Hayward gm series sand filter??? Any one use or have info?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
UnstoppableJayD

UnstoppableJayD

MFK NNJ
Staff member
Global Moderator
MFK Member
Jun 6, 2012
4,879
1,341
379
49
Northern NJ
Hey guys,

I found a used 300 acrylic tank. I want to go check it out...but it comes with a hayward gm series sand filter and 1/2 hp hayward pump. Problem is I have no clue about sand filters if this is sufficient for the tank...what kind of problems to look for as it is not set up at the moment...etc

Any and all info would be appreciated. I've searched the threads but cant really form a good opinion from the info ive found.

The tank will be for my rays so I really dont want to play around without all the info i can get...

Thanks
Sent from my TC970 (Wi-Fi) using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
GM series is an old obsolete filter. Current Hayward sand filter is the Pro Series.
Doubt you will find anyone on this forum who has one. 1/2 HP take a lot of energy to run $$$$ but is required for big sand filters. IMO this is too much filter for a 300g. I run a Hayward Pro Series with bead media and a 1/15HP pump on my 225g.
 
Thanks kendragon.

So basically its an old pos...

Im still fascinated by the concept of sand filters...when they say you need to backwash it...what does this mean and or entail as far as maintenance?

Sent from my TC970 (Wi-Fi) using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
Sand filters are made for pools with no bio. Requires a high speed pump to push the water thru the sand. Pool filters do not run 24/7 so cost to run does not kill you.
However, when used on ponds and fish tanks it's a different story. First, running the big pump 24/7 will break the bank. Second, the bio will glue the sand together and you will end up with a solid block which would require you to open it a stir with a stick. Using an air blown to assist in backwash is fruitless because it will blow your sand through the valve and down the drain. Third, in the Tetra Koi Book it mentions compression of air through the sand will produce fine air bubbles that will enter the fish blood stream resulting in gas bubble disease.

Backwashing usually means turning the handle on the multiport valve which reverses the flow and dumps the dirty water. During this process the sand is stirred up by the reversed flow. Keep in mind, it takes a lot of water to backwash so your tank water will empty a lot and fast.

If you like the sand filter concept you should look into glass as the media. I have one of those running on my 240g with a 1/15HP pump.
 
Awesome , thanks. This is the info i was looking for. So running glass as the media...you can get that from a pool store? It doesnt bind as quickly?



Sent from my TC970 (Wi-Fi) using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
UnstoppableJayD said:
Awesome , thanks. This is the info i was looking for. So running glass as the media...you can get that from a pool store? It doesnt bind as quickly?



Sent from my TC970 (Wi-Fi) using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Click to expand...

You can search my thread Filter Backwash in the cichla forum. For some reason I can't attach links anymore.
 
kendragon said:
You can search my thread Filter Backwash in the cichla forum. For some reason I can't attach links anymore.
Click to expand...

Thanks kendragon.

Sent from my TC970 (Wi-Fi) using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom