Oldfishlady

But, just curious: Do you think a used carbon filter cartridge rinsed in old tank water is just as effective as like any other type? Like a sponge or something?

Ohh, THANK YOU! This is exactly the information I need! You're the best.

My 5 gallon tank is cycled w/ carbon filters... since they must be replaced every 4-6 weeks, what should I do? All the BB is in the filter!
Should I cut the filter open & pour out the carbon, then shove that UNDER the new carbon cartridge? I have 3 extras of these & they go w/ my tank. Please help me!

Okay thank you! :)

Hello OFL! My tank has been cycling for about 4 weeks (10 gal, heated filtered, houses 1 betta & 2 nerite snails).. My tap water contains .5 ppm ammonia... Today I have 0 ppm ammonia, 0 nitrite, between 5-10 nitrate. Is it possible for a tank to cycle this fast?? I did not use any seeded materials & I only have 2 small live plants. Thanks.

OK, thanks OFL. I guess it's a mystery. ^^ Can't wait until its done! Gonna be a lot of work, though. Thanks again. ~LTB

Hi OFL. Again. Lol. Sorry if I keep bothering you but I have a question. A few days ago, I noticed my filter was too strong. I kept it off most of the time and turn it back on sometimes. And today, I bought a valve so I can control the current. I can now keep it on 24/7. :) My question is, was that enough time for BB to colonize just a little bit? I know the cycle takes weeks but I mean in that short amount of time, did BB grow? I'm just worried that when I turned it off the BB start to die off and when I turn it back again, it'll flow my tank with ammonia. If you can't understand my babbling, I'll try to make it more understandable. If you're not confused, please reply back. Sorry if it's confusing... ~LTB

misterbetta-since you have your VM turned off I can't reply to you in your VM-but to answer your question. Its post count that increase your level and to become a moderator you are asked or invited by admin after other moderator recommend you-but only when a moderator is needed to add to the team.

Merl-I think you responded to the wrong person-I don't recommend nor use antibiotic, however, I am not critical of those that do...Plus-I don't have any sick fish

So, even though Beau is now doing better in the 1g., should I remove the internal filter in 5.5 where the new fish is, or wait and see if he's okay with the vibration?

Your betta has bacterial or fungal disease; possibly cotton wool, columnaris, gill disease that can block gills and and prevent breathing. Treat with a broad-spectrum antibiotic that treats fungal diseases, like Mardel's Maracin Plus for 5 days. If that does not work, try Maracin Copper Safe for 5 days, take a few days off between med cycles to avoid immunity; treat on off days with a combination of API Stress Zyme plus Kordon AmQuel; then move back on to Mardel Maracin Maroxy for 5 days max. Add 1 tsp per gallon of Aquarium Salt, ne--never regular salt to discourage bacteria and fungi. Get a Hydor heater for aquariums less than 5 gallons. Remove uneaten food; feed 5 pellets every other day; never overfeed; avoid methylene blue for serious contagious diseases. See fish diseases; other posts; keep water temp constant; always add good water conditioners like Stress Zyme,Kordon AmQuel, plus Aqua Salt for each weekly water change; never keep bettas in less than 1/2 gallon H20.