Need assistance on picking the right filtration system

[Britni]

They are actually getting ready to be moved out with the big boys outside in the pond.


TexasHuntress

[Britni]

This is going to be a new start all together.


TexasHuntress

[SunnyHouTX]

What about water changes?

[Britni]

I love my little moss ball!! I wished it would kick into high gear lol. As for my water changes maybe once every six months


TexasHuntress

[Bedlamer]

For mechanical filtration, it is hard to beat the Fluval FX-5 that Sunny mentioned. It runs about $350-ish. The Eheim classic series of cannister filters are also excellent, especially for biological filtration. I don't know how long the inlet tube on your penquin is, but if you go for a Aqua Clear HOB, they have extension tubes to take you to the bottom of a deep tank--where you algae I assume is settled out. To remove the algae you have to get it in suspension first. You could blast the tank with in tank circulation propeller style pumps, that helps detritus from settling out.

Is the algae just sort of in lose clumps or firmly attached to stuff? We've asking you twice what you water change schedule is like. Do you do water changes? As a starting point if it was me I would scrape the glass well, take out any decorations/equipment you can scrub with a tooth brush to clean the algae off, stir up the bottom and siphon out as much of the algae as you can. That will also remove nutrients that can foster more algae growth. If you add life plants and set up a timer on a fresh bulb, the plants can usually out compete the algae and the algae dies back a lot. Depending on the type of algae you might be able to find some critters that will eat it for you.

[Britni]

I answered on the water changes, maybe once every six months. The algae is affixed to things.


TexasHuntress

[Bedlamer]

You want to step up your water changes (WC) to at least twice a month. Do you have a python system to avoid the bucket brigade hassle? Python is a system like they use for filling/emptiyng water beds--hooks up to your sink faucet.

[Britni]

I use the shop vacuum. And run a water hose off the vacuum. I openly admit I have been a major slacker in the water change area all together. I just want to start all over and do it right the first time set up and keep up.


TexasHuntress

[Bedlamer]

You' hadn't answered up till the point I started writing the last response--I can't read your answers when I'm still typing out a paragraph Sunny writes those one line responses he stays more up to date with the conversation--lol

[Britni]

So if I go with the Fluval FX5 will I also need to add the pumps that jut circulate the tank all together? Will this all be to much water movement for small fish?


TexasHuntress

[SunnyHouTX]

I'd say to have the circulation pumps going too because it helps keep crud from piling up on the substrate if they're strong enough. And fish can handle some flow. If you want, you can set them on a timer to go off a few times a day at least an hour at a time.

[Bedlamer]

You might not need the pumps at all. I would take it one step at a time.

[SunnyHouTX]

Boo that! LOL

But I agree, not needed but good to have

[Britni]

Lol


TexasHuntress

[Bedlamer]

Hey Sunny, does the FX5 come with a small foam pre-filter or similar to prevent small critters from being sucked up--or would you have to rig up something over the intake?