I have 125 gal that's about 2 years running.I do 30 per water change weekly i have three ac110 which i clean one a week,vacum gravel except under the rocks,question is when do you think i should take out an vacum under rocks .I notice when i lift one rock how dirty it is ..by the i have about 12 fish in tank average 7 inches , any anwsers would appreciate....
WHEN TO BREAK DOWN TANK
- Thread starter ANGELMINE
- Start date
Only way to know is by using test kit....once your nitrates are way to high, and your regular water changes are not reducing them by much.....I would say it's time for a break down!
You could try running with less amount of gravel, thus trapping less uneaten food/crap....and not have to tear down take for an overhaul.
You could try running with less amount of gravel, thus trapping less uneaten food/crap....and not have to tear down take for an overhaul.
Once established, you shouldn't ever "break down" a tank unless you're moving it. Just keep up with your gravel vacuuming and water changes, maintain your filtration without disturbing your bio media, and occasionally vacuum under the rocks.
The one and ONLY time I broke down a tank was to get rid of snails that came on some plants I bought for the tank. The tank was only a 10 gallon with a few mollies and guppies in it. You should never have to break down a tank. Pick up the rocks and decor and vacuum under them. I do that on all my tanks every 2nd waterchange.
I take out the rocks every time I vacuum. with the waist that collects under there... once I found a dead crawfish that was hit but got away and died under the rock.
Don't clean your filter so much. If it is flowing poorly then you can service but if it is flowing properly it should be good. Impo once a week is too much for having 2 110's on a 125....Maybe clean the mechanical layer if it is all gunked up. don't always use the carbon layer that comes with the filter. Just keep those on hand as needed. I would put 2 sponges and an upgraded bio media.
thats sound a bit drastic just main tain it a lil better test your tap water
mine softer that a pillo
phosphates are trew the roof
and nitrates are there as well
dam tap
mine softer that a pillo
phosphates are trew the roof
and nitrates are there as well
dam tap
I use the water inside my Xp3 to clean the foams and what not out. That way I know that the water is safe for the biomedia. Then I just dump the water, put it back together and set it all back up.
Also, the carbos I think is just maily used to get rid of the "dirty fish" smell and medicines put into the water. Also, over time it will become toxic and loses its value to the tank.
Also, the carbos I think is just maily used to get rid of the "dirty fish" smell and medicines put into the water. Also, over time it will become toxic and loses its value to the tank.