Filters and bacteria. Water change or not?

Right, I have upgrade my filter from an internal fluval 2 plus to an external fluval 105. Tank already has fish in it and the tank has been going for about a month. It is a 90litre tank with 9 separate live plants... (not sure if that matters).



I took out my old filter and installed the new one (it was not a simple click on plug in set up, needed to to a little DIY on my tank for tubing and stuff but it is in place now and working well). I read somewhere that I should run both new and old filters at the same time for a few weeks then take the old one out completely. I came on here to ask if this was the case... but was told that because the old filter was out of the water for a day, all the benifical bacteria would be dead. Been 3 days since and fish/plants/water seem good. I still have not put the old one back in based on the answer that I got.



So my question is,:-



How long will it take for the filter to build up bacteria?

How long/fast does bacteria grow?Filters and bacteria. Water change or not?Hi Darren, because you took your old filter out for a day the colony of good bugs in it will certainly have died if it was allowed to dry out so you may as well not bother using it at all. You need to be keeping a very close eye on your parameters-daily would be good %26amp; be prepared to do large [around 50%] partial water changes every couple of days [or as necessary] to keep potentially fatal ammonia %26amp; nitrite in check-as near to zero as you can. Don't worry, despite what many people believe the good bugs grow %26amp; live in your filter, plants, decorations %26amp; gravel NOT in the water so you will net be interfering with the growing colony doing these changes.



What I would advise caution in for a couple for weeks is vacuuming your gravel too thoroughly-let a little loose debris accumulate-not so much as to swing your ammonia %26amp; nitrite to dangerous levels or cloud your tank but enough to hasten the growth of the good bugs-typically around 6 to 8 weeks. Personally I don't use anything that is claimed to work miracles such as StressZyme although each to their own-I find the best solution to a healthy tank is as little chemical input as possible. I think as you transferred some of your old d茅cor you will have brought some of the good bugs from your old tank %26amp; these will help 'seed' your new tank %26amp; may well keep any dangerous toxic spike down but keep a close eye on proceedings %26amp; please feel free email me if I can help further.Filters and bacteria. Water change or not?water changeFilters and bacteria. Water change or not?no water change.

because most Bactria will not leave with water.

so you have to use some type of object or cleanser to prevent Bactria.Filters and bacteria. Water change or not?If you took the old filter out for a day chances are the bacteria had died. There will be some bacteria in the tank itself living on/in the gravel and rocks and plants as well as the water itself.



After a month your tank probably wasn't completely cycled yet anyway so I would just carry on with the new filter now and keep doing water tests until everything is right for your fish.



Doing a fishless cycle would have been the best idea but it's too late for that now. Only do water changes if your levels of ammonia and nitrites are too high. 10% weekly is enough for an established tank.



**Filters and bacteria. Water change or not?The bulk of the bacteria grows on the filter pad. It's all about surface area. The bacteria grows everywhere, but the pad is made to have an enormous surface area packed into a small space.



Taking the old filter out does NOT 'kill' the bacteria in the tank. You will be fine, as long as you don't make any other sudden changes in the tank for at least a couple weeks. Give the tank time to adjust. Don't add new fish or change the rock.



More detail on bacteria: The 'cycle' uses two different species of bacteria to convert the toxins in the water to less harmful organic material. When your fish excrete waste, certain bacteria feed on the ammonia in it. The by-product of this 'dinner' is nitrate. Nitrates are poisonous when they build up in the water, but not nearly as bad as ammonia. That's why you still have to do water changes every so often.



I have found that a 'slow but steady' approach works great on aquariums. For the first 2 months, I keep only one, hardy fish in a tank. When the cycle is ready, I add one or two fish per week until the tank is populated. I rarely lose a new fish.



Good luck.



http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/biologFilters and bacteria. Water change or not?Dear friend



Well as far bacteria is concerned they are ubicutous, so it hardly matters that u have changed filter so useful bacteria are lost.

Anyways to set up a tank it requires approximately 1-2 week to get stablised. So even few hours is enough to get useful bacteria which can change nitrites into nitrates.

