a few questions on algae and filtration

[cmn3]

ok so here is my set up I have a 45g tall 60lbs live rock 40lbs caribisand no sump a hob swc skimmer two hydor evo 750's and an old 301 powerhead I like it cause I can use to add air.. so here are my questions since I started my system I have been running a magnum 350 with a micron cartridge and have been battling with a crazy alge problem untill yesterday. when I went and checked on my system alge was gone glass was clear and had thousands of small little pods on the glass they all kind of dispersed once the mh kicked on. so I was woundering if I get rid of the magnum the tank will run fine using just the rock and skimmer? way I see it was just using as a crutch to get things going. I do still have a trace of nitrate but its only been about two months since set up but everything I have in the tank looks very happy and healthy would very much like to shut down the canister am geting tired of changing out the filter every two or three days

 

[Krish]

The cartridge in the magnum will act as a nitrate factory if you allow it to sit for long periods of time without being changed or cleaned. All the waste it traps is still sitting in the tank rotting so the filter really isn't benefiting you any if it is allowed to sit. You'd be better off saving the electricity and just let the waste sit in the tank than in a filter that just traps it and still keeps it in the tank. . Personally I would remove it from the system and only use the cartridge and the filter after a water change. Sometimes during a water changed, things can get mixed up quite a bit in there and it will help strip down the crap/particles floating in the water clearing it up quickly for you. That's one way or you can get the attachement for the magnum that converts it into a vacuum and use it to vacuum your subsrtate or something like that. That way, you can clean your tank without having to change any water.

Just a few thoughts. Definately if you keep it connected, change the cartrigde/clean it every 2-3 days atleast.

 

[cmn3]

so the system should be fine or even better off without the canister... I do change it out every two to three days but would rather just use it as you said for water changes it does work good for removing and adding water

 

[Krish]

so the system should be fine or even better off without the canister... I do change it out every two to three days but would rather just use it as you said for water changes it does work good for removing and adding water

Oh definately...On less thing to have to worry about IMO. I used mine the same way I suggested it to you. I however had the H.O.T Magnum which is just the more portable version of the magnum 350. I'd use it mostly to vacuum my sump where all of my cyno grew during cycling. I used a light on an alternate photo period from the tank over a fuge section of my sump that ran for more hours a day and was also a more suitable light for "plants" and as it grew in there, I used my magnum to vacuum it out. Here is a picture below of a new cartridge next to one after one cleaning . Also, you mentioned about using a powerhead to add air. Your skimmer will oxygenate your water more than you can imagine so if you'd rather use that powerhead for something different that just providing air you can. Good surface aggitation and a skimmer does wonders for oxygenating the water and gas exchange.

 

[Krish]

Oh..One last thing. I've heard (maybe someone can clarify and confirm) that the micron cartridges used in the magnum's like I showed in my last post can actually strip the water a bit too much of certain beneficial things. I think they refer to that cartridge as a polishing cartridge so if there is truth to it, then using one 24/7 may do more harm than good. I think Don (DonW) would be a good person to comment on that.

 

[cmn3]

ok then good info I will limit my use and see how things go