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  1. George Farmer

    Oase BioMaster Thermo 600 - Filter Media Quantities help needed

    I just use the supplied OASE media. Never had an issue with it. In a healthy planted aquarium the plants do the majority of the biological filtration. Buying more media is a waste of time and money in my view if you have a heavily planted and healthy aquarium with sensible fish load and good...
  2. George Farmer

    Fluval G6

    Just pour it in, no bag.
  3. George Farmer

    Fluval FX6 with 16 /22m Hose

    I used an FX5 on a 240 litre with inline heater and inline CO2 using a reducer. No issues at all. I'm going to do similar soon with the new FX4.
  4. George Farmer

    Fluval G6

    Hi, Yes, I have used the G6 and G3 since they were released. The chemical cartridge has a removable lid. Pop this off and fill with chemical media of your choice. I buy carbon in bulk (much cheaper) and replace every 4 weeks or so. It's not essential but I like crystal clear water. You can...
  5. George Farmer

    Glass Lily Pipes on Large Diameter Acrylic Tubes

    Hi, Your filter will be fine. :)
  6. George Farmer

    Glass Lily Pipes on Large Diameter Acrylic Tubes

    When you say acrylic tubes, do you mean filter hose? I made a half moon hole in the side of my Signature cabinet. More details in my journal (click the UKAPS logo in my sig).
  7. George Farmer

    Fluval G6 or Not

    Hi mate, try emailing their customer service. I'm sure they'll help you out. Be sure to mention UKAPS.
  8. George Farmer

    Inline heater on the filter inlet?

    Sure, it will just need cleaning more often. :)
  9. George Farmer

    Eheim Electronic Filter Discussion

    I was speaking to an owner of one of these recently. The default flow rate setting is not maximum and a PC is required to adjust it higher. Not good news for Mac owners.
  10. George Farmer

    Biological filtration - one for Darrel, Clive and co.

    http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Ad ... ne.0023281 A bit over my head but the gist is that a lot of filters don't actually contain bacteria! If someone cleverer than me could put the article into laymans terms, that would be great. :) Another interesting article -...
  11. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Lol. Don't panic, I'm not about to change anything!
  12. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    I'm curious now; all this testing talk. I have some unopened ELOS test kits and might have a play, just for fun!
  13. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Agreed. Kits have their place. Approximations to determine one's hardness, whether or not you have N and P present in your tap, and to test for NH3/4, NO2 during cycling/using Aqua Soil etc. Also handy to test if you have a big power cut etc. All these are recommended. Just don't rely on them to...
  14. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    I mix 70-80% RO with 20-30% tap. No buffers or re-mineralisers. I could use 100% tap; have done for years previously, but I prefer to keep my tetras etc. in softer water. As a side I'm not a big fan of testing or trying to achieve specific target values. Hobby-grade test kits are generally only...
  15. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Gradual rise is entirely normal. I doubt many folk would see a decrease or even stable level. Remember that plants actually produce organic waste, as well as consume nutrients. To get an equilibrium would be a challenge and not necessary due to our water changes. I do wonder what the...
  16. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    I'm no scientist but this is how I understand conductivity relates to us as aquarium owners... It's basically a measurement of how much 'stuff' is in the water. Absolutely pure water will have a conductivity of zero i.e. it won't conduct electricity. The more dissolved minerals, organics etc...
  17. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Screens fine on all the models I've seen.
  18. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Not sure what's causing their issues. My inline diffuser is very near to the filter. This helps prevent the microbubbles from forming into larger bubbles in the filter hose, I assume helping prevent cavitation/"burping". It's worth noting that the 4BPS quote is using the glass inline-type...
  19. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Needless expense. Simple as that mate.
  20. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    I use the regular pre filter. The fine type does restrict flow quite quickly. If I want to polish the water for photo shoots I add carbon to the supplied chemical cartridge.
  21. George Farmer

    Eheim Electronic Filter Discussion

    Forgot to mention that Do! Aqua is ADA's budget range. Still nice quality though.
  22. George Farmer

    Eheim Electronic Filter Discussion

    They move the water differently. You can guess how they're going to perform by the shape of the outlet. The 17mm Cal Aqua provides minimal surface agitation but good water column movement, for instance. The ADA Poppy has the opposite effect - loads of surface movement but little water column...
  23. George Farmer

    Eheim Electronic Filter Discussion

    Glassware filter pipes in the UK are only available from specialist outlets, although I believe TMC are releasing some soon or may have already. These will likely be an inbetween the cheap eBay stuff and premium brands, both in terms of cost and quality. Ask your local TMC stockist.
  24. George Farmer

