another type of filtartion needed.
- Thread starter sharp tooth
- Start date
Everything I've read about water filters on the tap (PUR or BRITA) says that it's not a great idea.
I've read that these filters remove trace elements that your fish need/like.
I'm not an expert on it, but I know I've NEVER read about anyone recommending it; but I have read several times that it's not a good thing.
Personally, I don't think you can do much better than what you are doing right now. Having said that... I also believe in backup systems. If you ever have a failure with your main filter (burnout of a motor for example) its good to have another filter running to hold things together until you can get it fixed.
I know in my city there are only 1 or two LFS's I like to support financially. If I had a failure on a Saturday evening, I'd be in trouble until Monday morning because they are closed Sunday's. Even if they were open Sunday's, they aren't open Saturday Night and my fish would likely be dead by morning with no filtration (at they very least, they'd be very stressed).
Therefore, I run a Fluval FX5 and a Fluval 404 on my 180 Gallon. IF the FX5 ever went down, the 404 would at least provide some filtration, and I could move the biomax from the FX5 into a media bag and hang it in front of the 404 output in the tank to keep the bacteria alive.
(Jeeze, that's a long answer) Anyway, I think it's a MUST to have a second filter, but I don't think your going to improve the water properties much.
Take Care.
Undey
i shall go threw what i have on my tank at the moment.
tanks is 7x3x2.5.
filtration, 4x18x15 sump filled with 60/70 ltr of k1 filter media 2x 3000lph pumps to return the water to the tank.
2x internal filters.
fsb filter, only about 0.5 ltr of sand in it.
60w of uv steriliser.
planted 4ft tank, its filled with 5" of gravel. water is pumped threw the gravel at 1000lph (ive up graded it from 500) and the gravel is planted with pond plants and bog plants.
i suggest u get a freshwater skimmer (i have a Schuran 150 freswater jetskim) and a big external filter (penn plax cascade 1500) operating from and to yr sump, loaded with activated carbon and resins. as i have it..filter getting water from the last compartment of yr sump and putting it back on the middle one so the filtered water combines again with the main flow, and the skimmer is working same way with a big UV(36W) inline. i've nearly 0 values for nitrites and amonia. and i keep oscars,jaguars,huge plecos,and a few other central american chiclids.
it's good to overkill on filtration but from what i see it that you have it all worked out well. the only thing i can think of is getting a high capacity filter for your house.
the commercial type of filters. so that not only do you filter your water but you also benefit from it. you're fish is way too happy already. they might get high on excellent water.
the commercial type of filters. so that not only do you filter your water but you also benefit from it. you're fish is way too happy already. they might get high on excellent water.I'm getting back into the hobby after several years away, more than I want to admit here other than to say I'm probably old enough to be the grandfather of many here. Right now I'm running 2 pretty modest tanks compared to some of the folks here. The one in the office of our home is a 37 gallon tall show tank. For filtration I'm running an Emporer 280 and a Magnum H.O.T. with SeaChem Matrix in the media basket. Water quality is great by all the tests and the occupants seem to be doing well. Downstairs in our family room I'm running a standard 55 gallon with an Emporer 400 and a fluidized bed filter. This tank has been more of a struggle but I set it up first and had to relearn/learn a huge bunch of stuff about cycling, filters, etc., that I didn't deal with or didn't remember from before. By the way, all those years ago UGF's were the filter of choice so that's what attracted me to the fluidized bed filter. It's taken a few week for the FDF to really kick in....it's only been on the tank for 3 weeks....and I've seen a great improvement in the last few days. I'm not a patient person but am learning you have to be with yours tanks. At the same time I work, play golf, take care of my yard, etc., so I want the best balance of filtration with reasonable maintenance.......I think I'm getting there. My goal....more than sufficient filtration (I'm a crystal clear water freek), healthy fish, and low maintenance (yes...I understand and do my water changes...I ain't that old).
Right now I'm running 2 pretty modest tanks compared to some of the folks here. The one in the office of our home is a 37 gallon tall show tank. For filtration I'm running an Emporer 280 and a Magnum H.O.T. with SeaChem Matrix in the media basket. Water quality is great by all the tests and the occupants seem to be doing well. Downstairs in our family room I'm running a standard 55 gallon with an Emporer 400 and a fluidized bed filter. This tank has been more of a struggle but I set it up first and had to relearn/learn a huge bunch of stuff about cycling, filters, etc., that I didn't deal with or didn't remember from before. By the way, all those years ago UGF's were the filter of choice so that's what attracted me to the fluidized bed filter. It's taken a few week for the FDF to really kick in....it's only been on the tank for 3 weeks....and I've seen a great improvement in the last few days. I'm not a patient person but am learning you have to be with yours tanks. At the same time I work, play golf, take care of my yard, etc., so I want the best balance of filtration with reasonable maintenance.......I think I'm getting there. My goal....more than sufficient filtration (I'm a crystal clear water freek), healthy fish, and low maintenance (yes...I understand and do my water changes...I ain't that old).