New tank not looking too hot

[Lady Hobbs]

I'm not happy with the way my new 55 is looking. The water just doesn't look clean enough and I've changed it a couple times a week since it cycled a month ago. It's not awful looking but not clear-as-a-bell like we like, either.

Today I will be adding an Emporer 400 to help filter the water. Could it be that the current filter has just not been enough to keep it cleaner?

[CJ1]

What are you using for filtering? Also, try adding a foam block on your intakes. This gives you more biological and mechanical filtering. Usually any tank over 20 gallons, I run two filters.

[Lady Hobbs]

I'm also thinking a second filter is necessary. Thinking of getting a large sponge filter added.
I will also try the foam for now. Thanks guy

[Fishguy2727]

Fluvals really help with clarity if they are setup right. I usually cram the bottom two chambers with as much filter floss as I can cram in there. This acts as a very fine mechanical media. All my tanks run crystal clear. Fluvals are expensive, but more than worth. I have recommended them to customers who hesitantly spent $200 on a Fluval 405, then came back, thanked me, and happily bought another.

[Cichlid_Man]

I just cycled my tank as most of you know, and it wasn't until I asked some questions here that my tank got crystal clear, literally within 2 hours!

It's 75 gallon, Just one Fluval 405 filter that I paid $149.00 for.

I did what reptileguy said to do, except more!
I jammed as much filter floss in the 2 mid compartments and 2 bottom compartments.

There are also ceramic rings in those compartments and bio-max in the upper spots.

One filter, 75g tank, crystal water.

[CJ1]

Hobbs,
Have you checked out the AquaClear filters at all? Very simple, versatile, and efficient.

[Lady Hobbs]

I have the filter that come with the tank, an Aqua Tech 30/60. I never find the filters that come with these kits to be that hot so that's why I ordered that Emporer 400 bio-wheel. But then it's when I discovered my screw-up by having one side of the tank too close to the wall.

I was able last night to move the Aqua Tech to that tighter end and will be able to add another filter. However, the Emporer will still not fit due to the center brace in the tank. That's a BIG filter and just barely will fit in the area where the filter goes. Just a tiny bit of the center brace keeps it from fitting at all!

I rigged up a sponge filter today that appears to be helping. This was at 5 AM, mind you, and I really didn't have the proper sponge to use. I had a sheet of that furnace filter material. That plastic stuff like is in the back of filters. I took an old UFG uplift tube, hammered holes in it with a nail, wrapped that filter material around the tube, sewed it shut and attached a power head. NOT pretty but seems to be working until I can get something better.

That Aqua Tech is not terrible but just needs some help. I read that Aqua Tech is the same as Penquin without the bio wheel. News to me.

[Fishguy2727]

The fluval will fit in that small area between the wall and the tank as well as between the center brace and the edge of the tank. Nice DIY with the sponge filter.

[Lady Hobbs]

By golly, I have solved my problem. Seems all my filters fit that small 4 inch opening except for the new one I just bought. I transferred the filter over from one of my other tanks and put that emporer on a smaller tank. Water has nearly cleared up already.