What size filter should I use?

[Mandy6]

So I originally had my Axies in a tank that held 90 litres of water. I had a filter that was built for around 20-30 litres in there.

I've now moved them to a tank that holds 200 litres.

I've been doing 20% water changes once a week and cleaning up waste as soon as I see it and uneaten food right after I feed them.

In the other tank I had some problems with the Nirtate level, this has now been reduced from 40-80 to 10, but the ammonia has now gone up to .25/.50 (The colour is between those two).

Would a bigger filter help keep the ammonia down? This is only the first water test I've done in the new tank, they have only been in there for about 4 days. (I used the water from their old tank as well as their old filter, substrate, ornaments etc).

Nitrate is 0 and Ph is 7.5.

Or is this just the tank adjusting still? I did the test when I did the water change.

I had all their old water in the tank and then took about 10% out and replaced it with dechlorinated water, enough to fill the tank up..

Also while I'm here does anyone have any tips on making a tank divider? I want Chuckie seperate from Alex for a while because he is injured. I had set up a divider but Chuckie managed to get passed it somehow (I still don't know how it was all standing still @_@)

Anyway if a bigger filter would help, how big should I go? I don't want to stress out my axies with the waterflow. Should I just keep monitering it? Do changes more frequently?

 

[Colinna]

Personally I would buy a cannister filter that is suitable for a 200 ltr tank. The one you have is too small for that size tank. I have a cannister filter on my 225 ltr tank. The intake is at one end and the outlet is a single spout at the other and the flow throughout the tank is minimal. If you're worried about flow you could add a spray bar to the outlet to disperse the flow.

A larger filter will help with the ammonia BUT you will need to do larger water changes until you can get the Ammonia levels down. I would recommend at least a 50% water change immediately. Check the water tomorrow and go from there.

If you do buy a new bigger filter you will need to leave the old filter running until the new one has some beneficial bacteria built up in it (the filter is "seeded"). Or if the media in the little filter fits into the new one you can do that instead.

Not sure on putting in a divider. Someone else might be able to help with that.

Good luck!!

 

[Mandy6]

Wow those filters are expensive, i think it will be a while before I can afford one

I do have some more filters made for smaller tanks, and could run more than one for a while, but they don't have the switch to reduce flow or anywhere to attach spray bars too I'm afraid of using too much and stressing them out. I'd always been told it was best to underfilter with axies

Thanks though, Hopefully I'll be able to get a canister filter sometime

 

[memojo1979]

Can you attach a piece of sponge or similar to the outlet of a filter, to reduce flow?

 

[iChris]

you'll need a filter that will turn over the water in your tank atleast 4 times a hour to achieve adequate filtration. for "normal" aquaria that house fish, 5-6 times is recommended. as axie's are not fish, and they do require less water movement and must be homed accordingly.

say if your tank holds 100L, you need a filter that is capable of moving 400L every hour.

in your case, you have a 200L tank, 200x4 is 800, so you'll need a filter that will turn over 800L of water a hour, or you can use 2 smaller internal filters that will move 400L a hour.

try looking online, this one for example: http://www.guppysaquariumproducts.com.au/internal-external-filters/pro-aqua-canister-filters/1000l/h-canister-filter-with-all-filter-media/prod_250.html

would be a ok choice, a tad strong though, but you could purchase a cheap tap (from bunnings and the like) to have after the filter's outlet to reduce the flow.