Crystal Clear Water for Large Tanks

[Chromobotia]

I have a 500 gallon tank and I would like to know how others get their water crystal clear. My water isn't terrible but it needs improvement.

I have a wet dry filter and the only filter pad for mechanical filtration currently in use traps very large particles. The turn-over is approximately 8X.

I have 4 return lines and I'm thinking about adding a Nu Clear 530 canister filter with the extension kit that contains two 25 micron filter pads to one of my return lines to add extra mechanical filtration. The only other idea I have is to set up a FX5 canister in my wet dry for extra mechanical filtration.

I would like to hear from other members that have achieved crystal clear water in their large tanks. How did you do it? I know I'm lacking in mechanical filtration, the only thing is, I'm not sure what the best route to take to achieve it.

Thanks.

 

[fishman09]

i run about 3x turnover on my tanks and polyfil gets my water crustal clear in my sumps and canister and hob filters. as long as your not overstocked or have major gravel movement in the tank the water should be easy to keep clear imo

Sent from my LS670 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[broken]

If you can somehow put a filter sock of two after your filter pad it should clear it up. But be careful because they clog up fast because they catch so much stuff which is why I suggested to put it after your filter pad.

 

[professor_rob]

My 650 gallon tank did not have very good clarity. I just had filter pads on the sump. I added an FX5 which didn't do much for the clarity.

I added a filter sock to the wet dry and it cleared it up amazingly well. The filter pads catch the dirt but releases it back into the tank too easy. Filter socks are amazing. Only downside is I use a 200 micron sock and barely get two days out of them before cleaning.

My advice would be filter socks if you can use them. They don't fit so good in my sump and are really hard to put in and remove. Plus they have caused a small (rather large actually) flood in the filter room before. That being said I will always use them as they work really good.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[ChiPerf]

Subscribing. I have virtually the same setup, and my water could be cleaner...

 

[Totroc3]

I also had the same issue in my 270 and 475. Both have 90 gallon wet dry filters one powered by a Reeflo Dart and the other by a Hammerhead. I did 2 things and together they made all the difference. I added FX 5s with both types of mechanical pads ( blue and white) and then purchased filter felt to cover the top of my drip plates. The material is white and about 1/8" thick. The stuff is amazing. I easily get a week out of it before I need to wash it. It's reusable and lasts a long time. I buy it from Woody at Seahorse Aquarium in Portland Oregon. He sells it in large sheets and you cut it to size. In about 24 hours my water looked crystal clear. I might add that my tanks are very heavily stocked ray tanks.


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[JML1997]

What time do you turn your lights on and off?

 

[kendragon]

Perhaps an UV may help?

 

[JasonsPlecosCichlids]

I use 3, soon to be 4 Marineland Emperor 400 filters with a Marineland 360 canister filter attached to a 36watt UV, lights are on 24/7.

See for yourself how clear my 500 gallon tank is

[video=youtube;CppIYxo30-I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CppIYxo30-I[/video]

 

[ultimatejay]

I used to have the same problem until I added a UV light and now my water is crystal


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app