Adding A Sponge To An Existing Charcoal Filtration System

[Scates11]

Perfect, I am glad to hear I made a wise choice on the new filter/pump setup and I will switch the carbon out when I make my next trip to the store. Now I have heard both ways...2 bio bags or 2 sponges, which is better? That would be great if I could post pics of my Mollies, I have 4 of them hope that would not be to much of a pain but if you experts could sex them that would be great I will take pics when I get home later this evening.

 

[Scates11]

My mission to take pictures of the Mollies was not a success to say the least....they move to Darn much for my iPhone to capture a good image. I will get the DSLR out tomorrow and try to get some good shots. I think my oversized pump is giving the poor little guys a work out, I have it adjusted all the way down and they are fighting the current constantly. This probably has some to due with them being at the top of the tank, due to the elevated ammonia levels i would imagine. Perhaps once the tank is fully cycled they will settle in to the middle of the tank and not be pushed around so much.

 

[Mikey1]

Perfect, I am glad to hear I made a wise choice on the new filter/pump setup and I will switch the carbon out when I make my next trip to the store. Now I have heard both ways...2 bio bags or 2 sponges, which is better? That would be great if I could post pics of my Mollies, I have 4 of them hope that would not be to much of a pain but if you experts could sex them that would be great I will take pics when I get home later this evening.

not really alot of difference between the bio balls or sponge.....personally i prefer the sponge as i feel it gives a larger area for bacteria.....i guess the one advantage the bio balls have is they basically last forever, where as the sponges need to be changed but not very often, mine normally last at least a year

 

[Scates11]

Sounds good, I will try the sponge, should work fine with 2 sponges and 1 bio bag i imagine.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Sexing livebearers is much easier than most other fish. The key is the anal fin (the fin under the belly just before the tail).

The male has a Pointed fin (gonopodium) while the female's anal fin will be fan shaped. Be patient, as many times the females will pull this fin in while swimming and it is difficult to notice.

Good filter choice, it is almost always better to have too much filtration than not enough. I say almost because I'm sure there is a case, I just can't think of one off hand.

 

[Scates11]

Sexing livebearers is much easier than most other fish. The key is the anal fin (the fin under the belly just before the tail).

The male has a Pointed fin (gonopodium) while the female's anal fin will be fan shaped. Be patient, as many times the females will pull this fin in while swimming and it is difficult to notice.

Good filter choice, it is almost always better to have too much filtration than not enough. I say almost because I'm sure there is a case, I just can't think of one off hand.

Perfect I will take a look tonight, thanks you!

 

[Scates11]

Looks like I have 2 males and 2 females, all 4 are different types of Mollies.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

They will interbreed.

I would suggest you do one of two things: Either return the females and get males instead, or get a few more females to spread the attention of the males a little more.

 

[Scates11]

Interesting, I think i may return the females because I am going to return the blue gourami that I was sold as well. I was one of the stupid ones and did not do much research before I started buying fish. I was talked in to buying the Mollies and shortly there after the Gourami, the Gourami seems to be suffering a bit due to the ammonia and spends most of his time at the top of one corner of my tank so I have already decided to take him back on Friday. When I do I suppose I will take the 2 females back and pay attention to the sex of the next fish I get.

Stupid question....how does one go about returning fish to the lfs, mine is about a 25 min. drive and I truly have no idea how to transport them?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

The easiest way I have found is take a 1 gallon ziptop bag, fill it about 1/3rd to 1/2 of the way with tank water (adding some Prime or Stress Coat is always a nice touch). Then zip the bag up with as much air inside as possible. Carry gently.

Take it to the store (try to insulate the bag as much as possible so the temp stays as close to the same as possible). I'd suggest separate bags for the mollies and gourami.


Most stores are pretty easy going about returns, but I'd bring the receipt along if possible. Different stores have different policies, so a call ahead might be a good idea, just so you know what you're going to be dealing with at the store. Speak to the manager if possible rather than just some employee. The manager wants to keep your business, so generally they are much nicer.