Need advice on water quality

[heatherpooreks]

Hi all,
I am a proud fish owner for 3 months next week. I have added driftwood and now have planted tanks. I don't add any fertilizer for my plants, but noticed my ammonia and Nitrate levels refuse to go to O. I have posted photos of my two tanks along with info about what is in them.Let me know what you think.

10 gal tank: 2 ammonia filters and one carbon plus filter cartridges, lights and pump came with tank, plants include floating Frogbite, Java Fern, Jungle Val, Bacopa Monneiri, Dwarf Sag, Ludwigia Reopens and Moss Ball with Driftwood Bonsai "tree". Two fake rock tunnels. Substrate is aquarium rock with Caribbean sand over top. Fish: five glo tetras and two loaches.

5 gal: No light, old tank from childhood. Java fern, Dwarf sag, water sprite and moss ball on Bonsai "tree". Substrate aquarium gravel with Caribbean sand on top. Fake dojo tunnel thing. 1 male betta.

 

[utahfish]

Get rid of the ammonia filters. The natural progression of nitrifying bacteria is to go from ammonia to nitrite to nitrate, if one is starving tank of ammonia one is also starving beneficial bacteria of ammonia to feed and break down. Let the tank go through its natural progression without interfering with things like ammonia blocking pads filters or chemicals.
Also charcoal isn't needed with plants as it will filter out many of the nutrients plants need to grow.

 

[heatherpooreks]

Get rid of the ammonia filters. The natural progression of nitrifying bacteria is to go from ammonia to nitrite to nitrate, if one is starving tank of ammonia one is also starving beneficial bacteria of ammonia to feed and break down. Let the tank go through its natural progression without interfering with things like ammonia blocking pads or filters it chemicals.
Also charcoal isn't needed with plants as it will filter out many of the nutrients plants need to grow.

So do you not have filters at all?

 

[utahfish]

So do you not have filters at all?

Filters yes but take out ammonia pads and replace with filter floss and a type of media for beneficial bacteria to grow on. I find plain lava rock to be an excellent filter media for growing beneficial bacteria, it's inexpensive light porous and has lots of surface are for growth. I just put I bunch in my filter and put some filter floss in the filter to catch debris. No need for charcoal or ammonia pads. Both do more harm than good. If one doesn't have access to lava rock bio balls work well.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

I agree with Utahfish.
What kind of filters are you using?
What do you mean my ammonia filter?

Normal sponge pads are good enough to be used as filter media.
If you want other media, you can try Biohome brand or other ceramic rings.

Don't overfeed to prevent high ammonia.
How much water do you change each week?
At least 50% or more water change is preferable for small tank.

How do you clean your filters?
For the first two months, you are not supposed to clean your filters as your beneficial bacteria are not enough in numbers for your tank.

 

[heatherpooreks]

Filters yes but take out ammonia pads and replace with filter floss and a type of media for beneficial bacteria to grow on. I find plain lava rock to be an excellent filter media for growing beneficial bacteria, it's inexpensive light porous and has lots of surface are for growth. I just put I bunch in my filter and put some filter floss in the filter to catch debris. No need for charcoal or ammonia pads. Both do more harm than good. If one doesn't have access to lava rock bio balls work well.

I have a Marineland slim fit. What will fit? What brands?

 

[heatherpooreks]

How do you clean your filters?
For the first two months, you are not supposed to clean your filters as your beneficial bacteria are not enough in numbers for your tank.
[/QUOTE]
I do 50% on both tanks every 4-5 days. I have attached what I use. Just rinsed them for the first time today as I was changing water.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

It seems to me that you have two types of cartridge(filter media):
1)Bio-Carb : Carbon
This is not require and it will lose its absorption's ability after probably 1 month.
It won't be able to provide much space for your beneficial bacteria(BB) to grow.
You can replace it with a sponge pad. Cut a sponge pad that can fit into your filter.
But don't throw it away now as you still need the BB that are in the cartridge (the outer layer). You can reuse the outer layer.
Just cut a small opening and remove all the carbon inside the cartridge.
Put your new sponge pad together with this cartridge for 1-2 months.

2)Bio-Clear : Zeolite
Zeolite will also lose its absorption ability after a while.
The BB can't really grow in Zeolite.
It's better to replace it with a sponge pad or other type of filter media like ceramic ring or Biohome media that allow the BB to grow on it. You also reuse this cartridge outer layer tht may have BB.

I guess that is the reason why your Ammonia is still high after 3 mths.
Just buy a piece of sponge pad and cut it accordingly to fit into your filter. You can cut it into 2-3 pieces to fit into your filter.
Most sponge can last you almost forever without the need to replace them.


About Zeolite:

Should I Use Zeolite in My Aquarium? The Do's and Don'ts! - Aquarium Sphere

Zeolite is a great type of media that is usually used to get rid of ammonia and other chemicals from your aquarium.

aquariumsphere.com

Using Zeolite to Keep Your Aquarium Clean

What is zeolite and when should you use it in an aquarium? Learn why it isn't appropriate for long-term use.

www.thesprucepets.com

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Sponge Pad:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0131W9CD4/?tag=ff0d01-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072PZL63F/?tag=ff0d01-20


Filter Media:

How to Optimize an Aquarium Filter (and Save Money in the Long Run)

Learn how to upgrade your fish tank filter by replacing the disposable cartridges with reusable filter media in four easy steps, saving you time & money.

www.aquariumcoop.com

Best Aquarium Filter Media Guide, Setup And Maintenance – Love Fish Tank

lovefishtank.com

Filter Media Types Guide – Advanced Aquarium Concepts

advancedaquariumconcepts.com

The Best Filter Media For Freshwater & Saltwater in 2023

In this article, we will help you find the best aquarium filter media to ensure your tank has clear and clean water.

aquariumadviser.com

Biohome Filter Media – Professional Filter Media

 

[heatherpooreks]

Thank you so much! So many questions answered. Thank you

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Sorry, I missed out something important.

Server Busy

Is there any Ceramitek inside the cartridges?

• CERAMITEK> Highly Porous Ceramic Biological Filter Medium, Optimizes Biological Filtration

If yes, you can reuse them and don't throw them away.

Put the Ceramitek in a fine mesh net or some stockings and use it as part of your filter media.
You can buy the nets from fish store or even use the laundry net/bag. You can tie it with cable tie or rubber band.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HG4BBL5/?tag=ff0d01-20