kigroy

Hi Folks,

I'm looking to increase the bioload capacity of my 75 gallon tall (15."D x 36"W x 312.5" tall).

I currently have 2 canister filters attached, but I was thinking of adding an empty hang on back (emperor 400 to be exact) and filling it with ceramic rings to increase the bioload capacity of the system.

Comments, concerns or questions?

Butterfly

I always over filter may tanks sooo... sounds good. Just remember that just because you have more filters that you don't necessarily have more beneficial bacteria. The bacteria will only grow enough to take care of the ammonia your fish are excreting. If you are thinking of adding more fish then it would grow to meet the additional needs. Just don't overstock and try to use an extra filter to makeup for it.
Carol

kigroy

My goal is not to add a whole bunch of fish into the tank, but rather have enough filtration to house an oscar, and some other fish all in the same tank. The physical amount of space will be enough for all the fish, but because of the large bioload of the oscar, I want to increase the total bioload capacity.

Therefore, if the question is "Am I going to overstock the aquarium's physical space?" the answer is no, but if I'm going to overstock the aquariums bioload capacity, well maybe I am, or at least I will be pushing it, and I would like to go into the no pushing it zone.

Thoughts?

Butterfly

Thanks for the extra information, I see where your going now. Yes the extra filter would be an excellent idea and help grow bacteria to meet the needs of the heavier bioload.

Carol

kigroy

thanks

fishlover78

all seems to be well here, the extra HOB filter would be awesome to help out with the oscar's bio load. may I suggest a aqua clear 50 or 70, they both have large media compartments. thoughts on this anyone? I know you didn't ask what brand of filter to use, I was just making a suggestion.

nitz

good idea with the HOB for bio-filtration. if i were to suggest a filter, i'd say go with an emperor. either the 280 or 400 would give you a ton of space in their media compartments (with the 400 giving you double that of the 280) plus they're bio wheel filters. people have differing thoughts on the bio wheel's effectiveness but i have a bio wheel in all the filters i have and haven't had a problem once they're cycled.

kigroy

thanks for the suggestion, but I already have an emperor 400 that I'm not going to use so I will be using that.

BTW, I just got from the LFS to buy a heater guard for the aquarium and all they had were external guards. Does anyone know if they make clip on guards or something encumbering?

kigroy

I'm not too sure about biowheel's effectiveness either, but I figure they can't hurt, maybe they'll help.

fishlover78

On the emporer bio wheel I had the stupid "bio wheel" stopped turning. I hated that thing, I turned right back to myy aquaclears(larger tanks) and whispers(smaller tanks) thats just experience with them.

soldieroffortune1974

kigroy

If you want to increase the effectiveness of your existing filters bio-capacity,is put seeded material into your canisters.Old,used filter media works best.

You can pre-seed the filters you plan to use by setting up a bucket,and pouring ammonia into it. Place the filter and bio-wheel into the water,and let the ammonia breed in the bio-wheel and filter media,so it will be ready when you get the oscar,and not have to worry about the bacteria not handling the bio-load.(same as cycling an aquarium) but on a smaller scale specifically for the filter media and bio-wheel.

fishlover78

soldieroffortune1974, I am not sure either, is this aquarium going to get cycled or is it already cycled and ready? this wasn't specified. in the case that it is going to be cycled the seeded media is a very good method.

soldieroffortune1974

fishlover78

I believe it's an established aquarium,already cycled that kigroy is referring to. I believe kigroy is just asking how to increase the bio-load handling capacity,so he/she can add an oscar (which is a messy fish)

kigroy

Adding the fish (after quarantine of course) will cause the bacteria to multiply allowing the biological filter to 'catch-up' to the increased bio-load. Canisters can handle a lot of filtration.Adding more media will give the bacteria increases room to multiply,if that's what you're concerned about.

Or,like I said previousely;you can pre-seed your extra filter you want to add,by placing used filter media in it (used media from canister,into HOB)

or,the ammonia method to create more bacteria in the filter media you plan to use in the HOB.

fishlover78

now I get it, thanks soldieroffortune1974 It was unclear to me in the beginning.

kigroy

Just got back from the lfs looking for filter media...

The tank is cycling now (as of about an 2 hrs ago), but I did pre-seed the tank with substrate/water from another tank (thanks anyhow soldier). I have a comet goldfish in their now establishing the tank. (please no comments about the goldfish, there is a long story behind him, and in end he has proven himself to be a good cycler )


My goal is to have all the filtering capacity in the tank, so when the tank and fish mature I will not need to make any modifications.

Thanks again everyone!!!