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About michael mccorry
Expertise
I can answer questions concerning tanks, setup, display, maintence,filters, heaters, substrates, CO2 Systems, lighting, arrangements. Also water quality, chemical makeup and altering water parameters. I can advise on fish selection, how to arrange the tank to minimize aggression, water parameters for specific fish, breeding and raisning fry. Feeding and nutrition. Lighting both flourescent and metal halide and everything in between Plants, selection, lighting and feeding requirements, CO2 Systems, and substrate selection as well as what plants will work with what fish. Heating, and cooling the tank. Automating certain functions and what maintenence is necesssary to keep things looking good. Fish diseases their diagnosis and treatment. As well as other topics related to the hobby.

Experience
I have been involved in Tropical Fish for over 30 years having bred or kept most everything that was out there at one time or annother. I have worked in several shops and managed several more, I have owned my own shop for over 12 years and currently maintain more than 3000gals of fresh water and saltwater fish, plants and invertabrates. I service tanks and respond to emergency calls. I advise on design, placement and impact of displays and custom design and install whatever the client wishes. I had a business within a business servicing systems for Dr;s,Offices, Restaurants, Hospitals, and private individuals.

Publications
TFH FAMA American Cichlid Association

Education/Credentials
I attended Clinton Comm. College and then went to work for the State of New York. I also recieved training in the unrelated field of Law Enforcement. I am a certified fish specialist both fresh and saltwater having attended seminars at the Backer Trade Shows in Atlantic City sanctioned by PPAC.

Awards and Honors
I have won awards from the New York State Dept of Education and from the Govenors Office for Business of the Year in the Northern Tier. I work as a consultant with the State assisting people who are starting a business.

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

Freshwater Aquarium - help please??

Expert: michael mccorry - 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...

Answer
darren,
you can "sandwich" the media between two layers of wool actually, will make things easier.
also, stop doing all the major water changes, this is not helping to cycle the tank but actually slowing the process down.
leave the same fish in, add some cycle, or like product, and watch the feeding.
the tank should cycle out in approx. 7-10 days, do a 10-15% water change at that point and 10% a week after that.
reseve the major changes for emergency situations when you really need to change 50% or more.
let the natural process do what it does.
enjoy the tank.

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