kevin
Full Member
Posts: 121
|
Post by kevin on Aug 28, 2014 19:40:14 GMT -5
Nice tank Ameenah. About 4 1/2 min thru, was that a convict? It seemed like the bubble columns were not real big. Is that the way its supposed to be? Maybe because my Zebra Tilapia (thank you again for ID)is so big as you saw, and loves he to play in the bubbles, but I have two stones up almost all the way. Is that good, bad or kind of up to the fish if he likes it? Thanks, kevin
|
|
kevin
Full Member
Posts: 121
|
Post by kevin on Aug 28, 2014 19:46:11 GMT -5
Thanks Ameenah, nice video. Was that a convict about 4 1/2 min thru it? Are those bubbles supposed to be kind of slow like that, because mine are way faster. But for my 11-12" Zebra Tilapia (sooo happy to have a name, thank you), he loves to swim in the columns so it seems the faster the better. Not sure if fast is good, bad or doesn't matter if he likes it... (oh, and I made a mistake on age, he's 17+, we've been married 15 and she has him a couple years prior.) Anyway, nice set up. We'll have to chat more on you filter stuff- read all this thread. K
|
|
kevin
Full Member
Posts: 121
|
Post by kevin on Aug 28, 2014 19:51:07 GMT -5
Ok my bad, I didn't see the additional pages, so I looked at your may video. And as far as two replies, I thought it didn't load right. Lots to learn... kev
|
|
|
Post by Ameenah on Aug 30, 2014 17:37:00 GMT -5
Hi Kevin
Thank you for checking out my big tank blog and videos. I love having a place to share and receive feedback - and great things to consider. YEAH EA!!
No, I don't have a convict cichlid, I think you are referencing my "Turquoise" (Caquetaia umbrifera ) This species is South American aka "New World" though. His pin-point bright turquoise "sequins" are not picked up too much on video yet but will be when he is bigger.
As for air stones. I have 2 large air pumps running 4 air stones in that tank. As you may know, air bubbles help get rid of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate too. Carrying them in the bubbles and releasing them at the surface. My big tank's air stones are putting out a pretty good amount of bubbles though it may not seem so on the video. Approx 1/3 of waterline has air bubbles breaking constantly. None of my fish, in any of my tanks, spend any time in the bubble columns. Fish can become ill or worse if an air bubble gets into their stomach - it presents like swim bladder disease and is not always curable. I lost a 7" Ryukin Goldfish once despite getting it to eat some peeled frozen peas for a few days. Sure my fish will swim through the bubbles once in a while but only to get to the other side. It sounds like your "Fishy" loves bubble baths! Nothing wrong with that - he/she has been doing so for years right?
|
|
kevin
Full Member
Posts: 121
|
Post by kevin on Sept 2, 2014 19:04:46 GMT -5
Yep, he has. Good info on bubbles in stomachs, had no idea, I'll keep eye out for that. Also, thanks for mentioning the bubbles releasing at the surface. I knew nitrates (nitrogen) gets released thru surface, but didn't know to look for that in terms of surface action. Im still having that high nitrate issue, but I do have lots of surface popping so maybe just continuing with the Algone packets and quick vac of waste regularly will eventually knock that back. Ammonia and nitrite still fine. Cool tank tho- love the plants and sand base and as I think Devon mentioned-totally tranquil. I'd eventually like to do that, but fishy tears everything out and unless its weighted, I find it floating. (active boy)
|
|
|
Post by Ameenah on Sept 3, 2014 23:25:33 GMT -5
With my big tank's SunSun 1542 Water Pump providing the water to my FSB Filter now surrounded by mesh bags of volcanic rock and SeaChem Matrix I had hopes that This would be the cure to minimal churning and high mulm buildup in the FBS Filter. Well... Not so. Today the FSB Filter ceased churning. I removed the ensemble, cleaned the pump (full of mulm again) and cleaned the sands in the FSB Filter (to remove mulm.) I also rinsed the mesh bags of volcanic rock and Matrix which were not too "yucky" at all. All of this done with dechlorinated rinsing water. After getting this filtration up and running again, I considered that I might need to try less sand medium in the FSB Filter and less volcanic rock and Matrix in the mesh bags covering the water pump. I also am considering if I should just remove the sponge filter from inside the water pump. Upon re-start, the Pump is still not giving a good churning to the FSB Filter - even on full flow. Yes, I did reposition the mesh bags a few times in hopes that this would get things running efficiently - not so. I am really concerned that I get everything running at optimum capacity within the next couple weeks because I will be on the other side of the planet for the next 3 months and do not want to pay a bundle of money to have an aquarium service to come weekly. Any thoughts, recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by devonjohnsgard on Sept 4, 2014 9:51:04 GMT -5
