Help Calcium Binding Up Filter!!!

DeLBoD · Post by **DeLBoD** » 23 Sep 2003, 16:49

Hello. Me and my water problems again.

Could anybody tell me why calcium is binding up on my polyfilter?(see link)

I did a 15 % water change with pre buffered water and in 24 hours it had completely blocked a new Aqua Clear polyfilter on a 201 powerhead .

The water was treated with Tetra Aquasafe stood with water pump and airstone to circulate for 2 hours, then I added Calcium Plus gravel and left for another 24 hours before using. (GH 5 KH 6 PH 7.5)

Thanks.

http://website.lineone.net/~delbod/CF.jpg

S. Allen · Post by **S. Allen** » 23 Sep 2003, 16:56

no idea what to say on this... jeez, looks like you've been trying to filter Mylanta or something.

DeLBoD · Post by **DeLBoD** » 23 Sep 2003, 19:06

Could it be something that the local water board add to the water to remove particles(like filter-aid, clumps particles for filtering) that my water conditioner does not remove.?
I am investing in a R/O unit very soon to solve my water problems.

Thanks.

doctorzeb · Post by **doctorzeb** » 23 Sep 2003, 19:41

Hi DeLBod

The water board add aluminium Phosphate (i think thats what it is), that acts as a floculator, and removes particles. They also add a magnesium compound for flushing out old pipes, not sure if that would be it though.

You could always call the locla water authority and ask if there has been any rehab in the area, or if they have been flushing mains.

Other than that, all you could do is get the constituents of the water tested. I.e. SEPA should be able to do it for you. By the time they managed it you'd probably be quicker getting you RO unit!!!

good luck

rob

DeLBoD · Post by **DeLBoD** » 23 Sep 2003, 19:55

Yes. I think youâ??re right there doctorzeb.
I shall get the R/O unit ASAP, as even if I do find out whatâ??s in the water there is no other convenient way to solve problem.

Thanks.

BK · Post by BK » 23 Sep 2003, 22:06

I used to have a similar thing happening on one of my fish tank's filter pad but it didn't seem to affect the fish at all when it happened. now that the tank is back at my parents house, instead of in my dorm, it went away.

magnum4 · Post by **magnum4** » 23 Sep 2003, 22:47

Did the tank go cloudy after the water change, or could it just be dust off the coral gravel?

DeLBoD · Post by **DeLBoD** » 24 Sep 2003, 00:34

Ah good point there was a slight cloud to the water about 1-2 hours after change.
The water for the change was completely free of particles as the pump I use has a poly filter built in to it, and it had no sign of this strange clumping on it at all.

magnum4 · Post by **magnum4** » 24 Sep 2003, 18:50

cloudy water might suggest some sort of chemical reaction,( normally instant though). do you add any other chemicals to the water? what sort of phosphste and nitrate levels do you have?

DeLBoD · Post by **DeLBoD** » 24 Sep 2003, 21:22

I have not used any other chemicals apart from white spot treatment a long time ago.

My Nitrate level is 10 mg/l but donâ??t know the Phosphate level as no tester, used to be fine but do think that its time to get a tester.
I did try a new carbon for the filter system â??API coal basedâ?

PhilipAsh · Post by **PhilipAsh** » 27 Sep 2003, 16:06

Delbod,

I have seen the same thing in tanks using tap water.
I use RO/DI and i have never seen it in mine.

Going RO was the best thing i did.
My planted tank really did well without the extra Nitrate and Phosphate.

Phil.