Filter is of varoius types, usually filter with bio balls have great tendency to develop microrganisms, which can further controle ammonia level in ur tankFilters and bacteria. Water change or not?First off, taking out the old filter riight away was a bad move, but you know that now, and it's too late to go back.



There are some bacteria living on every surface in the tank, so you still have a small amount of biofilter in the tank.



What you need to do now is closely monitor the water and do water changes as needed to keep the ammonia and nitrite down below 1ppm untill the new filter starts working. The filter will actually cycle faster if you let the levels rise, but your fish will probably die in the meantime. Doing water changes means the cycle is going to take longer, but your fish will survive it.



Also cut back on the feeding for a while, less food means less ammonia and less stress on your fish.



If the tank is only lightly stocked the ammonia may not even rise to dangerous levels, or you may need to do 50% changes per day, depends on your tank and fish.



Whatever happens, water changes are your friend in this situation.



Ian

creating file

glory hand cream

2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water & if so how?

I was given an aquarium a few weeks ago and in the past 4 days I have lost an angel and a butterfly fish, there were no signs of disease on either and both seemed active and were feeding previously. There is a slight greasy film on the surface of the water so I am wondering whether it might be a good idea to change the water. it is filtered and is at 25degrees, how do I go about changing it? do I need to just change it a half at a time? shall I take the fish out first and if I do how do I get the fresh water up to temp before I put them back in? the heater takes bloody ages to get it up to 25.

Help!!! I haven't had much dealings with fishies!!2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water %26amp; if so how?Your tank is new, it is cycling. %26quot;New tank syndrome%26quot; isn't mysterious at all, it is just another term for the nitrogen cycle. Basically, fish poop, the fish poop turns into ammonia (toxic to fish), then the ammonia turns into nitrites (also toxic to fish), and finally the nitrites turn into nitrates (not toxic to fish as long as it is kept at low levels). A new tank fully stocked with fish will have a high ammonia level, therefore your fish will be poisoned. You should always stock a new tank very lightly with hardy fish, or else try %26quot;fishless cycling%26quot; (look it up on google for more info). Angels and butterfly fish are both quite sensitive and therefore not good choices for new tanks. The size of your tank (which you did not mention) will also determine what kinds of fish you can keep. 50% water changes once a week are always a good idea, freshwater fish love fresh water. Use a gravel vacuum to suck out the water and the debris from the gravel. Do not remove the fish (it is stressful)--just be careful to avoid them with the gravel vac. Good luck--do some research, keep up with maintenence and water changes and I'm sure you will have a healthy tank in no time!2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water %26amp; if so how?No, not really. Almost every first fish batch placed in the tank die due to a mysterious problem called %26quot;new tank syndrome%26quot;. As for changing your water, you should try to change it about every two weeks. Just siphon about 1/4 of the water out, replace it with %26quot;cured%26quot; water (that's been sitting to evaporate the chlorine), and add necessary salt.



Please, make sure that the first fish in your tank are relatively cheap. Save the pretty, expensive fish for later.2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water %26amp; if so how?I think the film comes from over-feeding the fish. So, you might want to slow down on that. Just once or twice a day and only as much as will be consumed in about two minutes.



You can purchase a vacuum for your tank that will siphon out the water and clean the gravel at the same time. Very easy to do. And inexpensive. A 50% water change would be fine. You don't have to remove the fish to clean or change the water. You could let the water sit for a bit before adding it to the tank to get it to room temperature.2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water %26amp; if so how?I think anyway for changing the water is ok. But i'd like to suggest you take the water from rivers(make sue the rivers have living fishes as well), not from tape. Just an instinct from my past experiences.2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water %26amp; if so how?May be you have a virus in the tank or the bottom sand and grit . Sounds like you may need to sterilise all your equipment

Your best bet is to go to the local specialist and ask for advice on which products to use and also how to deal with the fish whilst you clean out and sterilise the tank

Unfortunately death of fish can be an issue with this type of aquarium , even with filters and heaters

