My 60G tank seems to have a lot of dust or particulate free-floating matter. I am talking about the "micro" dust that is omnipresent regardless if I just did a water change or not. I am wondering as to what type of filter floss or media bag should I add to my filters. Which micron rating? The highest that I have seen is 800 micron media bags. I currently have 2 Penguin 350s and an Odyssea CFS4. I will probably add another CFS4 within the week. I did a search and I still have little knowledge as to what additional media/cartridge is advisable to my filters. Thanks.
Question about particulate matter
- Thread starter arkmann
- Start date
Its a filter that uses diatomacious (spelling) earth to filter out particulate matter.
One of the best ways to polish water.
One of the best ways to polish water.
Do you recommend it? Any experience using it?
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91399&highlight=diatom
Is there any way I can polish my water without getting a new filter? Maybe a sock? or cartridge?
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91399&highlight=diatom
Is there any way I can polish my water without getting a new filter? Maybe a sock? or cartridge?
DE filters can be a PITA...
The LOWER the micron rating is the smaller particles it will trap. 100 is fairly common....10 is nice...and 1 (although it clogs really quickly) will polish the water with the best of them.
Diatomacious earth filters use a pressure pump to force the water through a SUB-micron (1 micron and below...) material. (DE is actully minute crushed coral and is mined rather than manufactured. It's used a lot in pool filters although that practice is changing.)
The DE Media can't be cleaned so you have to keep a new supply on hand every time you want to use it. DE filters also have a very high power draw for thier size. MOst people only run them for a short time to 'polish' tanks.
The LOWER the micron rating is the smaller particles it will trap. 100 is fairly common....10 is nice...and 1 (although it clogs really quickly) will polish the water with the best of them.
Diatomacious earth filters use a pressure pump to force the water through a SUB-micron (1 micron and below...) material. (DE is actully minute crushed coral and is mined rather than manufactured. It's used a lot in pool filters although that practice is changing.)
The DE Media can't be cleaned so you have to keep a new supply on hand every time you want to use it. DE filters also have a very high power draw for thier size. MOst people only run them for a short time to 'polish' tanks.
As of press time, my tank still has particulate matter flowing in it. I tried the water polisher by buying quilt batting and putting it in the cartridge section of my 2 Penguin 350 and on all 4 baskets of my canister. I would say it improved a little but particulate matters still abound.
So I guess diatom filters are my last resort right?
So I guess diatom filters are my last resort right?
I just cut and pasted this:
white cloudy water sounds like a bacterial bloom... something that shouldn't happen on a cycled tank. If you use a diatom filter you will be treating the symptom, not the problem. Get a test kit and measure your levels of nitrite, ammonia and nitrate (check your pH while you are at it, too). If all those are in line or if the water turns green, cut back on the feeding and reduce the lighting. Your water should look crystal clear in an established and properly maintained aquarium.
white cloudy water sounds like a bacterial bloom... something that shouldn't happen on a cycled tank. If you use a diatom filter you will be treating the symptom, not the problem. Get a test kit and measure your levels of nitrite, ammonia and nitrate (check your pH while you are at it, too). If all those are in line or if the water turns green, cut back on the feeding and reduce the lighting. Your water should look crystal clear in an established and properly maintained aquarium.