I have a 2.5 gallon tank with a sponge filter, betta, shrimp. How do you recommend using product?
1681342
You can buy one of the very small internal filters and run it with Matrix or Seachems DeNitrate. Hagens Elite Mini (an electric internal) or the Elite Sponge Filter (air driven). Replace all or part of the sponge media with Matrix. Either would work.
1681343
You can add a small amount below the filter so the filter will hold the matrix in place. It really depends on how large your filter is and how much space there is for you to put the matrix in; but for a 2.5 gallon tank you would not need much of it.
1681344
You would have to have a way to run water over this media. It can be used many different ways. I use it in a canister filter and a hang on back filter. In a tank that small and only a sponge filter I dont really see a way to use it unless you want to use it as a substrate.
2245929
That depends on what you plan on using it for. If keeping shrimp or fry just an air pump and some tubing. If using in a larger tank with multiple fish you will need an additional filter ( HOB or Canister )
1344261
Cimes with I media filter I fill mine with the amoina charcoal mix thus is a good add on to a tank clears it up and keeps it clear when the media bag wearsbout I use the blue filter sponge u get at petco or petsmart it last for ever
1045507
I have mine on a 55 gallon tank with another filter under the tank, and it works great, will clean it out every two to three months by just washing them out, but the bio rings I will most likely leave alone as this is where your biological organisms will do most of the breakdown.
1774682
I have freshwater tanks currently but I really do like this filter. I use it in my 29gal planted. I didn't use the carbon and used matrix in its place. You can slow or speed up the filter too. Easy to clean. Buy the filter replacements on Amazon. You can find non-branded ones or cut some to size you self. I don't use the drip tray prefilter though, get gunked up fast. I have a small bio wheel in my 10gal shrimp tank. I like it to but the wheel gets stuck and won't spin at times. Don't have to worry about that with this fluval filter and it has an indicator to let you know when it needs cleaning. I recommend it.
81298
Hi, Because turtles are messy you want to establish as much nitrifying bacteria growth as quickly as possible. Bottom layer eheim Ehfi - middle basket Eheim Mech - top eheim substrate Pro Sintered glass spheres. ( regarding the top basket only make sure you put whatever media you chose in media bags) eheim media is superb I've used it for 35 years. It rarely needs replacing. If your tank has enough water depth I would add a powerhead or wave maker - the powerhead will add current to the water to loosen and free up debris and waste so the filter becomes more efficient and the water much cleaner. Marineland and Aqueon have excellent units at a great price. The Marineland pro 1200 is a best bet I have a few of them and they work like a charm. Amazon sells the 1200 for around $25 - list price is $89 so it's a steal. Hope this helps! Peter
613993
I am not quite sure. I only used what came with the tank. I do agree that the filter is a little too powerful for this small of a tank. I would just ask that question on google.
1900489
I agree with Anthony...either use filtered or distilled water. I also have the blue block filter in the bottom and one of those round things in the tank itself and it sat like that all summer until I just cleaned it out to use this winter (last night in fact). Very little slime had built up which surprised me but the block filter was gross so I don't recommend letting it sit for very long without using it. Hope that helps some. The one I put in the water tank itself was a ProTec PC1 and that really helps keep the gunk from forming.
2114231
Once every other month or so, when doing a water change in my tank, I fill a five gallon bucket with tank water from the "dirty" tank and rinse/wash the sponges and bio rings and inside of the filter. I refuse the filter and bio ring areas with "dirty" water from the tank. Don't rinse the rings or filter or filter sponges with chlorinated tap water. You will kill all the good stuff. When the rings need to be replaced because they are crumbling, try and only replace 25% or less of the old rings with new rings.
1861602
Aqua Clear 70 would do a good job. The XY-2831 would also be a great supplemental filter to place on the opposite end of the tank to add air and beneficial bacteria to the water. I use both filters and they work very well. Never wash the filters with tap water when cleaning. Use the removed tank water when you do a water change out. This will keep the beneficial bacteria alive in the filter media. Both filters will last for many years...
1743284
I use this in conjunction with an over the top filter. I guess it would depend if the filter media was cycled with good bacteria and how many fish you have.
2204793
Basically I ml per gallon. So if your tank is over 100 gallons get two. If under 100 gallons use one. I have a 29 gal tank and use one bag. I recharge about every 3 months. Tbe beads never turn black but more of a red brown color. I will rinse it under fresh water each time I do a water change. If you do not already have Prime, buy that as well. You should also be using rodi water. I bought my filter from bulk reef supply.
322547
No, Not really. the cartridge type filter unit is like those $1000 tanks use. The sponge itself is for bio filtration a carbon pack and BIOPAK sack also.a narrow heater actually fits in by the pump, leaving the take clear. 'worked well for me. Hope this helps.
1837210
I believe this is the wrong tool for the job. Aquarium filters are intended to build up a colony of bacteria after some time, usually weeks, and remove ammonia from the water. For a bait tank I am guessing you will be using it for a shorter duration and at a much higher stocking ration that would be in the case of aquarium use. For bait I believe you need mostly aeration, and if ammonia buildup becomes a problem I'd look to some of the chemical cures.
1734434
The label suggested to use it on 2 gal and up tank. Either you upgrade your tank or you could try this: test out on the 1 gal tank without the fish in it for 24 hrs to see if the temperature stay within range. A word of advice from someone who made a lots of mistake as a first time betta owner: do it right or you end up spending more money fixing you mistakes and hurts the fish in the process. If you decided to upgrade your tank, then it is better to get a 5 gal. It just so much easier to add on other needed features, such as a heater or filter (personally, I like whisper brand filter), etc..plus, your fish would love the evpxtra space to explore. Hope this is helpful. Best wishes for caring your fish.
2028193
No. The sponge works as a great biofilter in itself though, so the bioballs are not needed. If you want a better biomedia, Seachem Matrix in a small media bag might fit. This filter is very small, meant for tiny little tanks like a 3-5 gallon betta tank.
1138789
The foam filter is a biological part of the tank that shouldn't be changed out. It stores the good bacteria in your tank. If it gets really funky you can wash some of it off but pop it back in.