Return to the life

[karpomatic]

I have been having a real problem with a bacterial bloom that will not go away. It's been suggested that I've been cleaning out the sump too often. So, on Saturday, I ordered a JUP-23 UV sterilizer from Amazon. On Sunday, I picked up some lava rock and added 4 mesh bags of it to the sump for added filtration. I also replaced the ammonia crystals. Last night I did a 50% water change and added the sterilizer to the system. Hopefully this clears it up.


Right after adding the UV sterilizer
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The school
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[Ryan925]

I would not expect that uv to do a whole lot. It may help clarify the water a little bit but definitely don't count on sterilization

[White Worm]

You are knocking back the beneficial bacteria. It happens when you clean filters too much and then do a large water changes. If you are wiping everything down and cleaning filters in tap water, you will kill off the cycle. The white cloud is your tank trying to reestablish the biological filter. Clearing it with chemicals is just masking the main issue. Be patient, it will clear on its own when the filter is capable of handling the fish load.

[karpomatic]

I added the UV light on Tuesday evening. I also slowed down the pump in the sump a bit. I believe this gave the bacteria time to setup in the sump. These photos are from last evening.

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[Ryan925]

Nice looking geos. How are they with the plants? Don't dig them up?

[karpomatic]

Nice looking geos. How are they with the plants? Don't dig them up?

Yes, a bit. Mostly the ones in the back. i'm going to get some smooth stones to put around the base to keep them away.

[Phillydubs]

Whats the plan for discus here... if any?

[karpomatic]

I was waiting for that question. I'm not sure at this point. I got very gun shy for Discus with all the sump issues in the beginning. I know the Flagtails are not good tank mates for them. I may revisit the idea in the future but at this point I just want it to be a clear and healthy tank. Other than the Flagtails, everything in the tank is Discus compatible.

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This photo was taken with my new Samsung Galaxy Note 8
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