    Eheim Electronic Filter Discussion

    The cheap lily pipes work fine but the glass can be much thinner so they are even more fragile. The finish is not as nice either. But at 30% or so cost of ADA, Cal Aqua etc. then I guess one can afford to replace them more often. Judging by your posts on here I would get the best you can afford...
  25. George Farmer

    Eheim Electronic Filter Discussion

    I reckon most external filters have a similar drop off in flow due to the head height, media, hoses etc. Hagen have just let folk know. When you see the prefilter and how tight the mesh is it's no wonder there's such loss. They do an even tighter-pore prefilter for polishing the water even...
  26. George Farmer

    Eheim Electronic Filter Discussion

    Just cleaned my G6 today. It took 23 seconds. :mrgreen:
  27. George Farmer

    Recommendations for external filter in 125L

    I've heard the Eheim is also a great filter so it's not like you've wasted your cash. Proabably quieter than the G6 too.
  28. George Farmer

    Recommendations for external filter in 125L

    I don't know where you've got your info from but it's incorrect. Check it out - http://www.fluval-g.com/filterspecs_e.php In summary the G6 has a pump output of 2460lph, and actual filter circulation of 1000lph. I would personally be happy with that in an aquarium up to around 300 litres.
  29. George Farmer

    Recommendations for external filter in 125L

    The G3 has an actual flow rate of 700lph. Probably more than the TetraTex EX1200. The G6 has an actual flow rate of 1000lph. Probably more than the JBL 1500e. You can usually knock about 50% of the manufacturers claimed flow rates as these are the maximum possible generated directly from the...
  30. George Farmer

    Recommendations for external filter in 125L

    Ease of maintenance is also a consideration.
  31. George Farmer

    ADA Vuppa

    Agreed. I'm usually a big fan of ADA styling but this seems a step in the wrong direction. What happened to their concept minimising the impact of equipment on the aquascape!? Very surprising.
  32. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    That will be fine, especially in a healthy planted tank where the majority of bio filtration is done by the plants.
  33. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Re: Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 Google search "fluval g6 youtube"... ;)
  34. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Re: Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 No. The microbubbles produced from the (Up Aqua) inline diffuser travel straight into the filter and get completely dissolved before re-entering the water column. I've ran up to 4BPS with no cavitation, or build-up of CO2 gas. It's a very good way of...
  35. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Re: Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 Regarding the Purigen issue - I have been contacted by Hagen who tell me it is possible to pop off the lid of the supplied chemical media cartridge, remove the supplied media once it's exhausted and use your own. This is great news for those who wish to...
  36. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Re: Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 Liam, consider moving your diffuser onto the inlet side. It's what I've done and it's great. I'll talk about conductivity tomorrow if I get time. Or try Google.
  37. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Re: Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 Simple answer - don't replace the media. Once the chemical media is exhausted you can remove the cartridge and run it without. Like I said, plants are great chemical filters... I've replaced the pre-filter once in 18 months. If you clean it every week or so...
  38. George Farmer

    Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...)

    Re: Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 I've ran a G6 for over 18 months. Best filter I've ever used. I've raved about this filter a fair bit on UKAPS and elsewhere. It comes supplied with all the media you need. If you want to add Purigen, you can, but the supplied chemical filtration cartridge...
  39. George Farmer

    Fluval G6

    Hi, I am currently running a G6 on my 275 litre. It's great. I have inline CO2 and no additional powerheads. Circulation pattern and filter maintenance are more important than plain flow rate... The 10x guideline is a basic good intro into the importance of circulation for beginners, but it's...
  40. George Farmer

    Will my new filter be enough?

    The FX5 is plenty big enough. I ran one on my 240 litre with 16mm fittings and it was fine.
  41. George Farmer

    Tip for cleaning filter hosing

    Nice one, John! Thanks for sharing. :thumbup:
  42. George Farmer

    filter advice from shop...is it correct????

    950lph is likely fine. Even if you only get 1/3 of that then that's 5x turnover. With lower lighting and decent maintenance, lower levels of circulation are acceptable in my experience. I realise the 10x 'rule' is commonplace - it's a nice round figure for planted tank beginners that will...
  43. George Farmer

    filter advice from shop...is it correct????

    If the filter is going outside the cabinet I don't see the problem with kit going up past the cabinet? I have done the exactly the same.
  44. George Farmer

    filter advice from shop...is it correct????