With my big tank's SunSun 1542 Water Pump providing the water to my FSB Filter now surrounded by mesh bags of volcanic rock and SeaChem Matrix I had hopes that This would be the cure to minimal churning and high mulm buildup in the FBS Filter. Well... Not so. Today the FSB Filter ceased churning. I removed the ensemble, cleaned the pump (full of mulm again) and cleaned the sands in the FSB Filter (to remove mulm.) I also rinsed the mesh bags of volcanic rock and Matrix which were not too "yucky" at all. All of this done with dechlorinated rinsing water. After getting this filtration up and running again, I considered that I might need to try less sand medium in the FSB Filter and less volcanic rock and Matrix in the mesh bags covering the water pump. I also am considering if I should just remove the sponge filter from inside the water pump. Upon re-start, the Pump is still not giving a good churning to the FSB Filter - even on full flow. Yes, I did reposition the mesh bags a few times in hopes that this would get things running efficiently - not so. I am really concerned that I get everything running at optimum capacity within the next couple weeks because I will be on the other side of the planet for the next 3 months and do not want to pay a bundle of money to have an aquarium service to come weekly. Any thoughts, recommendations would be greatly appreciated. When I was having this problem, I found there was a large build-up of debris in the bottom of the sand filter. It was what was slowing the flow to make the sand turn. It really needs to be cleaned, not just raising the sand. Pour all the sand and pebbles into a large bowl. Rinse a few time to get any build-up out. The debris should float right to the top. Rinse the sand filter. Force water down the intake tube, even blow with your mouth if need be. I was very surprise how much came out when I blew on it. Do this until your certain there is no build-up blocking the flow. Is the bags completely covering the opening of the pump? It's like debris passing around the bags and right into the filter.
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Sept 4, 2014 14:13:17 GMT -5
Here is what I would do, since with the fish you have,you are likely to never conquer the high amount of large organic mulm problem. (1) Raise the pump off the bottom if you have not done so already (2) Place you pump in a box, bucket or other container that provides some space of about 3-6" inches around the pump. (3) Add #5 Volcanic Rock AND #5 pebbles/gravel. This #5 gravel will fill in the spaces of the Volcanic Rock and not allow as much mulm to get by Here is a link to an article with gravel/substrate sizes: www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2006/08/aquarium-gravel-which-size.htmlCarl
|
|
|
Post by Ameenah on Sept 4, 2014 21:01:12 GMT -5
Here is what I would do, since with the fish you have,you are likely to never conquer the high amount of large organic mulm problem. (1) Raise the pump off the bottom if you have not done so already (2) Place you pump in a box, bucket or other container that provides some space of about 3-6" inches around the pump. (3) Add #5 Volcanic Rock AND #5 pebbles/gravel. This #5 gravel will fill in the spaces of the Volcanic Rock and not allow as much mulm to get by Here is a link to an article with gravel/substrate sizes: www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2006/08/aquarium-gravel-which-size.htmlCarl Thank you Carl with the new shelving the water pump is only about 8" below the top of the FSB Filter. I just yesterday removed and cleaned both the pump and the FSB Filter. Yes I dump out all the sand and clean it really well in water with PRIME to dechlorinate the water before I start with the rinsing in a bowl. I also remove the tube from inside the FSB Filter and use a metal coat hanger to pry out any small rocks. It is spotless when I finish. When I put the sand and tiny rock back into the FSB Filter, I put a cotton ball over the top of the center tube so sand wont go into that part. I have 2 mesh bags with the volcanic rock and Matrix that I bought last month fromAAP, one sits under the pump (between top shelf and the pump, the other is fully atop and surrounding the pump intake area. The system went "live" when I put the shelving in the tank. It has only been a couple weeks at best when the sand stopped churning at all. In fact, when the new system went "live" I began with spotless FSB Filter and pump. Surprisingly there was not a lot of mulm compared to what happened prior to the shelving unit. And the mesh bags are becoming discolored (mulm color) but no particles of mulm are observed. When I rinsed the mesh bags (in aquarium water) they were pretty much void of debris or visible mulm. This is why I am so frustrated. Everything should be working great now. I leave in about 3 1/2 weeks and will be gone 3 months. A neighbor will man the daily feedings and lighting for all my tanks, a friend who is an emergency medicine doctor will stop in once a week to use the quick vac, and a service will