Aquaclear Question

[Corp000085]

This is what i posted on the hardware section, but got no replies, so i'll try here:

"I have an AC 300 with my 30 gallon tank... For the past month or so, the tank has been sorta cloudy, like there's a bacterial bloom. However, params all read zero, so i'm now starting to wonder if its the sponge in my aquaclear that's actually disinegrating into the tank. Its about 9 months old, almost completely gray and is starting to show its age. I was wondering if i should replace the sponge or simply cram more floss on top of it to act as a secondary mechanical filter. I've only got a single layer of floss in there, because if i add more, the filter starts to spill over. I'll wait a day or so for some replies or feedback before i do anything. "


Since i posted that, i've modified the basket on my ac300... I now have, from bottom to top, new sponge, old sponge, thin layer of floss to seal it all in. The flow is set to high and its not spilling over, so i know i have just the right amount of floss in there. My tank is marginally clearer now that i did that, however there's still white flecks in the water. Is this just a waiting game??? Should i configure the basket like this from bottom to top: old sponge, new sponge, floss?? Thanks

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Corp000085

An AquaClear 300 is a good filter and I use one in my well stocked 55 gallon tank with no problems.

I do think it might be time to replace your old sponge, though. You are doing it the right way. Just leave it in with the new one for a week or two, until the new sponge has had time to establish a new bacteria colony.

Then when you remove it, fill the remaining space in the chamber with loosely packed filter floss. This increases the surface that bacteria can cling to, so it's a good idea to use as much of it as you can without the water bypassing it and spilling over the top of it. It not only enhances the mechanical filtration, but the bacterial as well.

Have you been doing regular water changes and gravel vacuuming? No matter how good your filtration system is, these should still be part of your regular routine.

 

[Corp000085]

yeah, that's my sunday ritual.