MFK filtration test lab

[lemcc]

I read alot post on here about which filter is better or which media is the best

But its all just opinions no real proof

Real world usage and feedback is great but it’s too variable (no ones tanks is a steady state)

So why not setup a test lab or more importantly some good techniques for testing the capacity of our filtration systems and individuals could report their results into a forum so when someone wants to know what’s the best filter or media they can have a real answer not an opinion

Think about all the people who go into petco/smart/land and buy expensive junk (miracle media in a can) we laugh at them but we do the same thing just on a different scale (Niagara Falls in your living room)

 

[ewurm]

Good idea! We could have an MFK lab! All we would need is a few hundred thousand bucks. I'll donate fifty, how much you got? LOL

 

[fishnutham]

 

[lemcc]

everybody here probably has a box of filters, media and test kits
you dont even need a empty tank just a 5 gallon bucket

whats is needed is a good set of procedures

 

[CHOMPERS]

Good idea! We could have an MFK lab! All we would need is a few hundred thousand bucks. I'll donate fifty, how much you got? LOL

I got a buck thirty six, a gum wrapper, two tic-tacs, and some pocket lint.

 

[WyldFya]

I read alot post on here about which filter is better or which media is the best

But its all just opinions no real proof

Real world usage and feedback is great but it’s too variable (no ones tanks is a steady state)

So why not setup a test lab or more importantly some good techniques for testing the capacity of our filtration systems and individuals could report their results into a forum so when someone wants to know what’s the best filter or media they can have a real answer not an opinion

Think about all the people who go into petco/smart/land and buy expensive junk (miracle media in a can) we laugh at them but we do the same thing just on a different scale (Niagara Falls in your living room)

I wouldn't say it is all opinion. It is quite obvious when you have two tanks similarly stocked and your fluval quits after 1.5 years, and your eheim continues to go on for many more years. There are certain things that are opinion, and some that aren't. One problem tough part to this idea is that everyones water parameters are different. My 2.0 ppm phosphate is probably higher than most, however my KH is relatively low compared to other places I've lived. There are several variables to factor in. The only fair way to test these medias is to run them in the same place, with the same water, with the same stock, and the same time frames.

 

[lemcc]

RO would solve the variance in tap water

saltwater folks are way ahead of us in this area but the cost benefit is also much higher for them

ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) is what the SW people use to test biological filtration

 

[Dr Joe]

I read alot post on here about which filter is better or which media is the best

But its all just opinions no real proof

Real world usage and feedback is great but it’s too variable (no ones tanks is a steady state)

So why not setup a test lab or more importantly some good techniques for testing the capacity of our filtration systems and individuals could report their results into a forum so when someone wants to know what’s the best filter or media they can have a real answer not an opinion

Think about all the people who go into petco/smart/land and buy expensive junk (miracle media in a can) we laugh at them but we do the same thing just on a different scale (Niagara Falls in your living room)

Most of these people don't come here until after they have purchased these products...

We need to reach them before they do this, getting the MFK name out there for them to see is a start, talking to them is the next step,,,ever try to start up a conversation with them at the store before the salesperson gets there? or in between the salesman and the sale.

Regimented testing is a good idea, the equipment needed to perform the tests (amount of filtering a media does by micron size, filter/pump longevity) is incredibly expensive, just hard to do on a free forum.

Now if we have some members that have access to this equipment, I know we would greatly appreciate the effort involved to do the testing and perhaps equipment could be donated (temporarily) to perform the tests on and shipping costs involved.

Of course credentials would be verified first and foremost.

Otherwise opinion and conjecture come into play and that is what you are trying to head off.


Good Idea, can we run with it? Don't know ...lets try.

Calling all Bio-techs, Mechanical engineers, Structural engineers etc.

What do you all think?

Dr Joe

.

 

[Oddball]

Of course credentials would be verified first and foremost.

Otherwise opinion and conjecture come into play and that is what you are trying to head off.


Good Idea, can we run with it? Don't know ...lets try.

Calling all Bio-techs, Mechanical engineers, Structural engineers etc.

What do you all think?

Dr Joe

.

If you're looking for professionals to carry out this type of investigation, you're probably out of luck. I already have an full-time engineering occupation. I'm in this hobby to relax and get away from my regular work. If I were to take on a study of this magnitude, I would expect my time (and very expensive education) to be well compensated for. The standard contract industry rate for electromechanical engineers is $100.00/hr with time and a half/doubletime/holiday rates for after hours and weekend demand service. Without being compensated as a professional in this type of study, any results would be purely personal opinion.

 

[Oddball]

RO would solve the variance in tap water

However, testing on pure RO would be useless in that it wouldn't replicate the water in the majority of hobbyist's tanks. The results of any such testing wouldn't apply to real-world applications.