Hi-Q Zero water exchange filtration kit!!

[Tuhan]

http://www.hiq-usa.com/ I was looking at this site. I was a little sceptical at first but I'm starting to think that this is a good idea/concept. What do you guys think?

-Tyler

[BFG]

I'm a bit wary when there's something called 'Magic' in a product. Just my opinion though.


On another note, do you know what's the meaning to your nick Tyler?

[aquaSynthesis]

I'm a bit wary when there's something called 'Magic' in a product. Just my opinion though.


On another note, do you know what's the meaning to your nick Tyler?

a very big, big, big meaning..

[FishSoup]

Hmm, i have my doubts about the filter system.

The main substance which makes water changes necessary is nitrates, which is formed from nitrite which is itself formed from ammonia released by fish. While the transition from ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate is carried out very effectively by various types of bacteria under aerobic (i.e. in the presence of oxygen) conditions, the conversion of nitrates back to atmospheric nitrogen (process called denitrification) has to occur under anaerobic conditions(i.e. in the absence of oxygen).

This product uses (i quote) "bacteria culturing mineral blocks which provide an anoxic environment where nitrates are converted into harmless nitrogen gas." I am suspicious of this, as for an environment to be anoxic, there cannot even be healthy flow of water through the zone, as water contains dissolved oxygen. As water will be flowing through the the towers, the anaerobic bacteria probably only live deep in the blocks in which there is little or no water flow. How efficient can the denitrification be , if this is the case? Some denitrification probably does occur, but i suspect in quantities too small for most home aquariums. Of course, in tanks with very very light bioloads, these small amounts of denitrification may be sufficient. But i wouldn't be totally convinced of that.

The other problem would be the release of hydrogen sulfide and other toxic substances by these same anaerobic bacteria that remove nitrates from the water column. I wuld not dare risk my fish dying of hydrogen sulfide poisoning just so i can save myself the efort of doing my partial water changes.

The website also states that "nitrates are removed by live plants, which are encouraged to grow by the gravel bed of the undergravel filter." While plants DO remove nitrates, they do not grow well in tanks that utilise undergravel filters, as the filters interfere with root uptake and growth. Any planted tank enthusiast will probably tell you that if possible he would not use undergravel filters in his planted tanks.

The only thing that makes sense is the claim that activated carbon in the filter can remove some of the nitrates. As such, many fishkeepers have activated carbon in their filtration systems. Anyone can reap the benefits of activated carbon; all he has to do is replace it every 3 months or so. The procurement of this system is not required.

My own 2 cents, i may very well be wrong any of the pros here free to share your thoughts?

[Panut]

good one.

[Tuhan]

Hmm, i have my doubts about the filter system.


The other problem would be the release of hydrogen sulfide and other toxic substances by these same anaerobic bacteria that remove nitrates from the water column. I wuld not dare risk my fish dying of hydrogen sulfide poisoning just so i can save myself the efort of doing my partial water changes.

Are you saying that if the mineral blocks remove that nitrates there is a build up f hydrogen sulfide?

[blue33]

If you are going for planting, you can forget it, there's no easy way for planting, thats part of this hobby, unless you want to go for fake plastic plant like their picture shown.