Just got a Fluval FX4...what now

[JMaggs215]

I currently have a 36 bow front with 10 African Cichlids. I want to start improving my tank for the fish and went to the fish store today. They told me I should get a better filter (I have the one that came with my tank) because I can't seem to get my Nitrates low. I have nitrates in the water that comes from the tap, I tested it. So I am starting with the new filter and then plan on changing the gravel to sand (another recommendation). Is there anything I can add to the tank to try to help with the Nitrates? I do at least 1 water change a week (about 1/3-1/2 of the water).

Should I just take the old filter off after I set this new one up? I wasn't sure how to move forward (the people in the store forgot to tell me this).

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am new to this hobby, I have had this tank, with these fish in it, for about 5 months. The fish all seem ok and seem to be growing kind of quickly.....we even have a bully already.

OOooops....I forgot, I was also wondering if I should do a water change before I change the filter, or add the new filter? Today is my weekend water change day.....

 

[King Fisher]

What is your nitrate readings out of the tap? End of the week out of your tank?

Seed the new filter with the old.....run both filters for a week

You could do your water change and add the new filter.

I'll be honest, I think you are more than likely going to have problems with Africans in that small of a tank. It's good to overstock them but if they don't have room, at least 4 feet of tank, they seem to kill each other off as they become adults. I knew a guy who tried keeping 10 Africans in a 40 gallon breeder and I think he ended up with 2 left after the first year. Not to say this will happen to you but it seems like any tank under 4 feet is a problem with them.

 

[JMaggs215]

We figured we will have to get a larger tank soon. I saw a 125 gallon tank and stand on sale today($559) that I was thinking about, that is why I wanted to get a larger filter now, so I could kind of do it a little at a time. Now, I have another problem with this filter, it doesn't fit under my stand......is it ok to have it sit next to it?

 

[King Fisher]

Ya it can sit next to it on the floor. If you get the 125 I'd run two FX4's.