OMG! deaths to lack of air???

[FishLuvr]

WOke up this morning to find my two yoyo loaches dead, floating at the top, when trying to figure out what may have caused it, i noticed my cories and my blue gouramis and even my bristlenose plecos darting for the top of the tank to get air.

Yesterday i switched from 2 aquaclear 70 hob filters and a rena xp2 , two the rena and a fluval fx5, usuing the same media, just new a new filter, so there should have been no decrease in BB.

Do you need to have some type of air supply with canister filters, the HOB will break the water surface causing aeration, yet since the canister filters both outake water beneath the surface therefore causing no disturbance to the water.

i've since gone through my box of old parts and found an air stone disc and pump and tubing and hooked that up, it doesn't look pretty but it will do for now, i didnt want to loose any more fish.

I miss my yoyo loaches already. i had them for about 2.5- 3 years they were so fun to watch

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

What are the readings for Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrite? Was the Fluval a new filter or a used one?

 

[Kiara1125]

Aw, how sad. I feel for your loss. They most definetely did not die from old age, for they can live up to 6 years!! You should probably keep that airstone or buy a new, fresh one. Personally, I don't need one. My filter, an Aqua Tech 5-15 Power Filter, makes enough bubbles.

 

[ryanoh]

You can hook a spray bar up to your filter return and point it above the surface of the water. That's what I do and it works fine other than when I'm adding medication, then I put the airstone in just for good measure.

 

[nanu156]

ummmm... soooo not to rain on your parade but the aquaclear filters are far better then your new canisters... I would switch back and return the canister setup.

Many Many years in fish have taught me that aquaclear makes the best everything.... powerheads, HOB's, bubblers etc... Sooooo... thats my 2 cents...

 

[betta lover22]

Aquaclears are the BEST filters IMO. They are the main filters in my tanks, and they are keeping the water clean, oxygenated, and clear. I agree with Nanu- I would return the canister setup if possible.

The lack of oxygen could be the problem- most likely is. For now, definitely get the aquaclears back on with the cartriges from the canister (they are the ones originally from the aquaclear, right?). I personally would also use a bubbler- it will make a difference.

 

[FishLuvr]

thanks, while i do disagree with your opinions i respect your opinions as well, for me while Aquaclear makes the best HOB filter, it is NOT the best type of filter. since using the Canister (rena xp2 and now fluval fx5 ) my experience has shown me that the canisters keep my tanks much cleaner and work better for my needs. The amount of media alone that a Canister can take over HOB is a huge plus in its self, the quietness, and the fact that you can have a tank virtually butted up against the wall are all features that work for me. even the maintenence of the canister filters (at least in my experience) has been a breeze and less time consuming than the HOB's my biggest problem with the HOB's is how much gunk and how slimy the sponges would be even in only a weeks time. I have not experienced this with the canisters.

as far as my original topic, yes i did figure out that it was a lack of air, without the HOB filters waterfall effect and breaking the surface of the water i was not getting oxygen disolved into the water column. I have added an airstone disc as a temporary solution, and plan to aim the outtake tubes towards the top to break the water when i get a chance.

but again thanks for the help as always

oh and btw i purchased both canisters USED from criaglist, and got GREAT deals on both. rena xp2 for 40 dollars, and fluval fx5 for 75 dollars

 

[OrangeCones]

I've never had any issues with canisters for fresh or marine set-ups. I've always found them reliable and started new aquariums with the extra media they contain.

 

[lynx336699]

I run fx5 on my 75 gal. turtle tank i keep goldfish and platys in there with the turtle she doesnt always eat them right away. so after a couple of days i noticed the fish would be at the top of the tank gasping for air. i had to put an air stone to U.G filter but when i ran the magnum 350 that cascaded into the water i never had the problem.