Need help on some questions on my new tank please.

Hi All

I was wondering if some of you can maybe answer some of my questions regarding my new set up.

it's a 250L Freshwater set up, with an internal filter (water comes in on the one side, runs thru the filter media, and then pumped out by a normal water pump on the other side (think is almost like an internal sump)

1) What should like L/hour be on the return pump? It's currently doing about 680L/hour will this be fine or should I get a bigger pump?

2) I'm currently adding Seachem Stabilizer according to the instruction to the tank while cycling, is this a good thing? It says you can add fish immediately but I figure to wait until end next week?

This is what I can think of now if there is more questions I'll post it again.

Thanks for all the help.

 

I don't have any knowledge of Seachem but I know they are a good product.

I agree with you let the tank cycle and then ad fish.

What fish are you planning?

What is your PH and water hardness?


The filter in your hood, I would put a power head on it rated 2000L/h or get a couple of smaller power heads on place them in corners to eliminate dead spots.

 

Hi and welcome.

Okay normally we all filter our water roughly 5 times and hour as a minimum so for your 250liters minimum filtration should be between 1000-1200 liters per hour.

Yes you are doing the correct thing with adding seachem stability you can also add 1 flake of fish food every 2 nd or 3rd day this feeds the bacteria.

We know they say you can add fish immediatley but rather be safe then sorry.

You must test your water first for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates before you add fish.

Go and read this awesome article explaining the whole nitrogen cycle.

Zoom's Article 2- Water chemistry how to maintain its clarity.

Hth

 

Hi Nicolaas,

I personally think 2000 liter per hour is a bit much for this tank, just afraid the current is going to be to strong for the fishes :nuts:
My 2 cents on this.

HTH.

 

I have 2x ViaAqua filters rated 1000L/h each and I have to put in a extra 400L/h to eliminate dead spots.
And if I understand and remember correctly hood filters don't give out much of a currant.

 

O I forgot to add I also have a 250L @HvNDhF.

 

if u do add the internal filter and iets 2 strong just ad a spray bar your sun sun has pumps with spray bars as standerd i use one of them in my 250l tank.
i have ca cichleds so i use 2 internal filters and had no problems and for the seachem i use there product and i must say it is one great product, cant go wrong there
just check the current as hviviers said and then u take it from there.

 

just look around and shop a bit u will get the rite pump thet will work for u and your tank setup!

 

Well then it all depends on the current, and it sound to me like he has got a built in internal sump. So a 2000 liter per hour pump might push out a powerful current but yes you can either build your own spray bar which I did for my tank.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

keep us posted and good luck!!!!

 

I tested my levels just now, pH is at 7, Ammonia and Nitrite is at 0.

With adding a bigger water pump, won't it pump the water back quicker than what the water can filter thru the material? ( Might be a stupid question - Like I said im new to this great hobby)

I want to start a community tank, currently I have some Mollies x 2, Guppies x 3, Neons Tetra x 6 and 2 Angels in my existing, which I would transfer to the new tank.

Any recommendations as to how to transfer them once the tank has cycled?

Also maybe some ideas as to what fish would go with these that I currently have?

Thanks for all your help, great to know there is experienced people out there willing to help the newbies...:laugh:

 

When did you start this tank? it takes a minimum of 1 - 2 weeks for a tank to cycle. You should get ammonia and nitrite readings first and then you will start getting nitrates reading, as soon as you start getting nitrate readings then you are close to the end of the cycle.

 

Started tank on Sunday... Will only have a look at adding fish end of next week

 

Okay cool then, yes it is not possible to cycle a new tank in 4 days using only seachem stability.

Yes I am sure by next weekend you can add 2 fishes, the main key here is not to dump 30 fish in the tank in one shot.

Patience is the key to a successful and healthy tank.

Go to your lfs next week friday and have your water tested you could even go on Saturday to see what readings they are getting.

 

If you have very good bio-media (seachem Matrix) in the filter, and the proper amount for your tank, they your pump will be fine, on condition you don't overstock the tank.

 

Seachem stability is a fantastic product. If you are adding it now for a few days I don't see why u can't add just a few fish to get the bacteria going.

Feeding bacteria to a tank is good however it requires ammonia to feed off and multiply. If you are going to add the fish flake in stead then add just a little as you don't want to creat a mess. There are hundreds of articles on the net about cycling a tank. One good site I found us this one that we are on and http://www.aquahobby.com go to the article section and read all you can.

I would also get a bottle of seachem prime. Hope this helps.

 

100% ... most of this hobby is commonsense with a scientific fact in between.

A new tank is like a new house, you need to let it live a bit before adding breaking stuff esp kit. If you find that you need more circulation (for whatever reason - messy fish, bio type etc ) then you can add a unit that does just that circulation.)

Second thought, 250 is a nice size (good job on not going smaller tank) PS post pics .. depending on what you want - planted tank, hard scape river bed, algae farm the first thing that you might want to upgrade is lighting - but again live into the tank.

This chart is referenced allot on TASA Freshwater Fish Compatibility Chart

 

Hi All

Some Good News, the tank is doing good. Waterparameters is also looking very good.

I only have 1 problem, My Neons and Mollie fry is going into the filter. As explained earlier it is an internal sump so water runs thru a gap on the one side then thru the filter media and then being pumped out on the other side thru a small hole.

Will it be ok to put some filter matting in that gap where the neons and mollies go thru?

It is just a real headache trying to get them out of there.

Also any advice on how to know if there is enough oxygen in the tank? I have quite alot of surface movement due to the 2 airstones and the flow from the water pump.

Can't see any fish gasping for air, but rather save than sorry I always say...

 

That's good. Yes you can add a filter mat of some sort to keep the fish In the tank. Just wash it once in a while. Oxygen will be just fine.