Overhead Sump Filter Media Setup for 75 Gallons

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fishkeepercarlo

Feeder Fish
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Feb 21, 2021
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Hi, I recently got my 5 slot overhead sump for my filtering on my 75 gallons and I have the following filter medias: Filter pad/cotton for the first slot, k1 filter media on the second, lava rings for the 3rd, and ceramic rings for the 4th. I actually tested my water on my overhead sump's 3rd day and so far, the results were actually good but my nitrite is high which is 1.0 ppm. Any tips on how I can lower it done? And in addition, is it okay if I switch my k1 filter media to the first slot so that it will circulate and move the pad/cotton on the second slot?

Sorry for the frequently asked questions of mine. I just started this hobby last January and so far, I still learning more out of it.
 
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fishkeepercarlo said:
Hi, I recently got my 5 slot overhead sump for my filtering on my 75 gallons and I have the following filter medias: Filter pad/cotton for the first slot, k1 filter media on the second, lava rings for the 3rd, and ceramic rings for the 4th. I actually tested my water on my overhead sump's 3rd day and so far, the results were actually good but my nitrite is high which is 1.0 ppm. Any tips on how I can lower it done? And in addition, is it okay if I switch my k1 filter media to the first slot so that it will circulate and move the pad/cotton on the second slot?

Sorry for the frequently asked questions of mine. I just started this hobby last January and so far, I still learning more out of it.
Click to expand...

I would keep the pads in the first slot always it serves as the mechanical filtration. What is moving the K1 besides water? I would replace the K1 if your not using air to move it around.
 
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The current setup was: filter pads/cotton, k1 filter media, lava rings, and ceramic rings. For moving the k1 media, I have not yet set it up but I can have an air stone setup to it for circulating on the sump slot. The 3 medias are on net storage but I am planning to simply put it on the sump slot to give more space. Please let me know if I am doing something wrong here.
 
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fishkeepercarlo said:
The current setup was: filter pads/cotton, k1 filter media, lava rings, and ceramic rings. For moving the k1 media, I have not yet set it up but I can have an air stone setup to it for circulating on the sump slot. The 3 medias are on net storage but I am planning to simply put it on the sump slot to give more space. Please let me know if I am doing something wrong here.
Click to expand...

Keep the filter pad in #1 chamber always other than that you could change the bio to your preference.
 
tlindsey said:
Keep the filter pad in #1 chamber always other than that you could change the bio to your preference.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your response. I have another question though, should I use an external reactor for my k1 media or the installing of air stone on the 2nd slot sump where I put my k1 media might work? I can go to the pet store after my duty today just to buy some other bio media as an alternative.
 
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fishkeepercarlo said:
Thank you for your response. I have another question though, should I use an external reactor for my k1 media or the installing of air stone on the 2nd slot sump where I put my k1 media might work? I can go to the pet store after my duty today just to buy some other bio media as an alternative.
Click to expand...

Try the air stone first with the K1 and if all K1 doesn't continue to move in the chamber then replace it with another type of bio media.
 
fishkeepercarlo said:
I actually tested my water on my overhead sump's 3rd day and so far, the results were actually good but my nitrite is high which is 1.0 ppm. Any tips on how I can lower it done?
Click to expand...


The nitrites will come down once whatever bio media you have become established with the proper nitrifying bacteria.
You should start to see your nitrates increase at that point.
 
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fishkeepercarlo said:
Hi, I recently got my 5 slot overhead sump for my filtering on my 75 gallons and I have the following filter medias: Filter pad/cotton for the first slot, k1 filter media on the second, lava rings for the 3rd, and ceramic rings for the 4th. I actually tested my water on my overhead sump's 3rd day and so far, the results were actually good but my nitrite is high which is 1.0 ppm. Any tips on how I can lower it done? And in addition, is it okay if I switch my k1 filter media to the first slot so that it will circulate and move the pad/cotton on the second slot?

Sorry for the frequently asked questions of mine. I just started this hobby last January and so far, I still learning more out of it.
Click to expand...

Is this 75g tank the one from your other thread which houses a datnoid, an arowana, 2 bichirs and 2 plecos? In your other thread (in the disease section guys under "datnoid and arowana eye symptoms"), you have concerns regarding cloudy eyes and you think your datnoid may be blind because it doesn't seem to know where the food is, it's struggling feeding.

We know you're new to the hobby so you have limited experience and knowledge. What we don't know is how long your tank has been set up, whether it's been cycled properly, i'm guessing not given your nitrite reading. Your issues in your other thread could be attributed to new tank syndrome? The BB colonies in your new overhead filter are simply not up to speed to process the waste.

There's too many gaps here for me to make complete sense regarding this thread and your other thread.
 
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