I clean my canister filter monthly and do water changes weekly. I have high nitrates though. Every month when I break down the canister, there is a lot of gunk and I feel that this is sort of a "nitrate factory." I had the idea though to put a fine filter sock(s) over my filter intakes. I am hoping this would prevent any debris from entering the filter? I will be cleaning the filter sock ever 2-3 days. Because no detritus enters the filter, will this keep it clean and prevent the whole "nitrate factory" thing? Of course, I wouldn't use this as an excuse to neglect filter maintenance monthly. I am just wondering if this is a good idea and will help. Also does anyone else do this currently?
Would filter socks help?
- Thread starter Ninjakiller08
- Start date
You don't do enough water changes or your tank is over stocked if your seeing nitrates with regular maintenance.
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How high are your nitrates? They need to be up around 40 PPM before they will cause any health issues.
Check them out of the tap. Some areas have high nitrates naturally. I also think putting a sock over the intake is a bad idea.
Check them out of the tap. Some areas have high nitrates naturally. I also think putting a sock over the intake is a bad idea.
I guess I will do more frequent water changes.While I know there is no substitute for quality water changes. ...... How many of you all have checked out the Sticky here for Probiotics in Aquaria thread?
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...-The-Use-of-Probiotics-in-Aquaculture-(Read!)
I think for tank and fish health its a subject many would be all over. It works and works well. It can help in many ways of the health of your tank.
I think most members here should give the ENTIRE thread a good read as well as the links to various information posted in that thread.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...-The-Use-of-Probiotics-in-Aquaculture-(Read!)
I think for tank and fish health its a subject many would be all over. It works and works well. It can help in many ways of the health of your tank.
I think most members here should give the ENTIRE thread a good read as well as the links to various information posted in that thread.
Strain on the motor from having to pull water through the sock, especially once it gets clogged a little. People do put sponge over the intake to protect fry but if your tank is that dirty it will clog quick and not work well.
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I agree with dxdx, you never want to restrict flow to your pump, it tends to burn out pumps faster. Restricting flow out is the better method, but not your intent.
But also, 20 ppm nitrates and up have been shown to create stress for many fish, creating disease conditions. More frequent water changes are what you really need, with vacuuming the substrate.
You may surprised to find most natural waters, other than stagnant swamps, have nitrate levels of less than 1ppm.
But also, 20 ppm nitrates and up have been shown to create stress for many fish, creating disease conditions. More frequent water changes are what you really need, with vacuuming the substrate.
You may surprised to find most natural waters, other than stagnant swamps, have nitrate levels of less than 1ppm.