need a good filter for a 20g full of convict fry

[lascombes]

I moved a breeding pair of convicts out of my 100g because they were getting nasty and didn't want them killing off any more of my fish. They already took out my full grown oscar and I wasn't about to let them go after my new jag. Anyway since then they cranked out about 100-150 fry easy. I know my filtration must suck because it's what came with one of those walmart 20g combo's.

What kind of filter should I get? I notice alot of people go way over what the tank size is. When I can get them to a nice size, about or close to a inch, a lfs owner near me would take the female and the fry off my hands. Then I'll move the male back into the 100g, and switch the 20g to a dwarf cichlid tank. The lfs has some long finned rams I've been eyeing for awhile now.

I was thinking about a aqua clear 50 (for 30-50g tanks). I just don't want to go overboard and create a whirlpool, lol.

 

[JESTERX626]

I have an AC50 in my 29 gal tank and it doesnt even push water as hard as you think, it's pretty light actually, just a soft waterfall of water pouring into the tank smoothly. I would even have used a AC70 if I had the money. I say go for it =D

 

[XRAYZ]

sponge filters are great for fry tanks

 

[rallysman]

sponge filters are great for fry tanks

I would definately go with some sponge filters.

 

[lascombes]

So If I wanted to make my own, I can get that big chunky block of sponge from the petshop? The hose too?

I'm pysched about this idea. I can't believe I've never heard of it before. I've seen sponges sitting in peoples tanks but I just figured it was a old school player that didn't want to give up his ugf, lol.

 

[importracer]

So If I wanted to make my own, I can get that big chunky block of sponge from the petshop? The hose too?

I'm pysched about this idea. I can't believe I've never heard of it before. I've seen sponges sitting in peoples tanks but I just figured it was a old school player that didn't want to give up his ugf, lol.

Here's a DIY sponge filter that only takes 4 mintues to build:

---Get a used plastic fish food container(cyliner shape)...

---Drill some small holes on bottom of container...

---Stuff container with choice of media...

---Take the top...Drill a hole small enough to fit an air tube through the top...Screw top on...

---Connect other end of tube to air pump...

---Ta-Da!!

 

[lascombes]

Where would I score one of those big chunky sponges?

Biggest I've seen so far is a painters sponge and that's about the size of a small brick. In the pics I'm seeing of people posting how to make one their's are huge. Like shoebox size.

 

[vanimate]

sponge filters are great for fry tanks

I would definately go with some sponge filters.

Sponges are the only way to go with fry. They cannot get sucked up into an intake. Plus they can feed off of the sponge surface. Make sure you get one that rests above the tank floor on a stand, I've used the one that sits on the bottom, and kept finding dead fry that got stuck underneath the sponge

 

[craig]

Ac 110 sponges are good to work with. Cut to size.

 

[Dr Joe]

Here's a DIY sponge filter that only takes 4 mintues to build:

---Get a used plastic fish food container(cyliner shape)...

---Drill some small holes on bottom of container...

---Stuff container with choice of media...

---Take the top...Drill a hole small enough to fit an air tube through the top...Screw top on...

---Connect other end of tube to air pump...

---Ta-Da!!

Small holes are for dirty water to enter? Ok then where does the air and clean water go?

Oh, ya this one just floats too.

Da da da daaa.

Drill 4-6 1/4" holes in the top push air tube to the bottm & put a couple of marbles in the bottom to hold it down.

Now ---Ta-Da!!
Now you've got a great ghetto idea! (you do know this resembles a bubble up filter right? )

Dr Joe

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