Tropical Fish Forum
Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => Fish Tanks and Equipment => Topic started by: Skittler on April 10, 2020, 02:25:38 PM
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Hello All,
I have decided to replace the Aqua One 320 filter in my "45L" shrimp/oto tank. I have never been happy with it, and it seems to be on its last legs. The tank has an internal volume of about 36L. After much research, air powered seems to be the way to go. A major consideration is noise, as my next door neighbour sleeps with her head (unknowingly!) about 4 feet from from the tank ........ and she is not the type to annoy ...... I do know!
The Eheim air 100 is generally highly rated, and has an adjustable flow, and is supplied with a non-return valve. Any thoughts?
And then there are the sponge filters, of which I know nothing. Are they all a compatible pipe size? (3mm i/d??). What size sponge would I need? Which do you think is the best? Thanking you in advance for your experience,
Skittler
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I have an Eheim air pump powering the sponge filter in my betta's tank (I can't remember which model but it's the smallest one). It sits on the kitchen worktop next the the tank, on an old Juwel sponge which deadens the sound nicely. The only time I hear any real noise from it is when something has been pushed against the pump.
The sponge filter itself is an Aqua One Filter Air, again the smallest size because it's in a 23 litre tank. They do make different sizes although this link shows just one https://www.aquaoneonline.co.uk/aqua-one-air-filter-136-7684-p.asp I was advised to get this one as it has a weighted base. Those that stick on the glass with suckers apparently stop working if the suckers come unstuck and the filter floats.It also has a hollow core which the instructions say can be filled with carbon - and in that case it can also be filled with mature media.
Should you find that whichever pump you go with created too strong a flow, a 2 way manifold can be put into the airline tubing, and the spare tap used to bleed air from the system and slow the flow.
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Thank you Sue,
I think, as a stop gap, I am going to install my spare filter, which I will fill with mature media. It's an MA Aqua 50, which you have discussed in the past. It's not going to be ideal for baby shrimps, but at least it should be reliable. I have to say, the lack of adequate information on some manufacturer's websites doesn't impress me! Eventually, (whenever that is), I will visit a local LFS, which stocks both Eheim and Aqua One, and have a look.
Thanks again,
Skittler
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Hi @Skittler
Have you considered the following Dennerle filter:
https://dennerle.com/en/products/nano-aquaristic/filtration/filters/nano-corner-filter
They also do an additional clip-on baby shrimp guard:
https://dennerle.com/en/products/nano-aquaristic/filtration/filter-accessories/nano-babyprotect
I have never used one of these filters but I've known about them and the attachment for some time. I think you'll find some reviews on the internet.
I'd be very interested in knowing if you decide to get this filter and attachment combo.
JPC
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I have to say, the lack of adequate information on some manufacturer's websites doesn't impress me!
Hi @Skittler
To quote that well-known expression "Tell me about it!". There are very few aquatics companies that provide adequate, accurate and meaningful (technical) information about their products. I have a particular interest in aquarium lighting and I often don't know whether to laugh or cry with the so-called 'information' provided by some manufacturers of aquarium lighting. It's a shame.
JPC
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Have you considered the following Dennerle filter:
https://dennerle.com/en/products/nano-aquaristic/filtration/filters/nano-corner-filter
On the basis of good reviews about how quiet/gentle it is, I actually bought this recently as a back-up filter for my QT/hospital tank. Admittedly, I haven't yet used it but, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
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On the basis of good reviews about how quiet/gentle it is, I actually bought this recently as a back-up filter for my QT/hospital tank. Admittedly, I haven't yet used it but, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Hi @fcmf
Please let us know when you start using this filter. It looks like a real gem.
JPC
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I don't anticipate using it soon. Bendy Harley is in the isolation/care-home tank and seems quite stabilised (in all senses of the term) in there; in the event he has TB, I don't want to be contaminating the new filter unnecessarily.
However, the one aspect of it that may be off-putting for folk is the "filter element" - see photos attached [sorry - could not put the filter element on as one photo, so had to cut the photo into two - top part and bottom part - although it's all one]. The recommendation is that this is replaced every 3-6 months. Usually, I'd replace this with sponge/foam media but then either would have no hole up the centre for the filter water to flow freely or would have to find a piece of the same thickness as the "filter fleece" to wrap round the plastic structure. Not as convenient as I'd anticipated.
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Thank you both. That does look a possibility. I particularly like the baby shrimp guard.
I have installed the Aqua 50, and lo and behold, the filter looks nothing like the instruction leaflet! I have packed it with mature media from the 125L, and put the remainder of the foam pad in the tank next to the filter. The cherry shrimp are loving it.
At the time of the swap over, I had 0.25 ml of ammonia in the tank, probably due to the unreliability of the old filter, so, I have added a dose of Prime. (That probably explains why there were two nerites on the carpet (both OK)). As I type, 4 hours later, everything looks fine, with the otos and shrimp behaving normally. Will keep you posted, thanks again,
Skittler
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Well, this morning all creatures were behaving normally .......... however, NH3 had increased to 0.5. A 50% w/c was done with double prime. hopefully the new filter will perform soon.
I do wonder if my 125L, where the mature media came from, is possibly well over the required capacity for the tank. It is "nominally" 125L v 50L, but the 125 has about 15 times the foam volume, and is physically about 20 times bigger. Odd? Perhaps there are, therefore, less bacteria per cubic centimetre in the 125L, and the 50L will have to work hard to catch up. Any thoughts?
Skittler
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Are there any plants in the 125, as these take up ammonia faster than the bacteria so with a heavily planted tank there are not as many 'filter' bacteria as in a tank with no live plants.
And a lot of the 'filter' bacteria live elsewhere in the tank as well as the filter.
There are probably not nearly as many bacteria in the filter as we might think.
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That's a good point Sue. The 125 is very heavily planted - a bit of a jungle really. The Shrimpery is fairly heavily planted.
Skittler
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I didn't feed yesterday, in an attempt to reduce the NH3 input into the tank. This morning, the ammonia level has fallen to 0.25. Hopefully I am on the right path.
I will feed a little today as everything else appears normal. Also, the 4 otos are relatively new, and I want to make sure that they stay well fed. My intention is 8 o.macrospilus, but it will probably be some weeks before I can get the next 2.
Skittler
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Happy days. The ammonia has fallen to what I call "0". Like many others, I never see the shade of yellow that is on the API test kit card. Everything in the tank appears normal, with the male red cherries hunting females, and the otos bumbling around. So now, they will be in "self isolation" too, while I wait and see how the stock of shrimps is affected, before making a final decision on the filter.
Thanks for your help and advice, as always,
Skittler
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Glad to hear this, keep us updated!
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Great news. :)
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Well, I got fed up waiting for access to an LFS, (I hate queues as well), so, I am now the proud owner of an Eheim 100 air pump, and a Powkoo air filter. Both seem to be well made. I am hoping to start cycling the sponge tomorrow.
A question. The inside of the filter sponge is a hollow cylinder. The two ends are connected by a plastic "strainer". As Sue has mentioned above with her very similar Aqua One version, this is presumably for carbon etc. I would like to put some crushed coral in there, as I do in my 125L internal, to help with my soft water (kH2 gH2-3). I prefer to keep my Cherry shrimp at gH6-8. Can anyone see a problem with this?
Skittler
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I would give it a try. Provided the air can pass through I can't see a problem.
I like the Eheim air pump with its variable output dial.
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...I am now the proud owner of an Eheim 100 air pump, and a Powkoo air filter. Both seem to be well made. I am hoping to start cycling the sponge tomorrow.
A question. The inside of the filter sponge is a hollow cylinder. The two ends are connected by a plastic "strainer". As Sue has mentioned above with her very similar Aqua One version, this is presumably for carbon etc. I would like to put some crushed coral in there, as I do in my 125L internal, to help with my soft water (kH2 gH2-3). I prefer to keep my Cherry shrimp at gH6-8. Can anyone see a problem with this?
Hi @Skittler
I can't see any problem with your suggestion. BTW, how do you plan to cycle the sponge?
JPC
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I currently use the Eheim air pump with dual outlets that have variable control. It used in the main tank with the internal filter to provide additional air/surface agitation and the sponge is cycled read for any re deployment.
I never thought to add any bio media in the middle section, I have the AquaOne sponges! I will take one apart (as I have two spare) and see if I can get any in there! :cheers:
EDIT: I actually have the 400 variant of this pump. Shows how much I pay attention to the boxes.
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Thanks JPC. This is the (Baldrick) cunning plan:
1) Remove the recently cycled pieces of sponge from the existing Aqua 50, cut them into smaller pieces, and add them to the basket/strainer in the air filter.
