Filtration

[Foody]

On my 55 I currently have a HOB Aqua Tech 30-60 with the bio sponges removed through which my water passes through 2 filter cartridges with a marginal quantity of carbon. Additionally I have a CPR BakPak. I change between 16-18 of water faithfully every Friday. My water quality is consistently ok with minimal N3 and N4 but I simply cannot get to zero and, therefore, cannot crack that hair algae and it is driving me nuts. I do not have the space or cash to switch over to a sump situation but was considering perhaps a cannister filter. What options are out there me?

Thanks and blessings! :sad2:

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

this 55 is relatively new, right?

 

[Foody]

Was originally a 30gal for two years. 2 months ago I got the 55, laid a new sand bed in it and then transferred everything else over. I had the same issue in the 30 although I didn't have as powerful of a skimmer.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

you have liverock in the 55? using RO water?

have you ever run GFO?

until you find and remove the source, hair algae can be a desirable thing:

it's a good indicator of a problem... whether it's PO4 or 'trates... and it's removing them from your water.

 

[Foody]

I have around 40+ pounds of live rock in the tank and I do use RO/DI water. When you say "run GFO," I don't know what that means and wouldn't know how to do it or even if I have the equpment to do so. Please elaborate.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

elaboration

 

[Foody]

So we are back to my original thread. Is it possible to run GFO with my existing equipment? What do I need to introduce my water to GFO?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

you could place GFO in a mesh bag

"reactor" type devices are probably the most popular choice

no reason for a cannister filter

 

[Foody]

Fill a mesh bag and then what? Place it in the HOB filter? Dangle it in the water column?