Filters

[nufishlover]

My ten gallon had a Penquin Biofilter that seemed to work well. I just got a standard 20 Gallon tank and don't know if I should stick with that kind? I heard you should get a little bit bigger filter then what's made for the tank size. Is this true? Also should I put an airstone in the tank for extra aeration?

 

[heresmike]

I don't use any extra aeration other than what the filter provides.

I'd say if you're happy with the filter you've got for the 10 gallon, you should go with the same type of filter for the 20 gallon. Personally, I like canister filters because they're out of sight and silent. I also tend to get filters that are rated larger than the tank I'm using it on.

 

[nufishlover]

Thanks! I appreciate the advice. Any advice on how many cories and what kind I could add once the tank is ready? I already have 5 Zebra Danios and 4 neon Tetras.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi nufishlover

Under ordinary circumstances an airstone is not necessary. As long as your filter keeps the surface of the water in some motion, and your tank is not overstocked, there should be enough oxygen in the water.

I think you could easily add 3 corys to the fish you have, in a 20 gallon tank. After that, if you have a larger filter, you might be able to add a couple more with no problem.

As for the kind of cory to get, that's pretty much up to you. All corys are similar in their requirements and get along well with other fish. While there are usually a limited variety available at the lfs, here's a link that shows many of the possibilities:

http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/calli...ra/g_thumbs.htm

You will be equally happy with whichever ones you choose.

Do you plan to use the bacteria in your 10 gallon to cycle your new tank?

 

[cometcattle]

If you have the penguin mini, I would pay a few more buck and go up a size. I think penguins are great filters. For a bigger tank, I like the emperor filters.

goodluck

 

[nufishlover]

Hi cometcattle, heresmike and Inchworm,

I didn't know whether I should cycle my new tank with the old bacteria because I had 2 cories die. How exactly do I do that if I should? Unfortunately I just gave My 10 gallon tank a really good cleaning because of the cories dying or I could move the decorations and plants to the new tank. Can I move the mini penguin to the 20 gal temporarily and put a new one on the 10? I have a Topfin filter I got with my 20 gal tank or I did purchase a Penguin 170 biofilter which is for tanks up to 50 Gallons but that might be a bit big to put on the 10 gal. How often should I do water changes and at what percentage with this larger tank?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi nufishlover

I'm not sure how long you've had fish and how much you understand about the cycling process and the role the beneficial bacteria, so please do not be offended if I oversimplify things.

Let's start with the basics. If you read this article it will give you some idea of how cycling works and what the bacteria does in a tank:

http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?sh...showtopic=10099

Do you have a set of test kits for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? If not, it would be a good idea to buy them so you can monitor the progress of the cycling.

The bacteria that caused your fish to become ill were most likely Columnaris and/or Aeromonas. These bad bacteria will always be present and the best way to prevent illness is to keep them to a minimum by frequent water changes and gravel cleanings. They will not attack strong and healthy fish, but if your fish become stressed by overcrowding, high nitrite content in the water, uneaten food left to spoil, sudden temperature changes, aggression by other fish, or infrequent water changes, they will take advantage of the opportunity. In other words, don't worry about them if you follow the rules for good fishkeeping.

Since you will be setting up another tank, and keeping in mind that you want corys, and corys require a fine gravel rather than pebbles or such, this might influence whether or not you will want to move the gravel you have in your 10 gallon into your new tank. What kind is it?

These things would be helpful to know before I go further. If your gravel is appropriate, and you can move it into the new tank, you will have a great advantage in cycling the new tank..

I think I read that you just cleaned your filter and changed the media. It would have been better if you hadn't, but either way, keep it going and new bacteria will colonize it. If your new filter does not churn the water too much, get that one going in there too. Put the plants, decorations etc. back into the tank as well, because they will also become coated with beneficial bacteria and the more you can move to the new one, the easier cycling will be.

If you post back, on this thread, I'll be happy to help you all I can.

 

[nufishlover]

Hi Inchworm!

I've had my ten gal tank for approx. 9 mos. I'm new to this but did buy a book "Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums" by David Boruchowitz, read it and went by what the pet store people said before setting it up. I appreciate any advice and it might be best to simplify it! I did buy finer gravel for the new tank. The 10 gal gravel was a bit coarser. The 20 gal just passed it's first day of cycling with all new stuff. I'm also using the Melafix you suggested for the old tank. Fish are all looking fine so far. I fishless cycled my 10 gal tank for a little over a month and then put the zebra danio's in and everything seemed to go well. I have tons of water testing stuff (I bought a bunch of Mardel over the internet) for testing everything including chlorine. I think the new penguin 170 may be too much for the ten gallon with it's own filter but I will try. How long should I leave it in there? What temperature is best to cycle the new tank?
Thanks!