    Check this out - viewtopic.php?f=20&t=12757
  45. George Farmer

    filter advice from shop...is it correct????

    That is overkill. The Fluval G6 is a superior filter IMO, and £70 less. No built-in heater though.
  46. George Farmer

    filter advice from shop...is it correct????

    You're welcome, Mike. Enjoy your nice new Eheim!
  47. George Farmer

    filter advice from shop...is it correct????

    Remember the 10x 'rule' is only a guideline. When I started writing for PFK about "hi-tech" methods in 2006 this was one of the "rules" I talked about. I actually got the idea from Justin Law's older stuff circa 2005/6. His amazing contest-winning 35 litre had an Eheim external. Since then I...
  48. George Farmer

    filter advice from shop...is it correct????

    Hi Mike That filter is an excellent choice. Excess flow is not an issue, especially if you use a spraybar or lily pipe. If you are using any inline gear i.e. external heater or inline CO2 diffuser, then this will also reduce flow. I have a Fluval G6 on a 60 litre (2460lph) and it's great...
  49. George Farmer

    Pipes & flow rate

    I would say positive.
  50. George Farmer

    Pipes & flow rate

    One factor remains constant; more hose length = less flow, as the pump has to work harder to shift a greater qty. of water. Where it gets a little more complicated is hose diameter. Ideally the hose diameter needs to appropriately match the filter pump rating. Let's look at two scenarios. 1)...
  51. George Farmer

    How to clean the tubes for glassware? &take glasswareoff?

    Re: How to clean the tubes for glassware? &take glasswareoff Very carefully! I've broken half a dozen inlets and outlets over the years, including a friend's ADA lily pipe! :oops: The best way I can recommend is to pinch around the hose near the glass where it's attached. The gently twist...
  52. George Farmer

    "Stumpy" 17mm glassware inlet?

    Good points, Viktor! Thanks for the feedback. :thumbup: I agree it's a good idea to shut off the filter inlet/outlet valves to prevent air ingress if the water line is dropped. I've used a nano ("stumpy") 12mm inlet in taller aquariums (36cm and 45cm tall, and with Aqua Soil) but did not...
  53. George Farmer

    "Stumpy" 17mm glassware inlet?

    15cm for me in this case. But I'm not forking out my own cash to risk making these, so it's up the potential investor; in this case Edis and Juri. I do think it's a great idea, the more I think about it. Especially in these more environment-conscious times (less raw materials, less energy to...
  54. George Farmer

    "Stumpy" 17mm glassware inlet?

    Trouble with 20cm is that you won't be able have 10+cm substrate in a 30cm. 10+cm substrate depth at the rear is common, and many like to keep their inlets in the rear corners.
  55. George Farmer

    "Stumpy" 17mm glassware inlet?

    I think 15cm is a good length for most shallow tanks. Here's a sketch of my idea - Patent pending! :lol:
  56. George Farmer

    "Stumpy" 17mm glassware inlet?

    If you think about it, "stumpy" inlets have many advantages over their longer counterparts, even in larger aquariums. -They're shorter, so much easier to clean -Less prone to breakages -Use less glass in manufacture I would use these even in bigger tanks. What advantages do the longer...
  57. George Farmer

    "Stumpy" 17mm glassware inlet?

    We're on the same wavelength, Ed... ;)
  58. George Farmer

    "Stumpy" 17mm glassware inlet?

    No, because of the design of the inlet. By shortening the end that fits into the inside of the aquarium, the 'blanked' off end will become a 17mm diameter open hole that will potentially suck in shrimp and fish. edit - unless the glaziers can cut out a section along the length and re-join...
  59. George Farmer

    "Stumpy" 17mm glassware inlet?

    Hi all, I'm after a new 17mm glassware inlet for a future shallow set-up that's 30cm tall. Most 17mm glassware inlets I've seen are around 30cm in length, which is too long. This would mean the inlet end would have to be inserted into the substrate! Has anyone seen any 17mm glassware inlets...
  60. George Farmer

    Your Tank vs. Filter Size

    I usually use external canisters to gain a minimum of 10x turnover. I'm not a fan of powerheads in the tank. Currently - 60x30x36cm - Fluval G6 120x45x45cm - Fluval FX5 25 litre nano - Built-in 300lph.
  61. George Farmer

    What Goes In Your Filter

    Current thinking is that it's a waste of money to get modern media, as a healthy planted tank is more than capable of dealing with the majority of nitrogenous waste, if you stock sensibly. Like Sam says, sponge is adequate. Our resident super-scaper, Peter Kirwan, uses the same I believe. I...
  62. George Farmer

    NA ADA Tank filtration...

