Mechanical Filtration: Skimmer Enough?

[HellaDudes]

I’d say try less (keep it ‘light and fluffy’ instead of densely packed) and just work it into your normal routine to pull and replace (from the top of the caddy, where it’s easy to grab) every once a week.

Alright! Maybe I've just been using it wrong. I'll take your advice! I still have a bunch of the stuff laying around anyways. Thanks for the advice!

 

[RobW]

I have a fluval 13.5. I have my skimmer in the first chamber. Then I also have an InTank caddy in the second chamber. Floss on top, report cubes in the middle, and floss on the bottom. Also have a small hang on media reactor running carbon. I change about 20 oz. per day of water.

 

[HellaDudes]

I have a fluval 13.5. I have my skimmer in the first chamber. Then I also have an InTank caddy in the second chamber. Floss on top, report cubes in the middle, and floss on the bottom. Also have a small hang on media reactor running carbon. I change about 20 oz. per day of water.

do you have an ato sensor in the return chamber? does the floss mess with the water level there as it gets clogged?

 

[Gablami]

I guess my goals are low phosphate/nitrate and clear water. The reason I referred to it as mechanical filtration is because I know it has the capability to removes smaller particles, not just decayed organics. Also, doesn't aquarium filtration usually fit into 3 categories [mechanical, chemical and biological]? If it is not mechanical, how would you classify it? Or do you think this type of classification is oversimplified/inaccurate?

Good point, I’ve never considered what type of filtration a skimmer offers. I just know what it does. I always thought mechanical filtration was a sock or a filter pad. A skimmer does that too, but on a level much finer than a sock. Not quite a molecular level, but not really macroscopic either.

Maybe you just need to change the sock or filter pad more frequently? It shouldn’t mess with your water levels if it’s doesn’t get clogged up.

 

[billwill]

I have to say I found skimmers for smaller AIO tanks to be pretty useless, as are mini fuges. I’d recommend chemipure and small water change once a week or so as needed. The chemipure bag will also act as mechanical filter, and a 5 gal water change is super quick and easy

 

[PPPPPP42]

Different situation as I have a sump with a huge bucket shaped filter, but I switched from this felt filter type:

BRS Felt Filter Sock with Plastic Ring

Why does BRS recommend this? Felt filter socks give the best qualities of trapping free floating debris to give your tanks water that crystal clear appearance. Felt filter socks with the plastic rings make replacement quick and easy, and most sumps will readily accept the BRS felt filter sock...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

to this mesh filter type (same size and shape) because the thick felt was impossible to clean properly and restricted water flow more while the single nearly transparent mesh can basically be washed out and has basically no restriction.

BRS Mesh Filter Sock with Plastic Ring

Filter Socks are used on overflows to remove small floating particles from aquarium water. This can dramatically improve water quality and reduce maintenance on filters that would otherwise become clogged. Mesh: Thin, doesn't clog as easily as felt Felt: Thicker, better at removing particles...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I have a large skimmer that catches what the mesh doesn't for the most part. I turned up the flow on the return pump and the skimmer both with the mesh filter.

So if they make a simple mesh filter like that which would fit your setup, a combo of that and the skimmer might work. Its easy to pull it and flush it out.

 

[tamanning]

My sump is 30 gallons and very nearly full. I have calerpa some snails and emerald crabs down there. every type of pod i could find as well. my sump keeps itself clean . so my water looks and smells clean.