Another Clear Water Thread: How to keep water crystal clear?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Hey everyone! I saw another thread going on getting water cleared up in a member's tank. Their problem was specifically addressed, but it gave me the idea for a good discussion (I hope). IME a lot of aquarists struggle to achieve the clarity in their water that they would like, so I thought it would be helpful to talk about different methods for keeping water polished. So, what are some of the best ways to keep water crystal clear?

#reefsquad #SPSexperts #anybody

 

[HolisticBear]

Occasional BRS Rox Carbon + KZ Coral Snow.

I'm intrigued by UV

 

[Flippers4pups]

U.V. Does a good job, so will ozone. Both have their draw backs though.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I prefer filter socks to catch the small particles to keep the water clear. I don't run any reactors, UV, or biomedia of any type. The only other thing I do is have a refugium. Between the fuge and filter socks my water, to me, seems pretty clear. Filter socks changed out twice a week.

 

[dbl]

Keep the glass clean. I also run GAC in a reactor.

 

[hybridazn]

Occasional BRS Rox Carbon + KZ Coral Snow.

I'm intrigued by UV

Bingo...

Change out rox twice a month, coral snow every other day and a UV if you got it. Filter socks also help.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I've never actually used coral snow. Ordering some rn.

 

[hybridazn]

I've never actually used coral snow. Ordering some rn.

It's good stuff. There is also a recipe for a homemade coral snow I use

 

[HotRocks]

GAC in a reactor!

Clean Starfire Glass!

Oh, and an occasional dose of vibrant!

 

[Dennis McGrath]

I swear by Purigen. I also have a UV sterilizer as well.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Good reads on ozone:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-05/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-12/rhf/feature/index.php

 

[hybridazn]

Good reads on ozone:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-03/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-05/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-12/rhf/feature/index.php

I fiddled with ozone for a bit in my system years back, ultimately decided it wasn't worth it. Even with a reactor ozone could still escape and possibly cause myself and my family to get sick.

I also worked at a LFS that used ozone. Every time I would leave there I would have the worst headaches because of ozone.

 

[madweazl]

I have "clear" water but a lot of stuff floating around. I dont run filter socks because I want whatever is there to feed the corals. I run a small amount of GAC in a reactor that is changed every two weeks.

Lots of floaties...

 

[sil40sx]

The stuff that worked to me:

- GAC 24/7
- UV Sterilizer (as needed, i.e., bacterial bloom)
- polishing pads (after WC till gets clog)

 

[tripdad]

Can I get a little clarity, no pun intended, on what we are talking about here? Are you specifically talking about polished water that still has particulate in it or just dead pure water? I ask because while my water is clear, non yellow from organics, I in no way try to remove all the particulates. I just feel they are there in nature so maybe the corals can eat some of them? I even create sandstorms once a week for this reason. Thoughts? I have seen Vibrant clear it up almost completely before but do not try and keep it this way. I run no socks for the most part, only occasionally. Just wondering, not being contrary. It's always interesting to see how others approach this hobby. P.S. I am able to maintain and grow bivalves and tunicates in my tank. I like weird stuff, LOL.

 

[Jen_h]

I always use a Uv sterilizer. Nothing big and fancy, and pretty affordable. If anything it keeps the water crystal clear. First thing people notice and ask how my water is so clear.

 

[DarkSky]

Carbon, UV, Vibrant. Invisible water.

 

[Ranjib]

Carbon+ purigen. Or just chemipure blue works like a charm for me

 

[Jet915]

UV 24/7 + Rox carbon = water is crystal clear

 

[Dennis McGrath]

I have a bottle of Vibrant that was delivered today for a tank that just finished cycling that has diatoms. When I get home in a few hours, I'm going to give the tank it's first dose.
I'm hoping to see if it does the job.