HELP Fluval 13.5

[Hunterhype13]

Hey I’ve recently got myself a fluval 13.5 I’ve been in the reef hobby for 5-6 years now and have always thought fluval was a great brand so when I saw the 13.5 all in one I thought how could I go wrong with this (with out researching the tank) I am having some issues the main one being the filter seems absolutely terrible I have had it running for maybe 3 weeks and the water is yet to clear up has a greasy like sheen on the surface I’ve cleaned the filter media used clean new live sand and dry rock I’m just about at a loss as to what to do to fix it I’ve seen the other threads up here some peoples look great and like they actually work properly or cycles water just fine but it just doesn’t filter right by the look of it and I’m just at a loss as to why I can’t get it to clear up and look right I know things don’t always go as planned but with this tank I can’t just get a new hang not powerful hang on filter because I’m afraid they wouldn’t fit and any way I could get one in the would look terrible And ham the lid up I’ve seen the filter media baskets for a ridiculous 70$ when for that price I feel I could get some kind of filter upgrade. Is there an internal filter any one knows could fit in one of the back chambers cause I’ve kinda had it with this rinky-dink filter system on this tank

 

[Hunterhype13]

Hey I’ve recently got myself a fluval 13.5 I’ve been in the reef hobby for 5-6 years now and have always thought fluval was a great brand so when I saw the 13.5 all in one I thought how could I go wrong with this (with out researching the tank) I am having some issues the main one being the filter seems absolutely terrible I have had it running for maybe 3 weeks and the water is yet to clear up has a greasy like sheen on the surface I’ve cleaned the filter media used clean new live sand and dry rock I’m just about at a loss as to what to do to fix it I’ve seen the other threads up here some peoples look great and like they actually work properly or cycles water just fine but it just doesn’t filter right by the look of it and I’m just at a loss as to why I can’t get it to clear up and look right I know things don’t always go as planned but with this tank I can’t just get a new hang not powerful hang on filter because I’m afraid they wouldn’t fit and any way I could get one in the would look terrible And ham the lid up I’ve seen the filter media baskets for a ridiculous 70$ when for that price I feel I could get some kind of filter upgrade. Is there an internal filter any one knows could fit in one of the back chambers cause I’ve kinda had it with this rinky-dink filter system on this tank

Terribly sorry for all the typos I’m in desperate need of a new phone

 

[Hunterhype13]

But need ideas!

 

[NanoDJS]

You should close off the weep hole in the middle center of the backplane, this will force all the water to go into the overflow and get the oil sheen off by skimming the surface, your getting clogged up in the filter and its bypassing the whole stage . Also almost everybody upgrades the pump, geta skimmer , an ai prime , and a good powerhead like a aquimai kps. These are small , but not cheap tanks to run a "Reef" in , I have had one going for a few years. It sits with a hydor 270gph pump, aquimai KPS, fluval skimmer, and a 4 bulb t5 hood ( 100w) C+,b+,b+, fiji purple, still using the org filter media . some clowns GSP , RBTA, and zoas .

 

[Mikedawg]

Have you completed cycling your tank and did you "live" sand before adding. Sheen comes from food usually and if you turn your return pump head more toward surface should dissipate. Or, you can lightly drag a paper towel across water to remove.
What are your water parameters, btw, to know that your filter is not working?
I added a Sicce 1.0 pump and didn't need a powerhead.

 

[Hunterhype13]

Any ideas on how to block up that whole now that I already have it running should have done it first thing

 

[NanoDJS]

I used frag epoxy

 

[Mikedawg]

little piece of rubber which can be removed in case you change your mind

 

[mbmartin06]

I used aquarium epoxy putty. Worked great

 

[W1ngz]

Are you using the gate on the overflow weir? That's the first thing I pulled off to increase the flow over the weir.

 

[Hunterhype13]

Can I use a piece of plumbers putty to stop it up?

 

[W1ngz]

Some say yes, some say no to plumbers putty being reef safe. Probably ok if you're running carbon. I'd pick up a bit of aquascaping putty myself.

 

[Curtis Rose]

Also if you water levels in the rear are the same as the display it will never properly surface skim. Make sure you water is dripping down into that first chamber. I used the skimmer plate that comes with the kit. I didn’t notice any difference when inplugged the hole. In tank makes the plug for it. Mine has been plugged since it’s been running tho. I’m pretty sure your oil slick is being caused by your water not getting skimmed by the surface skimmer because your levels are the same in your display and your rear chambers.

 

[Hunterhype13]

Also if you water levels in the rear are the same as the display it will never properly surface skim. Make sure you water is dripping down into that first chamber. I used the skimmer plate that comes with the kit. I didn’t notice any difference when inplugged the hole. In tank makes the plug for it. Mine has been plugged since it’s been running tho. I’m pretty sure your oil slick is being caused by your water not getting skimmed by the surface skimmer because your levels are the same in your display and your rear chambers.

How low do i need to have it in the back chambers also managed to plug hole with a piece of a cork from a bottle of gin was dry though incases in rubber so It didn’t absorb alcohol

 

[Hunterhype13]

Hey I need someone to tell me if I took to much water out of the back chamber

 

[Hunterhype13]

Hey I need someone to tell me if I took to much water out of the back chamber

 

[W1ngz]

That might be a bit low for normal use, but since you're not using the skimmer it's fine as long as it's not splashing too much (salt creep) and won't drop so much from evaporation that the heater gets exposed.

 

[Hunterhype13]

 

[W1ngz]

With a good cascade there how is the oil slick doing?

 

[Hunterhype13]

With a good cascade there how is the oil slick doing?

It seems to be already looking better oil slick seems near gone water a little cloudy still but to be expected until it runs proper longer I did add just a little more water but since you say it looked ok I might take it back out if it’s to much you tell me please