[Funsch]

So I have this big tank that I bought at a garage sale a couple of years ago. It looks like about 90 gallons. It has a built-in drip filter in the rear section of the tank unseen by the black plexiglass background. This filter system has a reserve that fills from the over flow of the tank which in turn over flows onto the drip tray. Under the drip tray is two shelf type things to seperate media. After flowing through this area it fills another reserve and is then pumped back into the tank. I want to set up a fresh water tank with a couple of oscars. So my questions are...

1. In my research, I haven't been able find a definite answer on what type of media to use for this bio filter sytem. It looks like the previous owner was using some plastic balls and some ceramic pieces on the first shelf and then a piece of foam on the bottom shelf. I think these are in bad shape and need to be thrown out. Is this really what I need? Some people say that I do not need the foam but I need some activated charcoal. I don't know. And where do I get these items to fit the custom size of the filter, about 4.5in x 16in?

2. Is this one powerhead that replenishes the water back into the tank sufficient to circulate enough oxygen throughout the tank.

3. How long do I need to let this new tank run before I can add the fish I want?


That's all I have for now. I am sure there will be more later as I become an active member of this community.

Hopefully, you people can help me out since it's obvious I can't help myself.

 

[crazie.eddie]

(Message deleted by poster)

 

[Lupin]

Well explained, Eddie.

I suggest you have a read here.
How long it takes to finished cycling depends. If you have bacterial sources, it should hasten the cycling process.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

 

[Oceane]

You can buy sponge for the filter by sheet and cut it down to size.As for ceramic pieces, just take some to your LFs and tell them you need refills for your filter. If you have access to used filter media your tank should cycle fairly quickly 5-6 days just keep checking your water stats.

 

[Funsch]

Thanks for the quick replys.

My old bio balls and ceramic pieces have been out of water for years. According to the previous owner. Should I still use these?

And were do you think I can buy sponge by the sheets? Hardware store?

 

[Lupin]

Thanks for the quick replys.

My old bio balls and ceramic pieces have been out of water for years. According to the previous owner. Should I still use these?

And were do you think I can buy sponge by the sheets? Hardware store?

You can still use them. Pls ask your lfs if you can obtain from them filter media from their established tank as that contains beneficial bacteria you'll need for cycling.

Your lfs should have the sponge in their stocks.

 

[Funsch]

Please don't poke fun but one last question...what is "lfs"? Do you mean my local pet store?

 

[Funsch]

local fish store. I get it.

 

[crazie.eddie]

(Message deleted by poster)

 

[Tracy]

I had the same question about what lfs was (and I work in one part-time!). The ceramic pieces are a place for the beneficial bacteria to cling to. Activated carbon (in little mesh bags) and sponges that will fit your tank, are probably available at the pet (fish) store. Usually the sponge is at the bottom of the filter, then the carbon, then the ceramic pieces in their little mesh bag, so that the aquairum water flows through the sponge first, to trap the small particles, then the carbon to remove impurities, then the ceramic, then back into the tank.

 

[Lupin]

Active Carbon
This media is best used only for removal of medicines, stains(dye of meds particularly methylene blue), foul odor and stains(usually tannins leached by bogwoods).
It will last only a month or two in your filter and you'll have to buy a new one again. If this media has been used for a long time, you may find your tank becoming cloudy because of that.

 

[girlofgod]

i use a filter that requires this activated carbon as a media. it has blue flossy stuff on one side and black plastic on the other side and the AC is between the two. i dont think i can purchase a media for this filter that doesnt have AC in it...everything i have read on tanks says that you should have some type of chemical filtration in your tank, i.e. actiavated carbon, etc. this is wrong?

bri

 

[Lupin]

i use a filter that requires this activated carbon as a media. it has blue flossy stuff on one side and black plastic on the other side and the AC is between the two. i dont think i can purchase a media for this filter that doesnt have AC in it...everything i have read on tanks says that you should have some type of chemical filtration in your tank, i.e. actiavated carbon, etc. this is wrong?

bri

There's nothing wrong with placing activated carbon in the filter but I find it unnecessary for awhile.
I used it only when I want to remove the meds in my tank or any stains in the water particularly tannins(well, the woods will still leach too much tannins anytime :dunno: ).