filtration dillema

[Fishn28]

For awhile now my 75 gallon tank has been filtered with a canister filter (pennplax 100). Im starting to believe that the filter is the reason why I am constantly battling algae. while I clean the filter weekly and consistently do 10% water changes weekly I have had algae in the tank for months. while I have managed to slow it down it always comes back. I am deciding whether I give up on the canister and try a HOB alternative. Unfortunately my tank is tempered glass and cannot be drilled for a sump, and I'm not too sure how confident I am in a HOB overflow. Im also thinking about saving up for a new tank that's already predrilled and replacing my 75.

Id like to hear people ideas and what would be the best workaround, and if anyone has been in this situation before.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Personally I would suggest to keep the canister and get a hob skimmer. The skimmer removes dissolved organics and oxygenates the water, which is 2 things that neither the canister or hob will do.

 

[Fishn28]

Personally I would suggest to keep the canister and get a hob skimmer. The skimmer removes dissolved organics and oxygenates the water, which is 2 things that neither the canister or hob will do.

if I got a skimmer what media would be beneficial to run in the canister

 

[Fish Fan]

Are you sure the side panels of your tank are tempered? Many times it's just the bottom pane that's tempered, but you'd want to be sure.

 

[GARRIGA]

How's a HOB going to reduce nuisance algae over a canister considering the canister likely has greater space for biological media. Perhaps more CUC needed vs changing filters as well as what are you current parameters because that HOB might not changed that depending on what fed and how often what is there to consume it.

 

[Fishn28]

Are you sure the side panels of your tank are tempered? Many times it's just the bottom pane that's tempered, but you'd want to be sure.

I would have to check I never thought about that. the tank does have a sticker on the bottom pane that says tempered. How would I check to see if it's tempered? and can I drill with fish in the tank?

 

[Fishn28]

How's a HOB going to reduce nuisance algae over a canister considering the canister likely has greater space for biological media. Perhaps more CUC needed vs changing filters as well as what are you current parameters because that HOB might not changed that depending on what fed and how often what is there to consume it.

my parameters are 0 nitrate and 0 phosphate. I can add more CUC and try that as well as mine is lacking. but I would assume that if the parameters are out of sorts the CUC will be virtually useless until getting the params back in line

 

[FUNGI]

if I got a skimmer what media would be beneficial to run in the canister

Coarse sponge on top basket (water out to pump). This is to only protect the impeller
The bottom ones, fill with LR rubble.........leave it alone for 3 months LOL....
and get a HOB skimmer.
Highly recommend this one:
https://store.coralvue.com/classic-100-hob-protein-skimmer-openbox
But you can find used ones cheaper......

 

[GARRIGA]

my parameters are 0 nitrate and 0 phosphate. I can add more CUC and try that as well as mine is lacking. but I would assume that if the parameters are out of sorts the CUC will be virtually useless until getting the params back in line

Likely nutrients bottomed out because of the algae. CUC only way it seems to battle algae. Fact you don't have nutrients implies your canister working just fine and the main concern is getting some grazers to mow that lawn.

 

[Fish Fan]

I would have to check I never thought about that. the tank does have a sticker on the bottom pane that says tempered. How would I check to see if it's tempered? and can I drill with fish in the tank?

It'd be kind f tough to drill with the tank running, this might have to be a whole tare down kind of project. But in my experience, usually that tag is telling you that the bottom pane is tampered. There is a "test" to determine if the glass is tempered, you need some polarized sunglasses and an LCD screen like your phone or tablet, but again I think you'd have to at least partially drain the tank to do this.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/can-you-tell-if-tank-is-tempered-glass.694438/

 

[Fishn28]

It'd be kind f tough to drill with the tank running, this might have to be a whole tare down kind of project. But in my experience, usually that tag is telling you that the bottom pane is tampered. There is a "test" to determine if the glass is tempered, you need some polarized sunglasses and an LCD screen like your phone or tablet, but again I think you'd have to at least partially drain the tank to do this.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/can-you-tell-if-tank-is-tempered-glass.694438/

I looked it up and it seems as if only the bottom pane is tempered. I will have to look into the process of drilling the tank now. thanks for that insight on the glass

 

[Fish Fan]

I looked it up and it seems as if only the bottom pane is tempered. I will have to look into the process of drilling the tank now. thanks for that insight on the glass

Double check, you don't want to be wrong about the glass :)

 

[Fish Fan]

But drilling isn't too hard, if you decide to try that.

 

[Fishn28]

But drilling isn't too hard, if you decide to try that.

would a 20 gallon sump work for a 75 gallon tank?

 

[FUNGI]

Likely nutrients bottomed out because of the algae. CUC only way it seems to battle algae. Fact you don't have nutrients implies your canister working just fine and the main concern is getting some grazers to mow that lawn.

Rent a sea hare......

 

[Fishn28]

Rent a sea hare......

ive heard those can do wonders. would it be able to eat .5-1inch hair algae?

 

[GARRIGA]

Rent a sea hare......

I'm going one better and buy it but keep it fed. Seems they are the best option for GHA once grown. My pincushion didn't care for that.

 

[FUNGI]

I'm going one better and buy it but keep it fed. Seems they are the best option for GHA once grown. My pincushion didn't care for that.

yeah...comparing sea hare to urchins...its like a SEAR's lawnmover versus John Deere Ride on....LOL
and because of that I always recommend an exit plan for when you buy a sea hare....unless you can leave a head of lettuce in your tank....