be in every 3-4 weeks to do the real cleaning. I based the 3-4 week schedule cleaning on the fact that that is how long I go between cleaning the canister filter plus I thought the FBS Filter was going to be running great by now and only require cleaning on same schedule for service. And by going with this service schedule, I only pay 1/2 of the service company mileage fee - splitting with another customer in the area apparently. I am stressed that its just not working as it should be. I am envisioning another tank disaster happening when I am on the other side of the planet. I am thinking the only option left is to remove the FSB Filter system and buy another SunSun Canister Filter And simply have the 2 canisters running until I return and have time to work on resolving the FSB Filter issues. I really cannot think of another solution. This would at least give me quadruple water volume filtering every hour - better than what I have now.
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Sept 5, 2014 11:09:26 GMT -5
Ameenah;
I understand your frustration, but I believe something is still getting by this arrangement.
This is why I think these points are important: (2) Place you pump in a box, bucket or other container that provides some space of about 3-6" inches around the pump.
(3) Add #5 Volcanic Rock AND #5 pebbles/gravel. This #5 gravel will fill in the spaces of the Volcanic Rock and not allow as much mulm to get by
I used FSB filter in very crowded, high bio load feeder goldfish tanks, and these REPLACED canister filters, so I know these can do this, but the key is pre-filtration. While the Matrix is excellent, this might be best out of the bag (which is how I use it in canister filters and pond applications). This way it fills the gaps in the volcanic rock which is much more coarse. The only concern is that any smaller rock/gravel is not so small that it gets past the screen in the pump so as to cause an issue with the impeller
Carl
|
|
|
Post by devonjohnsgard on Sept 5, 2014 17:01:17 GMT -5
Ameenah,
If you remove the bags away from the pump, is there more flow to the sand filter?
Did you check the tubing and joints in the tubing for build-up? When I did my cleaning without a pre-filter, there was a huge amount stuck in the 90 degree adapters I had going to the sand filter.
Is there a good flow from the pump if you take the tubing to the sand filter off?
And you did force water through the sand filter by blowing to make sure there is not build up that you cannot see in the filter.
I would find where the flow is being slowed at and this will show you were the problem is and determine the net step.
|
|
|
Post by Ameenah on Sept 6, 2014 21:57:28 GMT -5
Here are 2 photos from the top of tank that you can see the pump, mesh bags et al, and top of FSB Filter really well. Notice the short distance between the pump and the top of the FSB Filter. That tube was new as of this photo. Please also notice the mesh bag et al at the pump intake, there is an unseen mesh bag et al under the pump. Devon since you showed me that video of your friend's 225 gallon running on FSB Filters I just know for certain this will work out - eventually. And in reading, and re-reading Carl's numerous missives on filtration I am positive that the FSB Filter is what I need running separate from my canister for the best system known to man. I suppose it might be time to run the FSB Filter in line on the output tube of the SunSun canister? ? Why did it take me so long to think outside the box??? Could be the death of my first great grandson, the birth of a healthy new grandson (my 11th grandchild) , and striving to get my home and business ready to head out... Probably a bit of each. In going with the inline with canister idea, will the SunSun canister be strong enough to get the water through the FSB Filter AND back up to the top of the tank where the spray bar is? Is this worth a try? It would reduce my water filtering by 1/2 which is a scary thought. A second canister is probably worth getting and setting up now - right?? Does the logic flow correctly??? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated as always. Attachment DeletedAttachment Deleted
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Sept 7, 2014 11:07:14 GMT -5
The SunSun Canister filter should be strong enough, assuming a model 303 or 304/404. Looking at the pictures, I can see how debris can get by, as water will always follow the path of least resistance. This is why my suggestion of a container where rock/gravel is filled in all around. I have not only used this method for aquariums, but originally this idea came to me in my pond maintenance where debris/mulm is a REAL problem. In fact I mention this right from the beginning of my Pond Care article. Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/ClearPond.htmlCarl
|
|
|
Post by devonjohnsgard on Sept 8, 2014 9:54:16 GMT -5
It has to be mulm getting by, because with short of a distance between the pump and filter, I can't see how there could be any other issue.
