Wy Renegade
Aquarium Advice Addict
Well, I guess I stepped in that one
Sorry to jump in, but now I feel I must defend my last post.
First, I just wanted to lighten up what was becoming a heated discussion.
I agree with you, discussion is how we learn. However, HEATED discussions are meant to belittle and insult the other person, as to halt the discussion as if your opinion is the only one. for example:
"(Good Lord, don't put the heated discussion aside, discussion is how we learn)"
"rhetoric like yours"
"Lets not assume, let stick with the facts."
then in your very next statement: "...I assumed"
As I read it, it seems you feel your opinion and experience, are the only true facts here. As if someone else has a different opinion or experience they are factually wrong. We can all state our opinions without calling the others wrong and misleading.
For example, you may not have the problem with the bypass, but many others do, or there would not be so many threads about it. That does not make either of you wrong because your experiences are different.
Now, if I may put my two cents in, on the water bypass issue:
My experience as documented in my previous posted picture, is that I do get water bypassing the filter media. A picture is worth a thousand words. But here are several more to help explain the picture:
I use floss material to cover the side of the basket to filter the bypass water. If you look at the picture, the filter material is brown in the intake side, because water is flowing from the intake side over to the discharge side.
Why? There is a little hole in the bottom of the intake side and the filter basket has holes in its side; so when the intake tube is moved to reduce the flow rate, water can recirculate into the pump to keep it from drying out. When the tube is set to maximum flow, the path of least resistance for some water is through the hole, and that discharges out, bypassing the filter. If you look at the picture, the water level on the intake side is higher than the discharge side. That water flows over top of basket and takes the unfiltered particles with it. Yes, eventually, if the filter is the right side, it will do a good job and filter all of the water. However, If you cover the side, of the basket, it will clear the water much faster.
So, yes these are great filters with no modification, but are better with modification.
I'm sorry you read it that way - I stated a number of times in both posts that there are multiple ways to do things and still end up with the same results. If you look closely at my posts, the only thing that I indicated was incorrect and not opinion was in regards to the removal of nitrogenous products by Purigen. That statement was factually incorrect and I pointed that out. Beyond that the things I posted were clearly based on my opinion and my personal experiences, and I never once used the word fact in stating any of them. I'm sorry if you don't like to see people who are stating things incorrectly corrected, but I like to see accurate information presented.
My personal experiences/opinions in regards to filters, for what its worth;
Aqueon and Whisper HOB are cheap filters and within a year typically either start leaking around the pump at the base of the filter or the impeller freezes up. IME, not worth the money.
AquaClear great filter, I have had a single issue with noise from the impeller on one filter after cleaning the impeller. Love the freedom and versatility of the media basket to be able to add or subtract desired filtration materials.
Canisters, generally the only ones I use are the smaller ZooMed ones and I've had very good luck with them on smaller tanks. They are small, easy to clean, and withstand a lot of abuse. I usually add ceramic media. I've had larger versions of other types and I just dislike them. Many have to be set-up just so in order to properly get water flow or properly filter. I find them absolutely disgusting to open up and clean out. I did run a canister on a saltwater system one time, removed all the media and filled it full of LR rubble and assorted sponges. Worked great, had all kinds of spinod (sp.) worms and sponges in the filter - but was absolutely disgusting when it was time to clean it out as all the nasty debris was trapped in the canister.
