Advice needed: HMA filters (3 stage)and impact on water parameters

Discussion in 'Filtration' started by Abrar., Apr 26, 2021.

  1. Abrar.

    Abrar. Abrar

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    Good day all. I am currently in the process of planning my next set up and one of the things I shall be installing is a HMA filter (Heavy Metal Axe) From what I have researched , this is a 3 stage filter (one stage carbon and two stages of sediment. I intend installing this onto my water line that shall feed my water aging barrel. So the water in my aging barrel shall be filtered by the HMA filter. Does anyone use these 3 stage filters ? What are the impacts on water parameters ? Am I doing the right thing in terms of proper water chemistry ? Note it is a 160g (approx. 600lt) display tank and shall house discus. TIA. :)
     
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  3. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    A HMA filter will remove suspended particles from the water,chlorine and heavy metals but not dissolved elements that effect hardness
    So it will not alter the KH, GH and PH
    If you want to change the water chemistry, you will need a RO unit.

    What fish are you planning on keeping?
     
  4. OP
    Abrar.

    Abrar. Abrar

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    Thanks for the reply @Reedfish.
    It is going to be a discus tank. My issue with RO is the amount of water that is wasted :oops:
    My water parameters out my tap are 8PH and around 200 TDS. :confused:
     
  5. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    I considered the HMA / RO options when I kept Discus a few years ago.
    The waste of the RO is an issue
     
  6. OP
    Abrar.

    Abrar. Abrar

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    @Reedfish yeah I am thinking of still going with the HMA and also adding aquarium soil in little pots that will be placed in the tank as I believe aquarium soil lowers PH.
     
  7. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    Not sure if aquarium soil will lower the ph.
    Peat will if the water has a low KH.

    What are your parameters out of the tap?
    And what type of Discus are you planning on keeping - Asian or European
    Are you planning on breeding? Or is it just display

    Some European breeders keep their fish in harder water than Asian and wilds.
    My Stendkers were in tap water softened with the Seachem PH / KH lowering product.
     
  8. OP
    Abrar.

    Abrar. Abrar

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    Most probably European discus.
    Just display for now - maybe in the future I will consider breeding.
    What seachem product did you use to lower PH / KH ?
     
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  9. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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