Aquarium maintenance help

[frusterdated]

i do 20% water changes.

Filtration is:
eshopps pf-1000 overflow box into 30 gallon diy sump and a rio 3100 pump

[morpheus]

I wouldn't say it's still cycling. It just doesn't look like it. Usually it'll be a white haze. The OP confirmed that it's been setup for 3-4 months. The tank should be able to handle the bioload of so few fish. Frequent water changes will not cause stress to the fish. I used to do 100% water changes every 2-3 days. If anything my fish enjoyed it very much based from their reactions. I would highly disapprove of those chemicals to bind particles. Why add more chemicals when you can do what it'll do but faster through a water change? Plus you'll be adding in fresh new water.

Yes, I replied before he said how long the tank has been running. The tank would have cycled in that timespan. I generally do 50% every 2 weeks. I agree water changes far better than using chemicals, just some use them as quick fix options. I dont know what the tank looked like before/after a few water changes to see if it was making a clear difference. The 20% he mentioned wouldnt hurt anything, but might need to increase the percentage.

[mistahoo]

How often do you do water changes? I would up it to 50-75% (at least until the tank is clear again), but that's just me. I like bigger water changes. What's all in your diy sump? Maybe you don't have enough media?

[suicune]

just buy purigen and replace very 6 month, that tannins color should go away.

[mistahoo]

just buy purigen and replace very 6 month, that tannins color should go away.

No need to replace. Just recharge it when it looks very dirty. Unless you've got money, more power to you.

[SunnyHouTX]

One more question: how often and how much do you feed per day?

[suicune]

I'm scared of recharging purigen. I'm one of those that replace them haha

[mistahoo]

I'm scared of recharging purigen. I'm one of those that replace them haha

Let me have your old ones then! I've done it a few times and never fails. Don't let them dry out or they'll go bad.

[SunnyHouTX]

Yeah man, put me in the line for used purigen behind Steven.

[frusterdated]

One more question: how often and how much do you feed per day?

I feed twice a day cichlid pellets and algae wafers. Every couple day I'll feed blood worms.

I was on vacation last week so the overfeeding was prolly due to the in laws

[SunnyHouTX]

I think that's the main reason for your water issues. Do large (think 75% +) water changes weekly and go easy on the feeding and you should see a big improvement in you tank.

[frusterdated]

Should I worry about how brown the tubing from the pump has turned and also the u tube is brown as well

[SunnyHouTX]

Cleaning them periodically is a good thing

[suicune]

sure next time when I changed out mine I'll let you know. Probably soon as I had this one in February, and I replace it every 6 months.

[hungvanvo]

It is normal if you have drift wood without treat ( boiling the drift wood or let it out side with water and change the water until the water is clear) Also if you turn on light to long it make the algae grown fast on drift wood ( brown particle on the wood and water). On mechanical filter ( Sump tank ), on the last stage you should have few bags carbon it will make your water crystal clear. it is normal of the nasty return tubing when you use clear tubing ( clear tubing got light will grown nasty algae ) avoid the you can use black tubing or on the return have a UV light. Water change 3 or 4 days is good but you need one the Eheim Quick Vac Pro, it will help you clean the long poop of pleco, help low ammonia and save you on water change one a week. good luck