Filter question-for tank with sand bottom.?

Question

I have a 55 gallon tank with 10inch oscar and a 4 inch catfish. The tank bottom has black sand (from a pet store) and I'm struggling with the oscars poop. I have 3 overhanging filters and have their siphon tubes extended near the tank bottom-but still the oscar poop alwas gathers in the corner.

can someone recommend a filter for having sand ? I use a siphon gravel hose once a week, but would also would like a better filtration system. IDEAS?

Answer 1

Look at getting a wave maker to increase the water circulation or, you could try a submersible pump pointed at the problem area
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4591&N=2004+113040
A

Answer 2

Someone I'm sure will recommend an undergravel filter=don't use those. Not sure of any that will do that, none of mine do either. Whatever doesn't get picked up by the siphon, I just use the net and scoop out. I have sand also in some of my tanks, just give it a little shake and the sand will sift through the net. Do it close to the bottom though so it'll settle before the filter sucks it in. Try a canister filter, I have a couple different brands(Rena, Fluval, & Magnum) but none would work on my old oscar tank or my parrot fish tanks-still had to scoop the poop.

Answer 3

Personally if you can keep the Oscar from tearing up plants - I would go with some plants. The plants will keep Nitrates to a minimum, plus the poop will turn into nutrients for the plants.

Sand is always a tough substrate to keep clean (even black). I would consider mixing a good clay substrate (like either Laterite or Flourite) with the sand (with the fish not in the tank obviously), and get yourself some driftwood and either some Java Fern and or Anachris or Water Sprite.

Good luck

P.S. check out this site...
Plantgeek.net
http://www.plantgeek.net

Answer 4

I think they make filters that suck up sand and debris, and spit the sand back out. I've heard of em but never seen them, and I bet if they are real, they're expensive. I have a 55 gallon tank for my turtles, and I use a Fluval 304. These things are high-powered, and great, but you'd have to switch to gravel. The plus side is that you hardly ever have to change it, and it keeps the tank sparkling clear, even with my messy turtles. They are a bit pricey, but well worth it, and you can find cheaper ones on ebay. The filter tube also comes all the way to the bottom of the tank (or however far you want it to).

Answer 5

You could try to put a power-head in one corner and blow the poop to where the intake is to your filter. I would recommend against an under gravel filter as Oscars are poop-machines and you want that stuff out of there, not permeated throughout your gravel/sand.

Make sure your filter is rated for the size tank you have. And not just the minimum specs; something that falls in between.