Freshwater Filtration Question

[177ichael]

I have the Rena XP2 canister filter for my 36 gal corner tank. I've heard that biofiltration is also necessary if your filter does not have the wet/dry capability. My question is do I need to have a biowheel or other biofilter method to supplement my canister filter? Thanks.

[blitzen25bm]

all the sponges and other media in your filter will hold bio, just get some of those little lavarock things or ceramic rings they sell. you should be ok though unless you really overstock.

[177ichael]

My filter came with a packet of ceramic cylinders that I put on the top level of the filter. I've heard that without a true unsubmersed portion of the filter, you don't have the oxygen from the air to create the necessary bacteria to help prevent excess algae buildup. I tend to be getting a lot of mixed information from different people I've talked to at various LFS. Sorry about the really basic question.. I''m still learning and hopefully at a minimal cost...

Thanks for the help.

Michael

[blitzen25bm]

dont know anything aobut the algae thing your talking about. but bio media works way way better when exposed to air, such as wet/dry filters but they are fine underwater. will take up some oxgen from the water but everything will be ok as long as your not overstocked and you have decent water circulation. your biofiltration will be fine because its in the filters and on all the surfaces of your tank; gravel, tank sides, decor etc.

[TKOS]

As long as your tank has plenty of O2 dissolved int he water then things will be fine. The bacteria have much lower O2 requirements than fish do so if your bacteria is dieing off due to low O2 your fish will already be dead.

[177ichael]

Right now, I have my filter running with no fish for ammonia production. I've heard that you should cycle your tank for at least a month with a couple fish, in order to start the nitrogen cycle, before adding more fish. Sound about right? Any suggestions on types of freshwater "cycling" fish?

Thanks.

Michael

[TKOS]

Actually the best way is to fishless cycle. In this case you add pure ammonia to the tank (no additives) and it will help create the necessary bacteria so that you can safely add a full tank of fish. Check out the sticky at the top of the newbie forum for freshwater or do a search for fishless cycle.

If you do use fiush then you must have a test kit for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate and will probably end up doing way more work as you will need to do almost daily water changes at the beginning. This will work as long as you keep the ammonia level below 0.5 ppm and nitrite below 0.25 ppm, otherwise the fish will get damaged and have shorter life spans.

Another system is a silent cycle in whcih you stuff your aquarium with lots of fast growing stem plants and they use up the ammonia and nitrites before they get to dangerous levels. This method does work but can be costly and time consuming, IMO. Especially if you don't want the plants in the end.

[DIYMatt]

Yeah, that sounds like a safe recommendation for cycling. You can get around that with live plants or some added chemicals, but its kinda complicated and your way is much safer. Back when I had to cycle tanks I always used zebra danios. They are virtually indestructable. Now, I think I would use the long-finned pearl danios because I like the way they look, especially in a group of 4-6. Remember that unless you take them back to the store, they will be a permanent resident in the tank. Just don't be afraid to feed kinda heavily for such small fish. After the cycling is complete, add fish a couple at a time. If you fil lthe tank full right away you will probably run into some small issues.

Your XP2 will be a good biofilter if you follow these practices: You may already know this, but....
1. Never rinse anything from inside the canister in tap water or water that is cold. I just lightly wring out my sponges in the water I take out for a water change. For the ceramic rings/noodles I usually don't do anything unless there is a lot of gunk on them. Then, I just leave them in the media basket and dunk the entire basket in the water change water and the water running back out rinses the rings well.
2. If you change media, I do not, change part at a time. This leaves some of your bacteria colony intack, while you break in the new media.
3. Use a prefilter. I put a foam block over the intake on my filters to cut down on the gunk getting into the main filter. minimizing cleanings.

Basically you don't want to disturb the bacteria, if you can help it. Then you ensure good biofiltration inside the filter.

[DIYMatt]

Oops, looks like TKOS beat me to the punch, he can type faster and has more info:(

[177ichael]

The fishless cycle sounds very interesting to me. Will bacteria begin to grow without any ammonia additive? If so, is it possible to cycle my tank and build up the bacteria so that when I do add fish, there will be sufficient amounts of bacteria to convert the ammonia to nitrites/nitrates? Also, is the XP2 filter action enough to create sustained O2 levels or do I need an aerator for a 36g tank?

Michael

[lee914]

XP2 is plenty for a 36g (also depends on the amount of fish you will have) as long as you stock within reason, and cycling the tank will give you the beneficial bacteria you need so when you do add fish the ammonia/ nitrite can be broken down easier.

[JSchmidt]

Originally posted by 177ichael
The fishless cycle sounds very interesting to me. Will bacteria begin to grow without any ammonia additive? If so, is it possible to cycle my tank and build up the bacteria so that when I do add fish, there will be sufficient amounts of bacteria to convert the ammonia to nitrites/nitrates? Also, is the XP2 filter action enough to create sustained O2 levels or do I need an aerator for a 36g tank?

Michael

From the FW Newbies "stickies" section: everything you ever wanted to know, and more, about cycling your tank. Enjoy!

Jim