airstone filter

Question
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Followup To
Question -
ph is around 7.2
nitrite is around 3 to 4 (having trouble keeping it down, using aquarium salt)
ammonia unsure

wondering how aften i should change out the airstone filter?  any other info on you may have on maintaining a safe environment i will definately put to use.
Answer -
Hi Jason;

Is the airstone inside of a tube (as part of an undergravel system) or just hanging in the tank water?
Is there any other filtration?
What size is the tank?
How long has it been set up?
What kind of fish and how many?

Let me know and I can give you some tips on keeping your specific system maintained.

Chris Robbins

the airstone is inside of a tube, if by filtration you mean water circulation or falling; there isnt,  2 gallon hex tank that has been up for about 2 months,  has 1 ghost shrimp in it now; once we get the water more stable thinking about getting 2 fantailed guppies, 1 or 2 more ghost shrimp and/or a algea eater, depending on your recommendation.

Answer
Hi Jason;

Actually it does have a filter if the tube is attached to a plate that is on the bottom. It is an Undergravel filter. This is a biological filter that requires the airstone be changed if it slows down. The airstone makes the water move through the tube and back down through the gravel again. Wastes are circulated too, and they are consumed by beneficial bacteria that lives in the gravel. Make regular water changes of 25% once a week and vacuum the gravel at the same time. Hard to do in such a small tank, but get the smallest vacuum you can find. They work pretty good once you get the hang of them.

The tank is too small for much more than a guppy or two. The rule of thumb is one inch of adult fish per gallon. You can stretch it to 2 inches per gallon, but be sure you don't overfeed and keep the tank well maintained by changing 25% of the water every week. Algae eaters get pretty large and very aggressive, so I wouldn't get them. In such a small tank you can get a little snail. The shrimp will probably eat up any baby snails so they don't overmultiply. Just don't overfeed or the shrimp will be too well fed for the snail population to be kept under control. Feed no more than they can all eat in 5 minutes. If there is food leftover on the gravel, decorations, etc., feed less food next time and keep trying.

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

Come on over and join us on the freshwater fish forum at About.com to get even more information too;
http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/questionsanswers/a/naavigateforum.htm

My member name is ChrisR62. See You There!