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About Michael Freynet
Expertise
I can answer most questions on freshwater aquariums involving the biological cycle, live plants, fish compatibility, stocking quantity, feeding, filtration, aeration, water chemistry, and cleaning. I am still learning about some certain diseases and parasites but am more than willing to research any questions that I do not know.

Experience
I have owned multiple freshwater fish tanks over the years. I also help maintain other people’s freshwater fish tanks. I am currently a college student at Minnesota State University Moorhead for a major in Biology and a minor in Zoology. I'm also currently employed at Petco.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Freshwater Aquarium > correct filter setup

Freshwater Aquarium - correct filter setup

Expert: Michael Freynet - 11/4/2009

Question
Can you tell me what order i should be setting up my filter?
I have a top filter setup with carbon, wool and noodles.
At the moment the carbon is on top, then the noodles then the wool.. Is this correct?
Thanks.
Alos, can you give me any more advice on how to speed up the cycling of my new tank, it is 3 weeks old now and i am still getting high ammonia levels, i have been changing 30-40% of the water every 3 days and still the ammonia is not going lower...
I have 4 red-eye tetras and a catfish in a 50 litre tank...
Please help??
I have cut down the feeding to once every 3 days as suggested by my local aquarium and also did a 50% water change 5 days ago...

Answer
Hi Darren,
Your filter should be performing fine. Just remember to replace your carbon once a month. As for your ammonia levels I'm not surprised. You have been taking out too much water too frequently (yup it is possible especially when first cycling an aquarium) and taking out too much beneficial bacteria in the process. Now I don't care what anybody else tells you if you take my advise I promise your tank will establish itself in a few weeks. Do a 40% water change asap. One week from than do a 30% water change. Do a 25-30% water change EVERY single week. After the tank has established itself (aka both beneficial bacterias have completed blooming)than you can cut down to 20% water changes a week. I strongly suggest weekly water changes on your tank as it is smaller and the smaller than tank the faster it accumulates with toxicity. Also do not add any new fish for the two weeks(make sure you get your water tested also just to be safe and never add more than 3 fish per week).
As for as feeding goes feed twice a day morning and night. Just don't overfeed! Feed only as much as they can finish off in around 3-5 minutes. I know the cycling can be a wait but being patient will pay off in the end! Best of luck!

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