Filtration issues

Morpheus77 · Nov 7, 2022

Good morning everyone, been a reefer for awhile now off and on, and been monitoring the forum for awhile now, finally decided to join. So here's my issue. I have a 20 gallon long running for about 2 and half months now. Fijicube install, running 210 gph tunze pump, one power head on opposite end of tank facing towards top of water. The issue is the particulates floating around in the water column, not alot, but enough to make me wonder what I can do to fix it. I clean the filter sock every 3-4 days, just seems the setup is off or something. I notice the particulates sorta float around above the sock, some make it down, but seems most doesn't. At the end of 3-4 days, the sock is definitely dingy brown. Pump is running 100%, fully open, no restrictions. Should I be using a bigger pump maybe?? Also, there is a slime build up between sock and back wall. It crossed my mind to run a power filter in place of the sock, plenty out there to fit in the place where my sock is, however just an idea. What am I doing wrong?

William Mumford · Nov 7, 2022

You have to change your sock often and use a felt type filter sock.

Morpheus77 · Nov 7, 2022

So would the felt sock allow for a better flow through the sock? The build up between the sock and back of tank, what could I do to remedy this? TIA

Spare time · Nov 7, 2022

I think the stuff hovering above the sock is a surface scum. As long as its not unpleasantly covering the top of the water in the display, I wouldn't worry. If you are getting lots of particulates, maybe siphon the sand bed or consider upgrading the pump.

In regards to the slime, is it semi-clear and gelatinous?

Morpheus77 · Nov 7, 2022

Yes, semi clear. Posted a pic, you can zoom in and see. I do sipon the sand, just thinking a bigger pump would be more beneficial for sure. Looking into that.

Spare time · Nov 7, 2022

Morpheus77 said:
Yes, semi clear. Posted a pic, you can zoom in and see. I do sipon the sand, just thinking a bigger pump would be more beneficial for sure. Looking into that.

Do you dose anything like nopox (or other liquid carbon dosing)? Any air freshners near the tank out of curiosity?

Morpheus77 · Nov 7, 2022

No dosing I feed about 2.5 ml a week of AB+

Reef Diaper · Nov 7, 2022

You could have some leakage around the rim of the filter sock. This allows unfiltered water to enter the sump and your display. The sock and the sock bore have to be just the right size or you will have bypass. This is one of the reasons why I included a seal on the Reef Diaper.

I like the background on your display.

Morpheus77 · Nov 7, 2022

On another note, this is my first AIO kit, I have dealt with, all my other tanks from previous years were all HOB accessories, no sump. Is the Filter sock assembly in the right spot? In other words, should it be up against the overflow, or maybe back a bit?

Morpheus77 · Nov 7, 2022

350 gph pump and felt socks ordered.

ying yang · Nov 7, 2022

When you say slime on back wall next to filter sock, do you mean these that I outlined,if so I can see couple off pineapple sponges there,if dont mean these I don't know what could be

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Morpheus77 · Nov 7, 2022

That's light reflection there. The gap I'm referring to is the gap between the filter assembly and the back of the tank. Bout a 3/4" gap there. Where the slime build up is. Basically the gap by all my wires. Should I half that, or keep it as close to the overflow as possible?

ying yang · Nov 7, 2022

Morpheus77 said:
That's light reflection there. The gap I'm referring to is the gap between the filter assembly and the back of the tank. Bout a 3/4" gap there. Where the slime build up is. Basically the gap by all my wires. Should I half that, or keep it as close to the overflow as possible?

