Emperor 400: Nitrate factory?

[Gmandese]

I've been using an Emperor 400 HOB filter on my main tank, almost since I started it up. I use it for additional mechanical filtration, as well as a way to introduce carbon into the system. however, I DO NOT use the bio-wheels, they are removed. My water is always nice and clear.
Now, I have my sump, a DIY ER skimmer, and a filter sock on the end of my overflow hose.
Am I better off without the 400? I seem to always have a nitrate level hovering around 10-15, and my zoos aren't too happy, not opening all the way. The other livestock seems ok, but my nano has much happier livestock with just a skimmer and a small Aqua Clear.
Also, the 400 has a lot of algae and slime growing on the return chutes.
What do you think?

 

[marrone]

I used one, also without the bio-wheel, on my 35hex and also have a sump and never had a problem with nitrates but you haveto take it off every so often and clean it as you get a build up on sand, algae and junk inside the filter.

I think it's fine to use and it give you water movement and you can place carbon and things in it but you do need to clean it out completely.

 

[Gmandese]

That's probably my problem. I haven't completely removed it and cleaned it, I guess there's a lot of stuff growing.
I DO like the way it keeps the water clean though.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I use a penguin 330 with the biowheels, clean it regularly and no problems with nitrates at all.

 

[Gmandese]

OHH BOY!
That was dirty, all right. I also found a bunch of whitish larvae clinging to the insides all over the place. About 1/4 inch long. Whatever they were, they're down the drain now.
My flow was suffering too. There was a lot of sludge all over the sides and bottom.

That's it. Gets cleaned every month now.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

G My I clean mine the week before I do my water changes as not to disrupt anything important in the tank.

 

[Gmandese]

I just did both now.

 

[lokitosweetlips]

i have 2 tanks with fluvals and they said that fluvals are realy bad with nirates and my tank has 0 nitrates all the time even my girls tank the same set up with no problems try different things and use what works for you

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Lok I just set up a 404 for a friend of mine and the only thing I don't like about them is the return nozzle. Was wondering if you could attach a scwd to one?

 

[Tonyscoots84]

there supposed to be when the garbage gets stuck in there thats when it becomes a problem.. when its so fresh and so clean no problem..

 

[Tonyscoots84]

Lok I just set up a 404 for a friend of mine and the only thing I don't like about them is the return nozzle. Was wondering if you could attach a scwd to one?

i def. wouldnt do that.. lolz... scwd reduce alot of pressure which will cause ur fluval to prob. overwork..

 

[DevIouS]

Lok I just set up a 404 for a friend of mine and the only thing I don't like about them is the return nozzle. Was wondering if you could attach a scwd to one?

Yes.......but it will reduce the flow considerably.


You can also connect the regular black "U" tube returns for a better appearance.

 

[House of Laughter]

I have an idea, why dont you ditch that thing and get a minjet 606 or even a powersweep 212 for flow instead of that Emperor thing - now that you have a sump, you can do carbon down there.

JMHO

House

 

[DevIouS]

Agreed.
If you have a sump....theres really no need for the HOT filter.

& Tony....the SCWD will reduce output flow, but the fluval will not "overwork" itself.
The SCWD will switch slower will less flow.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

House I would get a sump but I have a 29g tank now and I live in an upstairs condo with neighbors from hell downstairs and a 3 year old who gets into everything and a 4 month old who in a few more months I would expect will take right after his sister like a clone!! (whew that was a mouthful LOL) Going to UG to a 55 soon maybe then I'll try the sump not sure though flooding downstairs would be very bad. I am looking at houses now and when I get one sump is a definate just need someone to help me build it. Untill then HOB stays

 

[Tonyscoots84]

when its done make sure everything is fail proof.. stuff does happen but there are ways to try to make sure that stuff dont happen.. again nothing is guaranteed but patience and well thought out is the key..

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

LOL Tony 2 times LOL Tony 2 times.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

i deleted one... something happened dont no what went wrong.. lolz...

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

:lol: :shhh: