elevated nitrate

[emster1]

i also have the penguin 350 hob as well. i removed the gravel plates, lots of junk under there. i can get a canister as well if you feel this is needed. i guess at this time my gravel has been my biologic filter correct? so i need to do the gravel vacs slow until my hob ones have kicked in. all suggestions are greatly appreciated

[Lady Hobbs]

I think your idea sounds ok. No point in removing all the bacteria or you'll have a problem. Just do a bit of the gravel every water change. The crap under those filter plates is amazing, isn't it?

You can not go wrong with a canister as long as it's large enough for the tank. One canister and the 350 should be fine.

[emster1]

i just ordered the eheim 2215. should be here tuesday

[emster1]

thank you for your help. do I need to cycle the eheim when i set it up if I dont disturb the other filters? what would you suggest for my mediums in the canister? Many years ago, like 15 I had a fluval for my reef, but I dont remember if I had one on my discus tank then, and I know there are new things to put in canister. I value your opinion, as the fish stores seem to tell me different stories daily. Thanks, emy

[Goes to 11!]

Yep, Every filter needs to be cycled to be effective. You can use older biomedia from different tanks [if available] to seed it.

I use the regular EHEIM mech & bio media [The link is the 'pro' but I use the regular - I don't know that there is any major difference,]:
http://www.amazon.com/EHFIMECH-Hollo...keywords=eheim
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...b%2Cpets%2C165

Personally I do not use the white sponges, They clog quickly and lower the flow rapidly IME.

Be aware that the 2215 [Like the 2217 but not the 2213] does not have any baskets the media simply sits in there with sponges in between the mech and bio media.

It does make cleaning it take a few minutes longer than filters with baskets and some people find this a deal breaker.
I like that there is no bypass possible as the water simply goes from bottom to top through all the stages.