Particulates in water

[brent245]

I think I already know the answer to this but I want to see what everyone thinks. I have a 190g with 2 AC110's and 2 XL sponge filters, along with a couple powerheads for flow. I am getting more and more suspended particulates in my water that just don't filter out it seems. Even with water changes it only helps for 24 hours or so.

There are 5 larger sevrums, a large flowerhorn hybrid, 2 eclipse cats, 3 plecos (bristlenose, gold nugget, green phantom) & a black ghost knife. I think I need another filter. It worked fine when these fish were small but now that I feed alot I don't think the current setup can handle it. I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a FX6. Thoughts?

 

[esoxlucius]

You say your set up used to be fine when your stock was small, but not now they are larger and you're feeding more. It just sounds like your fishes growth and extra feeding have evolved into something your once adequate system can't manage any longer. I think it may be time to upgrade a bit, but i think you already know that.

 

[duanes]

You say your set up used to be fine when your stock was small, but not now they are larger and you're feeding more. It just sounds like your fishes growth and extra feeding have evolved into something your once adequate system can't manage any longer. I think it may be time to upgrade a bit, but i think you already know that.

I agree with this, if you start with juvies, as fish grow every aquarist should expect to have to double or even triple the water change schedule and volume of water changed when fish become adults.
Adding filters may help a little (especially with something inert like particulate), but in reality, more water changes and more regular filter maintenance are the most important factor for water quality of a healthy system.
A 190 may have seemed large when your fish were juvies, but gets pretty small when filled with adults, and their increased bioload.

 

[brent245]

Ok I just put an FX6 on order to supplement my existing filtration. I also run Purigen. I do a 50% water change weekly. water parameters have been fine, it's just the suspended particulates from the fish digging though the sand. Hopefully this helps.

 

[Chicxulub]

Moved to Setup and Filtration

 

[duanes]

Although 50% per week may sound like a lot to some, my normal routine for adult fish when I lived in the states was 30%-40% every other day, and I considered any nitrate level over 5 ppm, enough to warrant another water change (especially with adult cichlid species that are prone to hole in the head (like severums).

 

[Chicxulub]

Although 50% per week may sound like a lot to some, my normal routine for adult fish when I lived in the states was 30%-40% every other day, and I considered any nitrate level over 5 ppm, enough to warrant another water change (especially with adult cichlid species that are prone to hole in the head (like severums).

I do on average 80% per week. I'm with you on this.

 

[Niki_up]

How often are you cleaning the sponge filters? Could be the power heads blowing excess particulate off them? Now that your fish are bigger you might need to clean the sponges more frequently.

note* I also agree with the other responses