Question: Best way to keep your tank clean

[reptilesJD]

Hi there , I have a 10 gallon tank in which I have two beautiful axolotls , they are about 3 inches long , they have a cascade filter of low flow . each time I do a water change the tank only last 5 with clear water , then after that the water gets cloudy , I have no substrate or any type of decorations inside the tank . I feed them frozen blood worms . how do I keep it clean ???

 

[birdsong]

Re: Best wat to keep your tank clean

I have similar set up . What type of filter substrate are you using?

 

[reptilesJD]

Re: Best wat to keep your tank clean

I have similar set up . What type of filter substrate are you using?

I'm using a carbon filter , but I will be getting a sponge filter

 

[birdsong]

I have used the sponge and carbon filter I currently use the carbon filter for there excessive waiste . I find that carbon filters clean the water too well and allow bacteria to bloom . Which is usually the cause of cloudy water . I have used API accuclear with great success but I'm sure some people will advise against it . The cause of cloudiness is bacteria not dirtiness typically . As long as your parameters are ok then I would just live with it . It shouldn't harm your axoltls . Also a SMALL amount of aquarium salt COULD help but I would be very careful adding salts if your not exp.

 

[reptilesJD]

I have used the sponge and carbon filter I currently use the carbon filter for there excessive waiste . I find that carbon filters clean the water too well and allow bacteria to bloom . Which is usually the cause of cloudy water . I have used API accuclear with great success but I'm sure some people will advise against it . The cause of cloudiness is bacteria not dirtiness typically . As long as your parameters are ok then I would just live with it . It shouldn't harm your axoltls . Also a SMALL amount of aquarium salt COULD help but I would be very careful adding salts if your not exp.

Thanks for the info

 

[HermitMandy]

I'd like to chime in here regarding the carbon filter. To be honest with you, unless your removing medication from the water or your tank has a smell, you really don't need it. Carbon is used up within a week of adding it to the tank, and becomes a waste factory itself,harboring it all inside. I'd recommend adding in ceramic rings and/or more filter pads, as those trap the good bacteria and provide the biological filtration needed to keep the tank cleaner and clearer.
I haven't run carbon in any of my goldfish tanks, only ceramics and sponges/pads, and have never had a murky water problem, even when I was morbidly overstocking those tanks.

 

[reptilesJD]

I'd like to chime in here regarding the carbon filter. To be honest with you, unless your removing medication from the water or your tank has a smell, you really don't need it. Carbon is used up within a week of adding it to the tank, and becomes a waste factory itself,harboring it all inside. I'd recommend adding in ceramic rings and/or more filter pads, as those trap the good bacteria and provide the biological filtration needed to keep the tank cleaner and clearer.
I haven't run carbon in any of my goldfish tanks, only ceramics and sponges/pads, and have never had a murky water problem, even when I was morbidly overstocking those tanks.

Thanks , I will have it in mind

 

[birdsong]

I agree with Mandy they are better filters for your guys set up much less maintenance and cost