Whisper Filter...hang On Back Type

[Kaylee]

This is probably not a very good question, but I'm curious if its set up right. I have a whisper filter that hangs off the back of the tank. Question is: Should the water level of the tank be below the outlet from the filter alittle ways, or can it be submerged in the water. Just thinking about this because I'm wondering if I have the water fall into the tank it may increase oxygen levels in my tank, rather then have it like a current. Mental Note: kinda like a water fall effect.

I have a 30 gallon tank, with a regular bubbler but the air just goes to the top......is there really a need to have a bubbler? Or is a bubble stone better?

 

[Will91]

Hi Kaylee:

I also have a Whisper hang on back filter. I have the model 30 with my 26 USG bowfront tank. I think it is an excellent filter and very easy to maintain. Since I have an airstone, I always fill my tank well above the outlet level of the filter so it basically just flows into the tank rather than drops in. Plus, I don't like to see a line of water in my tank so this way the water line is hidden by the top frame of my tank. I think aeration is good and the fish like it too. A lot of times, they seem to hang out in the stream of bubbles - makes me think they are getting a bubble massage there! Also, I like having the airstone since it is by my heater so I believe that helps create some water movement in the vicinity of the heater to help with even heat distribution. If I didn't want an airstone, I would probably let the water drop into the tank from the Whisper to help create some aeration.

 

[IrishPunk4748]

If the tank is not over crowded then you shouldn't have to worry too much about wether the filter water is falling in or not but if you think aeration might be a problem in your tank( if the fish are gasping or gulping air at the surface) then i would add an airstone. Other than that just fill the tank as high as you would like.

 

[Kaylee]

If the tank is not over crowded then you shouldn't have to worry too much about wether the filter is falling in or not but if you think aeration might be a problem in your tank( if the fish are gasping or gulping air at the surface) then i would add an airstone. Other than that just fill the tank as high as you would like.

It's not over crowded, I have 3 tetras, 1 cory catfish, 1 algae eater about 4 inches long in a 30 gallon tank. Reason why I asked this question is because my tank just went through a big algae bloom for about 3 months then i finally broke down and bought a uv sterilizer, due to the fact i just couldn't get rid of the dark green water. Then with all of the algae dead it rose my ammonia levels and now i have a bacteria bloom. I have been doing 25% water changes when ammonia levels get high enough to do it, approximately every other day. One of my serpae tetras and cat fish is acting weird and i seen it several times go to the surface for a breathe of fresh air.

 

[IrishPunk4748]

It sounds like you are doing everything right in that situation. Algae blooms and bacteria blooms can be tricky and you are doing well. I am curious though what is the ammonia level that you do the water change at? If you want the tank filled all the way and are willing to get a airstone then i would do that but if you don't want the airstone then you should drop the level and wait untill the situation is back under control and raise it again but the higher water level will help reduce the frequency of the water changes so the higher the better.

 

[Kaylee]

I do a partial water change when my ammonia gets up to .25 I think i will go ahead and put a air stone in, more bubbly then my bubbler. The reason why i have a bacteria bloom is due to a algae bloom that i had for 3 months and i installed a submersible uv sterilizer and it killed my algae and now i got this darn bacteria bloom (

 

[IrishPunk4748]

Sounds good and i know that bacteria blooms can be frustrating. Do you use a gravel vac when you do water changes? This could help you keep the ammonia down by getting the organics in your gravel out taking care of the ammonia at the source. I have used the gravel vacs before and they can really be helpful. Also do you keep the tank by a window because the sunlight could have caused the algae bloom to begin with? Although now you have the UV sterilizer so that shouldn't be a problem now anyway.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

I usually just give my filter half an inch of space from the lip