Filter sock, HOB?

[justinf67]

My 75 gallon tank is running pretty well, I have made many newbie mistakes, still learning as I go though. My setup has a 40g breeder as a sump. I run the drain into the first chamber which houses my bubble magus Nac6. Then it overflows into my fuge area which is bare bottom and has chaeto, live rock, and my gfo pump. Bubble trap, then my Mag7 return pump. I am getting fine particles in my display and there is detritus that coats the fuge and return pump area. I vacuum it out when I do my 35g water change every 2 weeks. But, the display has the particles all the time. I have thought about adding a filter sock and rotating it out every few days. But, would it be possible to just run a HOB filter in the sump instead? I would throw it in there and when a coating of detritus starts forming, I could stir it up for the HOB to pick up. Which would be the better way to handle it?

Side note, I started cycling a 40g setup and ran an emperor 400 to filter out the cloudiness the first couple days and it is perfectly clear. So, mechanical filtration is needed on my 75, just want to do it the correct way

[hollister]

I have a 75 Gallon and i use the HOB bio filter only to collect this floating debris. Fish waste and uneatin food mainly. The carbon may help but is useless pretty fast . Its the filter pads i want.

NOt sure but sounds like you may have a wave maker or some type of controller. To reduce this unwanted debris you want steady solid water flow all around the tank and rocks. No low or no flow spots.

Then controlled feeding scedule to reduce waste. The more you feed the more waste produced.

Then water source. Some readings like Phosphate wont show in small batches but will collect over time.

Then no solid lid on the tank for good gas exchange at the surface.

You can mix up or i use turkey baster to help remove unwanted debris but do it right before the water change and in small areas.

[sail33]

I'd go 100 micron sock then skimmer. Change out the sock and clean the skimmer cup and neck three times per week minimum. The stuff starts to rot fast enough to change your tank numbers and the skimmer works best clean.

I don't use canister filters Too much trouble. And carbon filters can take out things you need if used all the time. IMO, no more than three days per month. Filter cloth is great if you have a way to secure it and change it out OFTEN.

I did just add a second overflow box for the fuge. it goes into the Cheato at reduced flow unfiltered. No problem with detritus build up yet. If it shows up, I'll add another sock in a raised cylinder then spread over the fuge.

But then, what the heck do I know ?

[justinf67]

I picked up 2 100 micron socks from my lfs today. I am hopeful after reading many threads that this will stop excess detritus buildup and polish the water column. I dont mind changing them out every few days, so, we shall see if this is my solution.

[thegrun]

Even with filter socks I still clean out my sump/refugium every 6 months or so.

[justinf67]

I still plan on cleaning out the sump/fuge as well. Just didnt like the fine particles in the water column and the buildup on the bottom of the sump. I am a fan of mechanical filtration, just know that it takes a bit more work, lol.