More filtration???? I don't get it...

jtruswell

jtruswell

AC Members
Jan 18, 2006
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I posted earlier about my nitrite problem. After a 50% water change the first nitrite test gave 0.30-0.35 then a few hours later a second test showed it was closer to 0.25...don't exactly know why but I'm going for another ~30% change tomorrow.

In any case, I wanted to ask a question about filters. I currently have two undergravel filters (ie. two filter heads). I'm wondering if I should have a power filter or something to that effect in addition to these undergravel ones. I'm planning on heading to the pet store to look at them tomorrow and I HAD planned on talking to the clerks there, but after reading a lot on this forum, I don't really trust them that much. They're pretty careful about asking what size tank you have before selling you fish, but they give somewhat contradictory advice sometimes so I tend to check up here before I follow through on their advice.

Anyway, LONG story short, do I need a power filter?? BTW: the nitrite problems were due to overfeeding, cuz I'm a stupid newbie...:duh: But I know much better now.

Thanks.

Jade
 
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jtruswell,

Few people here would tell you that UGF's are the way to go. They are very old technology and simply don't always do what they are supposed to (I won't go deep into the subject).

A power filter with good mechanical and biological filtration is really a "must have" these days.

I am a big fan of the Aqua Clear filters, and believe in "over"-filtration, so would suggest that anyone buy a filter that is rated for twice the size of your aquarium.

For instance, I have an Emperor 400, an Emperor 280 and an AquaClear 110 on my 75 gal cichlid tank.
 
Search here on UGF. They do exactly what they are supposed to if maintained properly. Power filters are not required, and they too require maintenance to be effective.

If this is a new tank, the nitrite levels indicate the cycle is almost in balance, and short of doing water changes to dilute it, there's little to worry about. If this is an established tank, we'll need to know more to determine what's causing the nitrite levels.
 
Also do a search for reverse UGF or RUGF. There are tons of threads. They area great filter option. The RUGF seems to be much easier to maintain and doesn't require a lot fo changes in your setup. Essentially it blows air up through the plate instead of sucking it down. This means no large buildups under the plates liek in traditional setups.
 
jtruswell said:
BTW: the nitrite problems were due to overfeeding, cuz I'm a stupid newbie...:duh: But I know much better now.
Click to expand...

Normally, NITRITES are not due to over feeding, but an incomplete cycle. High nitrates mays be due to over feeding.
 
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