Should I Be Panicking?

[Leonwillow]

I have had my tank set up for several months. It has an external filter in the hood which has two chambers.

The first chamber contains ceramic noodles and sponge
The second chamber has two types of sponge and carbon

About two hours ago I noticed the tank wasn't as clear as usual and I found the powerhead had stopped working. I am pretty sure that this has just happened in the last 12 hrs. The filter medium was still damp and hadn't dried out. I managed to get the powerhead working and the filter is now running OK.

The tank also has a seperate internal filter which was unaffected.

Will my tank recycle? If so how long will it take for a spike to ccuur?

Thanks.

 

[WILDER]

Test your water you might get a spike for a day or two.

 

[Leonwillow]

Thanks. My nitrates have gone up to 60

Amonia and Nitrite are very slightly higher than usual. They are usually 0 but they have gone up to around 0.1. I say 'around' as they the test kits next measurement after 0 is .25 and they are not up to that.

Do you reckon I should do a water change? I changed 20% yesterday (before the filter went off).

One of my plecs is acting really wierd and sticking to the glass at the top of the tank. Am worried.

When do you think the worst of the spike will occurr?

 

[WILDER]

I would do a water change yes if a fish isn't coping.
turn aeration up as well if you can.

 

[Leonwillow]

Thanks for the quick response Wilder. I'll do a change now.

Can't increase aeration but it's well over aerated anyway.

 

[WILDER]

Just that with the spike it will be tough on the bottom for the plec, good luck.

 

[Leonwillow]

Thanks - I may buy another air pump tomorrow.