How Often Should I Change The Water?

[slimeneo]

Oh ew x.x. Hey I just thought of something, I have a pond outside with filter and everything, could I use that as mature filter media?

it's kind of covered in algae though......

 

[Ruskull]

Oh ew x.x. Hey I just thought of something, I have a pond outside with filter and everything, could I use that as mature filter media?

it's kind of covered in algae though......

I'm not too sure about that but it might be worth a try. I mean the fish in the pond are doing good right? Maybe someone with a bit more knowledge on Koi ponds will come along and correct me but to be honest I think I'd try it. It's just a 10 gallon tank you're trying to spike so it doesn't take too much. You do have a good amount of fish in a small tank though..............

 

[fluttermoth]

You can definitely try a bit of media from your pond filter, OP; it's all the same bacteria

 

[slimeneo]

Hmm, I found this topic that suggested it, so I'm not quite sure because it mentions that there's a possibility of bad bacteria growing in it.

I think that using mature filter from other used tanks would be safer. Don't want to harm my fish D:

 

[Ruskull]

The poster "Fluttermoth" know her stuff so if she says it should be okay she's probably right. Besides, subjecting your fish to high levels of ammonia & nitrite is probably worse than any threat from "bad bacteria." I'd make sure you use a quality dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime or Aquasafe and that should take care of any nasties from the pond. Keep in mind, the fish in the pond are okay right?

 

[fluttermoth]

Thanks, Ruskull!

It will be safe though, honestly. Do check it over for actual bugs! You don't really want asellus or dragonfly nymphs in your tank, but I wouldn't worry about the 'bad bacteria' stuff being said in that old thread.

It's not like your tank is hermetically sealed from the outside world, is it?!

 

[slimeneo]

Yes, the fish outside have been living happily for years ah, wish I had read this earlier but anyhow I just got some mature filter media from petco. The lady seemed confused as to why I wanted it, but ah well.

 

[Ruskull]

Great, now just make sure you buy some fish food, etc. since she helped you out. LOL

That's precisely what I did and they now know me by name...............

Take some of the darkest, dirtiest looking parts & cut them into strips. Then you place them into your filter behind the filter insert. Viola! Your tank should be cycled or close to it. Make sure you test every day for at least a week just to make sure. Remember, that's still a lot of fish for a 10 gallon so you'll probably need to do 50% water changes weekly or better yet, two 25% water changes per week. Maybe 25% Wednesday night & 25% Saturday night.

EDIT: Typos!

 

[slimeneo]

LOL, I already bought freeze dried bloodworms the other day, I'm pretty much stocked for the next couple of months :3

hm, I couldn't fit it into the filter insert (the one you change) so I just put it near where the water comes out....... is that okay?

I think I'll still do a water change today, since I'm leaving for 2 days tomorrow.

 

[fluttermoth]

No, you need to get it in the filter. Chop up/pull apart cartridges if you need to, but get in in the filter.

 

[Ruskull]

What kind of filter do you have? Is it a hang on back type? If so they usually have (2) slots for the inserts. It's very important that the stuff goes into the filter itself so that the beneficial bacteria can migrate to the new filter cartridge. You can even lay a couple of strips across the top under the lid.

 

[slimeneo]

Alright, I moved it, does this look about right? I put it behind the blue thing.

 

[FishFanatic04]

Nice polish

That's a good spot for the media btw. Forgot to type that part

 

[slimeneo]

Nice polish

That's a good spot for the media btw. Forgot to type that part

Haha thank you!

 

[Ruskull]

Great job with the media!

For some reason I assumed you were a guy, maybe it was the name "slime neo"