NPX Bio Plastics for freshwater aquariums

[Deleted]

Greetings Carl and All,

Thanks for posting information about NPX Bio Plastics....For use in a freshwater aquarium, do they have to be used in a Fluidized Sand Filter? From what I read, the Sand filter gets connected to the Rena tubing, so would have to remain all the time. Are their other ways to use the NPX Bio Plasics?

Your site is the only one that really discusses using the Bio Plastics for freshwater.

I will be reducing nitrates today or tomorrow by doing another water change.... lugging three five gallon jugs of RO water down the stairs. So... I am looking for other ways to lower nitrates, too (smile). I already use three pouches of Nitra-zorb (one new and two recharged), Algone (the bigger size) and a nitrate pad (which really doesn't seem to do anything to lower nitrates...but it was worth a try). Yes, reducing bio load will also lower nitrates (grin). One day, I will count how many fish I have in this 75 gallon.....The cory cats are the hardest crew to count. The others all get a nose count at feeding times.

Judy D.

[Carl]

Originally BioPlastics was designed for only saltwater use because many saltwater tanks have skimmers that can remove the yellowing byproducts, however use of Purigen or similar product has been found to allow for FW use as documented on our web site (as well as by other forward thinking aquarium professionals who originally told me that it could also be used for FW).

Bioplatics do need to be used in a reactor type chamber, which a FSB filter qualifies as.
I personally prefer use in a FSB filter since these are also one of the best if not the best bio filters anyway and an asset to ANY aquarium from basic FW to advanced reef aquariums.

Reference:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Filtration.html#fluidized

Product Resources:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/FluidizedSandFilter.html
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/TwoLittleFishies.html#bioplastics

Carl

[devonjohnsgard]

Oct 24, 2014 9:58:08 GMT -5 @judy4fish said:

Greetings Carl and All,

Thanks for posting information about NPX Bio Plastics....For use in a freshwater aquarium, do they have to be used in a Fluidized Sand Filter? From what I read, the Sand filter gets connected to the Rena tubing, so would have to remain all the time. Are their other ways to use the NPX Bio Plasics?

Your site is the only one that really discusses using the Bio Plastics for freshwater.

I will be reducing nitrates today or tomorrow by doing another water change.... lugging three five gallon jugs of RO water down the stairs. So... I am looking for other ways to lower nitrates, too (smile). I already use three pouches of Nitra-zorb (one new and two recharged), Algone (the bigger size) and a nitrate pad (which really doesn't seem to do anything to lower nitrates...but it was worth a try). Yes, reducing bio load will also lower nitrates (grin). One day, I will count how many fish I have in this 75 gallon.....The cory cats are the hardest crew to count. The others all get a nose count at feeding times.

Judy D.

The NPX have been great to use for me. I use them in a sand filter. I used all the other "Nitrate reducers" and nothing really lowered it for me (not to where I wanted it). The NPX lowered from 160ppm+ to around 10 in less than a week. With it, I don't really worry about bio-load and it will be exciting to see how long I can go between water changes. I keep testing Nitrates each week and when they get around 30-50, I'll do a water change. I'll let you how long I can go.

[Deleted]

Thanks Carl and Devon,

I guess I have something else to add to my Wish List....But....Can I add the Sand Filter and the UV Sterilizer? Don't both have to be connected to the tubing from the Rena Filter?

I like to keep the nitrates around 40 ppm...and right now the reading is about 60 ppm. One of these days, I will photograph my aquariums for you. LOTS of fish.

I didn't buy the water today.... so the water change will be tomorrow or Sunday. I am doing my son's water changes Tuesday (3 hours away).

Cheers,

Judy

[Carl]

Yes, a FSB Filter and UV Sterilizer can be hooked together inline from a Canister filter, assuming adequate head pressure.
I personally prefer a separate power source for the FSB filter rather than 2 devices run in line froma canister filter, however I have set up many tanks over the years with two devices as per the picture below (from our Saltwater Set up article)


References:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Saltwatersetup.html
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2011/09/head-pressure-in-aquarium-and-pond.html

Carl

[Deleted]

Thanks Carl,

I think I would go with another source to power the FSB Filter....I don't want to cut down the flow from the Rena too much.... I have always had problems with it since it is just barely 24 inches below the surface of the water. 24 inches is the minimum distance the filter needs in order to function properly. We noticed problems when we first set it up in summer 2006 - and added two air pumps for more surface action to draw in oxygen.... and in 2010, I added another filter... then in 2011, the circulation pump.

Before I order the FSB Filter, I will ask more questions.

I actually had considered adding UV Sterilizer a few years ago -- but that was when I was getting algae blooms. I no loner have the problem. The UV Sterilizer I was looking at is not the high quality that you sell... so good thing I didn't buy it.

Cheers,

Judy D.