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Freshwater aquarium?
jacksfullhouse asked:
I don’t know what filters or air pumps I need to maintain a freshwater aquarium. I want to do as little maintenance as possible. Biological, mechanical, chemical filters????? Could you give me a specific example of which ones (with brand names) to get that work together well in keeping the water clean and clear?? I understand the temperature and the nitrification and ph and all that, I just don’t know what filters and pumps to use. It is a 20 gallon tank.
I don’t know what filters or air pumps I need to maintain a freshwater aquarium. I want to do as little maintenance as possible. Biological, mechanical, chemical filters????? Could you give me a specific example of which ones (with brand names) to get that work together well in keeping the water clean and clear?? I understand the temperature and the nitrification and ph and all that, I just don’t know what filters and pumps to use. It is a 20 gallon tank.
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11. November 2008 at 6:03 pm :
I ran my 20 gal with just two power heads and an under gravel filter. And another with one power head and a Millenium 2000 wet/dry filter. I prefer the wet/dry (it hangs on the back) because you only throw away the filter medium when it’s done and you keep a plastic grid in the filter housing that has cultures of beneficial bacteria (i.e. nitrifying bacteria) growing on it. Most other filters like that only have one cartridge that you replace and every time you do you are throwing away most of the good stuff with the bad.
I’m not sure what brand the power heads were, it’s not written on them, it only says 550 on the top. Could’ve been a Penguin, not sure. I don’t think there is that big a difference in performance, maybe difference in maintenance or in how long they’ll last. Ask at the shop. I am now running a 55gal with the Millenium 2000(ask at the shop, they changed the names of that one) and two power heads and an under gravel filter. I occasionally siphon off the gravel with a siphon tube and hose, poking into the gravel to get at the dirt below and my fish are doing fine. My two oldest are Clown loaches (Botias) and are 9 and 10 yrs old respectively. Good luck with yours and most of all………take it easy. I found that once I relaxed a bit with the testing and the cleaning and the worrying it became truly easy and fun. My tank doesn’t look all sparkly and shiny and brand new now, but my fish are doing great.
11. November 2008 at 10:21 pm :
I have raised and bred fish for many years. For a 20gal setup the cheapest and most efficient system is using an undergravel filter and an air pump. I like using “Whisper” pumps. This gives your fish plenty of oxygen and uses the gravel as a biological filter. Remember to change 1/4 of the water weekly.
Good Luck to you.
12. November 2008 at 2:34 pm :
On a 20 gallon tank I would start with the bottom filter tray air and a corbon rock stone. The pet stores all have there own brands but you can try WallMart pet area.
I would not put any fish in your tank for two weeks after you set it up. The rock and the glass have bi resadue on them so let them filter and together for two weeks..If you see film on the glass then you know there is a problem too. Will allow you to drain and start over..You should only have to do this once.. Good luck