question

[cichlaguapote]

no the ammonia is fine and the fliters aren't cloged, its the end result i think its nitrates? im not to sure, but the filters should catch the gunk if i can hose it to them right??

No.. When your filters get too full of "gunk" it all ends up getting pushed back into your tank anyways. There's no way around it. The only way to fix your problem is water changes, water changes, water changes. Hopefully using a python water changer/gravel vac or similar so that you can vaccum the gravel as you change the water. And you should be changing the water bi-weekly or weekly on a normal schedule.

 

[Yanbbrox]

i am currently running a emporor 400 and two of the tetra 10-20 filters from walmart. And the tank was not really touched for years, but it only had the gourmie in it i have since added the rest. And it dosn't seemed to overstocked to me they all have plenty of room and soon well be in the 180 i have the tank just need to get all the filters and such for it.. the lfs said not to do a complete water change?? and also all my levels are good ecept the end result of the cycle can't rem what the name for it is

I don't want to sound over critical but you've added the problem with overstocking.

You've gone way OTT on the stocking without thinking. Your in a new cycle now so you need to leave the tank for the bb to colonise.

W/c will help just don't over do the gravel vac to maximise the bb you've got in there

 

[kildragon6]

so it is deffintally overstocked?? they will all be alright in the 180 tho?? they are so small i didn't think i had to much in there!! how often do you guys think i should do a wc to get them down and how much??

 

[Yanbbrox]

so it is deffintally overstocked?? they will all be alright in the 180 tho?? they are so small i didn't think i had to much in there!! how often do you guys think i should do a wc to get them down and how much??

Yes your overstocked, the 180 will handle them IMO but not for life, pacu grow huge, 500 minimum required.

W/c 40% weekly, test your water to learn more about what it happening in your tank.

 

[fishman61]

You have a big job ahead of you. I can't imagine not cleaning a tank, regardless of size in years.
What's your nitrate reading? I imagine it's well over 100ppm

 

[dingoofus]

Also mat, what type of gravel are you using? Some of the heavier gravels will trap loose waste products. Use lighter gravel so your syphon can pick out the waste from the gravel easier.

 

[krichardson]

Hey Dingoofus,what does chunder mean?

 

[dingoofus]

Hey Dingoofus,what does chunder mean?

Chunder means to vomit, Lol.

 

[kildragon6]

ok well i did a wc today and i got it all out.... took forever it ended up being like a 50% wc i know thats not good but i figure its better than the nitrate as high as it was and im hoping to get the 180 up soon, what type of filter should i run?? and how should i go about changing them out, its built into my wall so i have to remove the old tank and cut a bigger hole in my wall to fit the 180 i tried to attach some pics so you guys can see

 

[krichardson]

It seems like a shame to shut down that system,it looks nice in the wall and I have always wanted a hook up like that.Couldnt you set up the 180 someplace else in your home and keep this one going LOL ? I would get a Magnum or some other canister filter to better handle the waste output of those fish that you have and look into a wet/dry for the 180.Whatever you decide on for the existing tank should be added as the back up for the Emperor for about a month untill it gets a good bacteria colony established inside of it.