ID shark needs help/advice. Injury or disease?

[Amber n The Boss]

being that it's a water quality issue , anybody think water changes might be in order?...get a (BIG) sponge filter and do twice a week(big) water changes (I would use a powerhead to run the sponge filter ,for flow)...that should cover the water quality... it looks like you have .5 ammonia which indicates that you need more bio filtration...

I have done two 50% WC since I made this post 3 days ago. One done the day of the post and one more last night.
So you believe if I use a lg sponge filter along with the 2 HOBs that I already have, it would take care of the quality issue?
How are powerheads rated for size so I know what one to get?
Would you please explain how to rig a power head to run the sponge?
Thanks for your help! I would like to get this together and running tonight for them.

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[Amber n The Boss]

I have done two 50% WC since I made this post 4 days ago. One done the day of the post and one more last night.
So you believe if I use a lg sponge filter along with the 2 HOBs that I already have, it would take care of the quality issue?
How are powerheads rated for size so I know what one to get?
Would you please explain how to rig a power head to run the sponge?
Thanks for your help! I would like to get this together and running tonight for them.

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Thanks for giving me exact information on how to fix what is wrong. That was the biggest help. -Amber

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[lp85253]

I have done two 50% WC since I made this post 3 days ago. One done the day of the post and one more last night.
So you believe if I use a lg sponge filter along with the 2 HOBs that I already have, it would take care of the quality issue?
How are powerheads rated for size so I know what one to get?
Would you please explain how to rig a power head to run the sponge?
Thanks for your help! I would like to get this together and running tonight for them.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

any powerhead that moves maybe about 150 + gph should be fine.. I KNOW everybody on here will tell you to get a canister filter (expensive), but a BIG sponge filter ($15)run with a used powerhead ($15) will be PLENTY.... BUT it will take a few (3-4) weeks to fully seed... so keep after the water changes(50% should do) 2-3 times a week...add A LITTLE salt (1 tbls. per 15-20 gallons, you have fish that are salt sensitive.."pleco" ) and be patient.. but if it gets worse you may have to medicate...I DON'T UNLESS IT'S EXTREME .. but others on here will know proper type & dose... EDIT: the powerhead will fit right into the "riser" tube of the filter in most cases...I like either aqua clear or penguins equally...and other types will work as well...you can use an air pump to run it , but that won't help flow much...imo you need some more of that to help keep hob's fully "functional" , keeping debris off the floor of the tank...read A little of the sticky on sponge filters in the setup & filtration forum .. it will give you an idea of setting it up..I would get an ati hydro 5 PRO or AS CLOSE as possible replica

 

[fish squish]

I don't think you're overstocked, you have two large catfish, but the tank is dedicated to them. The few dithers you have aren't adding much waste. Many members here tend to be conservative in their stocking, not that it's a bad thing. However, I would never run a 150 one two HOBs, there's just not enough media for two big ole catfish. Not all canisters are ridiculously expensive like the FX5 and Eheims either, check out there http://www.aquatraders.com/category-s/30.htm.

 

[Amber n The Boss]

Thanks everyone!
Getting the sponge filter and powerhead tomorrow. Spent the day researching what I need to do to make those work in my setup. Not looking at getting a canister filter bc they are getting the indoor pond by the end of the year that will run on a modified pool filter. The cost of a canister is roughly the cost of the entire pond setup! I've been actively watching and keeping up with another monster member who put a 9x6 in his house and learning from his mistakes and proven methods. Watching his trail and errors will prove more of my success. He also keeps ID so it's really invaluable info hence why I'm waiting to get mine started.

Not down playing anyone's advice at all. By all means thanks to all who chimed in with their input. I've learned to be a little hardened when getting input on my IDs, having to separate others opinions compared to useful advice/suggestions since most people are so harsh of others keeping these fish. I'm certain this issue will be easily resolved with the added sponge as it's absolutely not due to lack of effort. This setup has been working for so long that I overlooked the growth of the fish as a factor and the need to upgrade the system to keep up with them.
Again Thanks-Amber

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[krichardson]

Good luck with the sponge filters...I've never used them.I won't harp on the canister filters lol but as I've stated earlier in my first post I think wet/dry sump systems are hard to beat on large tanks as there are many options for media and surface area for the bio colony.

 

[suprd71]

Also to keep in mind that gph is greatly reduced, as much as 40% in an hob with media in and some level of dirt in the sponge. I have 6 Aquaclear 110's, I keep them clean, run with sponge and bio only. There is NO WAY they put out 500gph. Same as my FX5's and 6's. 900+ gph? Not likely.

 

[krichardson]

Yep,all mechanical media has to regularly rinsed or replaced.

 

[suprd71]

Good luck with the sponge filters...I've never used them.I won't harp on the canister filters lol but as I've stated earlier in my first post I think wet/dry sump systems are hard to beat on large tanks as there are many options for media and surface area for the bio colony.

Guaranteed.. there is no better bio filter than a proper functioning sump. I'm a canister fan, to me a sump is a tank with no fish!

 

[krichardson]

Haha and lots of members use their sumps as holding cells for troublesome tank residents,I've been guilty of doing it in the past.My canisters act as compliments to my sump systems.