What to keep and what to take out of 3 chambers?

[lisa g]

I have jbj 12 gal nano and have had it going for two months now. I was reading to take out the bio balls and the ceramic rings ....what should I use any suggestions from those with same tank? I have just put in 4 peppermint shrimp, two snails and a damsel.....next week or two will be adding coral. water levels are testing good except for nitrate went to 10. Will do water change and new charcoal. Have sponges in first chamber, ceramic rings and bio balls in second and heater with pump in third.

 

[feixjai]

take out the bio balls and the ceramic rings. it should mention on that paper that came with the tank. in my 24 nano i just used 5 bags of carbon to help clear the water.

 

[littleliza]

I added in a stronger powerhead in the third chamber of mine... I put in a maxi-jet 900, although someone told me that might be too strong. Why shouldn't you use the ceramic rings and bio balls? I hadn't heard that.

 

[feixjai]

people hear told me that the bio balls and ceramic rings are suppose to help bacteria growth. but then it can be nitrate factories

 

[troyw806]

I just bought a 24 g nano yesterday. I left out the bios and the ceramic rings because they r just there to produce the bacteria so the paper said. I do have a few more questions though. If any of you know the answer just shout it out. I added 30 pounds of LS and 10 pounds LR. I also had some bacteria in a bottle so I threw a capful in. The question is will that speed up cycling or not. Also should a nano cycle the standard 2 weeks or less. Any help you could give me I would love it.

 

[jacksdad]

My 24 cycled in 3.5 to 4 weeks. Some have been faster and some slower. I don't think there is a time frame set in stone because of all the variables involved. Personally I think you need more LR. Rule of thumb is 1.5 lbs. per gallon of water. Again some have less, some have more. I have about 20 lbs in the display and 4 to 5 in the rear chambers and I haven't had any issues.
Good luck and happy cubing!
Bob

 

[penny ish]

on my 24 nano, i removed bio balls/rings, i added a eco aqualizer system in, put live rock in the middle chamber and bought another pump to add 2 more power heads.
i would really like to add more wattage in my tank but it just gets soooo hot!! thanks jackdad for the info on the chiller!!

 

[partsman]

i agree with jacksdad on the " add more rock " and cycling for sure. bio balls and rings - gotta go ....nitrate factory yes !!!!!
use your extra chambers for heaters ( mine unplugged ) charcoal etc.
TROYW806 ? - WHY SO MUCH SAND ?- kinda an overkill on the water displacement i think - ya need more rock 4 sure.
penny ish - your heating problem may be from the extra powerheads - mine was when i added a maxi 900 . i cut 2 holes in the splash shield directly in front of the fans with a hole saw to allow the hot air trapped between the surface and shield to escape - also watch your water level - to high , means to close to the lights and more heat transfer !!!!!!!
as per j.b.j. lighting .
M
OH YEA . i used the stock mini jet as a secondary powerhead to blow water across the backside - behind my rock wall to keep detris moving untill the intake could get it - really helped as i was noticing an increase of waste and nitrate build up.
just a thought 4 ya'll.