Extra Mechanical

[boisblancboy]

On my 240 I am thinking of adding another filter, a canister for Mechanical filtration. Right now all I have for filtration is a Pro Clear 300 wet/dry with a Quiet One 4000 pump moving @ current head presure 700 gph, which for biological purposes is working just fine. I would like to get a cansiter because I have what looks like cloudy water from small tiny white particles floating around that of course doesnt get filtered out with my wet/dry. Since I am on the low end of gph turnover I thought it would be a good idea anyway to have another filter, especially when I start getting a more fully stocked tank. I dont want to spend a ton on the highest quality and best canister out there because I dont see the need anyway.

So I was thinking along the lines of like XP4 or equivalent, what do you guys think? Or any other Makes or Models what do you think? Also I would like to hear what I should run in their respective makes and models for the best Mechanical filtration media, since I dont need any more biological filtration. Thanks for your help and ideas!

 

[boisblancboy]

Also, I was looking at media for the Rena XP canister, none of them say they work for the XP4. I see you just use more of the media for the XP3, is this the case for the XP4? Or would you suggest using other media besides what they offer?

 

[hillbilly]

Before you run out and buy another filter, why not try some micron rated filter pads in your wet-dry first? A 100 micron filter pad will do wonders in most cases. The Pure-Flo brand is a good example, and can be purchased at any good LFS or online at places such as Foster's and Smith, Petsolutions etc.

 

[Mr Pleco]

Also, I was looking at media for the Rena XP canister, none of them say they work for the XP4. I see you just use more of the media for the XP3, is this the case for the XP4? Or would you suggest using other media besides what they offer?

To answer your question is "yes" XP3 works in an XP4. XP4/3 have a lower flow rate than advertised when loaded with media, I consider them more of a biological filter than mechanical . Use Seachem pond matrix or any highly rated biomaterial over the manufacturer’s model specific products.

I would just modify your wet dry place a 50 or 100-micron pad in there, watch it they plug fast, rinse and reuse.


http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18430/si1379010/cl0/coralifepureflo50micronfilterpad18x30

 

[boisblancboy]

Like I said, having more that ONE filter is a good idea anyway especially since my turnover rate is low, wouldnt you agree?

Also the blue bonded filter pad doesnt take very long before its clogged up and needs cleaning/replacing. I also find that taking the pad out of the wet/dry can be messy and tends to get water all over.

Thanks for the suggestion so far! keep'em coming, just want to hear all ideas before I decide to do something.

 

[chico3611]

Just like suggested above, I would try a high micron filter pad. Set it up as the last stage in your wet dry right b/4 the pump; it could save you alot of money.

 

[boisblancboy]

If I ran a micron filter pad, I think the only place I could put it is in the drip tray. Anywhere else it would be pretty difficult to hold in place or in such a way to not let tons of water bypass it.

 

[craigthor]

You could always check out the Fluval FX5 and fill it with Eheim Ehfimech which is what I did on my 75, water is crystal clear. it flows a bit over 600 gph with media is what it lists in the book 900 without.

 

[hillbilly]

If I ran a micron filter pad, I think the only place I could put it is in the drip tray. Anywhere else it would be pretty difficult to hold in place or in such a way to not let tons of water bypass it.

There is nothing wrong with putting it in the drip tray. I have a 55 gal. DIY sump filter with a crazy amount of SeaChem Pond Matrix in it. 100 micron socks mounted on the 1 1/2" drain outlets do all the mechanical filtration prior to the Matrix bio media. It works very well. Also, your filtration would probably be more efficient if your pump was turning over more flow. It wouldn't hurt bio that much unless you went way overboard with it. IMO adding a larger pump would likely be more cost efficient in the long run than adding additional filters.