Filter Over Kill or Not I am doing it!

I have a wet/dry filter on my 75 gallon Freshwater tank but I am very particular with how the tank looks. I want the most crystal clear water as possible. All of my readings are perfect but to me the water could be more clear so..... I am adding a Fluval 406 external to run with the Fluval Biomax Bio Rings and Fluval Carbon. I also ordered the spray bar for even better circulation. None of this add on was needed but hey why not right? If the tank is not crystal clear after I get all this in and going then it will never be!

 

If the issue is particulates in the water, then some kind of fine filter media, like a water polishing pad is what you need in addition to what you've mentioned.

 

I know and I have the real fine media and it does help some but you really have to watch those because they can clog easy if there is a lot of debris. I am bad to forget to keep an eye on it so I worry about it backing up and running over. That's never happened but it can. I sort of like the idea of a secondary filter just in case a pump were to go out or something. I then still have a running filter plus the Fluval offers the trays for different types of media which was a selling feature. Also, I get the itch for another tank at times and I could always use the filter on it if need be so who knows. I never think you can over filter a tank. The more the better

 

I know and I have the real fine media and it does help some but you really have to watch those because they can clog easy if there is a lot of debris. I am bad to forget to keep an eye on it so I worry about it backing up and running over. That's never happened but it can. I sort of like the idea of a secondary filter just in case a pump were to go out or something. I then still have a running filter plus the Fluval offers the trays for different types of media which was a selling feature. Also, I get the itch for another tank at times and I could always use the filter on it if need be so who knows. I never think you can over filter a tank. The more the better

1. A properly designed sump filter won't allow for overflow due to clogging. It will simply overflow into the next chamber...

2. A sceondary filter is always a good idea for that very reason. What if?... If you are away from the tank alot, then yes a good idea, if not, and you believe your current filtration is plenty, then don't waste your money

 

1. A properly designed sump filter won't allow for overflow due to clogging. It will simply overflow into the next chamber...

2. A sceondary filter is always a good idea for that very reason. What if?... If you are away from the tank alot, then yes a good idea, if not, and you believe your current filtration is plenty, then don't waste your money

I am not so sure about this one I would have to beg to differ. Granted it has never happened to me and I understand what you are saying about the design but I could see it happening. You have your pad there of course and then the "sock" as I call it full of charcoal but with a fine tighter woven filter media of course is just that. Tightly woven filters that lets water pass through at a slower pace to fine tune the water clarity. Any time the water is being ed up by any object there could be a over flow if the water is running in at a rapid rate (we all use pretty powerful sump pumps so it is common to have many gallons per hour pumping in 24/7) I could see a build of of debris causing a back up. The water in mine for example has a slot in the wet/dry that allows for water flow run off and so far that's what happens with the fine media. I could still see the water possibly running over the top if the water could not find its mark on the run off. I am just saying its possible but the overall design of the sump is made to avoid this but we never know.

Since I posted this subject I have since purchased another tank that I will more than likely end up using the new fluval on so I know me too well.

 

Apologies but I struggled to follow that post.

As I said above, a proper design will never overflow. All sumps I have seen and built have simple features to prevent overflow. As for clogged media, with a top filter pad, the rest shouldnt be getting clogged unless you never maintain your filter.

 

I agree a well designed sump will never overflow the sump tank.

It took a couple reads but I got the above post, I think your missing in the design aspect, it isn't the chambers or what's in them, more of how they are built and constructed.

 

Apologies but I struggled to follow that post.

As I said above, a proper design will never overflow. All sumps I have seen and built have simple features to prevent overflow. As for clogged media, with a top filter pad, the rest shouldnt be getting clogged unless you never maintain your filter.

I agree a well designed sump will never overflow the sump tank.

It took a couple reads but I got the above post, I think your missing in the design aspect, it isn't the chambers or what's in them, more of how they are built and constructed.

And I'll triple the 'well designed sump' concept. Designed and installed and tested properly, it simply can't overflow.

If a Freshwater sump is anything like a Saltwater sump, then you can 'mimmick' failures to prove the concept. i.e. when I built my Saltwater sump, I then plumbed it all in, got the water flowing etc, and then turned off the return pump, waited for the siphon to break, and what do you know, the sump wasn't overflowing. Some of the compartments did, but the point is that no water escaped the sump.

I then switched off all power to the whole system (to imitate a power failure), no water left the sump, compartments overflowed, but nothing left the system.

As long as any potential siphoning (return hoses) are positioned properly, the system can't fail you.

Just my 2c on the concept.

 

Good morning,

As long as your fish are not being blown around the tank by the current, then I would add as much filtration as possible.

I'm running Wet/Dry filtration (in addition to other filtration) on both of my tanks. The only time I've had an over flow is when I turn the pump off and had too much water in the tide pool of the Wet/Dry to begin with. My error not the Wet/Dry's. I tend to keep a bit too much in there sometimes so I keep my eye on it and try to keep it as full as I can without an overflow. There is a fine line there.

I use the Micron Filter Pads, cut to fit, in the link below. I change them every 3 days for a fresh pad, as you've mentioned, they do clog and need to be replaced. They do a wonderful job!


To clean the pads I soak them in bleach water solution for about 48 hours, rinse them, let them air dry and they are ready to use again. Do not put them in a washing machine as lingering soap may be an issue!

Ken

 

Those are great pads to use!... I just leave them in hot water for a few minutes and squeeze until all the clogging is gone.