Who Gives A Fish Forums

And if the impeller's fine, maybe the motor shaft's dirty. A q-tip dipped in vinegar can clean it up real quick. Just don't force anything.

Yeah, impeller's usually the culprit. Also check if the intake tube's got gunk. My canister was acting sketchy till I cleaned the tubes.

I'd take 'em out. They can break down and spike your calcium levels, which might throw things off if you've got sensitive fish. What's your substrate like?

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll start with Anubias and Java Fern and see how it goes.

I'm setting up a 20-gallon low-maintenance tank and need plant suggestions. What's the easiest stuff to keep alive with minimal light and no CO2?

That was a good one. I think males are larger and more colorful, but honestly, you'll probably get more accurate info in the new world/south American cichlid section.