Habitat - Indoor :: Bacteria Bloom?

[Mr.Shenanigans]

So recently I did a 90% water change, about 2 weeks ago. I have changed most of the media in my fluval 304, and just set up my recently acquired Rena XP4 (also brand new media). The water is now very cloudy. I've had some complications with both filters and their functioning has been sporadic until now. How long should I expect this to last and if I do not notice and improvement what should be my course of action?

This is my media set up for both my 304 and xp4
(bottom-top)
304: chemical media sponges for ammonia and nitrates/activated carbon/ceramic bio rings
Xp4: chemical media sponges for ammonia and nitrates/activated carbon and ammonia chips/Rena bio stars and ceramic rings/ ceramic rings and filter pads

[devilduck]

If all the media is brand new then a full cycle will take 1-2 months. You can speed this process up by seeding the filters with some pieces of old media. You will need a water test kit to know when the filters have cycled. Do not do any more large water changes.

Unless you plan to always use chemical media for ammonia and nitrate removal I would take those out.

[steve]

How long were those complications for? If there was standing water in those filters, I would probably flush them out.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

They didn't sit long at all, a day at most. The fluval was cleaned then reassembled and accidentally broke a hinge so had to fix it and the Rena needed new O rings because it was leaking.
Yes I keep hearing the you don't NEED Chemical media but why is that? Does the bacteria that accumulates within the biomedia and sponges provide enough resistance to ammonia and nitrates? Most of those products only last a couple weeks at most so I can see how they are really only temporary remedies. But I personally don't get the filtering process so any insight would be appreciated. Btw the tank actually started to clear up today as I could actually see through the other side but still pretty cloudy.

[ljapa]

Activated carbon will do nothing for the nitrogen cycle. What it will do is break chloramine in your tap water into ammonia and chlorine. The chlorine leaves the water and the biological media consumes the ammonia. It will also bind to many dissolved components in the water, like larger molecules from waste, some heavy metal compounds, and medications added to the water, which is why you are told to remove any carbon when medicating fish.

If you run your tap water through carbon or use water without chloramines/chlorine, then you aren't going to have much in your water that needs chemical treatment, particularly for a pet that doesn't breathe water.

The biological media provides location for nitrifying bacteria. There are two types that are important for filters. One converts ammonia to nitrite. The other type coverts the nitrite to nitrate. There are bacteria that can convert nitrate to nitrogen, but they require low oxygen conditions, which are not likely in a canister filter.

So a canister with just biomedia ultimately converts dangerous ammonia to much less harmful nitrates. The nitrates are ultimately removed via water changes.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

Thanks for the details, makes more sense. So would chemical media for nitrate be beneficial then? Since there is no way to eliminate it without doing water changes? Just a thought

[ljapa]

Thanks for the details, makes more sense. So would chemical media for nitrate be beneficial then? Since there is no way to eliminate it without doing water changes? Just a thought

My understanding is that it will work. However, like activated carbon, it needs regular replacement.

Besides, there are trace elements in the water that are used by the bacteria and also your turtle as it drinks. Those will get depleted over time, so water changes replenish them. In addition, water changes removes other harmful elements that can build up as you top off after evaporation. Only a few months back when I first started all of this, I could have told you some. I believe that lead is one. Not even activated carbon removes lead. It doesn't evaporate. So, if you aren't doing any type of water changes, just topping off, it is building up.

Another way of controlling nitrates is plants. They will use the nitrate as fertilizer. Of course, most turtles will eat the plants and just make a mess.

I know that there are some with turtles who use a de-nitrator (sp?) in their canister. I've found that just changing the water weekly once the filter is established is enough to control nitrates. Google "aquarium nitrogen cycle" and you can find lots of information about the nitrifying bacteria. I'm guessing that they need oxygen and that your one day of no water movement allowed many to die off during your outage.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

Gotcha that makes sense. I wanted to add some plants, and it is my understanding that java fern tend to thrive as it has a bitter taste for our turtles. This is what I've heard I'm not sure what truth it holds. Not to sound neglectful but I honestly hate water changes. It is so time consuming, and to think I want to upgrade to a 150+ lol.

[ljapa]

. Not to sound neglectful but I honestly hate water changes. It is so time consuming, and to think I want to upgrade to a 150+ lol.

Look at a python system.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=848

To make it even easier, check out viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33171

[VeipaCray]

Carbon will actually absorb chlorine and chloramine not break it apart. It's the chemical conditioners that break it apart, but the chemical used is almost always sodium theosulfate and that's fairly dangerous to your turtle. Carbon will also absorb dissolved organics in the water (turtle urine) and other organic compounds leaving the water clear.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

yeah ive seen that before but it would be more of a project for me with my setup being in the basement and i have no water source down there. And im certainly not lugging a full 55 gallon down the stairs lol. I guess i could just get longer hose but I guess ill just deal with it lol

[Mr.Shenanigans]

oh and btw VeipaCray, that link in your signature makes me want to punch you in the face lol idk how many times ive fallen for the rickrolled thing lmao

[VeipaCray]

What rickrolled thing?