Do I need a bigger filter???

[HiGhTiMeZ]

whisper filter sucks. if ur gonna get a new filter, get the aQuaclaear ones.

 

[Fry]

Whisper filter cartridges can be rinsed but will eventually break and have to be replaced. The trick to keep this filter is to find media that would not need to be replaced and at the same time provide good mechanical filtration while not creating backflow (water dropping back out at the intake tube).

Look at these cartridges:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11352&N=2004+113808

You can keep the sponge part and just change the floss and carbon part. A better idea is to cut a piece of foam you can rinse and re-use to replace the floss and carbon part. I think the Junior size fits your filter.

 

[rob0521]

what is the stocking on this tank, is it is heavily overstocked, that would also effect your ammonia. If I were you I would but a sponge filter (there very cheap) and that way benificial bacteria can grow on the sponge filter and you wont have to worry about throwing away good bacteria in your whisper mechanical filter.

 

[sclabman]

what kind of fish do you have in there?

i have a 10 gallon with a whisper filter just like yours. i never clean the filter cartridge unless the water flow starts to slow and drip down the intake part. i havent put in a new cartridge yet and i dont see myself doing so unless this one breaks or i need new carbon for some reason.

 

[fishfood2326]

This is where your problem is, not your fault just bad design of the filter.BB (beneficial bateria) is what changes the ammonia into nitrites and then the nitrites into nitrates. The nitrates are then removed through water changes.

With your filter, the best place for your BB to colonize is the fitler cartridge, which you change regularly. There for when you change your filter cartridge you are removing a large portion of your BB. This is the cause for your ammonia.

One way to fix this is go buy a package of 4 pot scrubbers, they need to be the nylon plastic type with no added chemicals. Stuff these into your filter prefferablely after the cartridge(this will give your BB a permanite place to colonize. When your change your cartridge only rinse the pot scrubbies with tank water(the chlorine in tap water will destroy the BB). Try this for a while and if it does not help I would go with a different brand of filter, either aquaclear or penguin bio wheels.

In the mean time to combat the ammonia use Prime(it will detoxify the ammonia)and keep doing you water changes.

Thank you very much for all your feedback. It makes so much sense now.
Ive heard about BB but never really put it all together. I even had a friend telling me all about this same process, but for his 100 gal+ tanks. I guessI didn't think that same thing appied for my 10 gal Anyways thanks again.

 

[fishfood2326]

I agree! Only a whisper 5-15 is not big enough to hold anything but the floss cartrage and the bio cartrage. The one with the carbon, if you have to have carbon,(carbon is only needed occasionally IMPO) just get the build your own cartrage and reuse the floss change the carbon, saving BB.

You can gently rub the detritus (poo) off in the bucket of water you just removed (the chlorine in tap water WILL kill BB) ideally the water in your tank has less chlorine than tap.

You CAN change more than 10 % without risk every day. you can safely do up to 50% a day on a messy fish tank without cause for concern. (Wyldfya is the man when it comes to water)


On a community 10 gal 10 % a day would be great. Fish will usually tolerate alot of small changes over infrequent large ones any day. Every tank is different we can give you suggestions but ultimately you are your own best resource when it comes to your tank. Hope I helped.

I dont think I could feel more like a noob! Its like ive heard this all(some where) before but couldnt connect the dots. And to answer your question, yes you did help considerably. I finally feel confident enough to combat my water issues. Thank you very much!

 

[fishfood2326]

what kind of fish do you have in there?

i have a 10 gallon with a whisper filter just like yours. i never clean the filter cartridge unless the water flow starts to slow and drip down the intake part. i havent put in a new cartridge yet and i dont see myself doing so unless this one breaks or i need new carbon for some reason.

I have 2- 2 1/2 inch columbian sharks, 1- albino rainbow shark, 1-pleco.

 

[fishfood2326]

Ok, to recap on my learned knowlege: Introducing chloronated tap water to your tank daily while annually removing a majority of your benificial bacteria is a good way to create high levels of ammonia and turn your tank water funny colors.

Thank you to everyone for helping this noob get his facts straight.

 

[Bderick67]

I have 2- 2 1/2 inch columbian sharks, 1- albino rainbow shark, 1-pleco.

Some more info for ya... your columbian sharks can reach 2 foot in length and although they are a fresh water fish when young, they will require brackish water once they are larger. At what size or age they need the brackish water I am not sure of though.

 

[fishfood2326]

Some more info for ya... your columbian sharks can reach 2 foot in length and although they are a fresh water fish when young, they will require brackish water once they are larger. At what size or age they need the brackish water I am not sure of though.

i have heard that before, and im not sure at what age or size either. Ive been so busy with my water problem i havent researched that yet, but i will. Thanks