Looks like you have two good ideas how to try to fix the problem.
|
|
|
Post by Ameenah on Sept 21, 2014 12:08:08 GMT -5
It's been an interesting month and a half to say the least.
September 2014 video tour of the Big Tank: 9-21-2014 Tour of the Big Tank
The larger swim area is working very nicely, especially with the DIY Shelving Unit providing 7 nice spots serving as caves/break rooms.
The FSB Filter's SunSun HJ-1542 water pump is now inside a rectangular plastic bowl and fully surrounded by a mixture of SeaChem Matrix and Volcanic Rock; topped off with a few pieces of sandstone; and securely positioned on the top shelf. It's been almost 3 weeks since the re-configuration of the FBS Filter's SunSun HJ-1542 Water Pump . This option, suggested by Carl of American Aquarium Products, is working well as you can see in the video. Thank you Carl for your sound advice. I can't tell you how delighted I am that the FSB Filtration System is finally working well.
I added Eheim Everyday Automatic Feeders to all my tanks today to ensure that the feedings are done on time and in correct amounts while we are gone. I must say that these Eheim Everyday Automatic Feeders are so easy to program and use! I purchased them for use while we are away, but I think I will be using them continuously due to their precision and ease of use.
The 7-inch Albino Oscar was placed into a tank of his/her own. He/she hated being in his/her own tank for about 24-hours, then he/she started rearranging the decor and seems to like the new solo lifestyle.
We are leaving in a few weeks and it is great to know that my tanks are all functioning within normal parameters and the fishes are thriving. I met with an aquarium service company, at my home, this afternoon. This service company will be responsible for tank & filtration cleaning every 4-6 weeks. A friend will be stopping by every day or two to check on water parameters and use the Eheim Quick Vac Pro on each tank; plus feeding our cat-kids and letting me talk with them on Skype Video. I really like doing Skype Video with my cats - and they seem to like it too. With cats aging 7 years for each 1 human year, the 3 months we will be gone are equivalent to 1.7 cat-years. I won't be talking to our fishes on Skype, but I will be able to see them on video. I consider myself fortunate in finding a good, knowledgeable aquarium service company - not only are they familiar with my species, they are familiar with FBS Filtration too! Another common ground we share is in raising Awesome Autistic Kids - they have 2 and I have my grandchild. In my opinion, anyone who loves these very special kids is gonna be great with my fishes. Please take a moment to learn about the 1 in 10 kids in the USA who are effected by some level of Autism Autism Society
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Sept 22, 2014 13:00:02 GMT -5
Great news that everything is working well now Why not skype with your fish too? My son has high functioning autism, but he is doing much better now at 16, although he still struggles a bit socially and has a tendency towards low self esteem. My oldest daughter has another form; Asbergers Syndrome. She unfortunately is likely to be with us for some time and struggles with many issues, including anger, but then she was also harmed mentally by a man who took advantage of my wife during a severe post-partum breakdown about 12 years ago. Unfortunately there is often not a lot of understanding with autism, as bullying is still common, even by adults (we were even kicked out of a church in So CA because of my son's autism) Carl
|
|
|
Post by devonjohnsgard on Sept 22, 2014 18:23:43 GMT -5
Yea! I'm so glad it worked out Ameenah. I didn't want the sand filter to let you down. The new set-up looks like it is working great. Everything looks so nice in the tank. I'm glad you have some piece of mind before you go. I love that you Skype your pets! While it might be a little longer for your Cat, your 3 month absence from our forum will seem like a long one to us too. We appreciate you here. I hope you have a great trip and you come back well rested. Oh, and don't let my taxes (which I still haven't got you) keep you up at nice Seriously, have a good one.
