Particulates in water

[Jekyl]

I think I'm just being picky but my water isn't as clear as I'd like. Guessing I didn't do a good enough job washing my rocks or substrate. I'm not running a sump and dont have a protein skimmer yet. My question is what are some ways I can clean some of the particulates up? Simple HoB filter or should I break down and buy a skimmer? Would a skimmer even clear that up? Could I rig up a filter sock in front of a powerhead and run it for a few days?
Thanks everyone

 

[scriptmonkey]

So how are you filtering your water if you do not have a sump with a sock or do not have a hang on back filter?

 

[Jekyl]

Running a reverse UGF system. Pump for the system has a sponge over the inlet but only runs at 350gph. It does clean some of the larger particles but needs a little help.

 

[scriptmonkey]

So it has been a while for me with a RUGF. How long has it been since you added the rock and substrate it and what size tank?

 

[Jekyl]

90 gallon about 2 weeks

 

[Brew12]

A skimmer won't remove particulate. Putting a sock at the discharge of a powerhead isn't very effective. I've tried it before and most of the particles ended up getting flushed back out of the sock. You can use a small pump (Like a cobalt MJ1200) and a small bit of tubing to pump water up into a sock that is hanging on the edge of the tank. And HOB filter will also work.

 

[Peace River]

My understanding is that a RUGF isn’t really a filter, rather a way to stir the substrate. The purpose of the inflow sponge seems to be to keep additional particulates from being pumped into the bottom of the substrate. What am I missing?

The RUGF is a viable tool to clean the substrate and keep gases from getting trapped, but seems to also require separate mechanical filtration to remove the suspended solids. A sump, trickle filter, canister filter, or HOB will all be able to provide the necessary mechanical filtration to some degree. You may also want to search for aquarium polishing. Good luck!