Filter question

[Eazyman]

Quick question I have a 20 g diatoms are in full bloom should I be cleaning the filter and what does a proper cleaning regimen look like so I don't harm beneficial bacteria. Tank was started February 4th 2021, tidal 35 filter with carbon, bio media, and carbon. I have not touched filter since setup. Thanks.

 

[Jekyl]

You don't have to worry about the beneficial bacteria. They are in your rock work for the most part and would require something extreme like bleach or a tank crash to harm them. I would just do away with the bio media. In place if necessary use filter floss, carbon or chemipure if a situation warrants. I have a HoB, usually I run filter floss and change it out every 3 or 4 days. Mostly due to my pistol shrimp making a mess and I need to catch the small particles to keep my water clean. I also run carbon to assist with my nitrates.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Agree with Jekyl. No harm can come to your bacteria unless you put forth chemical effort.

I like to hit spots with a test tube brush or toothbrush (don't use it on your teeth after).

 

[Sam816]

filter floss for suspended particles. silicate removal media for controlling diatoms. fighting conch can help too.

 

[Eazyman]

You don't have to worry about the beneficial bacteria. They are in your rock work for the most part and would require something extreme like bleach or a tank crash to harm them. I would just do away with the bio media. In place if necessary use filter floss, carbon or chemipure if a situation warrants. I have a HoB, usually I run filter floss and change it out every 3 or 4 days. Mostly due to my pistol shrimp making a mess and I need to catch the small particles to keep my water clean. I also run carbon to assist with my nitrates.

Ok so essentially all I need for my hob is my bottom foam followed by filter floss and then carbon? And can I use polyfill or no?

 

[Jekyl]

Polyfill is the same things as filter floss as far as I know. Even the carbon is really up to you and a situational thing. Some people use it, some don't.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

agree with above, I would lose the bio media, i would even lose the filter unless you specifically want to run carbon or something. It just traps particles and helps increase nitrate. i just put a bunch of rubble in my HOB for pods and beneficial bacteria