33 filtration question

[Manchild]

Okay, so I have searched and searched and searched but I cannot decide on what to do. I have a 33 gallon tank with a HOB filter currently, however, the filter sucks and I don't think its really filtering much as it seems like the crud just gets re-cycled through. I don't know much about sumps or setting them up. I looked into possibly a different HOB filter or was curious at what my other options are for filtration that are effective?

 

[bif24701]

Okay, so I have searched and searched and searched but I cannot decide on what to do. I have a 33 gallon tank with a HOB filter currently, however, the filter sucks and I don't think its really filtering much as it seems like the crud just gets re-cycled through. I don't know much about sumps or setting them up. I looked into possibly a different HOB filter or was curious at what my other options are for filtration that are effective?

Have you tried the Aquaclear 110? That's my go to for any HOB power filter. If I where you I'd get two of them and put the sponges on the bottom of it and fill the top with MarinePure spheres. Or put use one for only MarinePure the other sponge and use 100% polyester filling at the top. It's cheap and you can change it out everyday or every other day. That should get your water crystal clear.

 

[Manchild]

What about using purigen as well as the floss? Although I know its not reliable the API kit is showing an ammonia rise to .25 . My nitrates are also between 5-10 ppm depending on if its the salifert or red sea kit, very difficult to tell as I have a hard time with shades . Using the salifert it looks dark pink from the side but merely a tint of pink if you view from the top.

 

[Bunnee911]

Don't trust the api ammonia test.

 

[audikers]

Following as this is my tank too lol... @Manchild

 

[Manchild]

Don't trust the api ammonia test.

I am not and waiting to purchase another test kit here possibly today or Friday (payday). None the less, when I used it before it showed 0 and now .25. but aside from ammonia I am still curious about setting up a good filter as I do not have a drilled tank. I have looked into HOB and adding layers of media bags such as a sponge, floss, purigen and biomax pellets or something of the sort.

 

[bif24701]

I am not and waiting to purchase another test kit here possibly today or Friday (payday). None the less, when I used it before it showed 0 and now .25. but aside from ammonia I am still curious about setting up a good filter as I do not have a drilled tank. I have looked into HOB and adding layers of media bags such as a sponge, floss, purigen and biomax pellets or something of the sort.

Aquaclear 110, the reason I recommended these is because you can add whatever media you want plus it's easy to get it in and out. They also are built simply so not a bunch of crap you don't need or too break. Also it's very easy to replace parts, they sell the stuff for them at every Pet store. The 110 holds a lot more media than others. They don't cost a lot.

USE MarinePure, not the biomax. The carbon refills they sell for them work well, it's good carbon. Make your own filter floss with sheets of quilting 100% polyester filling. Just cut it to size. So cheap can be changed everyday if you can.

Red Sea pro makes good test kits. Once your cycled I don't ever test for ammonia. No point upgrading that kit. You will need Nitrate, Phosphate, Mag, ALK, Cal.

 

[Manchild]

Okay sounds good, ordering as we speak actually. Now also, the tank we purchased has been established for two years but it looks like the filter may possibly have just been one laying around that was tossed in with it and maybe not the original filter that was on it, so I think we should be well cycled as we have plenty of livestock and such that seem to be doing fine that was also included. The only reason I tested was I was changing some live rock from my QT tank, did a water change and added some emerald crabs the day before.

Just to reflect on the filter portion, MarinePure on the bottom with floss ontop? With that is there any need or use for having purigen?

Thanks again for the info!

 

[bif24701]

Purigen is like carbon, I would just use carbon.

Yes you can put the filter floss on top of the MarinePureif you can get it to stay out but you may have to put it under it. Get some mesh with large holes to put the MarinePure into make taking it in and out easier. Also it's pretty fragile so be careful when handling it. It's best to put it on the bottom and find a way to keep the filter floss on the top so you don't have to disturb the MarinePure. Some egg crate would do the job well. Egg crate is what we in the hobby call the square grid rectangle they use to put on large commercial fluorescent lights. It's can be cut to any shape and has lots of other unique uses.