Cloudy waters

[flchamp89]

Went back and reread your thread, you have some stocking issues that have been covered already, but many experienced goalkeepers on here go by the 10x rule (meaning for your 55gallon tank 550 gph water turnover).

Goldfish imo should only be kept in very large tanks or preferably an outdoor pond, do you know anyone with goldfish pond?

Plecos can be big polluters, what kind are they.

These two factors would probably be the cause of your problems, and even with proper stocking 10x filtration is no guarantee for water quality, only water changes do that.

Spot on.....more filter less bioload

 

[jabba the gup]

Let it be so! Appreciate all the constructive criticism him! Appreciate all of your helpful advice! Is the 10 times rule a maximum or minimum? Would adding another 350 GPH for a total of 700 GPH be too much? I know you said you can never have too much filtration. Aside from the goldfish being a year and a half old all of my diverse occupants are juvenile and not very large in stature yet! Unfortunately, they may have to remain in the same tank for now. Until I can get some of them back in my 13 gallon. Thanks again everyone

 

[jabba the gup]

Sorry about typos and extra words, talk to text! [emoji23]

 

[jabba the gup]

 

[jabba the gup]

Sorry not sure why it sent so many pictures!

 

[flchamp89]

Its common to see 8-10x recommended. However, if the tank inhabitants are ok with flow theres nothing wrong with more.

Filter ratings are often generous. Your probably not going to hit gph under load from media.

My preference is a minimum of 10x. I currently have 150gph hob and a 69gph power head in a 10g.

 

[toolman]

Adding another filter is great, but only a short term fix... A band aid which may/may not fix your issues.

 

[toolman]

I would consider rehoming the goldfish, it will only grow larger and produce more waste.
The African clawed frogs will eat your fish after they grow larger I believe.

 

[flchamp89]

GF is already big lol. Hard to manage parameters with goldfish in aquariums.

 

[jabba the gup]

I know! LOL! The goldfish is how this whole thing started! My ammonia level is zero believe it or not! I had him alone in the 13 gallon tank and could not control ammonia! That's why we got the 55 gallon! And every trip to the pet store with the children begin to accumulate the other species! I truly believe most of my problem is over feeding in combination with my stock issue! API test kit says it is inadequate bio filter, too much food waste, or overstocked aquarium that are the causes of high nitrite! Nitrates caused by fish waste and other organic compounds such as decomposing plants! Basically everything I have been told on here by you more experienced ladies and gentlemen! And I believe the only fish in the tank the frogs will be able to eat are the swordtails! Not that I want them eaten either LOL!

 

[flchamp89]

When overstocked or improperly stocked even feeding responsibily creates issues because you got too many fish vs gallons of water. A lot of people miss this concept. More fish....more food to feed them...lol You may not be over feeding but again just alot of food going in. Of course next issue is....food gotta come out..poop

 

[toolman]

We discussed the frogs on another post today, they get as big as a man's fist and will try to eat anything they think they can get in their mouths.
The goldfish and the plecos have huge bioloads.
You can have whatever you want in your tank, but may very well continue to have issues with goldfish, plecos, and frogs in the tank.

 

[jabba the gup]

I hear ya, I will most certainly take your advice and split them up! They all get pretty large the rope fish included! One of the pet stores here in town have a dollar per gallon aquarium sale twice a year! I may hit that up and get another large tank to divide them up!! Given that it is not too far off for the next sale!

 

[toolman]

Good luck whatever you do, I just know improper stocking caused me problems and they cause you to adjust your tank or face a constant flow of problems. My tanks are relatively low maintenance because I gave up some things to get them that way.
Now I'm getting into med-high tech & lights for my plants but because I've followed this forum I have a better idea what I'm doing and where to get help.

 

[jabba the gup]

I have no doubt, everyone has been a huge help! Can't thank you all enough! And I hope you will all be here when I have more questions

 

[sangusjr]

Hi Jabba, as far as i know, the $1 per gal sale @ PC starts today, 4/2.

Just thought i'd mention. best of luck.......enjoy the hobby.

Art.

 

[jabba the gup]

Great! Thanks for heads up

 

[jabba the gup]

Well.... no pet stores where I live are doing the $1 per gallon sale anytime soon! In fact, I just missed it at PSP!! However, I vacuumed extremely well, which forced a larger water change than I would've liked. But it was filthy already and had just been done 2 weeks ago[emoji15] Moved all decor and vacuumed thoroughly!! Dosed my tank with an ammonia and nitrite detoxifier!! Added another 350gpm hob filtration system!! Which I just learned that I can put 4 filter media in each one instead of just 2!!![emoji44][emoji20][emoji12] then hit it with enough API QuickStart for a 60gal tank! Any suggestions or criticisms?

 

[kashif314]

I repeat. Do yourself a favor and buy a UV sterilizer and enjoy crystal clear water always.

 

[jabba the gup]

I can't find your previous post and did not see it! I will most certainly look into it!! At the risk of my wife divorcing me lol! ( NOT REALLY )