What Filter Do I Have?

[adpgt]

I bought the tank used a while back and it says Aqua Clear on the top of the filter. I tried looking up their filter types but couldn't find out. Hopefully you guys can help me out. I have a 55 gallon tank. The dimensions are 13 inches long by 6 inches wide.

The filter has a big sponge in it with 1 bag on top and another on the bottom.

I'm assuming all three of these need to be replaced. Any one know where these could be obtained from? I went to Petco and they didn't have them in my size.

Also, when I replace them, do I have to do anything special like dip them in tap water or can I just toss them in the filter?


Also, how do I know when the filters need to be replaced?


Thanks a lot guys.

 

[fluttermoth]

Well, don't ever replace your sponge, just wash it some old tank water when you do your water changes. If you replace it, you'll lose all your good bacteria.

What's in the bags?

 

[adpgt]

One has some fine rocks that are yellow/gold in color. You can open this bag. It has a draw string type mechanism to open it.

The other is some very fine black stuff that has a rough texture. This bag is sealed and you can't open it.

Thanks for the help!

 

[fluttermoth]

Ok, the black stuff will be carbon or charcoal; as long as it's not more than 1/3 of the total of 'stuff' that's in your filter, you'd probably do better to chuck that out and add either another sponge, or some ceramic rings.

Carbon works by chemically 'adsorbing' (that's binding them to it's surface) some substances (like tannins, but it doesn't remove ammonia, nitrite or nitrate), so it gets 'used up' very rapidly.

It can make a fairly good home for bacteria, but it will adsorb any medications, if you need to use them, so you'd have to take it out at that point anyway.

I'm not sure what the 'rocks' might be, but I suspect they're some sort of chemical media. I'd be inclined to replace that as well, but don't do it at the same time as you change the carbon, or you might lose too many of your good bacteria.

 

[adpgt]

What are tannins? And how are they produced in my tank?

Also, are there any other cartridges I can put in my filter that will help make the water look crystal clear? How about something to reduce nitrites or ammonia?



Thanks again!

 

[fluttermoth]

Tannins are substances that leach from bogwood and turn the water a brownish colour. They're not harmful to fish (in fact a lot of fish like tannin stained water), but some people don't like the look of it.

You can try adding a layer of filter floss that will trap any small particles.

Water changes are the best way of reducing ammonia and nitrite (and nitrate as well ).

 

[adpgt]

Thanks a lot!

I don't have bog wood but I do have brown stains on the side of the glass, towards the bottom. This is algae, correct? I have a pleco but it doesn't take car of all the brown stuff.

 

[Yanks15]

To answer your question, you have an Aqua Clear 70 or 110. The sponge should be on the bottom of the carrier. Next comes the carbon bag but really isn't needed unless cleaning out meds and the "rocks" are actually bio-max. They increase your bio filtration and give bacteria more area to grow. DO NOT rinse the sponge or bio-max in anything but tank water. Re-use both for as long as they are intact. They both will last a pretty long time. If you want to increase bacterial growth area, add another sponge. Hope this helps.


Thanks,
Steve