I Did It!

**mermaidwannabe** · 07-25-2011, 03:52 PM

It took most of the day yesterday, but I finally got my new 65-gallon Aqueon tank up and running.

Both AC110s are working fine -- nice vigorous waterfalls from each. The only potential problem I see is that, no matter how much I tried to flatten out the bags of biomax, about half of it still sticks up above the water flow, although it is wet. I am wondering if the natural condensation that forms on the inside of the filter lids and drips down onto the tops of the mesh bags will be sufficient for BB to grow on that part of it? Do I still need to work with it some more and try to get more of the ceramic rings submerged below the water level in the media chamber?

I also accidentally cut into the mesh bag the carbon is in when I slit the outer plastic bag. Since I had no way of resealing the mesh carbon bag, and no extra bags on hand, I folded over the flap to hold in the tiny carbon granules. As a result, that bag doesn't spread out over the entire surface of the foam sponge below it.

Of course, after the tank cycles, I'll be dispensing with the carbon in both filters and replacing it with extra bags of biomax.

I've started the seven-day Stability regimen, and have put some live floating plants in there. The current from both filters is so strong that the floaters don't stay at the surface but are being pushed down and around throughout the tank.

I got my original collage on the back, and the substrate is a beautiful combination of black and dark blue gravel -- small and rounded on the edges. When I get more dojos, they should just love it!

So, there it is, folks -- the new beginning. No fish in there yet, of course -- after the seventh day of using the Stability, I can begin to put fish in there. Meanwhile, I taking some of the Marimo mossballs from my 20-gallon and putting them in the 65, to seed the tank with extra BB.

Have taken some pictures, and will continue to as the tank progresses. Today, I'm adding some decor. Later on, I'll be posting some pics ...

-- mermaidwannabe

**bignellm** · 07-25-2011, 04:03 PM

Sounds Awesome! Can't wait to see pictures.
I'm not familiar with Aqua clear ceramic rings, but I suspect with some submerged, it's ok and growing a bit of colony. It's also possible with the stacking, things will settle some later and the bag might slip below the water line later.

I defer to Aqua Clear Experts far and wide on this to confirm or rebuke.

**SkipW** · 07-25-2011, 04:12 PM

My AquaClear bio bag sticks up a little also. Nothing to worry about. I've also replaced the carbon with a bag of Seachem Matrix for extra bio filtration. Yours might be sticking up a little higher due to the way you fit the carbon bag in there by not having it lay flat.

Question: I thought Stability was used for cycling with fish in the tank .... any reason for waiting 7 days before adding fish? If you don't have an ammonia source, you won't be building up any BB.

**mermaidwannabe** · 07-25-2011, 04:46 PM

Good point, Skip. I just went back and re-read the directions on the Stability bottle -- they say it's okay to introduce fish and other aquatic pets anytime during that seven days, so long as the dosage remains consistent throughout that first week.

So, I'll need to add some in order for the BB to have anything to eat. I'll be doing that as soon as I leave this post.

Makes sense -- BB can't thrive if it's starved!

-- mermaid

**Lady Hobbs** · 07-25-2011, 04:50 PM

When I removed the carbon bag from my filter, the bio-bags fit just right. I just put the carbon away to use another time. Carbons only good for about a month anyway.

**SmokeyCFH** · 07-25-2011, 05:24 PM

I usually sew the bag back up where it's cut or just put it all in a nylon, nylons work great.

I had a bag of carbon rip down the seam so i just grabbed some black thread and stitched her up! :)

**mermaidwannabe** · 07-25-2011, 05:58 PM

From some earlier advice I received here, I understand that the carbon should be left in while the tank is cycling and maybe for two weeks after it has completed cycling -- then it can be removed and more biomax added. Is it actually okay to remove the carbon at any time? I would like to add the extra bags of biomax right now, if I could. I purchased two extra bags when I got the two filters. If I had my druthers, I'd get rid of the carbon right now...

-- mermaid

**fishnewbie1** · 07-25-2011, 06:22 PM

I ditched my bag of carbon in our AC70 and added another bag of biomax before the fishless cycle had completed without any noticeable issues. Fish are happy and healthy, and no losses as of yet (two months of fish keeping).

**Spidyman** · 07-25-2011, 06:33 PM

Yes you can remove it now. It will do nothing during the cycling process.

**Rhaethe** · 07-25-2011, 07:05 PM

When I set up a new AC, I steal some of the media from another pre-existing filter, and replace the carbon bag with the stolen media.

Generally, the ceramic balls on mine tend to peek up as well, except on the two filters I have where I don't use them at all.

Most of my AC's are a hodgepodge of filter media