Help needed

[aquaman1620]

I don't think carbon would be the limiting reactant in the deammonifying processes you're suggesting. As long as your system is properly aerated through surface agitation or airstones your water should contain a sufficient level of dissolved CO2 for your bacteria colonies. If anything, supplemental aeration would be helpful if you're stocking large cichlids.

Ime, your filters efficiency will adjust to your stocking level, feeding routine, fishes growth and metabolism, and most importantly maintenance on the filter and tank itself.

In short, no, I would not make an attempt to increase alkalinity in your tank. Aside from having little effect on your bio filter, oscars are naturally from slightly acidic environments and it's theorized that prolonged exposure to hard, alkaline aquarium water leads to health problems.

Cool, thanks a lot..

 

[duanes]

What is the alkalinity in ppm of your tap water?
What is the average alkalinity of the tank between water changes?
What about pH before and after?
Oscars do not come from normally high alkaline waters.

 

[Azedenkae]

Sorry, think I was not clear when posting this thread. When the bacteria develop in the bio media in the canister filter, they utilize oxygen and alkalinity (inorganic carbon). So is it necessary to increase the alkalinity for the bacteria to work properly. This is the first time I am using a filtration with recirculating water, so I am confused on how the system works. Before I just used to exchange water weekly. Thanks....

They don’t use inorganic carbon actually, at least not for nitrification. For nitrification it is just ammonia/nitrite and oxygen.

They do use inorganic compounds (like carbon dioxide) as a carbon source, but that is for growth. Once the population is established and stop reproducing significantly, the nitrifiers stop consuming carbon dioxide (significantly).

 

[Fishman Dave]

This is the first time I am using a filtration with recirculating water, so I am confused on how the system works. Before I just used to exchange water weekly.

Good luck and hopefully you have all the answers you need so far. One point to note, adding the filters is great, but don’t stop the water changes, those will still be needed.