[CanadianPlantGirl]

Just a curious question. I spoke with a guy at the local aquarium store and he mentioned that I could drop a piece of, I think it was filter floss in my tank for a few hours to clear up my water a bit. I was wondering if anyone has tried this or if there's another product out there that you can drop in to the water on its own that'll pick up small debris and clear the water. I don't want to add chemical, or add anything in to my filter. I'm really just being picky about clear water.

 

[PlantedRich]

Sounds like a bit too simple to me unless he left out some details!
While there is good reason to believe filter floss will help to clear water when we add it to a filter, I see no reason to think it will suck it out all by itself while floating.
Maybe if the filter floss had good bacteria in/on it, it would give more bacteria to clear ammonia but that's not what he meant??/
It is possible that you could change the way the tank looks by adjusting the media in the filter. There are times when too much tiny debris is passing through the filter and adding something that strains finer bits can help. But many times it is at the risk of adding too much and it winds up clogging and reduces the flow. We can shoot ourselves in the foot!
I find adding simple filter floss can let it wad up more than I like, so I use a cut to fit blue/whited bonded pad at times.

 

[Bushkill]

I agree, they definitely left out a few steps / details.

 

[thedood]

If you really want some water clearing abilities if I might I would recommend purigen. It does have to go in a filter. Purigen is rechargeable by cleaning in bleach water. I have two bags for each tank. I change them out every or every other water change.

 

[Smooch]

You can use filter pads to help clear out the smaller debris that would otherwise bypass a regular filter sponge. Filter floss does a good job as well, Both are much cheaper in places like a craft store instead of buying them in a pet store.

I use pads that I cut to size and Purigen. I like my fish to look as though they are suspended in air, so I get the whole water clarity thing.

I think this floating things in a tank to clarify water is new trend in pet stores. I read somewhere somebody tried to float a bag of Purigen in their tank, then complained that it didn't work. Of course it didn't work, it needs to go in the filter.

 

[thedood]

I think this floating things in a tank to clarify water is new trend in pet stores. I read somewhere somebody tried to float a bag of Purigen in their tank, then complained that it didn't work. Of course it didn't work, it needs to go in the filter.

The water kinda needs to come into contact with the media for it to work doesnt it? LOL People crack me up.

 

[CanadianPlantGirl]

If you really want some water clearing abilities if I might I would recommend purigen. It does have to go in a filter. Purigen is rechargeable by cleaning in bleach water. I have two bags for each tank. I change them out every or every other water change.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check that out

Sounds like a bit too simple to me unless he left out some details!
While there is good reason to believe filter floss will help to clear water when we add it to a filter, I see no reason to think it will suck it out all by itself while floating.
Maybe if the filter floss had good bacteria in/on it, it would give more bacteria to clear ammonia but that's not what he meant??/
It is possible that you could change the way the tank looks by adjusting the media in the filter. There are times when too much tiny debris is passing through the filter and adding something that strains finer bits can help. But many times it is at the risk of adding too much and it winds up clogging and reduces the flow. We can shoot ourselves in the foot!
I find adding simple filter floss can let it wad up more than I like, so I use a cut to fit blue/whited bonded pad at times.

Ugh I thought it sounded to good to be true....

You can use filter pads to help clear out the smaller debris that would otherwise bypass a regular filter sponge. Filter floss does a good job as well, Both are much cheaper in places like a craft store instead of buying them in a pet store.

I use pads that I cut to size and Purigen. I like my fish to look as though they are suspended in air, so I get the whole water clarity thing.

I think this floating things in a tank to clarify water is new trend in pet stores. I read somewhere somebody tried to float a bag of Purigen in their tank, then complained that it didn't work. Of course it didn't work, it needs to go in the filter.

The clearer the better! I love the crystal clear look

 

[AbbeysDad]

Polyester 'filter floss' is an excellent filtration medium (I use in my filters) and when purchased at my local Wally mart, is very inexpensive. However, it doesn't absorb impurities so just dipping it in water is pretty foolish. I think whoever you spoke with is either misinformed or was just messing with you.
Seachem Purigen is an excellent product that adsorbs organics. I used it all the time before I planted my tank. I resist now as I'm seeking a balanced eco-system with minimum chemicals. However, it can aid is crystal clear water.

 

[number1sixerfan]

I have purigen, filter floss and 50 Micron Pads in one of my two canisters and purigen and fine filter pads in my larger FX6.

I find that filter floss and the micron pads need to be replaced/cleaned weekly.. I keep them in my eheim because it's really easy to access and clean. Keep less polishing media in the fluval because it's heavier, more of a pain to clean.

IME the purigen and micron pads (if you don't mind the maintenance) work wonders.. with the filter floss or fine pads being just a bit behind in performance.

 

[MCSLABS]

You can get these filters in various micron sizes, pictured is a 10 micron, I also have a 30 and 50 micron filter. It will polish your water up very quickly. I've also attached it to the intake of the HOB filter, albeit a tad slower it still accomplishes the same job.