Poly Filter and Iron

[Adamantium]

Does it makes sense to dose Chaeto Gro, which has iron in it, while using Poly Filter (the kind that removes chemicals and organics, not just a filter floss pad)?

It works great for keeping organics in check, but I want to start dosing Chaeto Gro for my chaeto. Should I just stop using it if I’m going to do that and move to other forms of nutrient export?

 

[Retro Reefer]

I love poly bio marine brand poly filters but they are just a tool in my reef tank fist aid kit that I only use when needed, I rely on efficient skimming and water changes to keep my organics in check.

 

[Adamantium]

See, part of the issue is I have a Reef Glass Nano Skimmer (tank is only 40G) which isn’t terribly efficient. The poly filter seems to be great at keeping No3 and PO4 at the perfect levels. I could try to run without it, but I worry my levels are just going to creep up and up, even with weekly water changes.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Those are cool little skimmers but IMO way to small for a 40 gallon reef tank.. Im assuming you don’t have a sump? poly filters are a good way to remove organics if that’s your only option but I would remove it for a day or two after dosing iron.

 

[Adamantium]

Is it? It used to be on my 30G.

Got a recommendation for something more effective? I’m using a FijiCube AIO insert, so space is definitely a constraint.

 

[Retro Reefer]

I personally don’t know of any really effective nano size skimmers that would fit in your AIO but you might want to start a thread in equipment section to get some feedback and suggestions for one. I know the manufacture says up to 30 gallons on those little glass skimmers but realistically 10-15 gallons is probably more like it

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don't see a reason to use a polyfilter unless you have a known metals problem.

if you want to bind organics, you could use something like Purigen. A polyfilter won't bind nitrate and phosphate directly from seawater.

It may bind some iron, but that won't make the iron dosing useless.

 

[Adamantium]

I don't see a reason to use a polyfilter unless you have a known metals problem.

It may bind some iron, but that won't make the iron dosing useless.

Thanks for the reply! It seems to do a good job keeping nutrients in check, but I can give it a go without it.

I’ll pick up some Chaeto Gro today. Only thing I’m worried about is it feeding other algae. Right now my tank looks great (apart from very small amounts of cyano on the sand).

Again, appreciate the reply.

 

[Hot2na]

"if you want to bind organics, you could use something like Purigen. A polyfilter won't bind nitrate and phosphate directly from seawater."
now , now , Mr Farley that statement is only partially correct. A polyfilter WILL bind phosphate in a saltwater aquarium..
I had a terrible phosphate issue when I first set up my new tank, and remedied the solution by packing an ehein 2217 with 12x12 polyfilters and changing them out when exhausted..
I continue to use them to keep phosphates very low ...

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

"if you want to bind organics, you could use something like Purigen. A polyfilter won't bind nitrate and phosphate directly from seawater."
now , now , Mr Farley that statement is only partially correct. A polyfilter WILL bind phosphate in a saltwater aquarium..
I had a terrible phosphate issue when I first set up my new tank, and remedied the solution by packing an ehein 2217 with 12x12 polyfilters and changing them out when exhausted..
I continue to use them to keep phosphates very low ...

And you claim that based on what? I think you are wrong, and without trying to sound conceited, I am probably the most informed person you will ever encounter on the ability of a polymer to bind phosphate. I have studied that interaction as a professional chemist for decades and have invented polymers to bind phosphate in other applications (medical) that have made billions of dollars for the companies worked for. I do not believe that a polyfilter will bind either inorganic phosphate or nitrate from seawater to a useful degree.

Reducing phosphate in an aquarium does not mean it binds phosphate directly. If you bind organic matter than contains P before it breaks down to inorganic phosphate and nitrate, both can be reduced without binding either directly.

Thus, my conclusion is that if you want a polymer to accomplish N and P reduction, and do not want to bind metals, then a polymer designed to bind organics rather than metals is a better bet.

 

[GoVols]

Is it? It used to be on my 30G.

Got a recommendation for something more effective? I’m using a FijiCube AIO insert, so space is definitely a constraint.

I'd think the Tunze 9001 or 9004 skimmers would fit inside your Figi insert

For a hang on / the Aquamaxx Hob-1.5 is a great skimmer

 

[lilgrounchuck]

I'd think the Tunze 9001 or 9004 skimmers would fit inside your Figi insert

For a hang on / the Aquamaxx Hob-1.5 is a great skimmer

I’ve been using the macro aqua m50 since November on my 50 gal and it’s been great. It took a while to break in, but after a few days it started pulling dark skimmate from the water. The pump sits down in the water so there’s no issue of it not kicking back on after a power outage.

 

[GoVols]

I’ve been using the macro aqua m50 since November on my 50 gal and it’s been great. It took a while to break in, but after a few days it started pulling dark skimmate from the water. The pump sits down in the water so there’s no issue of it not kicking back on after a power outage.

That's a cool skimmer...

 

[GoVols]

Back in the 90's I ran those poly filter "disc" that fit in the Bio Marine's special reactor, they did way better in freshwater, before that tank was converted over to saltwater.

 

[Billdogg]

Like a couple others have mentioned - I have a chunk of polyfilter in my tank emergency box for those times when something is clearly wrong and I just can't figure it out. It has saved my bacon more than once, but I consider it way too expensive to waste using it on a daily basis.

My go-to's for dissolved organics have always been a good skimmer and activated carbon. Cheap, easy, and effective.


jm.02

 

[redfishbluefish]

Folks, a number of posts had to be removed. We are all for good debate, but when it turns into personal attacks, that will not be tolerated. So please, provide your thoughts and knowledge on the subject, but do not include insults with those that have differing opinions. Thank you for understanding.

 

[GoVols]

I had a terrible phosphate issue when I first set up my new tank, and remedied the solution by packing an ehein 2217 with 12x12 polyfilters and changing them out when exhausted..
I continue to use them to keep phosphates very low ...

Thanks for your incite.

 

[jimk60]

My reply was only supportive not sure why they were deleted

 

[redfishbluefish]

My reply was only supportive not sure why they were deleted

Yes, a number of positive and supportive posts were also removed, because on there own, they didn't make sense.