Tights For My Filter

[fmervin]

Hello everyone,

I have a 65ltr tank with live plants. The filter is working great and all is well (so far). The only problem is that quite a few leaves and other rubbish get sucked into my filter and causes decay. I was thinking of covering my filter in a stocking so that it lets the water through but keeps out the other floating debris. Before I do this I just wanted to get the opinions of the guys out here. Is this a good idea? Would the stocking affect the performance of the filter at all? Is there any particular kind of stocking I should be using? Should I treat the stocking before I use it in the tank? Lastly, does any similar product already exist on the market?

I'd ideally like to do this at my next water change unless you guys advise me not to

 

[-germ-]

I've used one before with no issues.
Can also use a drawstring media bag held tightly around the inlet.
These are definately non-toxic and should last longer.

 

[rfisher]

Hi,

What sort of filter is it, out of interest?

Richard

 

[fmervin]

Thanks guys for the replies

Can also use a drawstring media bag held tightly around the inlet.
These are definately non-toxic and should last longer.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what's a drawstring media bag? Where do I get one from? Any links will be greatly appreciated

What sort of filter is it, out of interest?

TBH, I've no idea. It came with my Aquastart 500.

 

[-germ-]

Undergravel filter isn't it with the aqua starts?

Media bags should be sold in most lfs, they're use to keep (in my case marine gravel) small stuff you don't want writhing round your filter from well...
writhing round your filter.
Fine mesh bag with a drawstring on top.

If it is an undergravel filter, a media bag won't be big enough...
And you'd need HUGE tights.

 

[fmervin]

Undergravel filter isn't it with the aqua starts?

Yes and No The aquastarts do come with the undergravel filter as standard. However, Maidenhead aquatics has asked them to send an internal filter. I think the filter throughput is 500Ltr/hour. I like that store, when I bought the tank I knew nothing about UGF/internal/external filters. But they explained everything including how to install it

Media bags should be sold in most lfs, they're use to keep (in my case marine gravel) small stuff you don't want writhing round your filter from well...
writhing round your filter.
Fine mesh bag with a drawstring on top.

Cool, I'll ask at the lfs when I visit them next. Just in case they don't keep it, I think I'll go ahead with the stocking. Someone told me that I should wash the stocking in boiling water. Is this required? I will ofcourse be purchasing a new set of tights

 

[-germ-]

Not quite sure....
I didn't boil it and my fish were fine, but then again it depends on the cleanliness of the woman who's stocking you steal....
Probably best to boil it if you've been advised to on TFF.

 

[fmervin]

Hi germ,

Is this what you were referring to?

http/www.maidenheadaquatics.co.uk/eshop/...roducts_id=1020

http/www.maidenheadaquatics.co.uk/eshop/...roducts_id=1676

 

[-germ-]

The second one.

 

[fmervin]

The second one.

Great! Life's much simpler now Thanks for all the help