Filtration/Chemical

[MasterZ]

I've done some reading on the subject and I've gotten contradicting info. Here's my scenario: I'm purchasing a 10 gallon tank which should require minimal spending per week or per month for carbon cartridges, chemicals, etc.

I've heard under gravel filters were best, and it is not required to place carbon cartridges on them (it may actually be unhealthy to use these cartridges) but with this type of filter frequent water changes (vacuums) are requred

Are there any other options that don't require constant spending (such as carbon cartridges)?

Is the gravel vacuuming each week necessary for other types of filters?

Should chemicals such as Stress Zyme or Seachem Prime be used regularly to keep the nitrates, ammonia, chlorine, etc to good levels?

What is a cheap effective filtration system for a 10 gallon setup(no real plants) ?

 

[aquariumfishguy]

Wow, I'd really like to see who told you all this crap. Because someone took you for a ride...

First of all, carbon isn't needed in any filter. Power filters (aka HOB filters) are most commonly used, especially for smaller aquariums or aquariums under 55 gallons. You could get a Whisper 5-15, or an AquaClear mini...both would work excellent wonders on a 10 gallon aquarium.

Despite the conflicting issues on carbon today, most people agree that its something thats not needed. If you are to medicate your aquarium for some reason, or if your tank is horribly cloudy for a long period of time, then carbon should be considered. But---you dont need it for any length of time for a regular, healthy, and established aquarium.

And as for gravel vacuuming. If you are a person who does weekly water changes, you may do weekly vacuums of the gravel. Generally, it is recommended that you do bi-weekly gravel vacuumings. So, if you wanted to skip vacuuming your aquarium one week, then do it the next, that would be fine.

Ammonia, and Nitrites are kept at zero when a tank cycles properly.

Nitrates are kept below 30ppm when you do regular water changes.

Water dechlorinator is used to rid your tap water of Chlorine and Chloramines essentially making tap water safe for your fish. You use this after you do your water change, but not nessessarly to keep the water parameters "safe". Only you can do that.

 

[RTR]

Pretty much agree w/AFG, just a matter of degree - I'd like lower nitrates, and do vacuum unplanted tanks weekly.

Can we bet on LFS source? Can you say $$$?

 

[MasterZ]

So let me review real quick... an aquaclear mini paired with weekly water changes (with softened water - any recommendations on softeners?) should keep my fish healthy?

What about pH? Is there anything else I'm missing?

 

[kveeti]

An AC mini will come with a sponge and a carbon pack insert (maybe even another pack with ammo chips, I forget). Forget the packets. Save the carbon for when it might be needed. All you have to do is purchase a second sponge. Weekly, at water change, rinse one sponge out in the old tank water and replace, rotating your sponges. These sponges should last at least a decade. No more $$ to spend on filter media.

It’s better to stay away from those PH-up and –down bottles. What is your current PH? You might not need to change it. A constant PH, even if not ideal, is better than a fluctuating one.

You should find out if your water company adds chlorine or chloramines. That will make a difference in which water conditioner you buy.