Uv sterilizer?

[maroonclown65]

I really want to get much clearer water in my tank I just want very very clean and clear water, tank is an 18.5 gallon mixed reef been up for almost 2 years now. Don't really keep on top of testing as I haven't done that in over a year, also side note wondering what's the cheapest and most effective tests to find. But back to my main point, is it worth it to run a uv sterilizer in a tank so small? Is there a sterilizer that won't make me broke as well?

 

[lapin]

I would first try running carbon in your filter. Then there is something called polishing floss that also goes in a filter.

 

[maroonclown65]

I would first try running carbon in your filter. Then there is something called polishing floss that also goes in a filter.

I have carbon and that's done a pretty good job but I feel like it could be clearer, could you tell me more about polishing floss?

 

[Sophie"s mom]

How often do you change out the activated carbon?

 

[maroonclown65]

How often do you change out the activated carbon?

Every couple of months id say, also, I just ordered a 25 micron pleated filter because someone said they greatly increase the waters clarity

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Every couple of months id say, also, I just ordered a 25 micron pleated filter because someone said they greatly increase the waters clarity

Depending on your nutrient load you may need to change the carbon a bit more often. I change mine every other week. Just a better safe than sorry kind of preventive maintenance thing for me. I don't mind the expense of the carbon if it keeps my tank clear.

 

[maroonclown65]

Depending on your nutrient load you may need to change the carbon a bit more often. I change mine every other week. Just a better safe than sorry kind of preventive maintenance thing for me. I don't mind the expense of the carbon if it keeps my tank clear.

Ah okay I'll keep that in mind and start changing it more frequently, which carbon do you use?

 

[kevgib67]

If you do go with a uv I’ve read great reviews about this one.

 

[DJF]

If you want the cleanest clearest water possible- run a diatom filter to filter down to 1 micron.

DIY Diatom Filter for under $100.00

I have 4 or 5 old Vortex Diatom filters in various stages of disintegration and I use one all the time to stir up the gravel in my 125 gallon tank. I also use it to blow out detritus in the pores my real rock. The tank uses dolomite gravel and the gravel has been in there for the 52 year life of...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Ah okay I'll keep that in mind and start changing it more frequently, which carbon do you use?

I currently use Marineland because I have it. But I do rinse it very thoroughly. Once this is gone, I will be switching to ROX 0.8. I have rad that it is a much better carbon.

 

[Gribbles]

Look into "coral snow" - I use it once a week after reading SunnyX's guide and really like how it cleans things up.