what steps?

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

Looks like you need to establish biological filtration in your tank. Neither the undergravel nor the hang ons are of significant value in that matter. Get a canister with bio-media (e.g. bei Eheim), and use bottled bacteria to prime it. Water changes only eliminate the symptoms, not the cause. You will always have the same problems if you don't eliminate the cause.

Good luck,

HarleyK

 

[guppy]

A well established UGF with 2-21/2" medium gravel that is cared for properly provides a huge ammount of biological filtration. Sand reduces it's value considerably.
The average 60g tank has a footprint I believe of 48"x18", using between 2-2 1/2" of gravel provides between 7 1/2 and 9 1/4 gallons of medium grade biomedia. That is a lot more than a hang on and more than most canisters. They don't do diddly for mechanical filtration though.

 

[HarleyK]

A well established UGF with 2-21/2" medium gravel that is cared for properly provides a huge ammount of biological filtration. Sand reduces it's value considerably.
The average 60g tank has a footprint I believe of 48"x18", using between 2-2 1/2" of gravel provides between 7 1/2 and 9 1/4 gallons of medium grade biomedia. That is a lot more than a hang on and more than most canisters. They don't do diddly for mechanical filtration though.

Tell me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the substrate act as "biofilter" anyhow? Sure, if it's perfused with water by an undergravel filter, then it has probably a bigger capacity. But I thought that wouldn't make too much of a difference. But then, I've never had an undergravel filter. I'm a canister guy

HarleyK