What filter media to run in HOB?

[Austrarhyncus]

So from what I understand, I won't need mechanical filtration (well I can, but I would need to replace it frequently), which leaves biological and chemical. For the former, I'll be using ceramic rings, and for the latter, I'll be using activated carbon, which I'll change every three weeks. Is this sufficient?

 

[AlSimmons]

That's fine, although you can probably skip the ceramic rings though. The rock you have in the tank will be your primary biological filter. If you need to run GFO this can also be used in the HOB as well.

 

[Austrarhyncus]

Cool, thanks for the quick reply. I think I'll just stick to activated carbon and GFO if I need to.

 

[ericarenee]

Carbon and i would keep some 100 to 200 micron filter pad cut the size that will fit in there for when you do water changes clean the glass or stir up the water. it will help it clear very quickly..
Just be sure to not run it all the time it will turn into a nutrient factory..

 

[AlSimmons]

When you do your water changes and really stir things up you might want to put a couple sponges in there for a few hours as well. Once the water is clear just take them out and give them a good rinse under the faucet.

Btw, you might want to give the GAC/GFO a quick rinse every now & then too.

 

[AK707]

chemi pure blue has carbon and gfo i a single bag believe. I use that and it keeps my water clear as day but i can't seem to get rid of my nitrates...been sitting at 15 for awhile now

 

[Austrarhyncus]

Carbon and i would keep some 100 to 200 micron filter pad cut the size that will fit in there for when you do water changes clean the glass or stir up the water. it will help it clear very quickly..
Just be sure to not run it all the time it will turn into a nutrient factory..

When you do your water changes and really stir things up you might want to put a couple sponges in there for a few hours as well. Once the water is clear just take them out and give them a good rinse under the faucet. Use them the next time.

Btw, you might want to give the GAC/GFO a quick rinse too every now & then.

Yeah I'll only use mechanical filtration after water changes.

 

[Austrarhyncus]

chemi pure blue has carbon and gfo i a single bag believe. I use that and it keeps my water clear as day but i can't seem to get rid of my nitrates...been sitting at 15 for awhile now

Cool, I'll see if my LFS sells chemipure blue.

As for the nitrates, according to https://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Nitrate#Recommend_level, your nitrates levels are safe, albeit a bit high (but not dangerously high).

 

[1sttimer]

I use poly filter. Might add chemipure blue.

 

[Austrarhyncus]

I use poly filter. Might add chemipure blue.

Interesting, but I would assume that you need to change the poly filter regularly.

 

[AK707]

i use polly filter above the chemipure blue

 

[GoVols]

Dumped carbon years ago for Purigen.

Carbon can lead to HLLE in Tangs and releases organics back into tank when exhausted .

Purigen doesn't and changes color when exhausted.

Purigen wont clean up things like medications though.

Right now I'm just running Rowaphos in media reactor and protein skimming.

Also dosing Aquaforest Bio Pro S with NP Pro.

 

[GoVols]

Poly Filter is good too.

 

[Austrarhyncus]

Dumped carbon years ago for Purigen.

Carbon can lead to HLLE in Tangs and releases organics back into tank when exhausted .

Purigen doesn't and changes color when exhausted.

Purigen wont clean up things like medications though.

Right now I'm just running Rowaphos in media reactor and protein skimming.

Also dosing Aquaforest Bio Pro S with NP Pro.

Oh, I see. Purigen appears to be a better alternative to carbon. I think I might use Purigen, instead of carbon.

 

[GoVols]

Oh, I see. Purigen appears to be a better alternative to carbon. I think I might use Purigen, instead of carbon.

It is. But not for medication removal.

Read link below

http://www.seachem.com/purigen.php

 

[Austrarhyncus]

It is. But not for medication removal.

Read link below

http://www.seachem.com/purigen.php

So if I needed to remove some medications, could I use carbon alongside Purigen?

 

[GoVols]

So if I needed to remove some medications, could I use carbon alongside Purigen?

Pull any kind of chemical media when running things like medications.

Pull Purigen and put in plastic sandwich baggy to stay damp. Can let purigen air dry.

Then start medication. When treatment is done put in carbon to remove treatment. Once treatment removal is complete toss activated carbon into trash.

Pull out purigen from baggy and put back into filtration.

 

[GoVols]

Sorry...

"Can't" let purigen air dry. It should stay damp at all times.

 

[Austrarhyncus]

Okay, will do.