Chemi-Pure? Carbon? Nothing?

[ronaldvalente]

What does everyone use for chemical filtration?

I have been using Chemi-Pure the last 5 years.
Just wanted to see what everyone else was using.

FWIW I have two Eheim 2217 can's on my 75G tank.

Thanks,
Ron

[TexasCichlid]

At most, Purigen. I don't want stuff absorbing my ferts and my water quality is fine without it.

[ronaldvalente]

Originally Posted by TexasCichlid

At most, Purigen. I don't want stuff absorbing my ferts and my water quality is fine without it.

How much purigen do you use in your can?
What size tank?
What filter?

Thanks!

[ronaldvalente]

Not bad: Seachem Purigen 500ml $20.67

[Diana]

I do not use a chemical media that removes stuff from the water.

I use peat moss to add organic acids to some tanks.
I use coral sand, oyster shell grit or cuttlebone to add minerals to some tanks.

I keep activated carbon and zeolite on hand in case of emergency, but they have been sitting on the shelf for years.

[somewhatshocked]

Carbon: only when removing medication.

Chemipure/Chemipure Elite: never

Purigen: always. I usually run two pillow packs in 2217s and a single pillow in 2213 and smaller.

[ronaldvalente]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Carbon: only when removing medication.

Chemipure/Chemipure Elite: never

Purigen: always. I usually run two pillow packs in 2217s and a single pillow in 2213 and smaller.

I was looking at running two 100ml bags one in each can.
According to Seachem directly, I only need a single 100ml bag.
I like to double everything in this hobby.

[somewhatshocked]

If you have two filters, I'd definitely run a bag in each one.

[Oxl]

Yeah the 100ml bags are what you want, remember not to ever let them dry out and they will last for years. To recharge you soak in a bleach/water solution (a day or two with occasional agitation), then soak/agitate in a prime solution, then put right back in the canister.

Carbon is only effective for around 3 days of water flowing through it and is only needed to remove meds or chemical spills.

[BBradbury]

Originally Posted by ronaldvalente

What does everyone use for chemical filtration?

I have been using Chemi-Pure the last 5 years.
Just wanted to see what everyone else was using.

FWIW I have two Eheim 2217 can's on my 75G tank.

Thanks,
Ron

Hello ron...

Save your money and start changing out half the water in the tank every week, no slacking!

Water changes done properly, will take the place of carbon (chemical) medium, because by flushing a lot of pure, treated tap water through the tank, weekly, there's not time for toxins to build up to a harmful level before it's time to remove and replace the water again.

I'll take the frequent water change subject a bit further and say you don't need to go to the expense of overfiltering your tank if you can commit to changing out large amounts of tank water weekly. If you do, then your filter's just filtering water that's already pure.

Pretty simple.

B

[ronaldvalente]

I am a filtration fanatic.
That said I still do 20% changes weekly.

Very good points too.

[somewhatshocked]

Swapping 50% of water every week can be harmful if it's not necessary. Not in all cases, but it's definitely risky and can be confusing for those new to the hobby. Especially with those who keep sensitive shrimp.

Water changes actually can't take the place of a resign like Purigen. Not on the polishing front and not even when it comes to removing tannins from water.

Stick to what you're doing, OP, as you have the right idea and won't regret it. Crystal clear water.

[ronaldvalente]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Swapping 50% of water every week can be harmful if it's not necessary. Not in all cases, but it's definitely risky and can be confusing for those new to the hobby. Especially with those who keep sensitive shrimp.

Water changes actually can't take the place of a resign like Purigen. Not on the polishing front and not even when it comes to removing tannins from water.

Stick to what you're doing, OP, as you have the right idea and won't regret it. Crystal clear water.

Don't worry, I will never back down from my stance on filtration.

Purigen ordered.

[Kathyy]

No chemical filtration here, just large regular water changes with pretty good tap water. No shrimp, no sensitive fish in my tank.

[ronaldvalente]

Ordered two bags of 100ml Purigen for my Eheim 2217 filters. I also decided to pickup some Seachem matrix to throw in the top of my Eheim filters as well. I have a bunch of room left in the cans that I want to fill up.