He's Not Nemo, but we still want him alive
June 19, 2009 10:52 AM Subscribe
How do I set up this filtration system? It's an Aqua expert 600 filtration system for a 2.5 gallon mini-bow aquarium.
Our office inherited Grover, a beta fish that came with a tank and a water filtration system. Whoever had it before said the tank stayed pretty clean, but since it came with no instructions, we're not sure if the filtration system is set up right now. Because after changing the water, the tank looks dirty again after 2 or 3 days.
I've taken the tubing apart, but I'm not sure if it's put back together correctly.
Help us keep Grover alive!
Our office inherited Grover, a beta fish that came with a tank and a water filtration system. Whoever had it before said the tank stayed pretty clean, but since it came with no instructions, we're not sure if the filtration system is set up right now. Because after changing the water, the tank looks dirty again after 2 or 3 days.
I've taken the tubing apart, but I'm not sure if it's put back together correctly.
Help us keep Grover alive!
Do NOT replace all of the filter media at once. No more than 50%. As noted, the beneficial bacteria in the filter do a lot of the work, and you need to leave enough for them to re-establish in the new medium.
posted by Caviar at 5:52 PM on June 20, 2009
posted by Caviar at 5:52 PM on June 20, 2009
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Aquarium filters generally don't 'clean' the aquarium in the traditional sense, but rather make the water quality safe for the fish. It does this using filter media: activated charcoal removes some toxins and trace elements but the real work is done by beneficial bacteria that becomes established in a second spongy filter media. This biofilter converts fishes' excreted ammonia (bad) into nitrite (bad) and then into nitrate (not so bad). You can learn more about biofilters with keywords like "nitrogen cycle" or "cycling an aquarium." If you're inheriting the aquarium, the biofilter is probably already established and you just need to make sure water is circulating through the mechanical bits.
Generally there are a few things that apply to any tank to keep it clean and healthy in addition to getting the filter working:
2.5 Gal is a very small tank, so a vacuum shouldn't take more than a minute. And if you're willing to go to a fish store with the filter/hood parts, the clerks there should be pretty helpful in explaining what goes where. Also keep in mind that Grover, as a Beta, can take in air at the surface and is hardy enough not to need a powered filter or air stone if water changes and gravel cleaning are consistent. A filter makes the water less smelly and stagnant, though.
posted by cowbellemoo at 12:42 PM on June 19, 2009