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Mr. Gardener · March 23rd 06, 06:13 PM posted to rec.aquaria.freshwater.misc

On 23 Mar 2006 09:53:18 -0800, wrote:

Thanks to all for the responses. I was a little concerned about
changing the bio-bag, but it had been running for about 3 months and
had noticed a decrease in the flow of water back into the tank (along
with the overflow). You mentioned that the plastic frame from the
bio-bag is designed to retain bacteria. When I replaced the bio-bag,
should I have removed the frame from the old bag and put it in the new
one, or just changed the entire bio-bag (like I did)? Again, I'm not
sure if that was the cause or not.

Doing all three in one day was just us being impatient. Of course,
we're learning more and more how patience is one of the keys!

I'll continue monitoring my levels to see if the Ammonia keeps rising.
The first one that died yesterday was probably dead in the tank for at
least half of the day when I was at work. The second for not very
long.

Jon

Before Whisper introduced their biosponges, they used to promote their
bag frames as biological filters. Today, that is laughable. I am sure
the etching in the plastic frame retains some bacteria, but hardly
enough to call it a bio filter. They now supply their filters with the
sponges and sell very inexpensive upgrades for their old filters.
These sponges are more up to the task of harboring helpful bacteria.
So technically, you should have kept the used frame and applied the
new bag over it, rather than replace the frame. But I doubt you lost
very much bacteria by replacing the frame.

I got the impression that you weren't totally satisfied with your
water test kit's reading of ammonia. If you have the same brand that I
have, I'll tell you that the ammonia color card is an absolute bugger
to read - I've never gotten a sample that was the same shade of yellow
as the card, but never unyellow enough to call it positive. At very
best, I might call it trace, but I'm satisfied for my purposes that if
it looks pretty close then I'll call it yellow.

-- Mister Gardener