filter floss prefilter

[tanhql]

i have this plastic attachment that i can stuff filter floss into it to make it into a prefilter for my canister. if i do this, can i completely skip the mechanical filtration in my canister? the filter floss will be changed once a week, or when it gets dirty.

thanks.

 

[YoFishboy]

Hey tanhql! 3 questions.....

How large is the tank?
What kind of canister filter is it?
What is in the tank?

 

[tanhql]

-20 gallon brackish
-tom aquatics rapid mini canister filter (1 compartment full of sponge filter cut from sponge block, the other for purigen which i will buy in a few days)
-9 small guppies (1cm to 1 inch including tailfin)

 

[YoFishboy]

-20 gallon brackish
-tom aquatics rapid mini canister filter (1 compartment full of sponge filter cut from sponge block, the other for purigen which i will buy in a few days)
-9 small guppies (1cm to 1 inch including tailfin)

The filter is only circulating 80 gallons per hour, which IMO, is a little low for a 20g. I try to shoot for 8-10 times turnover per hour or more for my tanks. Your bioload is fairly low, but will it stay that way? I would be hesitant to modify an already borderline sized filter for your tank with an external attachment that will likely impede the flow rate even more. However, if you are religious with large frequent water changes and change the floss regularly as you stated, and keep the biolaod down, I CAUTIOUSLY think you might be ok.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

If you want to prefilter- use a course sponge. Floss is too fine a mech filter and will clog quickly thus impeding the intake side. This is likely to cause damage to the filter.

 

[YoFishboy]

If you want to prefilter- use a course sponge. Floss is too fine a mech filter and will clog quickly thus impeding the intake side. This is likely to cause damage to the filter.

Very good point....it will keep your overall flow rate higher too!

 

[tanhql]

If you want to prefilter- use a course sponge. Floss is too fine a mech filter and will clog quickly thus impeding the intake side. This is likely to cause damage to the filter.

i will only service the canister once every 6 months (for the purigen), so i cannot have debris in the canister for 6 months, slowly releasing nitrates. i need the mechanical filtration to be at a place where i can change the media frequently without having to open the canister. the sponge will still let some small particles through. the ideal situation will be that only water and DOCs are let into the canister.