Osage_Winter
Aquarium Advice FINatic
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2010
- Messages
- 807
Thanks for your thoughts here, Bill; let me reply to each sentiment because we may make some leeway here...
Okay -- I shall keep the biomax mesh pack on top of the sponge block...
Okay, well, for the time being, is it alright to leave the carbon in place with the one sponge and biomax? Indeed, I understand the model was called the 500 before 110...
Okay; indeed I am trying to polish the water, so I have been leaving it at max output -- the only thing I was concerned with in regard to the flow was the turbulence the return was creating for the fish, who seem to be blown about when they pass it, and the swaying of the tall plants in front of it...
Yes, indeed I am aware of this -- I normally fill it to the rim when replacing a load after a major evaporation.
I've been told this about the AquaClears as well; do you not recommend following Hagen's suggestions in the manual about when to change each of the media elements?
Is this really true? Man...the email conversation I was having with a rep from Aqueon painted a different picture; he assured me my ONE QuietFlow 55 was more than enough for the 60 gallon, and that he has seen people with much larger tanks running that filter...
Thanks for this clarification -- no pun intended. I actually saw a YouTube video a guy from AquaticsCommunity made me in which he showed the results of Purigen with his Ranchu tank, and the water was just RIDICULOUSLY clear...it was like transparent it was so clear, as if there was no water in the tank. I was amazed. I'd like to try it, but is it okay to put it above the sponge, but before the biomax?
I would agree with removing the carbon and replacing with a second sponge. i would not put the biomax between the two sponges. The biomax needs to be kept clean, so is best on top of the sponges.
Okay -- I shall keep the biomax mesh pack on top of the sponge block...
If you want to improve fine particulate filtration, you can add some filter floss, which is just polyester batting of the type used to fill pillows, between the two sponges. I say between the two sponges as it will stay put there, although it may clog quickly. The sponge's purpose is not strictly mechanical as some would have you believe, but rather mechanical and bilogical. Prior to the renaming of the AC110, from AC500, it did not have biomax and still filtered biologically with only the sponge. Obviously, adding a second sponge will raise the filters total capability significantly.
Okay, well, for the time being, is it alright to leave the carbon in place with the one sponge and biomax? Indeed, I understand the model was called the 500 before 110...
Reducing the flow should not have any meaningful effect on how long it takes for the filter to cycle, but if you are trying to polish the water, it may clean up more quickly at full force.
Okay; indeed I am trying to polish the water, so I have been leaving it at max output -- the only thing I was concerned with in regard to the flow was the turbulence the return was creating for the fish, who seem to be blown about when they pass it, and the swaying of the tall plants in front of it...
Having the tank full to the rim will help reduce the waterfall effect.
Yes, indeed I am aware of this -- I normally fill it to the rim when replacing a load after a major evaporation.
ACs are great filters, because of the amount of varying media that can be used in them. Do not replace sponge inserts and biomax until they start to disintegrate. Clean them out in tank water as necessary. They will last for years, which is the other benefit of AC filters; low cost of consumables.
I've been told this about the AquaClears as well; do you not recommend following Hagen's suggestions in the manual about when to change each of the media elements?
Lastly, keep in mind that there are very few people who frequent forums that don't know significantly more about filtration than the manufacturers of filters. It is a wonder they stay in business.
Is this really true? Man...the email conversation I was having with a rep from Aqueon painted a different picture; he assured me my ONE QuietFlow 55 was more than enough for the 60 gallon, and that he has seen people with much larger tanks running that filter...
As far as Purigen goes, if you were to use it I would place it on top, as the last media, or immediately beneath the biomax. I have never found a need for it, but if it does what it says it does, it might be helpful in your situation.
Thanks for this clarification -- no pun intended. I actually saw a YouTube video a guy from AquaticsCommunity made me in which he showed the results of Purigen with his Ranchu tank, and the water was just RIDICULOUSLY clear...it was like transparent it was so clear, as if there was no water in the tank. I was amazed. I'd like to try it, but is it okay to put it above the sponge, but before the biomax?