Optimal Filtration

[Rak9378]

I am running a Fluval 406 canister filter on my 54 gallon tank. The tank is fully stocked and heavily planted. So far the 406 seems to be doing a great job. That said while my water is clear I would not say it is crystal clear. I think this is due mainly to the fact that I can see small particles in the water. So that brings me to my question...What is the best media for catching small particles? I'm also curious if I'm utilizing my media baskets in the best way possible. For anyone not familiar with the 406 here is a schematic from Fluval's website....I added the numbers for ease of reference...



The water flows through the filter in numerical order. Here is a quick run down of my media:

#1 - Foam sponges (came with filter)
#'s 2 & 3 - Fluval Bio-Foam (both mechanical and biological foam. came with filter)
#'s 4 & 5 - Fluval Bio-Max (biological filter media)
#'s 6 & 7 - Fluval Bio-Max (biological filter media)
#'s 8 & 9 - Coralife 100 micron mechanical filter pads and Chemi-pure carbon

I should mention that I recently added the 100 micron filter pad (I added it to the polishing pad that came with filter) and I have seen an improvement with less particles in the water but it's still not perfect. So any suggestions to fix my floating particle problem or how to improve my filtration in general?

Thanks!

 

[Fluval-1200]

I suggest running 2 filters, 1 for pure biological filtration, the other coarse medium fine and polishing pads to get the water crystal clear. Some may disagree with me and tell you to jack you filter full of polishing pads etc but when your flow drops you could have a spike.

 

[Rak9378]

Thx Fluval. I'm really hesitant to add another filter simply because I don't want to have to maintain another one and I just don't want the extra equipment in my tank. I'm hoping that with the right combo of media the 406 alone should be enough. Especially since it is rated for aquariums nearly double the size of mine! Lol

 

[KirkyArcher]

You might actually find that by removing all the polishing pads that the resulting increased flow rates will do a better job of clearing the water, also you must ensure that the "inner" coarse sponges in the red cassette are standing proud to prevent as much dirty water bye passing the baskets.

 

[Rak9378]

Thx KirkyArcher. I would think without any polishing pads the particles would just flow right through? The coarse sponges are definitely standing tall! Lol The filter is only 4 months old and I clean the sponges periodically (in tank water) so they are still in good condition.

 

[Fluval-1200]

Its hard to have 1 filter to make the water crystal clear and keep the levels safe, once that 406 starts to clog with fine particles it will lose flow lol.
 
Unless you want to run a sump?

 

[Rak9378]

I hear ya...I will keep an eye on the filter to make sure flow isn't compromised.  Maybe I will consder adding a HOB.