Extra filter/Modifying current filter

[fishorama]

Glad it works now If it gets unplugged & doesn't start up again you'll know what to try. I clean my impellers every time I clean the filter because if I'm in a hurry & I think I'll skip it then I have to take it apart again. This is true on HOBs & canisters too.

If I have the cartridge type, I sometimes leave the filter running & just grab out the cartridge to rinse it. But that only works a time or 2 before you'll need to really clean it, impeller & all.

I don't worry about a tiny amount of chlorinated or chloramined water as I usually change water & dose the tank at the same time. But better safe than sorry I guess. I actually rinse my filter media in running tap & add a drop or 2 of dechlor to the filter box...another reason 2 filters are good. That doesn't kill all the beneficial bacteria. I hesitate to say that to newer hobbyists especially with only 1 filter, it's best to get into good habits like never forgetting dechlor for WCs.

 

[WilliamBowman]

I am using 2 filters from Marineland for my 20-gallon fish tank and they work quite well. Easy to install and quiet

 

[fishorama]

I find it doesn't matter too, too much what brand of filter you use, but 2 is better!

 

[Adler]

what is the difference between "ammonia remover" and "bio rings"'? isn't the purpose of bio rings to be where beneficial bacteria establishes, that is supposed to convert ammonia into nitrite/nitrate?

also, lava rock is a good alternative to bio rings but is "volcanic sand" the same as lava rock?

 

[fishorama]

Yeah, bio rings (ceramics), like lava rock, is just a place for bacteria to grow...like all surfaces in your tank, plants, substrate, glass etc. It "may" help a bit with detritus but not like sponge or floss type material.

Ammonia remover is often a resin like Chemi-Pure (from the olden days) or Purigen, I think. You should not need an ammonia remover in a cycled tank...or something is wrong

 

[Adler]

i see, i forgot to mention that this was for customizing filters. so ammonia remover is specifically for that; no nitrite into nitrate

 

[fishorama]

I'm not sure I get it, too close to my bedtime, sorry. Can you clarify for tomorrow? In a cycled tank you should have both beneficial bacteria species to deal with both ammonia & nitrite...right? They reproduce enough to handle what your tank produces...you don't need anything special...& now with 2 filters...you should be good with weekly water changes to remove nitrate...& every 2 or 3 week filter cleanings, alternately between the 2 filters. What am I missing?

 

[Adler]

i just wanted to know if they were the same thing or not

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Ammonia-Remover-180-gram-Nylon/dp/B0002AQKK2

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Biomax-Bio-Rings-ounces/dp/B000HHSG5M

 

[dudley]

They are not the same thing.

Fluval Ammonia Remover is an ion exchange type chemical media to remove ammonia from tank.

Fluval Biomax is a biological media used to harbor the good bacteria in the tank.

Per your other question, some people use small pieces of lava rock in their filters as a bio-media but I doubt that the volcanic sand you pictured is the same thing.

 

[Adler]

They are not the same thing.

Fluval Ammonia Remover is an ion exchange type chemical media to remove ammonia from tank.

Fluval Biomax is a biological media used to harbor the good bacteria in the tank.

Per your other question, some people use small pieces of lava rock in their filters as a bio-media but I doubt that the volcanic sand you pictured is the same thing.

thanks for clarification