[bananablack]

what do i need to do to make my water crystal clear. my tanks been set up for about 3months now. when i go to the lfs their water looks like glass; while mine is noticeably hazier. i use ro water and instant ocean, 2 mj1200 powerheads.

thanks

[Jeremy0322]

You could try some carbon and see if it helps. Just make sure you get the stuff that does not have phosphates, i think that is the bas stuff in some carbon.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

When you get the carbon get a phosphate test kit if you dont already have one.Put two or three table spoons of the carbon in a cup of tank water and let is soak for about 30 minutes stirring occasionaly.Then test it for phosphates.If you get positve results get a different carbon.

[emccullough1]

I use Pure Flo 50 Micron Filter Pad to polish my water they are cheap and can be washed just don't use soap. You can get different sizes but this is the one I purchase.
Pure Flo 50 Micron Filter Pad 12" x 18"
I just cut it to fit and put it in the bubble traps in my sump and hold it in place with plastic clothes pins. But you can put it any ware that the water will flow through it. You will be happily surprised how well it works for something that only cost a few bucks and is not any kind of chemical

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I agree with Ed that filter pads do a great job removing chunks and if you have very narrow over under baffles they make great bubble traps.But they dont have the kind of chemical reactivity to remove excess amonia and other polutants like dye's from food flakes and the dozens of other things that discolor water.Now there are the poly filters by poly bio marine that will remove anything from amonia to heavy metals and phosphates.They will even remove medications from the water.The drawback to these filters is there expense at about 25$'s a square foot.When it comes to removing chemicals like amonia and polishing water you cant beat phosphate free carbon filtration.

[bananablack]

ok, filter pads it will be... thanks