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About Nathan
Expertise
I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out. I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!

Experience
I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible. What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!

Education/Credentials
I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Freshwater Aquarium > help

Freshwater Aquarium - help

Expert: Nathan - 11/5/2009

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...

Following is the reason:

Answer
Hi Darren,

Because each brand of filter is different, I'm not sure if the water flows from up or down. If you could tell me the brand of filter, I could help you better. But as a general rule, the filter wool goes first, then the carbon (chemical filtration) goes next, and finally, the bio-filter media (noodles?) goes last. If the water flows from the bottom to top, then this means that wool would go on the bottom and so on. Water must flow through the wool FIRST.

The reason why your ammonia levels are still so high is because beneficial bacteria are not yet established in your tank. These bacteria remove toxins like ammonia, and will develop in your filter. There are many ways to speed up cycling. The most common way would be to buy a cycling product, at your local fish store, such as Cycle, Stress Zyme, etc. These are also available online. They contain beneficial bacteria in a bottle and will reduce cycling time to less than a couple of weeks. I use them in all my new tank setups because I do not want to risk fish loss, and because they are extremely useful.

Instead of changing 40% every 3 days, change 10% every day. Large water changes will wipe out the desired beneficial bacteria (which establish either naturally or by a cycling product). Your 50% water change did not help, either. Small water changes are best.

Another way to help the cycle along would be to get a part of an already established aquarium. This means getting either part of the gravel, of the filter cartridge from a friend's aquarium. This will instantly cycle the aquarium, and is also a good method.

Feed fish at LEAST once daily! They will not be in good health if they go for that long without feeding! Most aquarists feed them twice daily, and cut back to once if problems arise. Perhaps you are overfeeding your fish. For your fish load, only 1-2 small pinches would be enough for a feeding. Your local fish store doesn't seem very experienced....

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

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