Mechanically Overstocked?

[Geo]

I am having a slight problem with my 6 gallon eclipse system. In the tank, I have 7 neons, 4 Amano Shrimp and 2 Ottos. Now, Ammonia is 0ppm, Nitrites are 0ppm and NitrAtes are <10ppm usually, so as far as biologically stocking, I am good.

My problem lies within the filter clogging up every 2-3 days. When I look at the media, it is very brown (like bacteria is growing like crazy) and lots of fish poop, but not enough to fully clog it. I have run: Filter floss, Eclipse Cartridges, blue filter pads, and micron filter pads - all of which clog up in the same time with the blue filter pads clogging up in more time, but not filtering as good.

If anyone has any suggestions as to what to do, that would be great. I am fearing it might be in my best interest to give or sell my neons and go with a pair of Apistos or Rams, or possibly something else.

So, if ya have anything, I'd love to hear it! Thanks!

 

[SoulFish]

does it actually stop running?

 

[Geo]

Nope. The filter itself pumps water just fine, but the media gets clogged up and then it overflows over the side of the filter - and above the "dam" that keeps the water where it should be.

 

[Matt Nace]

DO you feed your fish with the filter running? THat can lead to excessive blockage in the filter.

That is why I don't use flakes, but I use mini pellets. They can only eat so many then their mouth is full. After a while you know exactly how much to put in. If they do not eat it, you can snag it cause they float.

*twirlysmi

 

[Geo]

Well, I do a rotation of 6 kinds of foods for 6 days of the week (don't feed on Sundays) 2 of those days are flakes, but I am cutting those out. The rest of the foods consist of Hikari Freeze dried: Daphina, Bring Shrimp, Blood Worms. The other is HIkari Micro pellets. Except for the micro pellets, the oter foods float so there isn't much or a problem (if any) with it getting sucked into the filter. The pellets I feed sparingly over 2-3 minutes in tiny doses to make sure most is eaten.

So, yep, I feed while filter is running, but I don't think that is the problem. I'll give it a try though, it can't hurt at least.

 

[colesea]

I would bet it is the freeze dried stuff that is messing up your filter. Freeze died foods often leave behind their undigestable shells, creating lots of muck. Freeze dried foods are also usually higher in protien (though not nutrients) and will cause your fish to poop more.

I don't run my Eclipse six with any filter cartrige. The biowheel should be enough to sustain your fish provided you do regular water changes (I do 2 gallons once a week). Cut out the freeze dried stuff and use it only as a once a week treat.

~~Colesea

 

[Geo]

I'll give that a try, colesa, and I'll just feed micro pellets for a week and see if things improve!

So you don't use the cartridges, but do you use any kind of mechanical filter at all to get stuff out of the water? Just curious ...

 

[luvfishies]

Coarse sponge should do the trick. Floss is so fine it clogs way too fast for me to keep up with.