Never had that tank or even used filter socks,but logic in my head says to have all or as much as possible of the water going through your weir/overflow into the filter sock so get maximum effect from your use of the filter sock as looks like if you move the filter sock and it's holder further back then it won't overflow into the filter sock.but as I say I no experience with your tank and how it overflows into the filter sock but in your picture looks like if move filter sock holder over then it won't flow into your filter sock.
But if you can move it further back and it still overflows from dt into filter sock then you could experiment with it to see if better or worse I guess.
Maybe as it is the water overflowing into your filter sock and through it and at back where you say the slime is,maybe you got a little dead spot/low flow area and that's why it's happenning.
If I was you I be typing in my tank into search option on r2r and seeing other people's tank that sane as yours and see how they set up and run there's and if any mods they done or not to their tank and what they have learnt makes tank function better and the likes.
Good luck and welcome to r2r also

vetteguy53081 · Nov 7, 2022

Morpheus77 said:
Good morning everyone, been a reefer for awhile now off and on, and been monitoring the forum for awhile now, finally decided to join. So here's my issue. I have a 20 gallon long running for about 2 and half months now. Fijicube install, running 210 gph tunze pump, one power head on opposite end of tank facing towards top of water. The issue is the particulates floating around in the water column, not alot, but enough to make me wonder what I can do to fix it. I clean the filter sock every 3-4 days, just seems the setup is off or something. I notice the particulates sorta float around above the sock, some make it down, but seems most doesn't. At the end of 3-4 days, the sock is definitely dingy brown. Pump is running 100%, fully open, no restrictions. Should I be using a bigger pump maybe?? Also, there is a slime build up between sock and back wall. It crossed my mind to run a power filter in place of the sock, plenty out there to fit in the place where my sock is, however just an idea. What am I doing wrong?

Youre method of entrapment is a mini filter sock which will require spares as you will have to change/wash them regularly as they get clogged hence the suspended matter in the tank.

Morpheus77 · Nov 7, 2022

ying yang said:
Never had that tank or even used filter socks,but logic in my head says to have all or as much as possible of the water going through your weir/overflow into the filter sock so get maximum effect from your use of the filter sock as looks like if you move the filter sock and it's holder further back then it won't overflow into the filter sock.but as I say I no experience with your tank and how it overflows into the filter sock but in your picture looks like if move filter sock holder over then it won't flow into your filter sock.
But if you can move it further back and it still overflows from dt into filter sock then you could experiment with it to see if better or worse I guess.
Maybe as it is the water overflowing into your filter sock and through it and at back where you say the slime is,maybe you got a little dead spot/low flow area and that's why it's happenning.
If I was you I be typing in my tank into search option on r2r and seeing other people's tank that sane as yours and see how they set up and run there's and if any mods they done or not to their tank and what they have learnt makes tank function better and the likes.
Good luck and welcome to r2r also

Awesome, I will do that, and thank you. Gotten so many replies, and I appreciate that, more than I can say on another forum I'm in. Thanks for all the replies.

Lavey29 · Nov 7, 2022

Don't use felt socks though only 200 micron socks if they make such a thing for your application. I recommend once a week dose of PNS probio which is natural heterotrophic bacteria that breaks down organic waste. Leaves tank crystal clear. Myvsocksvstay clean for multiple weeks now.

Mortgaged Reefs · Nov 7, 2022

I hate filter socks. Replace it with an in tank media basket and floss. You will find that much easier to manage. I like to put seachem metrix in my bottom charmer for more bio filtration. Also, what you are experiencing is completely normal with a newer tank. Just keep an eye on it like you are obviously doing and enjoy your tank.

ying yang · Nov 7, 2022

Morpheus77 said:
Awesome, I will do that, and thank you. Gotten so many replies, and I appreciate that, more than I can say on another forum I'm in. Thanks for all the replies.

Your very much welcome and lots off helpful and some very knowledgeable guys and gals on r2r,that are willing to help and guide others with their expertise and own experiences

BaliReefBox · Nov 7, 2022

with my water flow it can at times try to lift the sock abit..i put a glass marble into the sock to weight it down. i use nylon socks and change them daily, takes 3 minutes to clean it under the tap as opposed to the felt ones which i predict you will get sick of very quickly

Morpheus77 · Nov 7, 2022

Lavey29 said:
Don't use felt socks though only 200 micron socks if they make such a thing for your application. I recommend once a week dose of PNS probio which is natural heterotrophic bacteria that breaks down organic waste. Leaves tank crystal clear. Myvsocksvstay clean for multiple weeks now.

Ok. Actually have 200 micron felt socks on order now, took awhile to locate them in my size, but are ordered nonetheless.