How do i get crystal clear water??

[CLFishies]

I was told to always squeeze sponge filters out in the water change water to preserve the beneficial bacteria. My understanding is that the chlorine/chloramine in tap water will kill the bacteria and this goes double for saltwater sponge filters because tap water is freshwater. I just squeeze them out in the bucket I use to siphon the tank water out. If anyone has clarification that would be great.

I rinse anything that is some kind of filter, in removed salt water. The only thing that gets cleaned in house water is the pumps, wavemaker, and protein skimmer.

 

[Karen00]

I rinse anything that is some kind of filter, in removed salt water. The only thing that gets cleaned in house water is the pumps, wavemaker, and protein skimmer.

That's my method as well.

 

[Lyss]

FWIW my tank is pretty dirty rn b/c I've been busy and haven't done a WC in over a month -- the sand and rocks need a good clean and they just visually look a bit dirty. But my water has been crystal clear ever since I started using AF Life Force and PNS Substrate Sauce. I have a max nano and have always run carbon/chemipure blue/elite and a filter sock w/floss on top, but since using those two products the water has been noticeably more clear. Not sure which product was responsible or if it was both together, but my thinking was something must've changed in a good way w/the microbiome.

 

[1ocean]

UV sterilizer

this product is only good for a year or so. they say it has to be replaced at that time...

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

FWIW my tank is pretty dirty rn b/c I've been busy and haven't done a WC in over a month -- the sand and rocks need a good clean and they just visually look a bit dirty. But my water has been crystal clear ever since I started using AF Life Force and PNS Substrate Sauce. I have a max nano and have always run carbon/chemipure blue/elite and a filter sock w/floss on top, but since using those two products the water has been noticeably more clear. Not sure which product was responsible or if it was both together, but my thinking was something must've changed in a good way w/the microbiome.

I agree with the AF Life Source! It's amazing how mud can have your tank crystal clear in 12 hours somehow but it does

 

[Lyss]

I agree with the AF Life Source! It's amazing how mud can have your tank crystal clear in 12 hours somehow but it does

I know, right!? It looks like it's gonna be murky and terrible forever when you first pour it in, but when it clears up everything looks great. I was sitting on the sofa one evening and looked over at the tank -- that's when I realized I could see clear though it into the kitchen like it was a perfectly clean window, and knew something changed. It was always pretty clear before but this is a new level.

 

[bruno3047]

I use a large bag of purigen and a large bag of phosguard in my drip tray sandwiched in between a course filter pad on top and a 100 micron pad underneath to get this invisible water. This photo is the view sideways across my 6 foot long 125. No UV. No Ozone.

 

[BZOFIQ]

what micron 5 sock are you using? thanks pal

I did add a direct link in post #33

These are it, I have 4, use them in pairs as needed.

https://amzn.to/3y3UZOz

 

[bruno3047]

These pads were changed back on April 6. I reused the old Purigen and Phosguard bags without changing the media. I usually let my pads run for about 30 days before changing them and I change the media every other pad change. I’m into low maintenance tanks, But when the time comes to do something messy, like siphoning the sand bed, I don’t put it off. I just do it.