Yes or No-That is This Question

[confused aquarist]

I have a 46 Gal Bowfront aquarium. It is a Freshwater tank with neons and mollys in it..

I have a fluval 305 canister file but still have having cloudy water issues..

Do I NEED an Under Gravel Filter?

And if so where would I find one for a bowfront tank?

This is the first tank I have run without one?

Please Someone out there? Give me your ideas..

Thanks C.A.

[AngelMom]

Do I NEED an Under Gravel Filter?
No ... the biomedia in your canister does a much better job. ;)

How long has it been since your cycle was established? Is the cloudiness white or green? What are the results (actual numbers) of your water tests?

[confused aquarist]

I have had the tank set up for 5 weeks and the cloudyness is white in color.. the ph is normal.

The Amonia was a little high(3ppm) so did a 20 gallon water change a week ago and Amonia is normal(0ppm) now..

I hope this helps?

Thanks!

C.A.

[AngelMom]

You have a bacterial bloom because your tank is still cycling ... please read the link in my signature titled "The Nitrogen Cycle". If you don't already have them, you need test kits for nitrite and nitrate. And no more large water changes ... it will delay the cycle. ;)

[confused aquarist]

Thank You for your replies in this matter.. I read that article on the cycling process and it sounds like I just need to leave it be and let the aquaium do it's thing..

I have a nitrite and nitrate test kit and will monitor those also.

I will not do any more water changes for a couple weeks until everything gets going..

Sound right to you?

Thanks again..

C.A.

[AngelMom]

Yep ... unfortunately that's pretty much what's needed. Do monitor your fish ... if they appear stressed you can do small (around 10%) water changes to help them out ... just don't vacuum the gravel or you'll remove too many of the bacteria trying to colonize the tank. ;)