Substrate

[stiffler69]

Ok seems i have some issues with my main smaller tank its a aquastart 320 28 litre, now the problem i have i beleive is down to over feeding in the past ive now tried to knock this on the head since this problem arrised.


My substrate (Gravel) is getting fury and really matted to the bottom of the tank so mattered it started to slow the flow of the under gravel filter and even proved hard for my vacumme to airate and move the gravel for cleaning, its not causing any health issues yet as the water is crystal clear and the filter is still working but i beleive i have my work cut out getting rid.

Ive done regular chages and vaccumeing every two days but i just cant seem to get this cement like fur off the substrate, its pretty tough stuff to deal with.

Now my question is do i stick with the regular cleaning and spend a load of cash on water conditioner or do i just completely change the substrate probably much cheaper as its only about £4 for 5kg or something like that and will changing this effect my filters properties since it is a undergravel filter and i imagine alot of the bacteria is built up in the substrate.

Thanks in advance

 

[loachman]

Ok seems i have some issues with my main smaller tank its a aquastart 320 28 litre, now the problem i have i beleive is down to over feeding in the past ive now tried to knock this on the head since this problem arrised.


My substrate (Gravel) is getting fury and really matted to the bottom of the tank so mattered it started to slow the flow of the under gravel filter and even proved hard for my vacumme to airate and move the gravel for cleaning, its not causing any health issues yet as the water is crystal clear and the filter is still working but i beleive i have my work cut out getting rid.

Ive done regular chages and vaccumeing every two days but i just cant seem to get this cement like fur off the substrate, its pretty tough stuff to deal with.

Now my question is do i stick with the regular cleaning and spend a load of cash on water conditioner or do i just completely change the substrate probably much cheaper as its only about £4 for 5kg or something like that and will changing this effect my filters properties since it is a undergravel filter and i imagine alot of the bacteria is built up in the substrate.

Thanks in advance

Water conditioner won't help your water quality. If you get alot of the crud in the gravel decaying, you'll have a high nitrogen levels (ammonia, nitrite and/or nitrate...most likely nitrate). It is where the majority of your bacteria are (so it's not really likely you have ammonia/nitrite in excess).

It sounds as though you're ready for the massive cleaning that comes with UG filters.

 

[rabbut]

I find you get more muck out of UGF's if you shake the vaccume while pushing it into the gravel. This loosens the stones, and makes the muck free to be removed by the siphon. Remember that as they gravel is your filter, you shoulden't clean more than 1/2 in on go, or you may put your tank into a minicycle If the gravel is slumping together, may I surgest a larger grade gravel, to reduce this effect. You will have to add it is gradualy, as the existing gravel is where your bactiria are hanging out
HTH
Rabbut