Need help with my first canister

[olsonwa07]

I recently got an eheim 2217 for cheap as all heck ($50, only a couple years old, been running like a beast) but I'm having some issues with it right now.

I've been running tests for the last couple days to get a heads up on the parameters, and it seems like the tank isn't cycling...I have a little ammonia, and a lot of nitrates (40+ ppm), and I just did a 50% water change yesterday. Right now I only have 5 giant danios and a polypterus delhezi since selling off my stock. (juvie convict, FM, and GT, none fully grown)

Is this because there isn't any bacteria grown yet? I've had the canister going for about 2+ weeks, and had the other HOB filters going for a couple days prior to it to get the bacteria in there.

My setup in there currently is coarse DIY foam I found at the LFS, then quilt batting after that, then finally the rest is bioballs. It seemed like a decent DIY setup, am I doin something wrong?

Currently on a 55gal tank. Need a heads up b/c I'm getting the new stock this coming weekend and have no clue on canister filters.

 

[calioutlaw1a]

Nice deal on that filter!

What type of test are you using (dip stick or liquid)? If you have a bunch of nitrates, then your tank is cycled. Try testing your tap water to see what's in the water you are putting in.

For your canister filter setup, bioballs are not very efficient in canisters. They are much better suited for wet/dry setups. I'd suggest investing in a biomedia like SeaChem Matrix, ceramic rings, etc.

 

[olsonwa07]

Nice deal on that filter!

What type of test are you using (dip stick or liquid)? If you have a bunch of nitrates, then your tank is cycled. Try testing your tap water to see what's in the water you are putting in.

For your canister filter setup, bioballs are not very efficient in canisters. They are much better suited for wet/dry setups. I'd suggest investing in a biomedia like SeaChem Matrix, ceramic rings, etc.

It's a liquid test, and I'll check out whats in the tap, never thought of that.

Excellent to know mate, I was looking at the Eheim substrat pro on amazon, and realized how ridiculously cheap it is compared to other places, so I'll probably order some later this week. Should I just keep swapping the water out to try and get the nitrates down then? Getting a bunch of small fish that I don't want gettin canned soon as I get'em lol.