C.A.S.T. - New approach to particle filtration in reefkeeping

Perfect way of pre-filtration not only in sump filters systems Advanced trapping of mainly particulate organic matter (POM) is almost not considered in daily reefkeeping practice. Nevertheless, a powerful pre-filtration makes seawater not only crystal clear, but also reduces the amount of biologically decomposable matter in the system and subsequently lowers substantially the pollution of seawater by ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates and other unwanted compounds.
C.A.S.T. - Cascade Autonoumus Solid Particles Trap

See-through design for quick check Silent operation Emergency water overflow Selectable standard or fine filtration Easy assembling and maintenance Fit-up washable filtration materials	C.A.S.T. particle filter consists of following parts: Filtration Chamber Holder Sliding filtration chamber Removable filtration ladder with one or two layers of filtration fabric Accessory for connecting more filters into cascade

Purpose of Prefiltration - Example:

Let’s say the production of POM (Particulate Organic Matter) in average tank is 5 - 20 µg / l / day and let’s suppose 500 l tank with return pump of 2.500 l/h flow rate. This results in following:

Time period	Volume of water passing through filter [l]	Volume of tank exchanged	POM produced [g]
Daily	60.000	120 x	2.5 – 10
Weekly	420.000	840 x	17.5 – 70
Monthly	1.825.000	3.650 x	532 – 2.129

Without any prefiltration, up to 2 kilograms of POM will each month:

Partially decompose and pollute the tank with ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates and other dissolved unwanted matter. This situation requires powerful nitrification-denitrification technology and intensive phosphate removal
Partially create sediments which could initiate unwanted anaerobic processes in “dead” zones of the tank
Lower the transmission of light through water, affecting negatively coral photosynthesis

Even a part of POM is being removed by skimming in almost all reef tanks the role of prefiltration is irreplaceable:

C.A.S.T. - Components

Filtration Chamber Holder

The holder can be hung on the glass of thickness up to 12 mm. Inlet opening in the cover serves for free water outfall of tube or hose from aquarium. To grooves on both sides keeps the sliding filtration chamber fixed in proper position.

Sliding Filtration Chamber

Inner design of chamber and filtration ladder ensures low-noise water flow. Two openings on both sides of the chamber enable connecting two or even more chambers into the cascade. Cascade connection can be very useful in following cases:

Very high water flow rate between main tank and sump causing the overflow if only one filter is used
Filtration of water containing large amount of particles causing fast clogging of filtration fabric (Highly populated fish-only tanks for instance)

Filtration Ladder

C.A.S.T. offers on basic level two filtration materials:

SF-01-500: Standard filtration fabric
- 100% POP (Polypropylene)
- Very high permeability
FF-01-300: Fine filtration inlet-side-melted fabric
- 100% POP (Polypropylene)
- Permeability 200 l / m2 (200 Pa)

Filtration fabric is delivered pre-cut also as the spare parts. Both materials are fit-up and easily washable. Filtration fabric can be quickly exchanged or inserted into the chamber with the support of plastic ladder.

Water Flow Capacity

Average water flow capacity of 1 C.A.S.T. unit:

1 layer - Standard Filtration Fabric SF-01-500	2.000 l / h
2 layers - Standard Filtration Fabric SF-01-500 + Fine Filtration Fabric FF-01-300	1.000 l / h

Both values are valid for new or fresh washed filtration material. When using fine filtration fabric, please pay extreme attention to at least weekly inspection against clogging.