Filtration for 25G

[thecowman]

I currently have in my 25 gallon tank 1 angelfish (his friend recently died), 1 clown loach, 2 lemon tetras, and 1 bristlenose. I am currently deciding what, if any, additions I will make to the tank. My angelfish currently is plagued with the same fungus that killed his companion. The fish is over 4 years of age now, a little on the old side, but I am trying my best to revive him.

As far as filtration is concerned, I am using an Aquaclear 300 power filter. My problem is, the filter becomes clogged quite frequently and requires very frequent cleaning. There is one plant living in the tank at the moment. I was wondering if I should add another filter of some sort to help carry some of the burden of filtering the tank. I think this would help with a lot of my problems with the tank, as it has proven to be quite difficult to keep the water clarity up to par with the current filtration system. I do frequent water changes to help with this problem, and aside from the current fungal infection of my angelfish, I have had little to no problems as far as fish health is concerned. The lemon tetras have been there for 4 years along with the angelfish, and the others have been there for about 3. What type of filter should I add, if any? Another power filter? A small canister? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[yashinfan]

Get a power-filter, mine's amazing :P

[TKOS]

If you wanted a second filter an AC Mini would probably pick up the slack and would be great backup in case your main filter fails.

4 years isn't really that old for an Angel Fish, so if you can save it then try try try!

[thecowman]

I am trying to save the angelfish, and the disease is only in its beginning stages, so I think I have a very good chance. I have heard that clown loaches are extremely sensitive to medications, so this limits which medicine I can use to treat the fish. I am currently in the process of administering a 1 week treatment with Melafix as it is one of few all natural medications that will not harm my loach, and I have had success with it in the past. Hopefully this will get the disease under control and the fish can make a full recovery.

[TKOS]

Good Luck. I hope everything turns out. If the Melafix doesn't work you might try some aquarium salt and raised temperatures. That worked for my friends cichlid, though I don't know if it was a fungus problem like you seem to have.

[thecowman]

Thank you very much for the advice. :) My fish and I appreciate it. I think I may look into picking up and Aquaclear Mini. I'll keep you posted on what happens with the angelfish.

[Rometiklan]

You are using an AC 300 on a 25 gallon and it gets clogged often? I'm very surprised that you are having problems with the AC 300 for your set-up. The AC 300 should be more than enough filtration...you are turning the tank over about 12 times. I don't know if adding an AC mini will solve your problem, although it wouldn't hurt.

If you are rinsing out the sponges every week during your water changes, I wouldn't think your filter would get that clogged. You may think about adding a pre-filter to your AC 300 to prevent particulate matter from clogging your filter. You merely rinse out the pre-filter during your water changes.

How much water do you take out during your water changes? A slight increase may help improve clarity. I would also do my best to siphon the gunk on the bottom of the tank. Also decreasing the amount of food at feeding time would also help with clarity.