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I've been running Zeo in a filter bag in a high-flow area of my sump for 4 weeks now. I actually had 2 sumps. . .one for my 'fuge (MM and Chaeto) and another to house my ER CS8-1 skimmer.
This set-up was less than ideal, as I the sumps weren't connected and I had to pump water from the skimmer sump into the 'fuge using a separate pump.
Last week I changed both sumps out to a single 40 gallon breeder, getting rid of the mud in the process. I still have space constraints that don't really permit a reactor style Zeo filter so I've been looking for alternatives. I found something that really seems to fit the bill. I went to my local Petsmart looking for ideas, and found the Tetra Whisper 40i internal filter ($26.99). This unit can either be hung on the side of a tank (inside the tank) or completely submerged on the bottom. It holds just about 3/4 liter of Zeolites in a filter bag, which is perfect for my setup. It's rated at 170gph, and the water pumps from the bottom of the unit upward. While the flow rating is higher than recommended, the fact that it's not completely forced through the stones seems like a fair tradeoff.
I've been running the filter 24/7 (changed stones yesterday), and the cyano problem I've been battling for a month is noticeably better. Today is also the first day that I didn't come home to find a green haze all over the inside glass (this was an issue pre-Zeo also).
Hopefully, I've turned the corner with my micro-algae issues. This filter may be an inexpensive option for others to consider as well.
This set-up was less than ideal, as I the sumps weren't connected and I had to pump water from the skimmer sump into the 'fuge using a separate pump.
Last week I changed both sumps out to a single 40 gallon breeder, getting rid of the mud in the process. I still have space constraints that don't really permit a reactor style Zeo filter so I've been looking for alternatives. I found something that really seems to fit the bill. I went to my local Petsmart looking for ideas, and found the Tetra Whisper 40i internal filter ($26.99). This unit can either be hung on the side of a tank (inside the tank) or completely submerged on the bottom. It holds just about 3/4 liter of Zeolites in a filter bag, which is perfect for my setup. It's rated at 170gph, and the water pumps from the bottom of the unit upward. While the flow rating is higher than recommended, the fact that it's not completely forced through the stones seems like a fair tradeoff.
I've been running the filter 24/7 (changed stones yesterday), and the cyano problem I've been battling for a month is noticeably better. Today is also the first day that I didn't come home to find a green haze all over the inside glass (this was an issue pre-Zeo also).
Hopefully, I've turned the corner with my micro-algae issues. This filter may be an inexpensive option for others to consider as well.
Now obtain one of Madison's new HOT Zeo-filter & you'll improve again from where the Whisper can take you. Bob
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