29g tank - not that happy...

[PheonixKingZ]

Would swords be something that would work well?

Here it is in the tank:

I added the sponge from my previous filter to instantly cycle the tank. The media that came with it is pretty cool - never had a HOB filter or course media before. ?

You can’t see that much underwater, which I like:

Anyway, running really smoothly so far.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Would swords be something that would work well?

Do you like them? Yeh I don't see why they wouldn't work. Provide them with a couple of root tabs, should be fine

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Yes, I do like the look of them.

I don’t see how this can be a “pristine” tank and have a Pleco in it.

Speaking of that, I was hoping the water would be crystal clear this morning, but it was the same as always. The snails produce so much waste and the corys/Pleco stir it up so much, the filter can’t keep up. Which is a shame, because I just spent $45 on a brand new filter.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Yes, I do like the look of them.

I don’t see how this can be a “pristine” tank and have a Pleco in it.

Speaking of that, I was hoping the water would be crystal clear this morning, but it was the same as always. The snails produce so much waste and the corys/Pleco stir it up so much, the filter can’t keep up. Which is a shame, because I just spent $45 on a brand new filter.

you might need more plants then. I have 20+ corys and a clown pleco and never really notice any (play) sand being stirred up in water column. I'm guessing this is due to the amount of plants keeping the sand in place (their roots) + the leaves acting as a barrier and keeping sand and other debris particles from washing around the tank?

 

[FishGuest5123]

I have 27 Cory’s in one tank and never a sand issue. I use the same type of sand that you do. Hope you figure out the issue.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Yes, I do like the look of them.

I don’t see how this can be a “pristine” tank and have a Pleco in it.

Speaking of that, I was hoping the water would be crystal clear this morning, but it was the same as always. The snails produce so much waste and the corys/Pleco stir it up so much, the filter can’t keep up. Which is a shame, because I just spent $45 on a brand new filter.

Quit using sponges, instead use poly batting from Walmart, they sell it to stuff pillows and blankets...replace with a fresh piece at every weekly WC...it will clear your water right up...it comes in a big sheet, cut into strips, then cut to fit your filter size

Fairfield Poly-Fil Ultra Plush Super Soft Polyester Fiberfill, Soft Pillow Stuffing for Peaceful Sleep, Stuffing for Stuffed Animals and Toys, 12 oz. Bag - Walmart.com

Buy Fairfield Poly-Fil Ultra Plush Super Soft Polyester Fiberfill, Soft Pillow Stuffing for Peaceful Sleep, Stuffing for Stuffed Animals and Toys, 12 oz. Bag at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

 

[PheonixKingZ]

you might need more plants then. I have 20+ corys and a clown pleco and never really notice any (play) sand being stirred up in water column. I'm guessing this is due to the amount of plants keeping the sand in place (their roots) + the leaves acting as a barrier and keeping sand and other debris particles from washing around the tank?

Well... the snails poop a lot, wish I could get rid of them all. That poop is then left in the center of the tank, on the sand. Then when the corys come in, they stir it up, and then if the pleco rushes in super fast, then he stirs all of it up.

Any ideas on how to get these disgusting snails out of my tank for good?

Quit using sponges, instead use poly batting from Walmart, they sell it to stuff pillows and blankets...replace with a fresh piece at every weekly WC...it will clear your water right up...it comes in a big sheet, cut into strips, then cut to fit your filter size

Fairfield Poly-Fil Ultra Plush Super Soft Polyester Fiberfill, Soft Pillow Stuffing for Peaceful Sleep, Stuffing for Stuffed Animals and Toys, 12 oz. Bag - Walmart.com

Buy Fairfield Poly-Fil Ultra Plush Super Soft Polyester Fiberfill, Soft Pillow Stuffing for Peaceful Sleep, Stuffing for Stuffed Animals and Toys, 12 oz. Bag at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

Is it safe for fish tanks?

