Adding micron filter to an existing wet dry system * PIC heavy

[Arkangel77]

I am still seeing some stuff in the water but my tank is so deep I am wondering if its just that a lot of the particles just sink to the bottom and never go out over the overflow? I am wondering if when I install the CO2 Reactor that it might help move a little water in the stiller section of the tank. I just don't have a crazy flow in the tank and as a result stuff settles more than I would like to see, or at least that is my theory. ALSO will be interesting to see what if any difference I will see once the Ozinizer is all set up. I am shooting for next week but with hood/light modifications and CO2 installation I am not sure if I am going to get it all done. Soon I will have it all set up! I will keep you posted. Arkangel77

[Chad Hughes]

I am still seeing some stuff in the water but my tank is so deep I am wondering if its just that a lot of the particles just sink to the bottom and never go out over the overflow? I am wondering if when I install the CO2 Reactor that it might help move a little water in the stiller section of the tank. I just don't have a crazy flow in the tank and as a result stuff settles more than I would like to see, or at least that is my theory. ALSO will be interesting to see what if any difference I will see once the Ozinizer is all set up. I am shooting for next week but with hood/light modifications and CO2 installation I am not sure if I am going to get it all done. Soon I will have it all set up! I will keep you posted. Arkangel77

I'd be willing to bet that you have some setteling going on. Those particles are not making it through the filtration system. a 200 micron filter should give you an excellent particulate catch rate. I'm not sure how your system is set up, but I like to point one of my return lines in the tank straight down and one at a 45 degree agle to the side. It varies the current and seems to get things moving. I am using a canister and a wet dry on the big displays, so I have two returns to play with. Another method would be to install a power head where you see dead spots. I really don;t like to have too much crap in the tank, but if it helps, then maybe it's something to consider.

All in all it looks like you are makinhg some serious headway! Great job!

[Arkangel77]

My system is set up with spray bars for the return from my pumps. I was trying to keep the water movements soft but perhaps some well placed jets of water would do more to keep things stirred up. I have also thought of a power head but I have hesitated to add more equipment in the tank. I am going to keep working my current plan and leave the 200M in place for now. If I must change something - I may try the power head sense I have a few laying around. Thanks for the help Chad.

Arkangel77

[Arkangel77]

Well I had a Issue today. I cleaned the filter mid week last week (filter bag). What I did not notice was that it was starting to hold back a little. Well I got home this morning from work to find the bag swollen like a balloon and water in the stand -AGAIN! It was holding back about 3 or 4 gallons and some had found its way out of the system threw the cover of the bag filter. I pulled it and swapped it with a new bag and placed the only one in a bucket with water and a tinny bit of bleach to see if that will clean it out. Not sure if its the bag clogging over time or the new lights & CO2 causing algae to plug the filter or I don't know what?

I am still having problems with fine floating trash mid/lower in the tank. I am getting close to scraping this Idea and buying a FX5. I have bin trying to avoid the expense and installation of that Big unit under the tank but I want to see some clear water! I may try to hold off till I get my Ozone system in place this week to see if it helps but I am not feeling confident that it will fix the issue's I am having.

I guess its the combo of sand substrate and heavy feedings but I got floating crap everywhere in this tank and its getting on my nerves. I have never had this kinda issue before! I can do a 50% water change its its nasty 25 Hrs later. I am starting to think the FX5 may be the only way to fix this. I just hate to have more crap hanging in the tank!!!!

Arkangel77

[Darrell Ward]

You may not be turning over enough water. The spray bar may be holding your turnover rate back, or maybe the pump is too small, I don't know. You should be able to move enough water to keep the tank clean. I run several sump systems, and don't have those kinds of problems.

[Arkangel77]

I am not sure? I did the math and I should be moving enoughf water. I think its the sand but I am not sure?

I have a 75G with a Wet/Dry Sump, its got a sponge filter in it, AC110, and 500GPH pump in the sump and I still get the same effect But not as bad. Its got sand in it as well. I think the sand wont let anything settle into it and it all just sits on top.

ALSO when I had Gravel in the 180 Before I swapped over to sand I did not have these issues. Not sure if its Just me but the sand makes it tuff to keep a clean looking tank?

[Chad Hughes]

I am not sure? I did the math and I should be moving enoughf water. I think its the sand but I am not sure?

I have a 75G with a Wet/Dry Sump, its got a sponge filter in it, AC110, and 500GPH pump in the sump and I still get the same effect But not as bad. Its got sand in it as well. I think the sand wont let anything settle into it and it all just sits on top.

ALSO when I had Gravel in the 180 Before I swapped over to sand I did not have these issues. Not sure if its Just me but the sand makes it tuff to keep a clean looking tank?

What kind of sand are you using?

[Arkangel77]

What kind of sand are you using?

Fine Play Sand - I modded the 75G yesterday and it seems to be working better than the other but its only bin a day. I am wondering if its Orientation of the bag or something. I will post pics lata.

Arkangel77

[Chad Hughes]

Fine Play Sand - I modded the 75G yesterday and it seems to be working better than the other but its only bin a day. I am wondering if its Orientation of the bag or something. I will post pics lata.

Arkangel77

Interesting. I use play sand as well but I woldn;t say that it's fine. Maybe normal grain? LOL!

[Arkangel77]

well here are some pics of my Modded wet dry for my 75. I have 3 filters on this tank so I wanted to retrofit the wet dry with a micron bag filter. I also sandwiched a layer of Bio Balls just cause I did not want to pull them all out. It looks like a huge wast of filter space now BUT If that Bag filter catches the floating Stuff I will be Happy with it. I also posted a pic of the trio in this 75G. These Buggers are tougher by far than my Discus - EBJD!

Arkangel77

[Arkangel77]

SO far the modded filter under the 75 is working great. I guess its better to have it upright than laying on its side. I may mod 1/2 the filter under my 180 in the same way if This continues to work so well for me. We will see.

PS - here is a link to my - Ozone system mod.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showth...065#post577065

Lata, Arkangel77

[Chad Hughes]

well here are some pics of my Modded wet dry for my 75. I have 3 filters on this tank so I wanted to retrofit the wet dry with a micron bag filter. I also sandwiched a layer of Bio Balls just cause I did not want to pull them all out. It looks like a huge wast of filter space now BUT If that Bag filter catches the floating Stuff I will be Happy with it. I also posted a pic of the trio in this 75G. These Buggers are tougher by far than my Discus - EBJD!

Arkangel77

I like to use whatever works. LOL! Sounds like that's the direction you are going in. Those are some funny looking discus! Is that a tiny little UV that I see in the pics? You could most likely take that out. It's not doing too much for you. With Ozone, you should be good to go.

Best wishes!

[Arkangel77]

That's my 75 and its Just got those Electric Blue Jacks and I know the UV's not doing much but its better than nothing. The 75 will NOT be getting Ozone - LOL.

Thanks, Arkangel77

[Arkangel77]

Well Just an Update - The Bag Filter in the 75 is working GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was an AWESOME upgrade for that tank.

However - the 180 bag filter mod has not bin as successful which I don't get, The only thing different is the orientation of the bag. I guess that is a Major factor?

SOon I will remove the bag filter mod from the 180 and replace it with my NEW FX5. That's a Job for next week. I still need to install my standpipe in the 180 but I have bin putting it off.

Lata, Arkangel77