2011

I've got a 60l tank with 2 guppies, 2 platies, 4 endlers and 3 shrimp. I'm thinking of changing the filter anyway as the one that came with the tank is noisy and rattles on the side of the tank so might upgrade to a more powerful one.
I only feed once a day and it all gets eaten within 30secs.

Noahs ark6 · Oct 30, 2011

As above there will be a bit of waste on the bottom but there shouldnt be too much, how strong is the current in the tank?

ponyo · Oct 30, 2011

Noahs ark6 said:
As above there will be a bit of waste on the bottom but there shouldnt be too much, how strong is the current in the tank?

Not sure but I don't think there's much current. When I put food in it just stays in the same place, compared with when I put food in the betta tank it gets sucked towards the filter.

Noahs ark6 · Nov 1, 2011

Thats probably the reason. Try buying a powerhead to create a stronger current. Something like This maybe :good:

ZoddyZod · Nov 1, 2011

it's true that stronger filters and additional powerheads will help shift poop to the filter intakes, but you wont ever collect all of it that way and some manual removal will be needed (during your weekly water change).

also can depend heavily on the fish you have. I swear my sand would be pristine if it wasn't for my bristlenose plec. Little #105### machine peppers the area near his favourite spot.