|
|
|
Post by Ameenah on Sept 22, 2014 21:47:53 GMT -5
Lucky for y'all Devon I do have internet at my house on the other side of the planet, so I will continue participating in "our" EA Forum. I just cant imagine being away from the friends I have gained theough this forum for ANY length of time even though 3 months in my time reckoning is equal to 3 months human reckoning LOL
Yep I do love to Skype with my cat-kids - they are very vocal animals.
The only differences are the 8 hour time zone change - with usa central time being 8 hours behind my home on other side of the planet.
I will be receiving an email each month from AquaDoodles Aquarium Service (San Antonio TX) with updates on my tanks. I like that they will take the time to do this for me. I also gave them YOUR PHONE NUMBER in case they have questions or other emergency! LOL not really - but I wanted to!
I hope that Ryen and his wife will come check out the EA Forum and AAP for sure. As I already mentioned they are fantastic people.
I sadly had the death of a lil Tiger this morning for unknown cause - no signs of fighting at all. Top that off with White Poo from my now solo tanked Albino. Grrrrrr. Had to start antihelmedics on my tank today so I guess Devon that you and I have similar issues going on -- with our fish! I opted for General Cure only because it is whats available locally. Hope it brings good results in a hurry.
|
|
|
Post by Ameenah on Sept 22, 2014 22:06:47 GMT -5
Great news that everything is working well now Why not skype with your fish too? My son has high functioning autism, but he is doing much better now at 16, although he still struggles a bit socially and has a tendency towards low self esteem. My oldest daughter has another form; Asbergers Syndrome. She unfortunately is likely to be with us for some time and struggles with many issues, including anger, but then she was also harmed mentally by a man who took advantage of my wife during a severe post-partum breakdown about 12 years ago. Unfortunately there is often not a lot of understanding with autism, as bullying is still common, even by adults (we were even kicked out of a church in So CA because of my son's autism) Carl Yes, horray for the FSB Filter! Thank you. I attribute Autism to childhood immunizations and one brave, and apparently wealthy, mom won her lawsuit against immunization manufacturers as her attorneys were able to prove, by perponderance of evidence, that childhood immunizations had caused her child to have Autism. many people view and label parents/guardians of Awesome Autistic Kids as bad people simply because of THEIR ignorance. This is one major area that Autism Speaks is striving to remedy. But so many people love to hold judgement against others for any little thing - in USA especially we are a society of hatred. I am so glad that in other parts of the world this is not done as rampantly and openly! IMHO, the USA society is more like multiple societies hating their neighbors for anything from religion to edication level, to children behavior and all points inbetween. So many of us parents and guardians of the Awesomly Autistic have to endure so much crap from arrogant ignorant people. The kids realize this, and I dont really see a reason TO socialize with "that type" of kids or adults. I would be glad if my grandson would make 1 friend instead of making up stories about an imaginary friends at school. I would love for him to have friends over. I would gladly pay for him and a friend to go to 6Flags, or a movie, or other "normal" stuff. And it kills me that he is not able to do so and no amount of therapy and encouragement is going to make that happen. The best I can have, is the moment of watching him socialize on RoBlox computer game - and if he is ok with that, then I need to learn to be too. Autism Speaks - but who is listening?
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Sept 23, 2014 9:28:54 GMT -5
Interesting; my son loves RoBlox too, even now many years later at 16. He now designs games there too.
I will have to say we have gotten much better support in the last few years, including the Presbyterian Church we have now attended for about a decade. One gentleman (Roy) in particular has made sure to let my son know how much he is appreciated. My son (Timothhy), now runs the power point during the church service.
As for bullying and hatred being just here I have to respectfully disagree, since I personally am bullied when I go into other forums promoting my work or for SEO forums, I actually find it is other countries that I receive more hatred. Devon can vouch for this when he came to my aid in an SEO forum where we and another co-worker were piled on buy others, mostly from Europe.
Carl
|
|