2) Add crushed coral in some sort of muslin / bag and put it in the now empty sponge compartment in the Aqua 50.
3) Put both in the tank and switch on.
4) Pray! - with an NH3 tester in one hand and a bottle of Prime in the other!
5) After cycling, replace the small pieces of sponge in the basket with the "mature" coral.
6) See (4) above
7) Remove the Aqua 50 from the tank.
I have read that you can strap a piece of mature sponge to the air filter with a cable tie. This is the back-up plan. What do you think?
Skittler
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All seems fine to me :) keep us in the loop on how it goes :cheers:
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Yes I second that please do. I checked the AquaOne sponge units and they too have an area for potential storage which got me thinking.........will it effect the amount of draw through the sponge if it’s crammed with media??
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If you were adding sponge only which is in small pieces anyway then I would assume not a problem as there will be flow through the sponge pieces and between them (provided you don’t pack them in extremely tightly so they compress or anything). The crushed coral... maybe this could impact things - I would think carefully about placement to ensure no route is blocked.
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If you were adding sponge only which is in small pieces anyway then I would assume not a problem as there will be flow through the sponge pieces and between them (provided you don’t pack them in extremely tightly so they compress or anything). The crushed coral... maybe this could impact things - I would think carefully about placement to ensure no route is blocked.
Hi @Skittler
I go along with what @Matt has said above. Rather than having to do too many ammonia tests, you may wish to consider popping a Seachem Ammonia Alert inside your tank. I have one of these in one of my tanks. They measure and continuously display the free ammonia in the water. They're a few £ each. Take a look at:
https://www.seachem.com/ammonia-alert.php
JPC
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Thanks guys,
I will test the crushed coral idea in a bucket. Will keep you posted.
Skittler
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If you were adding sponge only which is in small pieces anyway then I would assume not a problem as there will be flow through the sponge pieces and between them (provided you don’t pack them in extremely tightly so they compress or anything). The crushed coral... maybe this could impact things - I would think carefully about placement to ensure no route is blocked.
Hi @Skittler
I go along with what @Matt has said above. Rather than having to do too many ammonia tests, you may wish to consider popping a Seachem Ammonia Alert inside your tank. I have one of these in one of my tanks. They measure and continuously display the free ammonia in the water. They're a few £ each. Take a look at:
https://www.seachem.com/ammonia-alert.php
JPC
@jaypeecee do you rely solely on this bit of kit or do you X reference it? And how often do you replace the unit?
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@jaypeecee...do you rely solely on this bit of kit or do you X reference it? And how often do you replace the unit?
Hi @LeakysLab
When I use an Ammonia Alert in an established tank, I rely solely on it. Unless I do something in the tank that necessitates double-checking with a liquid test. But, if I am using an Ammonia Alert in a tank that is being cycled for the first time, I will also use a liquid test kit at least once a day. Incidentally, Seachem do an ammonia liquid test kit based on the same chemistry as that used in the Ammonia Alert. I only discovered this recently - so, from now on, I'll switch from the JBL ammonia test kit. The good thing about the Seachem ammonia liquid test is that it measures both total and free ammonia. Here it is:
https://seachem.com/multitest-ammonia.php
You asked about the usable lifetime of the Ammonia Alert. According to Seachem's website, it "Lasts over a year".
JPC
Edits: 2/5/2020 2325 - 2340 (Hopefully) simplified the wording!
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Thanks @jaypeecee I will take a look.
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Hello All,
In the end I decided to abandon the crushed coral idea, and just transfer the mature media to the sponge filter. I only managed to get about 50% of it in the strainer. It wasn't tightly packed. I put the rest of it next to the filter. To my surprise, I had no ammonia spike. As Sue has said, a significant amount of bacteria must be on plants and other surfaces, and the tank is lightly stocked at the moment. Also the plants have increased noticeably, after weekly 50% doses of TNC Lite fertiliser. I am using food grade potassium bicarbonate for KH, and Aqualibra calcium and mineral blocks for GH. Both are working well so far. (I have have used Aqualibra for a few years in the 125L without problem).
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice,
Skittler
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Hi @Skittler
As TNC Lite contains no nitrogen compounds coupled with the fact that your "plants have increased noticeably", it is almost certain that your plants will have taken up the ammonia. Plants preferentially consume ammonia instead of nitrate.
JPC