Tons of Questions

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I really appreciate the commentary Wolf. This is the first time I have seen someone mention hydro5's -- I will look into them.

I've hear a lot of people talk about how the filters should be suited to your needs, and some of it is a matter of preference. I started a thread to get deeper into my own situation here (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92646) if you want to comment. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.

Also,
What are the special applications of the diatom filters? Are they appropriate for hospital tanks or if a primary tank is infected, or do they have other typical specific uses?
 
Another 3 questions - what is a bag filter?
Can someone describe to me what a sump is or point me to a thread that might detail it a bit?
What is an auto drip system?

Thanks.
 
Bag filters or rather filter bags....are used on the end of the outlet from the tank to a sump...(aquarium like container of water UNDER the main display tank usually containing bio-balls and foam.) This is called the berlin methoud. The junk is trapped in the bag and resists bieng clogged quickly because the water will always seak new ways out of the bag.

Rally is about the best to talk to about sumps. Personally I stopped using them many years ago in favor of multiple systems and sealed pressure systems.
 
A multi system is nothing more than several different but complementery filters....I.E. 1 FX5....2 E400's and 2 hydro5's

A sealed pressure system is an ocean clear or rainbow lifeguard canister system with an external pressure pump...VERY effeciant...VERY clean water...and VERY expencive.
 
Thanks again for the response.
Can you tell me more about the Ocean Clear filter? I looked them up, and the stats on them do not look as great as say, a Fluval fx5 or Eheim 2080. Are Ocean Clears filters comparable to the FX5/2080 or are they in a tier below? Secondly, if only *one* of these three were hooked up to my 110 gallon, which one do you believe would perform better? (of course I getting more than one, but I want to think about them in a pound-for-pound fashion).

Secondly, I wasn't able to find much information on the rainbow life canister system you mentioned. Could you provide a link?

Thanks again.
 
The large pleated serface of the Ocean clear combined with the pressure pump is amoung the best of all of the mechanical filtration systems. The design is based on pool and spa filters. It's a very adaptable system but one that requires bieng set up by an advanced hobbiest. Mechanical....chemical...and biological filtration each requires it's own module and this adds to the expence. The pump required to power an ocean clear system is several times as powerful as even the largest of canisters.

The FX5 is a more complete filter system but as I've said before each type has it's own strengths and weaknesses. Ocean clears...set up properly are hands down better than any self powered canister. I know of 25 year old Ocean clear units still in servace. Basicly the differance is between consumer grade and professional grade.

A community tank is an assortment of mixed peaceful fish that get along with each other. Generally speaking thses are schooling fish that live in large groups.
 
Great questions and wonderful answers... I feel like i know much better whats going on with filters now. Something like this should be a sticky
 
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