Sediment Filter on return line

ccejka · Oct 7, 2019

I am strongly considering adding a 20" Sediment Filter on the return line of my 260 gallon system in my shop. I seem to always have "floaties" in my water column and would really like to have a clear water column.

I am running a L1 at 75% right now, I know that I will loose some flow due to the filter but I think I can up the speed of the pump and get the flow back. Is there any other negative effects that anyone can think of when running the filter.

I was thinking 25 to 50 micron and see what that looks like. I got the idea from a BRS tour of the where they had a tank that was running a sediment filter on the return.

MnFish1 · Oct 7, 2019

ccejka said:
I am strongly considering adding a 20" Sediment Filter on the return line of my 260 gallon system in my shop. I seem to always have "floaties" in my water column and would really like to have a clear water column.

I am running a L1 at 75% right now, I know that I will loose some flow due to the filter but I think I can up the speed of the pump and get the flow back. Is there any other negative effects that anyone can think of when running the filter.

I was thinking 25 to 50 micron and see what that looks like. I got the idea from a BRS tour of the where they had a tank that was running a sediment filter on the return.

I might ask them - how much this cuts down their flow as the filter 'clogs' - and how much maintenance it requires - a sponge in a compartment before my return keeps my water crystal clear

ccejka · Oct 7, 2019

MnFish1 said:
I might ask them - how much this cuts down their flow as the filter 'clogs' - and how much maintenance it requires - a sponge in a compartment before my return keeps my water crystal clear

What are you running for sponges?

MnFish1 · Oct 7, 2019

ccejka said:
What are you running for sponges?

It is just the large foam sponge that comes with the redsea reefer series - standard foam - easily removed, rinsed and replaced. You can also place a foam block on the 'intake' of your return pump (a large one) - that is easily rinsed, removed and replaced.

Feet4Fish · Oct 7, 2019

I run a cartridge filter between my return pump and the display and it keeps things perfectly clear. Sediment filter like you saw on the BRS would work similarly. Will need to make sure you plumb a bypass for maintenance.

ccejka · Oct 7, 2019

Yeah I was going to plumb a it with the by pass in, what are you running for a cartridge filter. I am looking at all options before making a choice on this tank.

I did add we few finer layers for filter media on top of the sponges for my bubble trap in hopes of clearing the water up some or fixing the issue all together.

Feet4Fish · Oct 7, 2019

I run a lifeguard RTL cartridge but nuClear also makes a good one

sawdonkey · Oct 7, 2019

I’d be worried about a sediment filter clogging and stopping your return. I have thought about a spin-down filter though. Not sure if you can get them in plastic.

ccejka · Oct 7, 2019

That is a fear of mine @sawdonkey, I thought about using an alarm similar to the Tunze ATO where if the level gets to high then there is alert. Someone is at the store everyday so that would help easy my mind.

ccejka · Oct 7, 2019

@soffutt are you running there 20 micron filter?

ca1ore · Oct 7, 2019

I would not put a particulate filter on my return. I fooled around with lifeguard and nu-clear pleated filters for a while - never again. They clog too quickly. Plus, if you use any of the siphon based drain systems, plan on adjusting it daily. Find a different way to deal with floaties.

Feet4Fish · Oct 7, 2019

My system is set up such that under normal circumstances water is filtered down to 100 microns via filter pads. Also can stage down to 50 microns via pads. From time to time for deep cleaning or parasite filtering I will bring the cartridge online. I usually run it for 24 hours then take it back offline. It does filter down to 20 microns and can also be charged with DE if desired.

ccejka · Oct 7, 2019

I did consider add a filter on a bypass that I can just bring online a few times a week. Replacing filter pads isn't that big of a deal and I am not running a siphon overflow on this tank so adjusting the drain I don't think will be a concern.

@ca1ore I am open to ideas

ccejka · Oct 7, 2019

I do have a two spare spots on my manifold I could run something like the Nu-Clear off it and just put the water back into the sump when I want to polish the water a little more.

Thanks for bouncing ideas back and forth that is why I ask questions on this forum.

Feet4Fish · Oct 7, 2019

Manifold idea would be fine just make sure you account for the needed flow and that it is available through your manifold line. Cartridge filters require a good amount of flow to function right.

ccejka · Oct 7, 2019

I have lots to consider tomorrow when I am at my store and looking at my tank lol

ca1ore · Oct 8, 2019

ccejka said:
I did consider add a filter on a bypass that I can just bring online a few times a week. Replacing filter pads isn't that big of a deal and I am not running a siphon overflow on this tank so adjusting the drain I don't think will be a concern.

@ca1ore I am open to ideas

Can you briefly describe how you have your sump configured? Usually sump baffles, skimmer and refugium takes care of particulates.

ccejka · Oct 8, 2019

Drain line flows into a filter sock chamber, water flows through that to the next chamber which I am running my skimmer in, water flows through the middle of the baffle into the refugium. After the refugium water flows over top the baffle through two pieces of blue bubble trap. I just laid some filter pad on top of the blue foam and then under the next baffle into my return chamber.