Filter Media

[droidus]

I have a 32g biocube tank, and am using filter floss. I've been doing some research on media that will remove nitrates, nitrites and/or ammonia. I've come upon the following products:

• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OKYDPA/ref=emc_b_5_t
  
• https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1500-ml-pur-sul-sulfur-media-skimz.html (does this need a reactor, or can I just use a mesh bag?)
  
• https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-bulk-biopellets.html (does this need a reactor, or can I just use a mesh bag?)
  
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DJHY0/ref=emc_b_5_t

Thoughts on each? What do you use, or recommend?

 

[tdileo]

If you need to remove ammonia and nitrite, there is a problem with your tank. Either you have die off or the tank is not cycled.
Nitrate on the other hand, is harmless to fish unless the levels are in the hundreds ans contributes somewhat to algae growth but also your corals growth. You can’t have true zero and keep corals.
Do you have a protein skimmer running on your tank? If not it may be worthwhile to look into one, they will undoubtedly help reduce nitrate and phosphate by removing organics before they have time to break down.

 

[Retro Reefer]

I use chemipure blue and floss as a mechanical filter that I change every few days in my Biocube, that’s all you really need along with water changes.

 

[droidus]

If you need to remove ammonia and nitrite, there is a problem with your tank. Either you have die off or the tank is not cycled.
Nitrate on the other hand, is harmless to fish unless the levels are in the hundreds ans contributes somewhat to algae growth but also your corals growth. You can’t have true zero and keep corals.
Do you have a protein skimmer running on your tank? If not it may be worthwhile to look into one, they will undoubtedly help reduce nitrate and phosphate by removing organics before they have time to break down.

My nitrites are 0.
I have two test kits that I use now, and ammonia tested .1 on one, and 0 on the other. Not sure if this is a thing, but maybe it's a good back up plan if something were to die?
I would like algae growth, and plan to someday have coral. What is a good range to be in for algae growth/corals, but yet not to harm the fish? I've been told that if nitrates measure 25 or more, then it's time for a water change. And I do not have a skimmer.

 

[Retro Reefer]

My nitrites are 0.
I have two test kits that I use now, and ammonia tested .1 on one, and 0 on the other. Not sure if this is a thing, but maybe it's a good back up plan if something were to die?
I would like algae growth, and plan to someday have coral. What is a good range to be in for algae growth/corals, but yet not to harm the fish? I've been told that if nitrates measure 25 or more, then it's time for a water change. And I do not have a skimmer.

Having algae growing in your main display is probably not a good idea.. once it has rooted into your rock work it can quickly take over your tank and be very hard to eliminate.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Is this tank an aio or do you have a sump?

As others have stated you do not need media to remove ammonia and nitrite. The nitrogen cycle does that for you.

You can do things to help keep your nitrate in check....turn off pumps during feeding, change filter floss regularly, do not overfeed etc. A skimmer would be a big help.

If you have a sump there are nitrate removing medias but require a low flow area to be affective. I keep a brightwell NO3 Xport plate in my fuge and never see my nitrate above 5 but that could be for other reasons who knows.

Sulphur and biopellets need a reactor and biopellets need to be used in conjunction with a skimmer

In systems with coral generally lower the better while not being zero. In fish only systems nitrate levels can be much higher without harm to the fish.