Filter efficiency.

[psychoboyjack]

I'm concerned about my filter and if it's doing a good job. I've checked my tank and the parameters are improving since my last post (http://www.caudata.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55719). I'm just worried that the filter I chose which is some cheap $15 Cascade 300 Internal filter isn't doing the job that it should.

I know external filters are better but have the disadvantage of producing more current. I can easily fix that by breaking it up and having it drop on leaves and other accessories. Is it worth it to get a better and more expensive filter that may include some media to specifically remove ammonia? Despite my readings (Nearly 1.2 to 0.6) I still have that horrid ammonia smell when I'm around my tank.

Would an external filter that moves more water and brings it out of the tank be better? My 10US Gallon tank is half filled with water and has a lid that sits half on half off of it to try and muffle the sound of my spray bar. Would the fact no oxygen really moves in/out of the tank be part of the problem?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jacquie]

Hi Psychoboyjack,

I think the main contributer to your water quality problems is the small size of your tank and that you only have this half filled.

Axolotls release a lot of ammonia, with such a small tank and little water volume the ammonia is having no trouble taking a hold. Ammonia and Nitrite readings are most important, as any reading higher than zero in either of these is dangerous to the axolotl.

External and Internal canister filters are very efficient filters. I personally use External filters now for my axie tanks, as I found when I had internal filters they would heat up the water and took up more space than the external filter. I would take the filter out, give the sponges a good shake in a bucket of the tank water as it may be gunked up.

The best way to remove ammonia is cycling the tank naturally and doing partial 20% daily water changes to control ammonia and nitrite levels until the cycle is complete. Cycing takes one to three months - this article describes the process of cycling http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/cyclingEDK.shtml

Rather than investing in a more 'expensive' filter, I would upgrade the tank size as a priority. A larger tanks water volume will dillute wastes with far more efficiency than the small tank you have and the filter's performance should also improve.

Water flow is also easier to diffuse in a larger tank and the spray bar will work better.

Are you spot cleaning the tank each day by removing left over food and wastes? Axolotls as well as releasing a lot of ammonia are right messy little grots and the housekeeping should not just be left to the filter.

Cheers Jacq.