HELP- Diatom Bloom Lasting Over a Month Plants Dying

[sapling]

So what do I need to do with my cartridge? Throw it away and just use the filter by itself?

 

[sapling]

Here is my updated tank. I have taken everything out and cleaned it. I did a 90% water change so hopefully this works.

[sapling]

I ordered some java moss for the rocks, Aponogeton Crispus as a bonus plant, and some water sprite to float.

[MattyM]

On 10/11/2022 at 4:46 PM, sapling said:

So what do I need to do with my cartridge? Throw it away and just use the filter by itself?

I would get some different media in there (ie "hot rod" it) - the co-op has some videos on things to try with HOBs. With the sponge you'll be ok not using it. 

Is your temp really 89F? 

[sapling]

On 10/11/2022 at 6:01 PM, MattyM said:

I would get some different media in there (ie "hot rod" it) - the co-op has some videos on things to try with HOBs. With the sponge you'll be ok not using it. 

Is your temp really 89F? 

No the thermometer on the side of the tank (not pictured) says 80 which is going to go down, the water I added was slightly warmer than I intended. Usually I keep my tank at 78. 

[nabokovfan87]

These first 2 pictures are from a Top Fin "BettaFlo" Filter that looks very similar to what you have.  A few notes.
A.  It's top fin, so there no real website for me to look at the manual and help with cleaning the impeller. Please do it though.  If you don't know what that is we can help or I can track down some pictures of similar filters to help with taking that pump apart for cleaning.  Basically, remove the pump, remove the impeller, clean the impeller shaft and chamber, clean the impeller itself, any covers and foam that are with the pump and then re-assemble.
B.  I think this *might be* the right filter, but hard to say.  I use this only to show the flow and how the water moves so we can discuss things as far as improvements.






Alright so "optimizing" this one is a bit tricky but there's a few tips and tricks we can do.



Layout A:



Layout B:  (same thing, but you don't have ceramic media in the same location)

On 10/11/2022 at 2:46 PM, sapling said:

So what do I need to do with my cartridge? Throw it away and just use the filter by itself?

For right now. Replace it with a new one.

[sapling]

On 10/11/2022 at 6:05 PM, nabokovfan87 said:

These first 2 pictures are from a Top Fin "BettaFlo" Filter that looks very similar to what you have.  A few notes.
A.  It's top fin, so there no real website for me to look at the manual and help with cleaning the impeller. Please do it though.  If you don't know what that is we can help or I can track down some pictures of similar filters to help with taking that pump apart for cleaning.  Basically, remove the pump, remove the impeller, clean the impeller shaft and chamber, clean the impeller itself, any covers and foam that are with the pump and then re-assemble.
B.  I think this *might be* the right filter, but hard to say.  I use this only to show the flow and how the water moves so we can discuss things as far as improvements.






Alright so "optimizing" this one is a bit tricky but there's a few tips and tricks we can do.



Layout A:



Layout B:  (same thing, but you don't have ceramic media in the same location)

For right now. Replace it with a new one.

I just ordered some sponge filter media. Thank you