Filter For Chemical

[Slacker]

Hi
I have an FX6 on my 7ft tank and I find it’s doing a great job overall. Only gripe is how labour intensive it is to take it all apart to change chemical media. Also thinking that I’d like to add more bio media to it so moving the chemical out would provide another tray.
Also considering a UV steriliser. I haven’t looked into it much yet but I’m assuming it would be difficult to find one that will work with the ribbed hosing and the diameter of the pipe.
Does anyone have any recommendations of a good setup? I’m thinking perhaps a small canister filter with smooth hoses.
Another option is to add a sump. My tank is drilled at the top on one end. I’ve never had a sump before though so I’m a bit scared that I’ll flood my house or something lol.

 

[grump299]

A sun sun canister on Amazon not bad prices and they come with a uv light built in..

 

[RSababady]

I have an FX6 on my 7ft tank and I find it’s doing a great job overall.

They are GREAT filters!!!!

Only gripe is how labour intensive it is to take it all apart to change chemical media. Also thinking that I’d like to add more bio media to it so moving the chemical out would provide another tray.

I don't keep medical media in my main filter. If I ever need some, I have an Internal filter that I just fill up with active charcoal and sue that when needed. Active Carbon is really only needed when you want to remove specific chemicals from the water - e.g. after treating with medicine.

Also considering a UV steriliser. I haven’t looked into it much yet but I’m assuming it would be difficult to find one that will work with the ribbed hosing and the diameter of the pipe.

If you are looking at UV sterilizers, I suggest watching this video:

I learn't more about sizing and using a UV filter from this video than from anywhere else. I use a JBL UV sterilizer which has a multiple of connectors to suit most piping. Can't reommend anything else as I have no other experience

Does anyone have any recommendations of a good setup? I’m thinking perhaps a small canister filter with smooth hoses.

I Have the UV filter connected to the output of one of my canister filters - it slows the flow down by about 10%. I also tried it on a separate pump but the water flow in the tank became too high. To avoid having to open my canister filters too often ( I clean once every six months) I run a pre-filter on the intake which removes all the mechanical gunk in the water. I clean this pre-filter every water change. It takes about 5 - 7 minutes. This setup works well for me. The pre-filter also reduces water flow by about 10% on average between cleans.

Another option is to add a sump. My tank is drilled at the top on one end. I’ve never had a sump before though so I’m a bit scared that I’ll flood my house or something lol.

I have though about a sump, but would prefer to have the sump in my basement. My house has floor heating, so I don't want to drill through the floor to give access for the plumbing. Sumps are cool, because the take all the technical stuff away from the tank (heaters, pumps etc...) and you can use add/remove active carbon soo easily, not to mention plants to reduce nitrates. Nice way to go and you can set up the sump without disturbing your present setup until you are completely ready to swap over!


Uff - I hope you find some of this useful

 

[Slacker]

A sun sun canister on Amazon not bad prices and they come with a uv light built in..

Thanks for the info.
I’m in the UK and SunSun doesn’t seem to be available here. There are some other brands so will look into it.

They are GREAT filters!!!!



I don't keep medical media in my main filter. If I ever need some, I have an Internal filter that I just fill up with active charcoal and sue that when needed. Active Carbon is really only needed when you want to remove specific chemicals from the water - e.g. after treating with medicine.



If you are looking at UV sterilizers, I suggest watching this video:

I learn't more about sizing and using a UV filter from this video than from anywhere else. I use a JBL UV sterilizer which has a multiple of connectors to suit most piping. Can't reommend anything else as I have no other experience



I Have the UV filter connected to the output of one of my canister filters - it slows the flow down by about 10%. I also tried it on a separate pump but the water flow in the tank became too high. To avoid having to open my canister filters too often ( I clean once every six months) I run a pre-filter on the intake which removes all the mechanical gunk in the water. I clean this pre-filter every water change. It takes about 5 - 7 minutes. This setup works well for me. The pre-filter also reduces water flow by about 10% on average between cleans.




I have though about a sump, but would prefer to have the sump in my basement. My house has floor heating, so I don't want to drill through the floor to give access for the plumbing. Sumps are cool, because the take all the technical stuff away from the tank (heaters, pumps etc...) and you can use add/remove active carbon soo easily, not to mention plants to reduce nitrates. Nice way to go and you can set up the sump without disturbing your present setup until you are completely ready to swap over!


Uff - I hope you find some of this useful

Wow! Thanks for all that info. You have really helped. I’ll start looking at some of your suggestions.
I don’t mind some extra flow because my tank is quite long so I’m using a circulation pump halfway along it anyway.
I’m really keen on giving the sump idea a try. My tank which I bought used came with one but it leaks. I’ve kinda got this thing that if it leaks then I’ll never trust it again so re sealing isn’t an option. Will possibly look at replacing it and running it alongside the FX6. Perhaps that would be a bit overkill though....

 

[Cichlidude]

Thanks for the info.
I’m in the UK and SunSun doesn’t seem to be available here. There are some other brands so will look into it.

That would be All Pond Solutions over there.

 

[Slacker]

That would be All Pond Solutions over there.

Thanks.
Thought it might be. Did a bit of googling and they look identical.

 

[RSababady]

Will possibly look at replacing it and running it alongside the FX6. Perhaps that would be a bit overkill though....

...slight overkill ........ by far [/QUOTE]