fiber floss and phosphates

[Mikro]

I converted my wet/dry to a sump but am still using the
fiber floss with the trickle filter. Is this a bad idea as far as phosphates go? (or any other nutrients)

 

[Victoria]

You can still use fiber floss as long as you change it often. I like to use it in my filter because it catches small particles. But if you are not going to change it aleast 1x a month I would not recommend using it. I think you would be createing a nitrate factory if you don't keep it clean. But that can be said about any tank where you put off good housekeeping.

 

[seapug]

think about filter socks, floss, sponges, etc, like coffee filters. When they are full of coffee (detritus, poop, etc. in tank terms), the water that passes through them does not come out cleaner on the other side. They can be useful for trapping particulate matter but should be cleaned often (daily) or not used at all.

 

[Canadian]

How many people actually change a filter sock daily? Very few people change them daily. I change mine every 3 days or so and from what I've seen over the years most people change them roughly weekly or slightly more frequently.