Filters

[Ohyouknow]

I have acquired two filters - used - from my boss. One is a fluval 303 canister, and the other he calls a 'quicksand' filter... It has silica sand in it, and just looks like a tube? 2 hoses on top, Inlet and outlet - I guess I just don't know how it's supposed to work or if it's something that would even be beneficial. by what I'm reading online, neither of these would be enough for my tank alone - but was thinking of using with my wet/dry that's almost done. Hoping some of you know what a quicksand filter is, and maybe have some input? And how big of a tank is a fluval 303 good for?

[xrayjeeper83]

the 303 moves 222gph

[RTR]

The sand or fluidized bed is a specialized bio-only filter. Pump size and flow is critical - too much and you blow out the substrate (sand), too little and it does not fluidize. IME they are excellent low upkeep biofilters. most operate best with prefiltered water, and rinsing the prefilter is the normal upkeep on the unit. At long intervals some sand may need replenishing (restarts after power failures may blow a little bit out).

[Dadof4]

I run a fluidized sand filter on my 250 gallon tank and absolutely love it. It takes a little tinkering to get it fluidized but once you do, like RTR said, they are an awesome biologic only filter. Some people use DIY fluidized sand filters but I purchased mine. It came with a suggested pump, listed optimal flow range, and flow control knobs. I then use two Marineland C-360 filters with Sponges and filter floss only for mechanical filtration.