Particulates in the the tank

[DonW]

Don, where do you find the smaller weaved filter socks for aquariums? I know you can get filters down in micron and below range. I wonder if it would be best to stack them like you do with reverse osmosis carbon. 5 then one micron. To strain the particulates i would think that 200, 100 then maybe 25 to 50. I have only used down to 100.

Is it practical to use a sock below 25 or so?

I wouldnt stack them, that would be a pain. You get them from filterbag.com. Is it practical? That depends on the tank and the owner. My last tank could go three days on a 5 micron. It does take time to get the tank clean enough to use a 5.
Your not going to stick a low micron sock on a new setup with shedding rock and not have it plug very quickly.

Don

 

[DonW]

Here is a pic.

What you have there appears to be a wet dry without the bioballs. That floss is not going to strain small particles but it is going to make a wonderful nitrate factory. I'd rethink the inlet and remove the floss.

Don

 

[Ed Hahn]

I want to clear something up. I used a very poor grade of quartz sand with who knows what inside bag. I rinsed it but not very good. The sand is as light as you can get. I should have known better. In the Future I will use a heavier grade of Aragonite. Aragonite helps with PH.

 

[DonW]

I want to clear something up. I used a very poor grade of quartz sand with who knows what inside bag. I rinsed it but not very good. The sand is as light as you can get. I should have known better. In the Future I will use a heavier grade of Aragonite. Aragonite helps with PH.

Ed,

What I dont think was understood was that the sand was new. Silica sand as you found out will do exactly as you found. Along with the high silica there may be issues with other soluable elements such as copper or lead, you have no clue where it was mined. Long term the sand may have been saved but sure makes it a real pain for the begining setup.

Don

 

[Ed Hahn]

Always good to see you Don, Thanks.

True, Don. As most of the time you are right on the money. Always good to see you. I just needed a good reminder of how easy it is to make mistakes. You get taught things and you know better. I myself get by so many times without and issues (they call these Elephants). It only takes one mistake so why chance it?

 

[blk822822]

Capdippe, are those micro bubbles in the tank or actually debris????? You may just have micro bubbles from your skimmer getting back into your tank. Just a thought.

 

[burning2nd]

Time will stop that.. as your tank becomes more mature it will be able to clear that faster it self..

just leave it.. unless your in a smoke storm all the time just let it be.. it should figure it self out in a few days.. and over the years it will correct it self faster and faster,

 

[jill]

Well, filter pads, filter media of a kind. This is what I was thinking of when I said filter floss.

Okay Thanks! Yes, I'm doing this too. It does help.

 

[jill]

Capdippe, are those micro bubbles in the tank or actually debris????? You may just have micro bubbles from your skimmer getting back into your tank. Just a thought.

Good point - if its micro bubbles like I had then changing return pumps and/or making sure that your plumbing is kosher will definately help.

 

[capdippe]

Good deal, thank you!

 

[iroll253]

You don't want bio balls in the wet dry, and the floss wont be a problem as long as you clean it very regularly.

 

[loluckyve]

Great info, something else to add to the shopping list.