Water Clarity

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E

Eric A

Polypterus
MFK Member
Nov 28, 2008
5,003
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Australia
Hello all.

It's not that i've ever had a problem with keeping my water clear, it's just that I was looking at ways to get your water that little bit, extra crystal clear. The tank is a roughly 200gal 6'x2'x2.5'. One of the methods I was looking at, was the sand filter. Can anyone here reccomend either the sand filter, or any other ways to keep water really clear. The tank will have a sump on it providing 5x water flow, and an Fx5 providing around 2x water flow. I want the extra water clarity because I want to have a go at altum/discus/stingray combo, so will need to be heavily filtered as is.

Thanks heaps guys, Eric.
 
magnum probably or a diatom filter
 
Hey Eric (nice avatar!)...

I normally don't use carbon in my filters. Once in awhile, if I notice the water isn't "pristine", I will use some carbon for a day or so. Also, I have used micro filtration pads or cartridges, depending on the filter.

Initially, I tried using a couple of "water clarifiers". It was odd...my water actually got cloudier when I tried them!

Water change + filter rinse (not with tap water) + carbon (not always reqired) + 24 hours = sparkling clear water :)
 
I've used water clarity chemicals before with good success. Make sure your filters are working and then add the chemical. I forgot the name of the product but it has a red tint to it. It actually adheres to the small microscopic pieces and clumps them up. Then the filters can suck them in. I've never had any problems with it. Make sure it's the red colored one because all the other ones I've tried didn't work. Hope this helps, The Doctor.
 
Awesome, thanks guys.

Think I will definantly look into a Vortex Diatom filter, keeps water clear and controls parasites, perfect.

Taksan, I was going to put a few litres of purigen in the Fx5 anyway.

Thanks for your help :).
 
Or also UV filters, or ozone filters.

UV filters will kill any free floating living things by zapping them with radiation. Ozone filters will dissolve any organic molecules floating in the water (if the setting is too high, it will literally dissolve your fish, slowly).

I look at it this way, chemical water clarifiers and water conditioner are analogous, just like a ozone filters and biological filters are analogous. Sure, you can use Prime to detox ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in an emergency, but it's better to just have a good biological filter. Likewise, it's good to have those water clarity chemicals handy, but it's better if you invest in a filter that's going to be always running.
 
Thats what I plan on doing thanks mate. The fish I will be dealing with will more than likely need the extra attention, and I sure as hell don't want to be throwing in some chemicals everytime it gets less than perfect.
 
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