Sump Filter Media Suggestions

Discussion in 'General Equipment discussion' started by Kuhli Loach, Oct 13, 2009.

  1. Kuhli Loach

    Kuhli Loach

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    What filter media would you suggest for a four compartment sump. Compartment one will be where the water will enter the sump, and compartment four will house the return pump.
     
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  3. neilh

    neilh

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    One filter wool and sponges
    2 and 3 Ceramic/Plastic rings/Lava rock
     
  4. veegal

    veegal

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    I wouldn't waste compartment one by leaving it empty - neilh's suggestion looks good.
     
  5. OP
    Kuhli Loach

    Kuhli Loach

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    I agree – compartment one will be used for mechanical filtrations and compartments two & three for biological filtration. But as we all know, some products are of a much better quality than other. Do you have any suggestions of specific makes of sponges and bio media that would filter the water better that others.
     
  6. Dolphin

    Dolphin

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    consider Hydroton...
     
  7. neilh

    neilh

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    As a filtration media? Interesting, never thought of that. In theory that could work very well due to its porous nature.

    Sera Siporax or Eheim Efubstraat. Both are eye-watering expensive
     
  8. OP
    Kuhli Loach

    Kuhli Loach

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    What about Seachem Matrix. Has anybody use it, or heard some good report on the product.

    Hydroton - seems like a product that will be able to do the job. pH neutral and very porous. But also expensive. About R700 for 10 liters.
     
  9. neilh

    neilh

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  10. OP
    Kuhli Loach

    Kuhli Loach

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    Correct me if I am missing the plot totally:
    1) Ammonia is converted to Nitrite, and then to Nitrate by aerobic bacteria.
    2) If you add a airstone to the biological filter in the sump, would this improve the efficiency and enhance the growth of the aerobic bacteria.
     
  11. Sean J

    Sean J

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    If you are running Co2 in the tank, that is a bad idea. But yes, in theory it should work.
     
  12. Dolphin

    Dolphin

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    Hydroton IMO is the filter media to go for when looking for a good biological filter media. It has a surface area of about 280 sq metres (8-12mm grain size if I remember correct) which costs R15 per Litre compared to Eheim Substrat Pro which has a surface area of 480 sq metres (again if I remember correct) that costs about R120 wholesale! So for me Hydroton is the way to go...

    Things to remember:
    - prewash thouroughly before putting into the filter
    - it is light and will float, subject to how you use it
    - it is completely inert and will not alter the pH
    - if possible get 50/50 mix of the 2 grain sizes available locally - again subject to the application

    and R700 for 10 Litres is an absolute rip-off...
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2009
  13. neilh

    neilh

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    Apparently 50l(23kg's) of Hydroton is 440 from the Gro Shop
     
  14. Dolphin

    Dolphin

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    I paid R500 for the 50 Litre from them :push:
     
  15. neilh

    neilh

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    Thats the price off their website, which I assume is from January
     
  16. Dolphin

    Dolphin

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    Okay maybe they had a price increase.....
     

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