Moss only setup?

[andrew73]

I dropped by LFS across Thomson Medical and boss man said if I didn't want to use CO2, I'd have to go with moss only tank? That would suit me fine as I have space constraint where the tank(2ftx1ftx10") is located.

In which case, would I still need to let the water settle over 4-6weeks, with the moss on the driftwood/rocks? Would that have any adverse effects? Would moss only be problematic ie. snails/algae being present more?

Thanks anyone for any comments/input! Much appreciated in advance!

[Shadow]

In my opinion, it is depend on the light intensity. Low light tank reguire low CO2 becasue plant grow slowly, thus you can get away without CO2 injection. To be save, you still need to cycle your tank around 4 weeks, it is to make sure that beneficial bacteria colonize your filter media.

[andrew73]

Thanks Shadow. About filter media, what's the usual or required layers that would be in the filter for a tank of my size? Thanks!

[Shadow]

no special requirement for filter, typically for canister filter:

water in -> Coarse filter wool -> fine filter wool -> Ceramic ring/biohome/etc -> water out

It is also depending on the type of filter and size.

[AquaObsession]

no special requirement for filter, typically for canister filter:

water in -> Coarse filter wool -> fine filter wool -> Ceramic ring/biohome/etc -> water out

It is also depending on the type of filter and size.

Got it the wrong way I think.

Water IN, Ceramic Ring, Coarse Filter wool, Fine Filter Wool, Water out.

Cheers, Christophe

[Shadow]

I put the filne filter wool fist based on the biohome recomendation. On the box they mention that small particle may block biohome micro tunnel thus reduce biohome effectiveness.

[blue33]

Got it the wrong way I think.

Water IN, Ceramic Ring, Coarse Filter wool, Fine Filter Wool, Water out.

Cheers, Christophe

Should be.

Coarse filter(degrade the waste form) -> ceramic ring(bateria break down waste) -> fine filter wool(clean water goes out)

Infact all the media inside colonist with bacteria.

[andrew73]

Thanks guys, for the filter order. Is is possible to put in more than 1 layer of each item?

I saw so many types/brands of filter/pumps at NA that I was overwhelmed with the choices available! I've been told EHEIM gear is a good choice-reliable and good for it's price. I'm planning on getting those which would suit my tank size(24"x12"x10"). I'm open to suggestions as to which one I should get so please, fire away!

Thanks thanks!

[dnsfpl]

alamak i always thought is wool(filter dirt), Ceramic ring/biohome etc(bacteria build up), wool again(filter dirt)

lol

[andrew73]

My filter only has the foam and NA guy said since my tank is low tech w/o CO2, I won't need to add anything else. Can anyone please help me as to whether I can live with the foam included in my Eheim 2006 or should I add some stuff ie coral chips etc.? Any input will be much appreciated!

Tank has been filled and water left to settle for about a week now. Haven't had time to check on it as I'm only moving in this weekend so left filter/pump to run! Can't wait to start with the fishies and shrimps!

[Shadow]

it depend on your bio load. Beneficial bacteria also able to colonise filter foam. Why do you need coral chip? unless you want to increase pH

[andrew73]

Oh...was told that it would help keep the water clear. Oops!

As for bio load, at the moment, I've tied some spiky moss to the driftwood and I intend to get about 10 neon tetras, a couple of shrimps and I'm open to suggestions of other fish that can live together with any suggested breed of shrimp and the neons, but hopefully, a clean species that won't breed easily! Pardon my newbie ignorance...

I just turned on my filter today, after changing about 1/3 of the water and adding anti-chlorine. I think I need to sieve the top layer as I can see bubbles UNDER the surface when I look from below! Is that the substrate? I rinsed it a few times before letting it settle in the tank.

Thanks all!