Need better filtration?

[jaytech33]

Thanks for all the advice, some very good points made. I did the thorough tank clean about 2 weeks ago, not too much gunk except for directly under some of the larger decoration. One thing I do often is to look up from under the tank with a flashlight. You can really see where the detritus builds up.
Also I changed out the original bulb that came with the tank to a tropic sun bulb. Hopefully that helps, I know it makes the tank and fish look better.

Interesting point made about my public water supply. I occasionally test the tap water. Same results 0 ammonia and nitrites, 0-5 nitrates but I am sure the other additives in the water could have changed.

I'll try cleaning out the sponges really well and see if that helps. I also have a spare xp2 that I think I will add into the system to see if it helps. Last resort may be to buy an RO unit or pay $.80/gal at my lfs.

Thanks again!

 

[Mattyou]

Dont waste money on the Ro. Use the Diatom and leave it at that if the problem persists. I have a 90 gal that is always milky. Out of all my tanks ( I have a bunch ), that dam 90 is the only one that gives me trouble. I use a Vortex Diatom on it and try not to let it get under my skin.

Matt

 

[Pharaoh]

I definitely agree that adding anoth filter probably won't correct the issue. You have tons of filtration, there is something else going on, especially because it has been constant for two year and has just recently appeared.

 

[Bderick67]

I was under the impression that just cleaning the foams would be good enough. I am still using the original foams for 2 years now.

If I replaced all 4 foam layers in the xp3 should I cut up the old ones and put in with the ceramic rings and bio balls to keep the bio levels stable?
I'm thinking removing that much bacteria and tossing in the trash is a bad idea.

Cleaning the sponges is good enough I have never replaced any in my XP3. Thing is you haven't been cleaning your sponges, only rinsing them. So this may be your problem.

 

[jaytech33]

Thinking more into this, I tested the PH, KH, and GH of the tank with the problem (tank1), my 45 gal tank(tank 2), and the tap water. The results

PH:
Tank 1 : 6 maybe 6.25
Tank 2 : 6.75-7
Tap : 6.75-7

KH:
Tank 1 : 1 degree
Tank 2 : 6 degrees
Tap : 7 degrees

GH:
Tank 1: 6 degrees
Tank 2: 6 degrees
Tap : 6 degrees

This is 5 days after 25% water change in both tanks.

So it looks like the problem tank is suffering from a KH problem and a bit of a low PH problem. Now to figure out why????