Equipment Review and Discussion :: bio media

[BOBOTHETURT]

How do u know that our bio media is working and how to help it work and not destroy it ?

[dumbork14]

the bio media is working if you test your water for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. if all turns out to be 0, then you don't have any problem. if your tank is still cycling. don't do water changes. you can test your water using the API freshwater test kit.

[BOBOTHETURT]

I I shouldn't change water very frequently ?

[dumbork14]

what size is your tank, and what's your filter? the filter should be rated for three times the tank size (e.g. a filter rated for 55-60 gallons for a 15 gallon aquarium tank). this is to keep up with the waste load for turtle.

[devilduck]

I I shouldn't change water very frequently ?

If this is a new filter, you shouldn't change the water until it is completely cycled. You know when it's cycled is when your water test kit reads 0 ppm for ammonia and 0 ppm for nitrites. Then you can start your weekly 20% water changes.

[BOBOTHETURT]

25gallon with 70 gallon worth of internal filter

[happycamper]

I think you should really focus on getting that ATBA made so you can fill your tank all the way. The bioload of a 6 inch turtle in 15 gallons of water is going to make it difficult to achieve good water quality. Also think about switching to a canister filter, they can hold much more bio media and wont take up space in the tank.

[BOBOTHETURT]

I am getting an atba . I'm also going to customise my filters so they hold mainly bio. Which should I get , a few stars or a bag of noodles the size of our hand ???

[PridgNYC]

Most people here use the ceramic rings; as much as will fit in the filter and will still provide room for mechanical and chemical filtration. Get the cheapest ceramic rings you can find, they all provide sufficient area for growth.