Try and ensure you source any future fish from a reputable dealer

Good luck2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water %26amp; if so how?The film may be something that was in the tank before you made it back into an aquarium. A healthy tank requires organisms that can only survive in water that is free of chlorine and has %26quot;nutrients%26quot; to feed on, e.g. fish manure. To de-chlorinate your water you could get a chemical tablet dechlorinator at you per store, but usually, the chlorine will dissipate through evaporation after 48 hrs or so.If your filter is working properly (check it for debris in the filter) you should not have to change your water. Only add water as needed. Don't change the water unless you are able to determine that the film is from something foreign. It would only put your remaining fish under more stress. More than likely, your fish died from natural causes. Being introduced to a new environment is very stress full. It is also possible that the fish were not healthy when you bought them. You should also be sure that your fish are compatible. Being in a tank where someone is always chasing or being chased (an Angels are notorious chasers) cold be the problem. When choosing your tankmates, ask your fish store helper to choose fish that will get along. I am also wondering about the temperature in your tank. It should be at least 78-80 degrees F.2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water %26amp; if so how?Change about 25% percent of the water at a time, so they dont go from dirty %26amp; warm straight to clean %26amp; cold2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water %26amp; if so how?Wow. Weather you have a filter or not, you still need to change the water regularly. Just because you have a filter doesn't mean the poop vanishes, it is trapped and still polluting the water. Get a gravel siphon to vacuum the gravel, vacuum every 2 weeks and make sure you only remove about 25% of the water as you vacuum. Good luck!



Nosoop4u2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water %26amp; if so how?If you are worried about the oily film on the top of the tank water, there is a simple way to get rid of it. Take some clean paper towels, lightly lay them on the surface of the tank water for just a second and then lift them off as soon as they begin to get damp, before they sink under the water. Do this a few times with new paper towels and it should lift most of the greasy film from the water (whatever it is).



As for cleaning the water, do 20-25% water changes each week or so by using a siphon hose or tube to suck up the fish poop and excess food from the bottom or gravel along with the water. This dirty water is great for watering your plants with, by the way. It's the best natural fertilizer you can get! Then just add fresh, clean, conditioned water at as close to the same temp. as the current tank water as you can get it (Just mix in a little hot water or stick some of the conditioned water into the microwave). This will do the least possible amount of stress to the fish and their environment as possible.



You may be experiencing %26quot;New Tank Syndrome%26quot; if the tank is not cycled. Or there may have been something in the tank that left the greasy residue on the top of the water that was toxic to the fish. It is hard to tell. I have added a link below that tells about the nitrogen cycle in new aquariums.2 fish have died in 4 days do I change the water %26amp; if so how?cut down feeding fish to 2 small pinches a day for water change take out a quarter of water replace with new should be done once a month

Changing filter in 20 gallon tank?

I have a 20 gallon tank with a few babyy yellow lab cichlids(all about a inch 1/2- 2 inches big), when i got this tank i had 1 whisper 10 gallon filter and 1 5-15 gallon aqua-tech filter, i was told instead of buying a 20 gallon filter i could use both of these and it would do the same thing. I also heard your suppose to change the filters about once a month and Its been a little over a month so now im wondering how to go about changing the cartridges without wipeing out all the good bacteria built up in the filter? I am going to be doing a water change monday and was planning on doing the filters then too.Changing filter in 20 gallon tank?Cleaning the filters should be done every month or so, your right there. With regards to using two filters, not always the best option unless you can manipulate the flow so it utilises the pair. If the flow is cutting across each other you'l be ok I think.



