Habitat - Indoor :: External filters issues

[exister86]

Hi guys,

I have set up an external pond filter with a pump in the water. But the water is cloudy, do any of you guys know what is wrong with it? Normally, how long does cycling takes for all the good bacteria to be formed? Is there any rule of thumb while doing this?

And there is a 'burning plastic smell', i have checked the pump isn't hot and the filter doesn't has any mechanical parts... so I am not really sure where the smell is coming from. I have read some reviews and they they said its common with new filters/pumps advised to use carbon filters.

Hope someone can help, thanks alot!

[devilduck]

It can tank between 2 - 6 weeks for a filter to cycle.

[VeipaCray]

That burning plastic smell is not good. Check the impeller and the impeller shaft on your pump.

[taxman48]

my son bought the Zoomed 501 filter and wants to put it on a timer..But every time it shuts down, we have to prime it again to get it going.. Do these filters have to be on 24/7? Also does the filter have to be level with the bottom of tank? the tank is a 40 gal acrylic tank, slider measures 8", we have had her for 17 years..

[VeipaCray]

Your tank is quite a bit undersized for that turtle as is that 501 filter. That 501 won't come close to keeping up with the bioload from an adult 8" turtle ESPECIALLY if you're turning it off via a timer. Yes the filter needs to be on 24/7.

This thread has our filter sizings: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30145

[taxman48]

thanks for quick reply.. The tank is half filled. I read in the filter section of this site about canister filters:

"These filters will stay primed during power loss and resume normal operation when power returns." Is this true? thanks again

[steve]

It should but that also depends on how it was setup. Slack in hoses, placement of the intake, location of the canister can play a role on priming.