What kind of setup w/ a 30 gallon tank?

[kb]

Anyone with a 30 gallon tank or around 30g, what kind of filter do you use. I use a skilter and was wondering where my beneficial bacteria are. If they are in the filter and I change the filter then their gone. If they are in the substrate what happens when I vacuum it? If I use a powerhead and I have an UG filter do I only use one tube or both?

 

[wrassefan]

I have a 30 and use to use an undergravel. I use to have a powerhead on each end of the tank hooked up to the undergravel. I always had poorer water quality with the undergravel. Now I just use a millenium 2000 and a whisper 3 that was retrofitted with the sponges. I also use a skimmer and a separate powerhead for circulation. It's been about a year now and everything is fine. I vaccuum out the substrate every 3 weeks with a water change. These two filters allow me to take out the filter pads but leave the beneficial bacteria on a separate grid in the filter. I'm not sure about the skilter but if you take it out of the tank, you will lose some bacteria.

 

[mr . salty]

Depending on the model skilter you have, you can do one of two things.#1,The model 400 has two filter cartrages,replace one,then after two weeks replace the other.#2 the model 250 has one filter,you take the old filter material and roll it up,then place it standing in the corner of the filter box,next to the skimmer. As for making the skimmer more efficient,Check my post in the topic(Do I need anything else for a 29gal QT) STEVE
[This message has been edited by MR . SALTY (edited 07-26-2000).]
[This message has been edited by MR . SALTY (edited 07-26-2000).]