Filtration issues

[Caveden]

Pic above is my sump filtration for my 6ft aquarium. As shown, there are only 3 compartments of cotton wool to collect the detritus and the other tanks below are to store the biomedia. This results in quite a lot of the dirt being collected in the other biomedia tanks as the cotton wool isn’t able to fully collect all of the dirt, resulting in detritus worm build up.

Is there a solution for me to modify my sump tank to collect more of the dirt besides my cotton wool? Thanks

 

[tlindsey]

Pic above is my sump filtration for my 6ft aquarium. As shown, there are only 3 compartments of cotton wool to collect the detritus and the other tanks below are to store the biomedia. This results in quite a lot of the dirt being collected in the other biomedia tanks as the cotton wool isn’t able to fully collect all of the dirt, resulting in detritus worm build up.

Is there a solution for me to modify my sump tank to collect more of the dirt besides my cotton wool? Thanks

View attachment 1529512

I suggest to purchase padding that can cut to fit the bottom of the floss compartment.

 

[Caveden]

I suggest to purchase padding that can cut to fit the bottom of the floss compartment.

You mean placing padding underneath each cotton wool compartment?

That does seem like a good idea. However how do I take out each compartment afterwards to change the cotton wool though? Wouldn’t the padding block me from pulling out the compartments?

 

[tlindsey]

You mean placing padding underneath each cotton wool compartment?

Just the first compartment.

 

[Midwater]

Could you keep the system exactly as it is, but cut your floss in larger pieces, so that the floss curls up the sides of the floss chambers? Then there would be less lateral run off onto the next piece, and into the first media chamber. You might have to replace the top piece of floss more often.

 

[esoxlucius]

Firstly, using cotton wool as filter media is a bad idea. It's a natural fibre and, in time, will break down.

I'd go with extremely snug fitting cut to size sections of poret foam type media. It comes in three grades, coarse, medium and fine. Each section needs to be snug so unfiltered water can't flow around it.

Once you have the correct media in place, cut to the correct size, and as long as you keep on top of your maintenance ie changing your media regularly and rinsing it out, especially the top one, you should see a marked improvement.

Also take into consideration your stocking. Are you overstocked? Do you have fish that stir up the substrate? Do you overfeed? Have you got a good maintenance schedule, and do you stick to it?

I'm sure with a few tweaks here and there you can resolve this issue. But I will also say that you are unlikely to stop everything getting through to the bio side of your sump. Overtime you will always have some build up of mulm down there.

 

[duanes]

I agree with the above opinions.
I use porrett foam as mechanical media , and would put a thick block of each that in those 3 compartments.
And cut it to snuggly fit each chamber.
You can order different porosities, and thicknesses.
Here is what I use below, this piece is about 20" x 20" x 2" thick.

Different porosities, thicknesses and sizes can be ordered from Swiss Tropicals.
When mine gets clogged, I simply hose it down on the lawn, and even with that power washing, they last for years.
They also are able to hold beneficial bacteria within.
Beside the washing with a hose, I keep shrimp in the sump that help break down debris.

 

[dmyersWv]

As usual Duanes has it right. Swiss Tropicals porret is amazing, and lasts for years. Might try filter sock then 2 layers of foam. You will need to clean the sock often but if you buy spares its not hard to keep up with.

 

[https://www.cichlid-forum]

Pic above is my sump filtration for my 6ft aquarium. As shown, there are only 3 compartments of cotton wool to collect the detritus and the other tanks below are to store the biomedia. This results in quite a lot of the dirt being collected in the other biomedia tanks as the cotton wool isn’t able to fully collect all of the dirt, resulting in detritus worm build up.

Is there a solution for me to modify my sump tank to collect more of the dirt besides my cotton wool? Thanks

View attachment 1529512

Yes, there are several ways you can modify your sump tank to improve its ability to collect debris:

Mechanical Media: You could consider adding more mechanical filtration media to your sump. This could be in the form of sponge pads, filter floss, or even ceramic rings. These materials can help trap smaller particles that the cotton wool might miss.

Filter Socks: Filter socks are another option. They are made from a fine mesh material that can catch small particles. You can place these over the drains in your sump to catch debris as the water flows in.

Protein Skimmer: A protein skimmer can also help remove waste from the water. It works by creating tiny bubbles that attract waste particles. The waste then rises to the top of the skimmer and is collected in a cup for easy removal.

Refugium: A refugium is a separate section in your sump where you can grow plants or algae. These plants can help absorb excess nutrients in the water, which can reduce the amount of waste.

 

[Caveden]

Thanks for everyone’s help! Following tlindsey, esoxlucius and Duane’s, is this what you mean by adding the porrett foam below the cotton wool?