Filter Q's

Janglin Jack · #1 06-05-2010, 06:28 PM

Ok, so I just picked up a 35 ga hex tank for my first palu build. Was wondering how everybody runs their filter setups. I am completely new to this and I had fish when I was 12 lol. I have air pumps, and one large cannister and one small one. Never used a cannister before so I don't know what to do with it... Any help's appreciated.

beckdg · #2 06-05-2010, 07:01 PM

i'm not sure what you're stuck on quite yet.
don't know what model you have.
is it the basic principle, how to set it up, how to make it do something specific... ?

Janglin Jack · #3 06-05-2010, 07:16 PM

yes, the basics mainly... I'm planning on using the pumps for the waterfalls but as far as the filter goes, I've never used a can before.

beckdg · #4 06-05-2010, 08:02 PM

the very basics...

put the intake/output where you want them
set the filter in place somewhere below the water it's filtering after you've put the media inside the baskets and sealed it shut
put the hoses either on the intake/output or on the filter itself and run them to the other end leaving just enough slack to pull the filter out for maintenance then cut the slack off the hoses and connect them
prime the filter using whatever means available according to the model (usually a little pump button you push a couple times)
you should hear gurgling... wait for it to stop... to be safe your first run you can use the primer to pump until water comes out of the return line
plug it in

every week during water changes take the canister apart and clean one media type in a bucket full of old tank water and put it back in DO NOT USE TAP WATER

when floss/polishing pads get completely clogged they can be replaced but rinse the new ones in old tank water with a quick swish first DO NOT USE TAP WATER

every month or 2 it's a good idea to take out the impeller and clean it and the housing it sits in with a rag and some q-tips to keep everything flowing freely. at that time it's good to clean out your hoses too with a hose brush. they look like long bottle brushes or pipe cleaners with only the ends covered in bristles.

when you take the impeller out to clean it, before you put it back in it's a good idea to coat the o-rings with silicone grease aka plumbers faucet and valve grease

some models use synthetic o-rings that don't break down as easy and can use vaseline instead of silicone grease... before assuming it's safe it's best to check the manual to be sure you can use vaseline. otherwise it's safer to just use the silicone grease.

is that what you're looking for?

froggsong · #5 06-06-2010, 02:40 AM

It sure helps me out, lol...

I've never been able to get my cannister to work properly, but it didn't exactly come with directions (got it for a buck at a store closing). hmmmm.... maybe I can get the darn thing to work now!

beckdg · #6 06-06-2010, 09:12 AM

i forgot... plumbers grease is good for any seals and threads on a canister also. it'll help keep the seals pliable so they last longer and help keep any threads from locking up. for instance i'm using a cascade canister. instead of a quick release each hose has a cut off valve and threads to disconnect. without the grease these threads lock up and i've thought i was going to snap the coupler off a couple times. that would make the filter a paper weight full of parts.

it's the same stuff used inside of faucets and recommended for r/o filters and such too so it's safe.

if you guys tell me your models it's possible i could locate manuals for them online, probably pdf's.

Janglin Jack · #7 06-07-2010, 05:52 PM

Hey it helped but not really lol because I said screw it and took my impatient ass to the pet store.. Picked up an in tank filter. Hope I didn't make a boo boo with that... Anyone else use those?

beckdg · #8 06-07-2010, 06:17 PM

in tanks and waterfall pumps are very popular choices. lots of folks use them in vivs. i'd still clean out the impeller area when you get a chance and get some plumbers grease for the impeller/o-rings to reduce wear and prolong the life of the filter.

Janglin Jack · #9 06-08-2010, 05:25 PM

Thank you much Beck, another one for ya... how important would a filter be in a tank with only shrimp? Would I need to filter or would the plants and waterfall pump be sufficient?

beckdg · #10 06-08-2010, 07:19 PM

would depend on the tank. in many cases plants and a waterfall pump/power head would be more than enough. i would want any tank i'm putting shrimp in to be well established though.

you're welcome.