Let's talk mechanical vs bio filtration...

Just to pipe in....

I use a Magnum HOT as a single filter w/ the micron cartridge and it does a fantastic job on keeping the water clear! I have used the media basket to keep filter floss in and it does an amazing job too!! So either method works just about the same. Keep in mind though, if you want to use the micron filter 24/7, keep an extra one handy!

Just thought I'd my 2 cents worth!
 
The magnum 350 should be better at mechanical filtration... just because it has a higher flow rate (350gph) than the HOT magnum (which has a flow rate of 250gph). Just looking at flow rates, I'd probably guess that the 350 would be the filter for your tank.

Keep in mind, this is all speculation... the 350 and HOT seems to be the same sort of design, so I'd assume the 350 is good at mechanical filtration as well.

HTH
-Richer
 
I agree that the 350 should filter more junk given its higher flow rate. It's hard to knock the simplicity and convenience of the HOT Magnum, though. They are so easy to clean/maintain. No hoses, valves, etc.

Jim
 
The biggest difference between the two is the design. The HOT means Hang On Tank (same as Hand On Back). The Magnum 350 is larger, acts as a regular canister, and has a higher flow rate. The media chamber looks like it holds more in the 350, since it is larger than the HOT.It depends on which design you like more and whether you need a higher flow rate
 
Welp, I decided to go with a Magnum 350 instead of the HOT Magnum fro two reasons.

1) The canister/hose design allows me to eliminate unsightly HOB-type gadgets

2) Larger flow and media capacity is a "good thing".

I'll set this up as a heavy-duty mechanical filter and make some minor changes in my Filstar XP3 canister to make it better for bio-filtration .

Thanks for all of your thoughts and advice.
 
The Magnum micron cartridge does a great job polishing the water, no other filter comes close (expect for those diatom. earth types). Great flow rate too. But for the everyday stuff, the Aquaclears and Penguins are a good buy.
 
JSchmidt said:
??????????????

The best of use of mechanical filtration is to remove particulate matter BEFORE it breaks down and contributes to the load on the biofilter. The biofilter can survive quite nicely on just the ammonia produced by the fish, thank you very much. Just like when you fishlessly cycle.... nothing for the bacteria to eat but ammonia.

If you leave the crud in the tank, it's just going to be reduced to nitrates and other dissolved compounds (i.e., pollution) so why leave them in there? No good reason to...

Jim
Click to expand...

That's why tanks need plants to finish the process of cycling. Most will absorb all the nitrates etc. that your biological filtration does not break down. ;)
 
The half life of phenols (part of the routine organic pollution in tanks) is at least 18 months - even planted tanks. Dont count on the plants as pollution fighters past nitrate and phosphate, do the same or larger water changes.
 
I have a Magnum 350 and I love it...just make sure you install the emergency release valves and it's a life saver.....Seal the valves, turn off the impeller (which releases the canister), carry canister to sink, clean...so easy....Just get the PRO set...the BIO-Wheel Pro 60 (which is supposed to be available seperately) has just been discontinued....If anyone has one and no longer wants it, let me know
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom