Stuff on my glass and basic questions.....

[Stewey]

I have been a member for a couple months and look at the posts all the time and am finally getting the courage to ask some questions. Please be patient with me.

Sorry if these are basic questions but I am really trying to dig deeper and understand what I am actually doing......

A little back ground - I have been keeping fish on and off for 20 plus years. I have lots of different kind if fish and the biggest tank I have had is a 40 gallon. I currently have a 20 gallon acrylic tank and am soon buying a 100 gallon Clear for Life. I have 2 fish - a two inch tiger Oscar and a Geophagus Altifrons. I have a basic LED light on it that I have set to turn on for about 10 hours a day. The light sits about 6 inches above the level of the water. I am looking at purchasing a AI Prime Hydra freshwater light. I wanted something that I could control with my phone.

Here are some questions..... I know some have been debated for years but just want to see what all of you think.

1. Hang on the back filter or a canister filter? W/hich do you like better and which would you consider quieter?

2. If I clean my acrylic inside the tank, how long before I should start to see it regrowing. I tend to go about two days and then it starts coming back. Is this normal timing? If its not, what is causing it? Lighting? Too much feeding?

3. I have heard many rules of thumb but how often and how much food? I have been switching between the occasional earthworm, pellets, and frozen blood worms (they both are fans of that)

4. What is the best tool for cleaning the inside of the acrylic tank?

5. I really want a Zebrina Pike Cichlid. Is there a reason I shouldn't get one with the fish I have or the 100 gallon tank?

I will stop with those although I have so many more. Thank you so much for taking the time. If you need more info or clarification, please don't hesitate to ask.

God Bless
Stew

 

[Supergeorge123]

Here is a video on filtration whichever one you choose, they both do the same thing. Hob dont have the risk of a huge leak from a hose coming off like canister filters.

If you are keeping a light on overnight that will lead to algae growing as quickly as you described.

There are specialized scrapers for acrylic aquariums to keep you from scratching them.

 

[tlindsey]

I have been a member for a couple months and look at the posts all the time and am finally getting the courage to ask some questions. Please be patient with me.

Sorry if these are basic questions but I am really trying to dig deeper and understand what I am actually doing......

A little back ground - I have been keeping fish on and off for 20 plus years. I have lots of different kind if fish and the biggest tank I have had is a 40 gallon. I currently have a 20 gallon acrylic tank and am soon buying a 100 gallon Clear for Life. I have 2 fish - a two inch tiger Oscar and a Geophagus Altifrons. I have a basic LED light on it that I have set to turn on for about 10 hours a day. The light sits about 6 inches above the level of the water. I am looking at purchasing a AI Prime Hydra freshwater light. I wanted something that I could control with my phone.

Here are some questions..... I know some have been debated for years but just want to see what all of you think.

1. Hang on the back filter or a canister filter? W/hich do you like better and which would you consider quieter?

2. If I clean my acrylic inside the tank, how long before I should start to see it regrowing. I tend to go about two days and then it starts coming back. Is this normal timing? If its not, what is causing it? Lighting? Too much feeding?

3. I have heard many rules of thumb but how often and how much food? I have been switching between the occasional earthworm, pellets, and frozen blood worms (they both are fans of that)

4. What is the best tool for cleaning the inside of the acrylic tank?

5. I really want a Zebrina Pike Cichlid. Is there a reason I shouldn't get one with the fish I have or the 100 gallon tank?

I will stop with those although I have so many more. Thank you so much for taking the time. If you need more info or clarification, please don't hesitate to ask.

God Bless
Stew

View attachment 1358958

They have special algae removal sponges for acrylic. The nutrients from the fish waste and food are the reason you are having algae issues. Also the light will cause algae growth. Doing larger water changes weekly will help control the algae. I think HOB filters are easier to maintain than canister filters. Don't have any experience with pike cichlids but experience members will chime in.

 

[Stewey]

Thanks for responding.... I have a sponge that seems to work but was wondering about one of those magnetic scrapers or I have seen wands with a scraper on the end. The algae seems to start at the bottom. I have been doing 50 percent water changes weekly.

Are the hang on the back filters noisy? I currently am using a Fluval filter that is submerged in the tank but I don't think it is doing as good a job as a canister or HOB.

Thanks again

They have special algae removal sponges for acrylic. The nutrients from the fish waste and food are the reason you are having algae issues. Also the light will cause algae growth. Doing larger water changes weekly will help control the algae. I think HOB filters are easier to maintain than canister filters. Don't have any experience with pike cichlids but experience members will chime in.

 

[Supergeorge123]

Thanks for responding.... I have a sponge that seems to work but was wondering about one of those magnetic scrapers or I have seen wands with a scraper on the end. The algae seems to start at the bottom. I have been doing 50 percent water changes weekly.

Are the hang on the back filters noisy? I currently am using a Fluval filter that is submerged in the tank but I don't think it is doing as good a job as a canister or HOB.

Thanks again

Make sure the scrapers are made for acrylic or you will scratch it.

 

[tlindsey]

Thanks for responding.... I have a sponge that seems to work but was wondering about one of those magnetic scrapers or I have seen wands with a scraper on the end. The algae seems to start at the bottom. I have been doing 50 percent water changes weekly.

Are the hang on the back filters noisy? I currently am using a Fluval filter that is submerged in the tank but I don't think it is doing as good a job as a canister or HOB.

Thanks again

They may have magnetic scrapers for acrylic aquariums but not sure. A aquaclear HOB filter would be better than the internal yes.

 

[tlindsey]

You may want to consider a sump for the 100 gallon.

 

[tlindsey]

They may have magnetic scrapers for acrylic aquariums but not sure. A aquaclear HOB filter would be better than the internal yes.

Not completely quiet so wouldn't recommend putting the aquarium in the bedroom if you like complete silence.

 

[Niki_up]

For the aquaclear hob filters you can just keep the water level in the tank high. That will reduce the noise of splashing water significantly

 

[Hendre]

I can sleep with an aquaclear 110 in the room, practically silent with a high water level. You can also hang sponges over the waterfall to diffuse the flow.