Can I run the filter included in this kit totally under water? OK, just fixed it, glad I asked...thank you! Do you think the beneficial bacteria was still growing on the cartridge anyway? I will give another dose of Safe Start later as a boost. I have been monitoring the water parameters as this is a new setup, and they are all at 0 (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates). Can I run the filter included in this kit totally under water? OK, just fixed it, glad I asked...thank you! Do you think the beneficial bacteria was still growing on the cartridge anyway? I... » Read More Can I run the filter included in this kit totally under water? OK, just fixed it, glad I asked...thank you! Do you think the beneficial bacteria was still growing on the cartridge anyway? I will give another dose of Safe Start later as a boost. I have been monitoring the water parameters as this is a new setup, and they are all at 0 (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates). « Show Less
574581
Not a good idea with this model since the filter media slides into a slot on the top, if it were fully submerged the waste that'd be filtered out would then be released back into the tank, making it largely useless. There is a fill line indicated on the filter and you can adjust how high/low to set the filter. Hope this helps!
574582
You can but it will not filter the water due to the fact that the water being filtered is separated by the filter and the inlet on the back side of the pump. If the pump is completely submerged the water will simply flow over the top of the pump and bypass the filter
574583
I would say yes, but they do have filters you can get that you can put totally under the water. Only about a quarter of an inch is above water so I don't see why not. I don't think it will hurt to try.
574584
Yeah I don't think you can fully submerge it. I put mine in deep enough to where the filter slot on top isn't exposed to water and it has worked fine and also the water flowing out doesnt make noise when I do that. why do you want to fully submerge it for?
1960285
I use this unit currently. I can't believe people pay way more than this for units that simply do the same thing. Anyways, I have only replaced two of the filters so far: Coralife 05700 PureFlo 1 Micron Sediment Filter Cartridge and Coralife 05702 Pure Flo II R/O Carbon Block Cartridge. Once you search and find those filters, finding the De-Ionizing filter will be simple. As you face the front of the unit (as depicted on the box) the order is - left to right - 1 micron prefilter, carbon filter, and finally, de-ionizing filter. Easy! Good luck.
245875
You need to replace the sponges IMMEDIATELY with a better filter medium. Look through the reviews and you will find what to use. Otherwise this is a great, quiet little filter for very small aquariums.
1602940
Put it in to the filter. It is the place for the bacterias to live. But they can live in every surface of the tank and filter. Check the level of ammonia in the water, if it's OK you probably don't need it.
1739911
If it is really 15 microns then this is not even close to the ability of the lifestraw at .2 microns or other sub micron filter. There is a lot of stuff that can get through 15 microns. If you didn't get sick that just means the water wasn't biologically contaminated with something bad for you in the first place.
375927
I use a silver nitrate cartridge and shock (weekly?/usage) with "Leisure Time Renew". I use this product as a daily/by daily disinfectant. You don't need a lot, just test your water often. This is a good product and lasts if used correctly. I'm satisfied with the results and would recommend it. Good Luck!
878115
Mine doesn't float, it's flush with its base. As long as your foam block is still completely submerged by water and your filter intake is working, you shouldn't have a problem. Are you using a water test kit? If not, I highly suggest the API Master Test Kit. It measures levels of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate in your tank to make sure they are not exceeding toxic and potentially fatal levels in your tank. Keep testing your water and if your levels are OK, your foam block is doing it's job.
