I added 2 filters to my 12 inch tank is this OK?

Question

My fish are breathing constantly. they were fine til I added a new filter and a couple of plants. I just put in the old filter along with the new one will this help fix my problem? If I need a Bigger tank how big should I Get?One fish is 6 inches,one is 4 inches, and the other 2 are 8 inches

Answer 1

yes u need a bigger tank , and adding 2 filters to this is fine , just remember the size of the fish stomach is the size of their eyes so dont over feed . the bigger the tank the faster they grow . and adding fresh plants helps out alot

Answer 2

If you have a 12 inch tank with a 6 inch fish, yes, you need to get a bigger tank. The fish need room to swim.

Also, the other comment about adding an airstone is correct. That is how they breathe, so I'm not really sure what you're saying when you say they are breathing constantly. They should be, just not at the surface of the water.

Check with a vet for exotic animals or a pet store about the 2nd filter. I wouldn't think it would be a problem unless you have a sucker (succor?) fish. They live on the algae.

Answer 3

It will help, but the new filter will take time to grow the beneficial bacteria (up to two weeks) adding an air pump and stone will also relieve some of the stress. Make sure you don't change the media of both filters at the same time. A bigger tank would help and you could use the same filters in the new ones. I would say at least twenty gallons.
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Answer 4

To start a tank even if you add filtered water and start right it would take at least three days. After that add one fish into the tank (the right way). Leave him in there for two or three days. Than add two or three fish. Then wait a few days and add the rest. What you are trying to is stabilize your fish tank. Adding the fish too soon will take longer for your tank to stabilize and most or all of your fish will die. You can add anything from the old tank into the new tank adding the rocks will move things along a little quicker. Dont add anything from old tank if your fish were sick and if they were wash everything with hot water. Wash any thing new you put in your tank too. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I would say that you need a bigger tank. The general rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish for every gallon of water. I always use more filtration in my tanks then is necessary, so your filters should be fine but you need to pay attention to the oxygen exchange in the tank with that many fish. Good Luck

Answer 6

It is suicidal to put fishes that size in a small tank. They won't be able to move around. Any addition of substance or the like into the tank is like adding more furniture into a prison cell. It takes up the space. You need to give them a bigger space to breathe. You either get them a bigger tank or rear smaller fishes.

Answer 7

I agree with most of the answers. Consider the species and research their needs, Fancy Goldies need a min of 10 gls each, with commons and comets needing more, 15-20 gls each. Some of the tropicals attain the same sizes or better and need as much room. Doubling filtration doesn't hurt, but tropicals are generally rated at a 4x, thats the standard filter coming with tanks as a rule, goldies filtration goes 10x gph. A good air pump and bubble bar or stone. And last, check the water and test it weekly, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, Ph. Don't forget to use a ammonia binder/Dechlor.

Answer 8

Yes, 2 filters is fine.

However you severely need a bigger tank. I would get the biggest one that you can possibly afford and have room for. I recommend a 55 gallon. You will love it. You can get them cheap on ebay too, if you look patiently enough.

Answer 9

You should have just added an air pump with an air stone that creates fine bubbles.

A second filter can't hurt though.

Answer 10

bigger tank, not 2 filters.