Aquarium Housekeeping

**Interlux** · 02-10-2013, 06:03 PM

I may be moving in the coming months - depending on whether I get a job I've interviewed for - so I'll finally have the room for the larger tank I want. I'm looking at a 75 or 55 gallon tank for my

2 Pink Kissing Gouramis
1 Common Pleco
and my Betta

I'm looking into having an Aquaclear 110 hang on the back filter and a Fluval 406 Canister filter. I'd run Sponge, Floss/Carbon when needed and some Ceramic in the Aquaclear and the Canister would have Sponge and mostly ceramic biomedia.

I think that is enough filtration for those four fish such a large tank.

My hardest problem with my current 36 or 40 gallon tank is simply waste - these guys are messy little buggers and no matter how much I try they do a pretty good job of clogging my intakes in a short period of time.

I change 10 gallons weekly and clean the mechanical parts of the filter (sponge and such) in the siphoned off waste water once a month. But every time I siphon it's just waste waste waste in the gravel bed.

I currently have a Fluval 205 on the 36 gallon tank - is this my problem? Am I under powered? Or are these fish just that messy...

I've also taken to pulling out most forms of decorations aside from broad leafed plants (fake - It's not planted) and wood decorations. Any crevices or holes in the more decorative pieces just fill with waste.

Any advice would be appreciated as I'd rather get a handle on it before I upgrade! Would it be worth it to be one of those battery operated siphons? I know most people hate those and say they don't work well - but with this level of waste it might be easier for spot clean ups than buckets..

**talldutchie** · 02-10-2013, 06:14 PM

You'll need that bigger tank for the pleco as well as the gourami but I'm sure you know. Clogging intakes can be dealt with with a piece of sponge over the intake. A 406 by itself should easily be able to keep a 75 clean.

As long as you are on 0 ammonia and nitrite and your nitrate stays below 20ppm I wouldn't worry too much about visible dirt.

**Interlux** · 02-10-2013, 06:21 PM

...totally just replied a nice long post and it didn't post...lol.

Instead of a sponge could I perhaps fashion a sleeve out of maybe a filter media bag? Would this cause my tank to become even worse with waste than it already is though?

I'm sure a 406 could handle the 75 fine - I'm hoping the 110 Aquaclear might serve as a more mechanical workhorse and provide for easier cleanings when needed.

Even if my parameters are ok - the waste is unsightly - is it my filter that is not powerful enough to handle this? or are these fish just that messy?

Also - they don't tell you at 18 that plecos are monsters - 7 years later now I've found that out!

**fishmommie** · 02-10-2013, 06:22 PM

Pleco's are poo machines. And your common plec is especially productive because of his size. And he's only going to get bigger. Glad you're getting him a larger tank.
I have a battery operated gravel vac. Don't waste your money. My Aquean water changer vacs more waste than the battery unit.

One other thing... most here suggest a minimum of 50
% water changes weekly. I'd up the # of gallons your changing out. It might help with water clarity if that's an issue due to the waste, not to mention it's a better environment for the fish.
It's just a part of keeping plecos - vaccing up after them :o)

**Interlux** · 02-10-2013, 06:32 PM

Water clarity isn't an issue - that's why I haven't really increased my changes at all. It's mostly just the waste hanging around the bottom that can be kicked up and cause cloudy water (for a few minutes until it settles)

I've been wanting to get the larger tank for him for a long time - glad it's coming soon - he's not cramped - but he could def use more room.

**fishmommie** · 02-10-2013, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by Interlux

Water clarity isn't an issue - that's why I haven't really increased my changes at all. It's mostly just the waste hanging around the bottom that can be kicked up and cause cloudy water (for a few minutes until it settles)

I'd still increase the w/c percentage. That's a big fish and a lot of waste. I'm sure he'd appreciate more fresh water :o) As long as your changing it, just as well get the best bang for the buck.

**~firefly~** · 02-10-2013, 06:51 PM

How often do you vac the bottom? You don't always have to pair it with big water changes. Two vacs a week shouldn't take you 5 minutes and you only need to replace a bucket (or less) of water if done proficiently.

Poop vaccing is your job when you own a big pleco.

**Interlux** · 02-10-2013, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by fishmommie

I'd still increase the w/c percentage. That's a big fish and a lot of waste. I'm sure he'd appreciate more fresh water :o) As long as your changing it, just as well get the best bang for the buck.

Originally Posted by ~firefly~

How often do you vac the bottom? You don't always have to pair it with big water changes. Two vacs a week shouldn't take you 5 minutes and you only need to replace a bucket (or less) of water if done proficiently.

Poop vaccing is your job when you own a big pleco.

Alright alright - you guys convinced me :-p - should I increase the frequency of changes - 2x a week or just increase the amount 1x a week? Probably 2x just to keep a handle on the waste.

**Interlux** · 02-10-2013, 06:57 PM

Nobody has commented on my question regarding my current filter.

Regardless of water changes and such - is my Fluval 205 appropriate for this tank size and load?

**Goes to 11!** · 02-10-2013, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by Interlux

Nobody has commented on my question regarding my current filter.

Regardless of water changes and such - is my Fluval 205 appropriate for this tank size and load?

IMO you are under-filtered, My 206 does a fine job on a 20G long if that tells you anything.

Ultimately it depends on where your filtration keeps your water parameters but I tend to over filter and stock lightly. . .
That's roughly half the filtration I would use on that tank with that stock, & [As you intend to]I would have additional mech [already].