Leave the filters until Monday, drain out the water from the tank and just squeeze out the filters IN the drained water. NEVER clean filters in tap water, chlorine will kill the whole good bacteria colony within 30 seconds. When cleaning filters you are only aiming to remove any clogging. So by squeezing it in the old water you keep the bacteria but clear out the waste :)



Also, try to keep the filters horizontal! This way it reduces the back flow out the filter returning the sucked in waste back in to the tank.Changing filter in 20 gallon tank?I would also suggest alternating filters when replacing the filter. Like leave one of your filters alone and only rinse or replace the other one. Then next week switch.Changing filter in 20 gallon tank?put some of your tank water in a bucket then wash the filter sponges in that water



Never wash them using Fresh tap water

How many times do i need to change my water for my 10 gallon tank?

i have a ten gallon with a aqua clear mini filter how many times do i need to change it, i also have 4 tiger barbs inside it so they dont make much of a mess but i do have some live plants the always make leaves fall off because its to big.How many times do i need to change my water for my 10 gallon tank?I would recommend doing a 25% - 30% water change once every 1 to 2 weeks, and monitoring your NitRATE levels. If these are high you may need to do smaller more frequent water changes. Ammonia or nitRITE should never be present once the tank has fully cycled.



Also you should not vacuum the gravel for at least the first 6 months after the cycle is completed, Vacuuming the grave removes all kinds of interesting microscopic things that actually aid the cycle and provide a constant food supply to the fish and fry.



Depending on how much of a mess the plants are making you could always just scoop out the fallen leaves when you do the water change, how ever if they are minimal or not causing a problem I would not worry to much about them.



Lastly two quick things a lot of people forget / don't do;

1) When cleaning your filter do this in the water you have removed from the tank, as running it under tap water will kill the good bacteria that have built up in it.

2) Make sure when refilling the tank that you dechlorinate the water and that the water is about the same temperature of the water in the tank.



Do not use hot water from the tap as some older hot water systems and even pipes will had trace amounts of heavy metals to the water.



The best way to get the water to the same temperate as your tank is to either use the heater to from you tank in the bucket with the water, remembering to unplug it or turn it off before removing it from the tank, and remembering to let it sit adjust to the water in the bucket for about 15minutes before turning it on. The other way is what I do, I have a spare heater that I use solely for warming water in the bucket this way the water in the tank wont drop to much while you are heating the water in the bucket.



Best of LuckHow many times do i need to change my water for my 10 gallon tank?about 25% of the water, once a week.How many times do i need to change my water for my 10 gallon tank?Regardless of the size of the tank, all freshwater aquariums require a 25% water change at least once a month, if you want the ultra clean las vegas show tank look, then your going to need to do a 25% water change every week or two using a siphon hose depending on how heavily stocked your aquarium is. Vacuum the tank at the same time.

Water changes should be should be conducted together with a gravel clean using a gravel siphon.



If an ammonia or nitrite problem is present, it may need to be done more often.



Always use a gravel cleaner when doing a water change. This way all of the decomposing organic matter that has built up in the gravel is removed.

Almost all the possible problems that can occur with a tropical fish tank come down to one cause, decomposing organic matter in the aquarium. So obviously removing it will benefit the fish and improve the overall look of the tank. Cleaning your fish tank is very important.

However, if you are using an undergravel filter, the gravel bed should not be disturbed as frequently.



Your tank should then be topped up with conditioned water. This water should come from your cold water tap and not the hot tap (hot water dissolves the heavy metals in the piping that can harm your fish). This water should then be heated using your aquarium heater before adding it into your tank to avoid exposing your fish to cold-shock.How many times do i need to change my water for my 10 gallon tank?Change 25-40 percent every 2 weeksHow many times do i need to change my water for my 10 gallon tank?It depends on how many fish u have in that tank and what fish u have. If u have only 4 tiber barbs then u don't have to change water frequently as tiger barbs don't make much mess like u said.



Changing 25% of bottom water once in a week will be fine.

Swimming pool water get dark in 15 days what to do ?

water change every 30 days ,

blenching powder used for chlorination .

water filter through sand and carbon(Ordinary) tank.

Swimming pool size is 30 x 70 x 15 feet.

We can not see floor after 10 to 15 days but if we take water in glass it look clean.

guide us how to keep pool water clean for longer time.Swimming pool water get dark in 15 days what to do ?The secret to keeping a pool clear? It's really no secret at all, it just involves filtration, cleaning, correct sanitizer levels for the conditions and proper water balance.This is something you need to take care of on at least a weekly basis, not just once every two weeks. If you lack one of those, then you have problems. You have one or more of those issues.