    I doubt the NA Gallery uses the 10x rule. They have an army of staff to maintain the tanks - daily water changes etc. Their tanks are also relatively low light, so CO2 and it's delivery doesn't have to be as spot on as a typical high light set-up.
  63. George Farmer

    Eheim 2260

    They're expensive but the Fluval G6 has a pump rating of over 2000lph, and tested actual flow rate of 1000lph (that's with inline diffuser and heater with 12mm glassware). They're also relatively small and the easiest to maintain filter in the world. In terms of quality, they're in a...
  64. George Farmer

    Filter Recommendation for ADA Mini-m

    I've a spare Fluval FX5 if you're interested!! :lol:
  65. George Farmer

    Seen these anywhere? Aquili Glass Spray Bar

    I'm sure Aqua Essentials used to stock it. Maybe worth contacting them, even if it's not displayed on their site.
  66. George Farmer

    16/22 mm Clear tubing for external filiters

    Just ordered 10m of this for my two tanks I'll be taking to the London Art Gallery on Wed 3rd Nov. I hope it arrives in time!
  67. George Farmer

    Juwel Bioflow filters in Planted Tanks...Need Help!

    I actually like the Juwel internal filters. These two 'scapes were filtered with one in my old Rio 125. More turnover can be necessary and is often recommended, but it isn't always essential. If you're going non-CO2 then I'd say that more turnover isn't necessary, as the plants' demand...
  68. George Farmer

    eheim 2217 x2

    Yes. 2 x 39w T5 with reflectors is plenty for your size tank.
  69. George Farmer

    eheim 2217 x2

    2 x 2217 is ample for most situations, including high-energy planted, in a tank of that size. What are you planning to do with the tank?
  70. George Farmer

    flow rates for dummies

    Hi Roy and welcome to UKAPS! Good question! The 10x guideline assumes you have a regular external filter that do not produce their max flow rate. So you have a 120 litre tank and filter it with a 1200lph external filter. In reality you're only get around 600lph perhaps. So in reality your...
  71. George Farmer

    How much filtration is needed?

    Am I missing something? Your tank size is 500 litre, so 10x would be 5000lph. So your current filter (3200lph) plus 6000lph power heads gives almost 20x turnover.
  72. George Farmer

    How much filtration is needed?

    Depends on your goals. Are you after a hi-tech planted tank? In which case you may need to supplement your current filter with either another filter or powerhead(s). However, If you keep up water changes and other maintenance tasks your current filter is up to the job, I would say. Do you...
  73. George Farmer

    Cleaning behind Jewel filter

    I never bothered cleaning between the glass and filter when I had my Juwel Rio 125 with the internal filter still fitted. Also, I never replaced the sponges; there's no need. I removed the white pre-filter and replaced the carbon and nitrate sponges with another coarse blue sponge. Then...
  74. George Farmer

    type of filter for 60x30x30cm tank

    The Eheim 2211 is probably under-rated for a high energy planted tank. I'm surprised you found the 2213 too much. What outlet were you using? I use a 1200lph external on a same size tank (higher rating than an Eheim 2217...) Check out this thread for more filter related info -...
  75. George Farmer

    Cleaning your Filter Pipes

    Every time I clean the media (monthly) I clean the filter inlets, outlets, hoses, external inline heater interior and hose connectors. Amazing how much flow is restricted by dirty hoses and connections. It's a good habit to get into IMO and I'm well practiced now, so it doesn't take long.
  76. George Farmer

    Opinions please

    High levels of flow/circulation are only really necessary in high-energy set-ups. What lighting, CO2 and nutrient dosing regime are you running?
  77. George Farmer

    Connecting Fluval FX5 to 17mm lily pipes?

    Does anyone have any experience, or have any info about connecting an FX5 to 17mm lily pipes? The FX5 comes supplied with 25mm anti-kink ribbed hosing go I guess I'd be looking at some sort of adaptor. To be honest I've not even opened the box so am not sure if I can replace the hose entirely...
  78. George Farmer

    Filter Recommendations, Please.

