Filtration advice on well stocked 35 gallon

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Longimanus

Longimanus

Candiru
MFK Member
Feb 19, 2009
405
19
48
BC, Canada
I have a 35 gallon that currently has a Fluval 404 on it. It recently had an AC 70 as well, but it developed a buzz and I couldn't stand it in my room so I took it off.
The fish are already looking like they are gasping a bit (which seems strange to me as a 404 is total overkill for a 35 gallon) and there is alot more poop on the sand than when I had the AC, there was none visible with it running.

What I'm wondering is, is another power filter my best option? What about a sponge filter, will that be enough for mechanical filtration? I hate floaties in the water, and I don't really like having the poop. Would a sponge filter work as good as an AquaClear? I've never used a sponge filter. It runs on an air pump yes? So it depends on how quiet of a pump I can find as to the noise level? Are there any pumps known for being quiet?

Stock is one baby Rotkeil Severum, three small S. jurupari and two small angelfish. (yes I know a bigger tank will be required when they get bigger):)
 
What is in the 404?

Do you see Ammonia/Nitrites showing up in the water tests? If you don't then all you need is more surface agitation for fish health...
Add some mechanical filter for the poop if necessary,
 
How about just adding a powerhead to bring the poop to the filter?
 
I'm going to test the water when I get home from work, I didn't get a chance yesterday (I only took the filter off on Saturday, noticed the breathing difference yesterday)

Do I need an undergravel filter for a powerhead? or do I attach one to the Fluval?

The fluval is full of ceramic rings. Maybe it needs some filter floss or something? It has the sponges as well. I liked how well the AC 70 worked, it was just too darned loud.
 
Put your filter output at the surface for agitation, and your pickup down low to pick up poop. Adding a powerhead to that would be an awful lot of movement with the 404. Floss or pads might not be a bad idea.
 
I can raise the output, but the intake tube is already down low, any lower and it will be in the sand.
 
There is, but not much bubbling, not like there was with the AC. I will try pulling the outake up to the surface more and see if it helps.

So in general a Fluval 404 should be enough filtration on it's own considering tank size and stock? I feed once per day.
 
Well I added an air stone and moved the fluval outtake up, so there is lots of surface agitation. The fish look slightly better, though one eartheater is still not moving much, and another has a red face for some reason. I don't know if their faces turn red as they get bigger?

PH was fine at 6.5-7, ammonia was slightly over at .25, and I thought I had a nitrate test kit and I don't so I will stop and get one today. I added some salt as my angels have had their fins ripped by the baby severum.
 
Nitrate is not your concern right now...your ammonia spike means the fluval will need time to take up the full bioload.

Good news is that your low ph means the spike will do less harm...you can change water often or buy a bottle of Amstel and use accordingly...


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