Does Ceramic rings need cleaning ?

[qguy]

Does Ceramic Rings need cleaning ?

Planning to create a bio filter using a 4 foot long pvc pipe with a diameter of 4 or 6 inches and fill it with Ceramic Rings. I would permanently seal both ends and attach 3/4 inlet and outlet on each end.

 

[benzjamin13]

In short...Yes. It needs to be rinsed now and then to prevent clogging. Also, it should be rinsed with the aquarium water and not tap.

 

[PostalPenguin]

I would just make it so you can take it out of the system and run a reverse flow through it. Reverse flow should rinse everything off of it.

Though I do have a concern about what pump you are putting on this. I believe a column like this will create a large amount of flow loss since the pump has to pull/push against 4 feet of biomedia. That is why most canisters use a wider width column and shorter length rather than thinner and longer.

 

[CoryWM]

I'd use bio balls, and make sure you have some fine filter pad before it enters the chamber you make.

 

[jcardona1]

I'd use bio balls, and make sure you have some fine filter pad before it enters the chamber you make.

In this case, I agree with this. If the media will be difficult to get to and clean, go with bio balls since they wont clog up like ceramic media will over time.

 

[kurare]

I'd use bio balls, and make sure you have some fine filter pad before it enters the chamber you make.

Best advise you'll ever get to keep your media clean as a whistle!
Set it up right and you'll never have to clean your media. Rinse and buy more filters pads, saves a lot of trouble ime

 

[nes999]

i would use filter socks instead of filter pads though

 

[Redearsunfish]

Just build in some sort of flush valve or something.

 

[WeeNe858]

As long as the water going in is already pre filtered for chunks, the most you would need is a reverse flow to dislodge anything that has become... lodged. I would put a layer of bio balls at each end to allow for more water flow and keep the middle ceramic rings for more surface area.