dazbud
Fish Fanatic
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- Jan 29, 2012
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I've just upgraded from a 100L with internal filter to a 250L All Ponds Solution tank with hood trickle filter.
I bought it cos the tank and cabinet were a good deal. I was sceptical about the wet/dry trickle filter, but willing to give it a go.
I was quite surprised on arrival. Given that its advertised as only 900L/Hr, it looked like it was going to be fairly efficient. It draws water up from the bottom of the tank, to a spray bar under the hood. The spray bar is the full length of the tank and sprays onto four compartments which are each about 7 inch square and 2 inch deep . On the top of each compartment is a layer of filter floss, then under a perferated lid is a compartment containing media. Currently two with ceramic noodles, 2 with bio balls. So the total area for filteration is quite extensive and there is a lot of oxygen getting through the media.Each compartment fills with water and then over flow drains through a directional jet into the top of the water column. The flow rate actually seems quite good and creates a current. Its amazigly quiet too.
I set up the tank 3 days ago, with the water, new gravel and (1 week pre-soaked) bogwood. Moderate planting and two airstones added today. Planning on transferring the fish from my old tank, along with their established filter media tomorrow. In the 3 days of set up, the filter floss has turned white to brown, most likely the tanning from the new wood and there are pieces of visible large debris on it, so its obviously sucking up the big stuff.
However, here is the dilema. The water is still a little cloudy, pic attached below. I don't know whether this is an indication that the filter is rubbish or is just normal for the length of time since set up. Everyone raves about cannister filters and I don't know whether I am looking for an excuse to get a canister. My other option is that All Ponds Solution do an upgrade for just £17 to a twin powerhead which would sit very snug and unobtrusively next to the existing one and draw a further 900L/hr up through a second spray bar over the trays. I'm not sure whether this combo would be just as efficient or better than a canister, or wehether my day 3 cloudiness is a sign to abandon the wet/dry trickle filter.
whats people's opinions / experience ?
I bought it cos the tank and cabinet were a good deal. I was sceptical about the wet/dry trickle filter, but willing to give it a go.
I was quite surprised on arrival. Given that its advertised as only 900L/Hr, it looked like it was going to be fairly efficient. It draws water up from the bottom of the tank, to a spray bar under the hood. The spray bar is the full length of the tank and sprays onto four compartments which are each about 7 inch square and 2 inch deep . On the top of each compartment is a layer of filter floss, then under a perferated lid is a compartment containing media. Currently two with ceramic noodles, 2 with bio balls. So the total area for filteration is quite extensive and there is a lot of oxygen getting through the media.Each compartment fills with water and then over flow drains through a directional jet into the top of the water column. The flow rate actually seems quite good and creates a current. Its amazigly quiet too.
I set up the tank 3 days ago, with the water, new gravel and (1 week pre-soaked) bogwood. Moderate planting and two airstones added today. Planning on transferring the fish from my old tank, along with their established filter media tomorrow. In the 3 days of set up, the filter floss has turned white to brown, most likely the tanning from the new wood and there are pieces of visible large debris on it, so its obviously sucking up the big stuff.
However, here is the dilema. The water is still a little cloudy, pic attached below. I don't know whether this is an indication that the filter is rubbish or is just normal for the length of time since set up. Everyone raves about cannister filters and I don't know whether I am looking for an excuse to get a canister. My other option is that All Ponds Solution do an upgrade for just £17 to a twin powerhead which would sit very snug and unobtrusively next to the existing one and draw a further 900L/hr up through a second spray bar over the trays. I'm not sure whether this combo would be just as efficient or better than a canister, or wehether my day 3 cloudiness is a sign to abandon the wet/dry trickle filter.
whats people's opinions / experience ?