    Good news, Dave. Glad you like the new filter and even more glad you've not jacked in the hobby!
  79. George Farmer

    Filter media Question

    It's great for polishing the water for the short-term, but clogs very quickly so isn't best for constant longer-term use. Personally I'm not fussed about the media in my externals. I usually use whatever is supplied with the fitler and clean it monthly. Occasionally I will use carbon to...
  80. George Farmer

    Filter Recommendations, Please.

    Dave, These are awesome and cheap. http://www.cdaquatics.co.uk/aquaone-aqu ... mpaign=All
  81. George Farmer

    10x flow, ok for fish?

    Hi pjf220 and welcome to UKAPS! Depends on the fish, as well as how the flow is distributed. It's possible using koralia-type powerheads, lily pipes or spraybars to have (claimed max.) 20x flow without excess turbulence. On the other tank I kept a betta in a 25 litre nano with a 300lph...
  82. George Farmer

    Fluval 205 pipes, size help

    Regular 16 or 17mm hosing fits the Fluval 205, so you can replace the rigid hosing with that. 17mm glassware is generally a lot more fragile than 12mm so be careful!
  83. George Farmer

    Eheim 2180

    It'll likely weigh around 20Kg when full. Another option is the Fluval FX5.
  84. George Farmer

    Fluval G Series

    The flow rate is an interesing one, as the stated flow rate is the actual flow rate, so could be a lot more powerful than given credit for. I know someone who has been running the G3 and G6 for months, and with no reduction in flow rate either, indicating the pump is very high quality (or their...
  85. George Farmer

    Would this be a suitable filter?

    Hi ellana and welcome to UKAPS! The Hydor external filters are ok but are pretty basic i.e. no self-prime, awkward maintenance. Consider the Fluval 105. Dan Crawford uses one on his 10 litre nano to great effect. A 200w inline heater will be fine. It will simply turn on and off more...
  86. George Farmer

    25 Times Turnover = Cloudy Water?

    Hiya mate Have you considered using Rowaphos, less flow and a heater cable? Just kidding. :D It does sound like bacterial bloom but it very weird how it's happened now, as your EX2400 should prevent that. Is there anything you've changed except for adding a new filter to the existing...
  87. George Farmer

    TT SprayBar

    Hi Jon I have to admit to never seeing any transparent clips suitable for spray bars in my time. Thinking outside the box, I wonder if T5 lamp/reflector clips may work? I will try to rememer this evening and have a look for you. If they fit and I can attach them somehow to a suction cap I...
  88. George Farmer

    Hydor koralia nano

    I use one. Silent and efficient. No complaints at all.
  89. George Farmer

    Fluval 405??

    A Fluval 405 is a good size for your tank. Positioning the spraybar vertically in the rear corner, flowing across the back glass works well. Or horizontally along the back, or horizontally on a side glass. Consider aesthetics and performance for your individual layout.
  90. George Farmer

    To lily or not to lily?

    I consider glass lily pipes more useful in aquaria up to 90cm. They are fragile and broken easily if you're not careful. I've broken two or three now, but I'm a bit heavy handed (or clumsy, as my wife will tell you!) Cleaning them is a bit of pain and you'll need to do it quite regularly if...
  91. George Farmer

    Cheap Lily pipes

    Hi Simon, Of course, we can discuss 'inferior' products, but we should use tactful language to avoid offense.
  92. George Farmer

    Cheap Lily pipes

    Yes, but not on our forum where libel may become an issue. PMs work well for 'delicate' matters. Feel free to PM me if you wish to discuss this matter further.
  93. George Farmer

    Cheap Lily pipes

    Thanks, Dan. I've deleted some posts as it was heading into a supplier-bashing thread.
  94. George Farmer

    Super flow!

    Thanks, Fred. Let's not get too concerned with actual turnover rates. Truth is, most of us lose a significant amount of flow through in-line heaters, CO2 reactors, filter media etc. etc. I may actually get around to actually measuring my flow rates one day...
  95. George Farmer

    Super flow!

    Brilliant filter! Loads of media capacity, excellent self-prime, 1550lph and fairly quiet. 32 watts I think. It started out in life in Jeremy Gay's 120cm Iwagumi (Jan '08 PFK). Then in a couple of my 120cm 'scapes supplemented by a JBL external (1200lph). Then in Dan Crawford's tank. Now...
  96. George Farmer

    Super flow!

    Thanks, Ed. 25x turnover... :mrgreen: 10x is old-school. lol Yes, it's great to be able to mess around with my tanks again. I've re-scaped it after Emily looked after it (well) for 4 months. Nothing too off-the-wall for now and I've kept most of the old plants and all the fish. What I'm...
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