Supplementary filtration and overfeeding.

[Kcameron]

Hey all,

I have a 55g tank with two adult gold gouramis and 9 juvenile convicts. The little guys are eating alot everyday and are growing at an amazing rate. However, feeding them so much to keep them growing is putting alot of waste into the water. I am getting alot of algae and some cloudiness but the nitrite and ammonia levels are almost non existant (surprising to me since there was ALOT of algae). I have an undergravel filter and a marineland power filter.

I was wondering if there is a cheap way to supplement the filtration to keep the water clearer (even though there doesnt seem to be anything chemically wrong with the tank)

Thanks

 

[Kcameron]

I do a 25% water change with siphoning every weekend FYI.

 

[chesterthehero]

Hey all,

I have a 55g tank with two adult gold gouramis and 9 juvenile convicts. The little guys are eating alot everyday and are growing at an amazing rate. However, feeding them so much to keep them growing is putting alot of waste into the water. I am getting alot of algae and some cloudiness but the nitrite and ammonia levels are almost non existant (surprising to me since there was ALOT of algae). I have an undergravel filter and a marineland power filter.

I was wondering if there is a cheap way to supplement the filtration to keep the water clearer (even though there doesnt seem to be anything chemically wrong with the tank)

Thanks

there should not be an "almost" in this statement...
more water changes, more cleaning and add more filtration

uneaten food turns into waste.. the excess filth is also not helping your algae..

 

[Kcameron]

there should not be an "almost" in this statement...
more water changes, more cleaning and add more filtration

uneaten food turns into waste.. the excess filth is also not helping your algae..

yea, I know the way in which bacteria and compounds work in water. I was just asking for any cheap suggestions--I dont wanna have to get a fluval just yet

 

[mrfeddown]

Live plants are always helpful. They'll compete with the algae and will provide some more oxygen. With the UG filter you might want to go with a plant that doesn't have to be rooted. Maybe a Java Fern on a rock or driftwood. Hope this helps. Otherwise you could toss in a sponge filter, but it won't look that great.

 

[tcarswell]

Even a fluval does not reduce nitrates (Although a lot of plants might). Sounds like you need to siphon more often or feed less. Also if your tank is cycled there should be no detectable nitrites or ammonia. What kind of test kit are you using ?

 

[Kcameron]

I do have some plants growing: java fern, anub, bamboo, onion, purple waffle, etc. I cant imagine what the algae would be like without them lol.

I have a lab style master test kit (forget the brand) the nitrite and ammonia didnt go above the 0ppm color, but I always leave room for personal error.

I just love seeing these guys grow so much so I dont wanna feed them much less. I do feed them in conservative patterns though (small amounts at a time, few times a day) that way they pick through the gravel and graze a bit on the algae too.

I was thinking a sponge filter cause they collect suspended material better than a marineland would. Thanks

 

[Kcameron]

I may also add more charcoal, I think that may work a bit too

 

[CDickes1988]

Replace any airstones with sponge filters. Sponge filters are very underrated.

 

[Kcameron]

the only airstones iI have are in my undergravel filter. But I do have enough power from my airpump to power both a small sponge filter and the UF, I think.