That may be the issue. The only thing in there right now is a sponge and the rocks that came with it.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Well... the snails poop a lot, wish I could get rid of them all. That poop is then left in the center of the tank, on the sand. Then when the corys come in, they stir it up, and then if the pleco rushes in super fast, then he stirs all of it up.

Any ideas on how to get these disgusting snails out of my tank for good?



Is it safe for fish tanks?

That may be the issue. The only thing in there right now is a sponge and the rocks that came with it.

Of course it is safe, I've been using it for years...there ARE some brands out there that are treated with anfi-fungal/anti-mold chemicals, don't use those, of course, but the one I linked is safe, 100% polyester batting

 

[vanalisa]

Quit using sponges, instead use poly batting from Walmart, they sell it to stuff pillows and blankets...replace with a fresh piece at every weekly WC...it will clear your water right up...it comes in a big sheet, cut into strips, then cut to fit your filter size

Fairfield Poly-Fil Ultra Plush Super Soft Polyester Fiberfill, Soft Pillow Stuffing for Peaceful Sleep, Stuffing for Stuffed Animals and Toys, 12 oz. Bag - Walmart.com

Buy Fairfield Poly-Fil Ultra Plush Super Soft Polyester Fiberfill, Soft Pillow Stuffing for Peaceful Sleep, Stuffing for Stuffed Animals and Toys, 12 oz. Bag at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

Is this cheaper than the blue and white filter media sheets?
Oh, and will get back about RCS - sorry for the delay in response.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I’m not really big on media “blends”, I just use the cartridges that come with the filter.

I’ll look into that batting, thank you!

 

[vanalisa]

Of course it is safe, I've been using it for years...there ARE some brands out there that are treated with anfi-fungal/anti-mold chemicals, don't use those, of course, but the one I linked is safe, 100% polyester batting

I read somewhere to put your tongue on the sponge/media in question and it should be tastless, if not then it is the unsafe kind.
Obviously not a good idea until purchased ?

 

[vanalisa]

you might need more plants then. I have 20+ corys and a clown pleco and never really notice any (play) sand being stirred up in water column. I'm guessing this is due to the amount of plants keeping the sand in place (their roots) + the leaves acting as a barrier and keeping sand and other debris particles from washing around the tank?

Can't stop thinking about eyelashes.
And those little microscopic creatures that live there.
?
Add some shrimp to tidy up the debris and the analogy will be complete!

 

[Slaphppy7]

Is this cheaper than the blue and white filter media sheets?
Oh, and will get back about RCS - sorry for the delay in response.

MUCH cheaper, one bag lasts me more than a year, doing weekly water changes, and changing it out in 6 different HOB's.

 

[Slaphppy7]

I read somewhere to put your tongue on the sponge/media in question and it should be tastless, if not then it is the unsafe kind.
Obviously not a good idea until purchased ?

Yeah, I wouldn't advise that, lol

 

[vanalisa]

Quit using sponges, instead use poly batting from Walmart, they sell it to stuff pillows and blankets...replace with a fresh piece at every weekly WC...it will clear your water right up...it comes in a big sheet, cut into strips, then cut to fit your filter size

https://[URL='https://www.walmart.c...yester-Quilt-Batting-90-x-108-1-Each/46021937

[/URL]

I fashioned this out of an airstone packed all-around with blue and white filter media, (the kind that comes packaged in a sheet or sold by length off of a roll), and secured inside a creamer pitcher with lucky rocks and a stick. I The media sure came in handy as I needed something for a QT tank. Luckily I got the package for $3 at a close-out sale; I wouldn't have paid full price!

I, too cut it up to use for filtering. I add to tanks equipped with space to accommodate extra filter media along with the stuff the tank kits come with.
As you describe your post, I have used it by itself, as well.

I VERY VERY rarely buy new sponges or cartridges or "bio-media", but a sale is a sale and there will be a sale if there is a enough of a sale! ☆

Incidentally, these types of media also house good bacteria for cycling new tanks.

Oh! That extra space, depending on the tank configuration, is a great place to put a heater as is promotes even distribution of the heated water.

Please my tangential nature.