Polishing the water?

[haynchinook334]

I run three FX5's on a 180gal with a pretty alright stock. Three of the FX5's have Bio Max in all three trays, but one has a blue filter pad in it. I clean the blue pad every water change and replace it every month. Clogging is normal for the blue pad, that means it's doing its job.

With regular maintenance and weekly water changes I don't see how your water isn't crystal clear.

 

[js302]

purigen. worked wonders for my tank.
im not sure how, it wasnt because it mechanically filtered. maybe it 'adsorbed' all the 'dust'.

 

[Liba]

Just got polishing pads, and fine filter pads! Put one of each in the top basket. TANK LOOKS CRYSTAL CLEAR NOW!! Thanks everyone for input!!

 

[The Flizzle]

I have a diatom filter and it is awesome. I dont leave it on all the time. On the occasion I want to run it, I do so for a few hours. However, they are a total PITA. I agree that adding a sponge and a floss should get you where you want. I have two eheim 2217 on my 150 gal. One has the bio balls with two sponge and two floss. The other is 50% rings and balls with sponge and floss. With that setup I have 95% clear water (an arbitrary estimate). It took me a little while to figure what works best in my tank. I do have an underwater eheim power head with four casisters of sponge that attach to it, but I dont need it any more.

Also ... Carbon is for smell. I dont think Ive ever used it. Research it ... some say its bad for fish.

 

[inssane]

I have had great luck with UV Sterilizers, but it seems you are looking for something a little different.
I am considering putting it back in my 55, but it's in-tank and really bulky