Mechanical Filtration question...

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by LiveBait58, Apr 12, 2011.

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  1. LiveBait58

    LiveBait58 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2011
    Messages:
    29
    I recently bought an established 125g fowlr tank and while everything seems to be fine......but it looks as though I'm in need of more mechanical filtration because there are small white particles floating around. I have a good sized skimmer in the sump that is working well but it has no effect on the particles in the tank. It almost looks like i've stirred up the tank and the smallest pieces in the sand bed are suspended......but it has had plenty of time to settle. I have no algae problems and from about 8 feet away the tank looks clear, but getting closer is much different. The tank's location does not allow for a HOB filter and I'm told that canister filters are often more bad than good. Can anyone offer any suggestions? Thank you!
     
    LiveBait58, Apr 12, 2011
    LiveBait58, Apr 12, 2011
    #1

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  2. WhiskyTango

    WhiskyTango Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
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    Try a 200 micron filter sock! I can almost promise you that will do the trick.

    Also, make sure no powerhead or return nozzle is pointed too far down and stirring up the bottom. It could also be that your sand grains have yet to size stratify since you moved the tank.
     
    WhiskyTango, Apr 12, 2011
    WhiskyTango, Apr 12, 2011
    #2
  3. sig197

    sig197 Plankton

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2011
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    my tank is the same way and i have 3 marineland filters that are rated for 70g each.. my tank is only 55g.. so im guessing its prolly not the filtration.
     
    sig197, Apr 12, 2011
    sig197, Apr 12, 2011
    #3
  4. LiveBait58

    LiveBait58 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
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    Thanks for the input, I'll try the sock idea and see what happens. I have seen small particles like this in other tanks like the ones at my LFS but mine seems to be just a bit thicker.

    sig..... you may be right, but I want to exhaust all efforts before giving up :)
     
    LiveBait58, Apr 12, 2011
    LiveBait58, Apr 12, 2011
    #4
  5. Powerman

    Powerman Giant Squid

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    Do you have Clown fish? They will constantly stir up sand. Just give it time... it will settle and the skimmer will get it out... if it does not settle or is not removed... then it is being stirred up by something.
     
    Powerman, Apr 12, 2011
    Powerman, Apr 12, 2011
    #5
  6. LiveBait58

    LiveBait58 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2011
    Messages:
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    I do have 2 clowns but they seem to stay in the top half of the tank. I think it was much worse on the day of my original post because my pistol shrimp was making a new home..........I thought he was done but I guess he wasn't happy with the first one. Anyway what I'm seeing today seems like normal particles floating...though I'm still going to try the filter sock.
     
    LiveBait58, Apr 13, 2011
    LiveBait58, Apr 13, 2011
    #6