Just looking at a sample in a glass means nothing. Lake water looks pretty clear in a glass too, until you see a larger sample of it. Same with some municipal water supplies. You'd be amazed at what you drink from the tap that when put in a pool would make you think twice. It's all in the volume.

There should be no need to drain that pool at all other than once every eight years on average and even then, you can usually get away with a partial drain to bring the total dissolved solids count down.

Take a water sample in to your local pool shop for a free check. They'll be able to point out your issues. One thing for certain is that unless you've added stabilizer every time you filled that pool, it will be non existent and it's pretty important to have some in there. It helps the chlorine work.

Once you get your water balanced and are on a proper chemistry profile for your pool and you're still having issues, I'd get a tech in to look at your filtration system. There's either an issue with it or it's possible you are actually doing something wrong. I've seen people running their pool on the recirculate position, thinking that's how it's supposed to be. They wondered why their pool kept going cloudy. :) If you ask the tech, he'll likely be more than happy to show you how to run your system to get the most out of it and to keep your running costs down while at the same time, never having a water issue. It varies from pool to pool, so I can't give you much more info with so little that you've presented, to go on.Swimming pool water get dark in 15 days what to do ?a small sample of water will not tell you how dirty it is because it is too spread out in the pool. it is probably just minerals and algea mixed in with the water. you should just keep the chemicals right and let the pump filter the water.

Why is my water still cloudy?

i have changed the filter, there r no fish in the tank, i have used clear water stuff, taken out all the plants and rocks and added salt, nothing seems to be working not even a 75% water change suggestions on what it is and how to fix itWhy is my water still cloudy?I need more specific info about your tank. How long has it been running? Are you using a fishless cycle? Why are there no fish?



If it is a new set-up and you are doing a fishless cycle, cloudy water is normal and can last a few days. There should be no need for water changes or filter changes because there are no fish.



If you are cycling a tank here is a link to help, if not, then I guess I need more info to help.



http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php



Sorry I can't do betterWhy is my water still cloudy?It takes approximately 3 weeks for a tank to cycle through completely. Is it fresh water (the tank I mean?) because you can add conditioner to the water (you can get it at the pet store) and that will help.



My husband and I went through the same issue just a month ago. :) It WILL clear up...Just takes time. :)Why is my water still cloudy?there is no need to keep changing the water and the filter if you are doing a fishless cycle, you now have to start over because the bacterias build up in the filter. just give it a few days to settle down. it will clear up. it is possible that it is your tap water. give it a week and if it does not clear up, as this is normal during this cycle, then remove the water and put softened bottled water (in the gallon jugs). don't keep adding chemicals either. there is a limit before the water isn't safe. the hobby of fish is not race there for you should be in no hurry. it takes time to make everything perfect. it took the world Millions of years to give the oceans what they have. good luck.Why is my water still cloudy?give it some chance.. try at least a one month to filter the waterWhy is my water still cloudy?get a bag of fresh prawns ( a handful will do) wash it, then put it in a tied up nylon stocking and place it in the tank. Leave it in the tank for a month, this will cycle the tank. When your nitrates start to rise, then do a 50% water change and then it's time to add your fish.

cute myspace

java

How often do I need to change my water for a Betta?

I DON'T have a filter and it's a 2 and a half liter tank? How often do I change it's water?How often do I need to change my water for a Betta?every week. and make sure you maintain the same temp when changing the water...that can shock him and kill him.How often do I need to change my water for a Betta?At least once a week, every 4th day is better. If you use tap water, don't forget to use %26quot;tap water conditioner%26quot;, so it's safe .How often do I need to change my water for a Betta?First you get a 20 litre heated and filtered aquarium.



then you do 25% weekly water changesHow often do I need to change my water for a Betta?If fish have to get moved out of a tank as often as weekly they do get very stressed out. I would recommend every fortnight the tank may get dirty but its better than having a stressed fish.