If you do, don't use the bio-wheel part of it. It will degas the CO2 you're trying to keep in the tank.I plan on getting a bio-wheel shortly,
Thank you yet again for proving that this was the right place to come to and that you guys are more than willing to save a newbie from his mistakesIf you do, don't use the bio-wheel part of it. It will degas the CO2 you're trying to keep in the tank.
I'm not a noob anymore, but reading these threads still gives me ideas. I have a Magnum 350 and I think it is my ignorance that has kept me using the media cartridge (filled with foam) and filter pad on my planted tank. Duh, why don't I just use the micron cartridge???I prefer the Magnums for my plant tanks. The micron cartridge keeps the water sparkling clear and since my tanks are usually heavily planted, I don't need to rely on the biological part of a filter to keep the ammonia/ammonium in check. I've even had some great luck running only powerheads in planted tanks...but they have all been CO2 injected![]()
You can run the micron cartridge in the Magnum for a week or so until flow slows. By then your tank should be pretty much crystal clear. Then fill the media chamber with poly fill they sell at WalMart (in the craft section, not the fish section), those pillow sized bags should last quite a while. This works almost as well as the micron cartridge and will keep the tank pretty clear once you have cleared it up with the micron cartridge. I usually alternate between the micron cartridge and pillow floss...it saves wear on the micron cartridge and the pillow floss is cheap!I'm not a noob anymore, but reading these threads still gives me ideas. I have a Magnum 350 and I think it is my ignorance that has kept me using the media cartridge (filled with foam) and filter pad on my planted tank. Duh, why don't I just use the micron cartridge???I am mostly using the filter for water movement anyway.
Do you use any pads on the outsdie of the media chamber?Then fill the media chamber with poly fill they sell at WalMart
No, but I should. That would probably cut down on the clogging of the pillow floss in the media chamber quite a bit. Would probably provide a bit of biological filtration as well, though I doubt I need that. I guess I will get some of the Rite Size pads the next time I place an online order.Do you use any pads on the outsdie of the media chamber?
I usually just cut some normal filter pad to wrap around the cartridge and then hold it on with rubber bands. Seems to be much cheaper than those rite-size pads.No, but I should. That would probably cut down on the clogging of the pillow floss in the media chamber quite a bit. Would probably provide a bit of biological filtration as well, though I doubt I need that. I guess I will get some of the Rite Size pads the next time I place an online order.
Where to put the double disconnect valves would depend a lot on your stand and tank setup. I prefer mine to be close to the canister. This provides easier access since my filter (Magnum 350) is under the stand. I can turn off the filter, close the valves, and disconnect everything in the same place. Putting the disconnect valves up behind the tank would make access a bit more difficult since my tank is against the wall.I just bought a Eheim 2213 and got a couple questions. Does it matter on the input and output lines where you add the double connect valves? I want them either high on the lines or really close to the canister in the stand? What is the easiest way to get the kinks out of the lines they get when stuffed in the box or is it necessary? I've used both the magnum 350 and the emperor hob and each has been very good.