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For little particulates in the water, does accuclear the best solution, or what other solutions are there? Afer water changes with my gravelvac, many pariculates come up, and i end up using accuclear to clump them up and let the power filter do the cleaning.

Accu Clear-clumps up particles so the filter will suck them in.(for those who dont know):

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Is there a reason why you don't just allow your filter to clear up the water by itself? Or does it not have the capacity to do so?

I'm not a big fan of adding much of any type of chemicals or solutions to my tanks no matter how "safe" they are suppose to be.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

You shouldn't have to add anything to the tank to help the filter remove particles. You either need a bigger filter or more and finer media in it.

Nice dense fine grain carbon filter inserts are pretty much the best thing for getting rid of fine particulate matter.

What is your particulate matter? Is it minerals, and stuff from the substrate, or is it just bits of food and fish poo? If its the latter you might need a higher flow rate and more efficient filtration. If its minerals and rock dust there are formulas that can help reduce their presence, but to be honest id rather use mechanical filtration to shift them over chemicals.

I already have a Gph of... actually i forgot, but i know it was over 4x the gallons in my tank(a ten gallon). all i use AccuClear for is the 10 gal.. And that is only when i gravelvac it and the gravel releases Fecis and other stuff. But i agree with all of you, the accuclear is somewhat of a shady product, when i used it for my 20 gal(3 gouramis, 2 swordtail females, 2 platies) the fish all hid and my fry(they hid in my riverrocks before i could catch them) came out and swarmed, catching all the edible particles. its like theyre drugged. maybe it had something to do with the salt...........


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Some floating particles or temporary cloudiness of the water after vacuum cleaning is normal. You do not need to use any product to clear it up. The tank should be cleared up within a few hours, if your filter is effective.

My Filter does clean it up, but i used to (not anymore) be impatient so i used it. Although in some dire conditions, it has been known to stay clouded for long periods of time.

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every time I do a gravel vac/water change I get particulate matter in my ten, but the filter picks it up in an hour or so. Gets kicked up when I put the fresh water back in. My fault most likely, if I'd pour more slowly it wouldn't happen. As was said before you probably need finer media in the filter. I am using an auquaclear filter with two sponges, and a piece of fine floss to catch the finer particles.

Whats the filter model, we might be able to suggets a mod to make it more effective.

Penguin biowheel for the 30 gal. (dont know the number.)

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I dont like to use unnessary chemicals unless I have to. The filter should be picking up the particles or they should settle shortly after you are done with the gravel vac. I dont want to make you sound like an idiot or anything, maybe you could be a little more gentle with the substrate when vacuming. Strait down actions rather than sturring the gravel?
If you are filling the tank back up with a bucket, and this is where the problem lies, maybe you should consider investing in a Python. Best $32 I ever spent. It truly is a time save and will help with the vacuming and filling of your tank.

"There is also a Clown Pleco in this tank some where. I am telling you, HE IS IN HERE."