Question about Crystal Clear

Frank Pippy · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 1

Hi,

I have been using a product called "Crystal Clear" from Aquarium Products in
my 55 gal. tank. I use it about once a week to keep my tank clear. Will
this hurt or kill the fish? Biological filter(Biowheel)? Charcoal filter?
The product works very well at clearing the water but, I'm not sure what the
long term effects are.

My tank is 3 months old and I have been doing regular maintenance.

Thanks

Frank
Newfoundland, Canada

Archived from group: alt>aquaria

NetMax · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 614

"Frank Pippy" wrote in message$cd3$1@nntp-stjh-01-01.rogers.nf.net...
> Hi,
>
> I have been using a product called "Crystal Clear" from Aquarium
Products in
> my 55 gal. tank. I use it about once a week to keep my tank clear.
Will
> this hurt or kill the fish? Biological filter(Biowheel)? Charcoal
filter?
> The product works very well at clearing the water but, I'm not sure
what the
> long term effects are.
>
> My tank is 3 months old and I have been doing regular maintenance.
>
> Thanks
>
> Frank
> Newfoundland, Canada

AFAIK, Crystal Clear is just another flocculent. It works by attaching
itself to, and coating, particles in the water column, making them easier
for your filter to trap. Flocculants can be handy if the mother-in-law
is coming over on the weekend, but it's just a cosmetic effect. A mature
filter media (which is tan coloured, slimy and sticky) should do the job
alone. Just don't clean the filter out too too well (it also has most of
your good nitrifying bacteria). hth

NetMax