2132461
This is just for you to remove protein build up . You should still run this in conjunction with a filter , prefferably something like a wet/dry , something like a Eheim Canister filter (not sure what size you are trying to setup, so cannot recomend the model). The protein skimmer is not a mandatory item to have in a salt water aquarium (I had it off mine for a few months before I got to put in the replacement) , but it does significantly improve water quality for the fish . Some hardy fish will do without it , but if you want to have a nice healthy aquarium , this is the way to go . Mine has just the Eheim 2217 and this Skimmer for over 3 years now , and the same clown fish since the initial setup. This is just for you to remove protein build up . You should still run this in conjunction with a filter , prefferably something like a wet/dry , something like a Eheim Canister filter (not sure what size you are trying to setup, so cannot recomend the model). The protein skimmer is not a mandatory item to have in a salt water aquarium (I had it off mine for a few months before I got to put in the replacement) , but it does significantly improve water quality for the fish . Some hardy fish will do without it , but if you want to have a nice healthy aquarium , this is the way to go . Mine... » Read More This is just for you to remove protein build up . You should still run this in conjunction with a filter , prefferably something like a wet/dry , something like a Eheim Canister filter (not sure what size you are trying to setup, so cannot recomend the model). The protein skimmer is not a mandatory item to have in a salt water aquarium (I had it off mine for a few months before I got to put in the replacement) , but it does significantly improve water quality for the fish . Some hardy fish will do without it , but if you want to have a nice healthy aquarium , this is the way to go . Mine has just the Eheim 2217 and this Skimmer for over 3 years now , and the same clown fish since the initial setup. « Show Less
1526666
Mine is installed on cold water. I would figure from past experience that this filter would not be the best choice for water hotter than 100F. That is manufacturers max recommended temperature. If you want to filter water, say for beauty shop use the best setup would to use big blue as a pre-filter before an on demand hot water heater that way only cold water is filtered. There is a plethora of cartridges available for this housing. Filters as fine as .05 microns are available. It depends on your application. Note the finer the filter the slower the flow. I hope this helps. If you need more info ask another question and I'll try to help you. Mine is installed on cold water. I would figure from past experience that this filter would not be the best choice for water hotter than 100F. That is manufacturers max recommended temperature. If you want to filter water, say for beauty shop use the best setup would to use big blue as a pre-filter before an on demand hot water heater that way only cold water is filtered. There is a plethora of cartridges available for this housing. Filters as fine as .05 microns are available. It depends on your application. Note the finer the filter the slower the flow. I hope this helps. If... » Read More Mine is installed on cold water. I would figure from past experience that this filter would not be the best choice for water hotter than 100F. That is manufacturers max recommended temperature. If you want to filter water, say for beauty shop use the best setup would to use big blue as a pre-filter before an on demand hot water heater that way only cold water is filtered. There is a plethora of cartridges available for this housing. Filters as fine as .05 microns are available. It depends on your application. Note the finer the filter the slower the flow. I hope this helps. If you need more info ask another question and I'll try to help you. « Show Less
1719048
http://truaqua.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/how-to-setup-an-undergravel-filter-on-aquatops-st-series-of-tanks/
665755
Sawyer's claim for the filter is that it removes 99.99999% of all harmful bacteria and 99.9999% of protozoa. Viruses are not included nor are other impurities mentioned. I have written to Sawyer to ask about tannin and brackish water and will reply again once I receive a return message. I'm not sure when that will be, but hope it will be soon.Keri-LynnFour Seasons Survival
535652
Good questions. Please allow me to refer you to the real authority on water purification. Bill Yost of Flat Fish USA can answer your questions regarding the ceramic water filter. I recently purchased a number of these filters through my city. I have confidence in his advice.
1720452
It seems to work fine. I'm thinking you need a little wiggle room for water movement Yes I got one that takes chlorine and it's evil twin BUT you have to ask for that one, and be aware There is about a month break in for the filter (Oder) after that smooth nice clean water. I live in an area that agressively treats the water and the water has many impurities.....but not for me now!
1345896
Actually, the filter doesn't have _any_ charcoal in it! Like K. Baker says, "The filter is like a very loose sponge." Actually, it's like two loose sponges glued to a center frame. [Makes ya wonder if/how the glue affects the water.] You can actually see through the "filter". I fail to see how these filters can do anything other than remove giant particulate; they're low-budget quality. But I'm a new Cleanflow owner--less than a week--so maybe I'm dead wrong about the filter's effectiveness... but how can a "see through" water filter be a good thing?
508951
We have had great luck with the ApI Filstart xp - m. My 13 year old was able to set it up and manages it. Every couple of months we wash out the filters so far. It's very quiet except for the water return but you can just take the nozzle off and then its super quiet. Our turtle hated the noise kept trying to knock the return off but quit after we took off the nozzle and made it quiet. It probably doesn't aerate as much but it doesn't seem to matter for us. Very clean water
22344
That's what I have done; because of my hood, I can't raise the lip of the filter very much above the level of the water. I would have liked to be able to; that way there would be some aeration. I do have a smaller model in my 5 gallon betta tank that I don't have supplemental air. Because of this, occasionally I notice a sheen on the surface of the water. If your fish can handle extra circulation, I say go ahead and do it. I've been using a Top Fin pump from a local business that is still going strong after a year
1743283
I would agree with Dennis. Depends on amount of fish and the filter being properly colonized with beneficial bacteria and the amount air volume available for the filter. Many factors to consider.