Achieving "crystal Clear" Water

[davidw]

Hello Everybody

I wonder if anybody can suggest how I might get that "extra sparkle" in my water - it's not cloudy just not "sharp".

I have a Juwel Rekord 120L with standard filter and light (30w Daylite) which was set up 7 months ago.

Standard fine gravel - 50% planted with mainly Hygrophila plus Vallis and Java fern which are reasonably healthy but not as lush as I would like - I use Flourish and Flourish Excel and the odd root tab.

Regular water change and water is ok.

I'd like to improve things without going down the CO2 route if poss.

Any thoughts much appreciated from experienced aquarists.

Many thanks - David

p.s. BTW my other smaller tank is perfectly clear.

 

[Castellop123]

/.

 

[Kevstir]

I put that Purigen in my filter last Sunday and haven't seen 1 bit of difference, quite disappointed really as its not cheap.

I have a Eheim 2026 and have it on top the sponge pad in the first tray(so its basically in the middle), where have you guys that are using it got it in your externals?? I'm going to do clean the tank out today and was thinking about putting it at the very top of the top tray on top of the filter floss.

I hope its just a case of me putting it in the wrong place..

Kev

 

[hollyp0p]

I've been told keeping that white filter pad at the top of juwel filters helps.....my little juwel rekord 60 is so lovely and clear at the moment.....probably partly down to daily water changes after an ich treatment but it stays so nice usually until the next water change is due each week when it starts to go a little off in colour

 

[aaronnorth]

you need fine filter wool to get the extra smallparticles out, i don't know if juwel produce them but you can buy filter wool, like this

http/www.forpets.co.uk/product.php?xProd=62

 

[SJ2K]

Dont waist money buying aquarium filter wool, go down to your local fabric store and check out the wool wadding. I got myself 1m square (equivalent to 20-30 Eheim external sized pads) for £4

 

[davidw]

Thanks for the replies / ideas everybody.

I got some filter floss and have put it in the filter today - see how it goes.

Also thinking of adding Trumpet Snails and Amano Shrimps.

 

[garuf]

purigen is AMAZING, seriously, get some you'll be amazed, it's worth 3times as much as it's sold for its that good.

 

[SJ2K]

purigen is AMAZING, seriously, get some you'll be amazed, it's worth 3times as much as it's sold for its that good.

With mixed feedback its hard to tell, how was it amazing for you? Some people saw no difference atall.

 

[backtotropical]

Activated carbon gives that 'crystal clear' effect, but is no good if you are using liquid ferts. It also needs replaced frequently, but it will make your water 'sparkle'.

 

[garuf]

Purigen for me made my water clearer than it was going in from the tap, It depends on the quality of their water already but it really is very very good, I'm buying some tommorow for my eheim so ill do a before and after, If you have translucent water try it you wont regret it.

 

[dasmall1]

Did you try cleaning the glass?

Haha, that's the only clarity problem I've ever had since keeping live plants.

 

[Kevstir]

well looks like i put the Purigen in the wrong section of my filter doh!, on Monday i put it to the top of the external, yesterday i did notice that the water was clearer but this morning when the lights went on i was presently surprised to see a big difference in the water clarity

The water was tannin stained a little and now its all gone , i had planned on doing a water change on Monday but never got round to it.

so guys looks like this stuff really does work

 

[davidw]

Thanks for the replies / ideas everybody.

I got some filter floss and have put it in the filter today - see how it goes.

The floss has made no difference after 3 days - I'm now thinking about the Purigen that people have recommended.


Many thanks - David