I don't have that many fish, I don't ffed them too much, I am tired of doing water exchanges every other day.
I want to increase filtration.
Any suggestions? I have a 20 GPH filter and want something larger.
Thanks.
2007-02-23 00:03:07 · 8 answers · asked by tabulator32 6 in Pets ➔ Fish
The tank needs to cycle. Every time you change the water, the cycle has to start over. Ideally, you want to cycle the tank with as few fish in it as possible. A 20 gal tank needs only one fish in it to cycle the tank. More than that and the fish will die before the cycling is completed.
To cycle the tank you will need an ammonia test kit and a nitrite and nitrate test kit. Ammonia comes from the waste of the fish. test for ammonia and nitrites daily. When the ammonia reaches the danger levels, change only 50% of the water to reduce the ammonia level. Within a week you should see the ammonia disappear and nitrites appears. Nitrites are also toxic. When the nitrite levels get to the danger levels, do 50% water changes again as needed.
Within a few weeks, the nitrites will disappear and nitrates will appear. The tank is cycled. Nitrates are also toxic but less toxic than ammonia and nitrites. You can keep the nitrate levels within acceptable levels by doing at least a 10% and more more than a 20% water change every week.
Filtration does nothing to control these toxic chemicals other than allowing the bacteria develop needed to eliminate ammonia and nitrites. Your filter should be filter 5 to 10 times the volume of the tank per hour. The flow rate of a filter for a 20 gal tank should be 100 gal to 200 gal per hour. Any less than that and you won't get the proper biofiltration to develop.
A small tank, like a 20 gal, will require a lot more maintaining than a 30 gal. You may have to suck the debris off the bottom at least twice a week.
2007-02-23 00:36:43 · answer #1 · answered by .... . .-.. .-.. --- 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there could be a few things going on in your tank. Has your tank properly cycled?
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/biolog... (Just incase)
Sometimes when the nitrogen cycle has not run its course, the ammonia levels will spike.
The only real way to take care of this is thru water changes
25% every day until the level drops.
Filtration will do nothing to correct this problem.
If the tank is cycled check the tank for any rotting food or decaying plant life.
Unfortunatelly, there isn't anything you can do until the cycle runs its course.
Ammonia lock will only take care of 3 ppm which is nothing so I would stay away from Chemical treatments.
As far as the filter goes on the 20 You could up it to 30, A Aqua Safe or perhaps a whisper. .. but that really isn't the problem right now.
2007-02-23 00:29:18 · answer #2 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost you need more filtration. On a 20gal. tank you need to be turning the water over at least 5 times an hour (100 gph filter) so go get a filter preferably with a bio wheel. When you get the filter get ammo chips or ammo-carb as your filter medium. That should help with the immediate problem and should work just fine until your tank cycles enough to acquire enough bacteria to keep the ammonia level within reasonable limits. Hope it works out.
2007-02-23 01:26:37 · answer #3 · answered by james 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best way to adjust the ammonia levels is water changes. Be sure to use a water conditioner to take out the metals in the water. A bio filter should help too.
2007-02-23 03:55:12 · answer #4 · answered by sonicachic311 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Bio-filter may help you in your situation, but you will have to keep up with the water changes while you are letting the bacteria grow. Keep it on the dirty side. A more extensive culture will be able to keep the water cleaner, even if it pumps a little less water.
2007-02-23 00:22:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
increasing filration will do nuthing noob. The ammonia need s to be stopped with a proper cycle. You should have precycled the tank. Once enuff bacteria is built up you will no longer have a problem
2007-02-23 00:07:22 · answer #6 · answered by Return of the Snatch 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have one of these, and its AWSOME, but i'm not sure if its right for your tank, check it out though, I used to do weekly water changes but now i do monthly because this filter is so good. Happy Fish Keeping!
2007-02-23 00:11:10 · answer #7 · answered by P.Lankton 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you can buy Ph test kits at the pet store and bring your ph up or down,you can also take a sample of the water to the petstore and have them check it and give suggestions
2007-02-23 00:11:31 · answer #8 · answered by slobhanson 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