What media to use in filter.

directional · 10/16/2006, 11:46 AM

I currently have a 55gal FOWLR tank... All of the water paramaters are great but I want to get the tank as clear as possible for as little money as possible.

I run 2 AC 55gal power filters along with a CSS65 and 60lbs of amazing LR.

The tank has been running for over a year now and everything is good but i want to get the water more clear if possible..

( In the AC 55gals I run LR and Carbon ... no crappy sponge )

I think my Carbon may be dead so is there something better I can use? I heard Purigen is the stuff.

What do you think should I go another route or keep using Carbon?

Billybeau1 · 10/16/2006, 01:13 PM

If you really want super clear water, ozone is the way to go. But you did mention money

directional · 10/16/2006, 01:20 PM

Yes money and space is the biggest thing right now due to it being in my fiances room..

Once we move I will be going all out.

any suggestions?

BlueCoast · 10/16/2006, 01:27 PM

From what i have read carbon does not last much over a month. Some people say a few days before it slows its absorbtion. I would look into doing 50% carbon changes at least monthly. I would not change it all out at once to try to minimize the changes on the system.

directional · 10/16/2006, 01:44 PM

Okay they have been in there for about 2months or so... I will replace one tonight and at the end of the week...

This is good to know.. Hopefully it will make a nice difference.

Do you know anything about the Purigen?

blackheart · 10/16/2006, 02:27 PM

you need chemipure it will brighten your tank up nicely also bumping up protien skimmers always helps.

PS: ozone is the best way to clear up your water however it should be left to the experts and the way i recomend learning is from someone who already has it running. It is very expensive and will destroy your tank if used incorrectly

directional · 10/16/2006, 02:45 PM

I heard Chemipure is horrible.. Do you use it?

BlueCoast · 10/17/2006, 09:24 AM

I should ask, what kind of dirty water are you seeing? Discoloration can happen from plant matter and yes carbon / ozone can help, but have downsides. If there is a very fine silt suspended in the water, go with a filter sock or polishing pad. Microbubbles need some foam or a bubble trap of some kind.

This will help in figuring out the best course of action. Also, i am not a fan of "Fix in a bottle" products. Usually do more harm then good.

2fishy · 10/17/2006, 10:25 AM

I like this tank!

Read how simple his filter media set-up is!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=893433

directional · 10/17/2006, 11:21 AM

I dont think its that the tank is discolored I think its the crappy light that is on top.

The tank is clear enough to see right through its just it has a little tiny hinge of green ( which can be from the yellow color the light puts off )

We will see when I get a 20k light on top

10/16/2006, 11:46 AM	#1
directional Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Farmingville, NY Posts: 368	What media to use in filter. I currently have a 55gal FOWLR tank... All of the water paramaters are great but I want to get the tank as clear as possible for as little money as possible. I run 2 AC 55gal power filters along with a CSS65 and 60lbs of amazing LR. The tank has been running for over a year now and everything is good but i want to get the water more clear if possible.. ( In the AC 55gals I run LR and Carbon ... no crappy sponge ) I think my Carbon may be dead so is there something better I can use? I heard Purigen is the stuff. What do you think should I go another route or keep using Carbon?

10/16/2006, 02:27 PM	#6
blackheart Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Daytona Beach Posts: 892	you need chemipure it will brighten your tank up nicely also bumping up protien skimmers always helps. PS: ozone is the best way to clear up your water however it should be left to the experts and the way i recomend learning is from someone who already has it running. It is very expensive and will destroy your tank if used incorrectly __________________ I have been cycling my tank for a month now with 75lbs of live rock when do I add the salt???? click the red house to see pics of my old tank....the better pics are at the bottom :D Current Tank Info: Back to the drawing board!!

10/17/2006, 10:25 AM	#9
2fishy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rhinelander, WI Posts: 918	I like this tank! Read how simple his filter media set-up is! http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=893433 __________________ Carole Current Tank Info: 55 gal

10/16/2006, 01:13 PM	#2
Billybeau1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dyer, Indiana Posts: 12,010	If you really want super clear water, ozone is the way to go. But you did mention money

10/16/2006, 01:20 PM	#3
directional Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Farmingville, NY Posts: 368	Yes money and space is the biggest thing right now due to it being in my fiances room.. Once we move I will be going all out. any suggestions?

10/16/2006, 01:27 PM	#4
BlueCoast Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: St. Pete (FL) Posts: 982	From what i have read carbon does not last much over a month. Some people say a few days before it slows its absorbtion. I would look into doing 50% carbon changes at least monthly. I would not change it all out at once to try to minimize the changes on the system.

10/16/2006, 01:44 PM	#5
directional Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Farmingville, NY Posts: 368	Okay they have been in there for about 2months or so... I will replace one tonight and at the end of the week... This is good to know.. Hopefully it will make a nice difference. Do you know anything about the Purigen?

10/16/2006, 02:45 PM	#7
directional Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Farmingville, NY Posts: 368	I heard Chemipure is horrible.. Do you use it?

10/17/2006, 09:24 AM	#8
BlueCoast Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: St. Pete (FL) Posts: 982	I should ask, what kind of dirty water are you seeing? Discoloration can happen from plant matter and yes carbon / ozone can help, but have downsides. If there is a very fine silt suspended in the water, go with a filter sock or polishing pad. Microbubbles need some foam or a bubble trap of some kind. This will help in figuring out the best course of action. Also, i am not a fan of "Fix in a bottle" products. Usually do more harm then good.

10/17/2006, 11:21 AM	#10
directional Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Farmingville, NY Posts: 368	I dont think its that the tank is discolored I think its the crappy light that is on top. The tank is clear enough to see right through its just it has a little tiny hinge of green ( which can be from the yellow color the light puts off ) We will see when I get a 20k light on top