Question anout Filter Media Tidal 55

[Corapandora96]

Hello!

I have a Topfin Large Silenstream filter with just the regular ole filter things in there and a Seachem Tidal 55 filter with the ceramic rings in there for my 55 gallon tank.

I bought a filter media replacement kit and a "Polishing Pad" for the Tidal 55 to try to get my water a bit clearer.

Problem is that Im not even totally sure what to add to the Tidal 55. The media kit has carbon filters, sponge filters and more ceramic rings.

Any suggestions on if I should add all or some, or none and just let it alone?

Parameters:
PH - 8.2
Nitrate, Nitrites and Ammonia - 0

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

In my own tidal I have rock rubble and a bag of activated carbon. If I didn't want to run activated carbon, then I probably wouldn't use it.

I would use the polishing pad since you bought it and the carbon, I would not use the spnge and ceramics, there is no need (since the rocks are the biofilter) and it provides no benefit, in fact it can become a detritus trap.

These mechanical filters are good for certain uses, but they don't provide the same benefits as to freshwater aquariums. They do not export nutrients, which is what we want in our filtration. In this case, water changes will remain your only means of nutrient export. If your ever looking to upgrade in the future, IMO a filter and skimmer is better than 2 filters, since the filter can polish the water, and the skimmer will export the docs. Just my opinion good luck

 

[Corapandora96]

Thanks so much for the reply! I was gifted the tank and the topfin filter. I added the tidal55 later because I was told it was the best HOB option to add cause it has a top skimmer already built in. Is that not correct? Or is there a different type of skimmer I should look at?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[TheReefAbides]

the tidal 55 has what is considered a surface skimmer inlet, which basically just pulls gunk from the surface of the tank.

Mr. Mojo may have been referring to a standalone protien skimmer., Which is a dedicated device for removing debris or dissolved organics

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

^^ What he said lol

 

[Corapandora96]

Okay, got it! Thanks so much!