how do i know my filter is working?

[scriptwiz05]

it makes noise and all but are there other tell tale signs? i have a 55 gallon tank and am using the filter that came with it which i know i should get another one but in the meantime, how do i know if this one is working? sorry if dumb question. I asked because I get an EXTREME amount of poo on the bottom of tank after a couple of days, didnt know iffilter should get some ofthis. i only have 10 fish in there for now. thanks

[~Erik3.8.07~]

what kinds of fish do u have in the tank?

[Nick89]

I thought we had the discussion not too long ago about your filter? Maybe im wrong and its another person, but more than likely that filter is not enough for that tank and whatever fish you have.

[~Erik3.8.07~]

what i was thinking is if his tank is full of platies and guppies then its gonna always have poop on the bottom becuase they poop around the clock, at least mine do and its sooooooooo annoying

[A340]

You should be able to see if there is any water current on the surface coming out of the filter. If you see current, the filter is working.

There will always be poop on the bottom, no matter how many filters you have going. My guess, is depending on how stocked your tank is and with what kind of fish, your filter is not adequate to handle the load (no pun intended).

Having said that, poop is a fact of life and that is why it is important to clean the gravel when needed. One of the joys of having an aquarium. But, definetely look into getting another filter, better yet, get 2 really good filters such as AquaClear AC70's or even AC110's depending on your stock.

[scriptwiz05]

what i was thinking is if his tank is full of platies and guppies then its gonna always have poop on the bottom becuase they poop around the clock, at least mine do and its sooooooooo annoying

yup, 5 platys! lol

[gm72]

Agreed that the stock filter will never be enough once you add more fish.