General Care Discussion :: How do I tell if new filter is working?

[kikicool]

Hi there all! So I finally upgraded my filter, mostly because my fiance was giving my crap everyday about the noise. *sigh* I got a fluval 305 (all I could afford right now).

HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS WORKING?? There seems to be a strong current near the outtake hose. However, I don't feel much suction near the intake house. Meanwhile, there is water within the intake apparatus, so I GUESS some is going in...

And it's just so .... quiet. (I left the outtake hose long so it would be under water). I just can't tell if it's working!

Also, it seems like the current is strong enough that it is moving the particles away from the intake filter. GRRRRR. Ideas? Advice?

I'll be in later today to see if anyone had suggestions The turtles seem to like the outtake area. Hang out there a bit, like it's a massage. Cute-like!!!

[wezeles]

With a canister filter if you are getting flow out of the outtake your normally good.. if water wasnt getting pushed through you would have bubbles comming out the outtake and that would mean its just pumping air and not working...

Now I'm not familiar with that specific model but if the water isnt filling the canister maybe you just need to prime it better to get it full,or atleast at the optimal level, there should be priming directions with optimal water level in the manual.

They arnt really all that loud, atleast compared to H.O.T filters because the water isnt waterfalling into the tank all day

Mines just the opposite from yours the intake sucks strong but the outtake is just strong enough to push your finger off it... Mostly because i use a powerhead aswell, but it works fine never had a major problem

You will notice soon enough if that filter isn't working properly. There are lots of signs like bubbles, extra algea,cloudy water, just keep an eye on it but im sure your good.

[kikicool]

Phew! Thanks So far, the water looks REALLY nice. Except for the little pieces of dead skin that circle around the outtake. *sigh* I'll keep an eye out for those signs though, good to know. THanks again!!!

[wezeles]

if your having alot of access shed skin in the tank i would also try turning down the water temp a few degrees, the tend to shed alot when the water is too warm... just make sure it doesn't get too cold... this is more a science then anything, gotta find out every detail for your turtle and its setup on your own.

[mikee]

k-cool – “How do I know if it is working?” If you can not hear it you can put your hand on the unit and is should be vibrating. If you tank was well established and the water was clear and your test are within range, you should not have a problem with it. Your water will get cloudy very soon if it is out of balance. Make sure that the suction side has a cover grate on it as turtles can get caught in that pipe. I cannot do anything about your fiancé, however I would think about that if he/she is that intolerant with a little filter noise.

[Cramer]

You should see debris that floats too close to the intake get sucked in.
And fluvals have large strainers compared to the tube's end diameter, to not make a singular and powerful spot/area of suction. You'll notice this by putting your fingers to it you'll barely feel it, but cup your hand around the entire strainer and you definately will.

[kikicool]

Thanks so much--it IS vibrating, and I CAN feel it if I put my hand AROUND it. Mikee, now I feel like I made the fiance sound like an ogre. He isn't being intolerant, I told him I'd do something about it as an Xmas gift, it's bugged him (and everyone that comes to our house) for about three years--it's right next to the living room, and it's very loud. There is nothing to nothing to think about, really. What's kind of cool is that I put the new filter in without first doing a 100% water change (in fact I just added a few pots-full). And the water is clearer than it was before! So I'm thrilled, I can tell now, almost 24 hours afterwards, that it is definitely working. WOW! I'm thrilled. It IS better.!!

One more question: is it okay that I have the intake and outtake things near each other in the water? Or should they be on opposite ends? Anyone?

[steve]

It's better to have them at opposite ends. Circulates the water better... good for filtering and heating.

[scripta_elegans]

I couldn't do it that way myself, so I just pointed the output jets away from the end which the intakes are on. It seems to work quite well. I never hear my filters, unless there is a problem. It's nice.