Filtration idea/question

[Eddie7144]

Im experimenting with filtration. My idea is to remove all bio balls and filter socks from my diy wet/dry filter and just run an over size skimmer and cheato. Would this be adequate method of filtration? I see all the lfs just use this method and want to try this on my tank

 

[James M]

You need some type of mechanical filtration

 

[Sailingeric]

All I run is a skimmer and chaeto. A lot of people go without socks.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Chaeto will assist with nitrate reduction but I also agree, you need a combo of mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. if not a sump, use at least a canister (which I despise for maintenance) or Hang on back unit such as Red Sea or CPR units

 

[jtl]

Chaeto will assist with nitrate reduction but I also agree, you need a combo of mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. if not a sump, use at least a canister (which I despise for maintenance) or Hang on back unit such as Red Sea or CPR units

Vette, you have a great looking tank so I trust your opinions. I was once told that chaeto, which I have a difficult time growing, will help with PO4 but not so much for NO3 or do I have it backwards? What are the levels in your tank?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Vette, you have a great looking tank so I trust your opinions. I was once told that chaeto, which I have a difficult time growing, will help with PO4 but not so much for NO3 or do I have it backwards? What are the levels in your tank?

will help with both. For me, has been nitrates.

Phos - .66
Nitrates- .03
Nitrites - .01
Ammonia- 0
Ca- 393
Mag- 1268

 

[jtl]

My nitrates 0.5 and my phosphates are 0.025. Ca around 420, Mg 1300, Alk 9

 

[jtl]

My nitrates 0.5 and my phosphates are 0.025. Ca around 420, Mg 1300, Alk 9

 

[vetteguy53081]

My nitrates 0.5 and my phosphates are 0.025. Ca around 420, Mg 1300, Alk 9

Bring nitrates down a bit. What is your salinity?

 

[jtl]

Bring nitrates down a bit. What is your salinity?

Salinity is 35pts. I recently raised the Nitrates a little because they were barely registering. Lots of opinions on nutrient levels and I feel like I have read volumes. BRS claims PO4 between 0.1 and 0.2 and NO3 between 1 and 2 is what to shoot for. I thought this was interesting.
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/following-the-masters-part-two.301/

Myself I like lower. My tank is by no means where I want it to be and I fail at pictures but I feel it is coming along.

 

[Dan_P]

Im experimenting with filtration. My idea is to remove all bio balls and filter socks from my diy wet/dry filter and just run an over size skimmer and cheato. Would this be adequate method of filtration? I see all the lfs just use this method and want to try this on my tank

Why are you experimenting? What are you trying to achieve?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Why are you experimenting? What are you trying to achieve?

I don't think its' so much that he is experimenting as he is trying to achieve an alternate method of filtration while removing the bioball concept and on a budget.

Ultimately, I would replace bioball and mesh with a protein skimmer while and having a chamber just for fuge . I would leave one or both socks for micron sediment entrapment

 

[Dan_P]

I don't think its' so much that he is experimenting as he is trying to achieve an alternate method of filtration while removing the bioball concept and on a budget.

Ultimately, I would replace bioball and mesh with a protein skimmer while and having a chamber just for fuge . I would leave one or both socks for micron sediment entrapment

I think that I will let eddie7144 answer the question

 

[vetteguy53081]

Salinity is 35pts. I recently raised the Nitrates a little because they were barely registering. Lots of opinions on nutrient levels and I feel like I have read volumes. BRS claims PO4 between 0.1 and 0.2 and NO3 between 1 and 2 is what to shoot for. I thought this was interesting.
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/following-the-masters-part-two.301/

Myself I like lower. My tank is by no means where I want it to be and I fail at pictures but I feel it is coming along.

My suggestion: As you are tweaking to get to desired levels, verify your current levels by starting with a water sample to a trusted LFS and have them test to compare with your readings to assure you are getting accurate results and take it from there

 

[Eddie7144]

What vetteguy said lol, i just want to see if its a better wat to go for the tank. Would it be more efficient.

 

[Dan_P]

What vetteguy said lol, i just want to see if its a better wat to go for the tank. Would it be more efficient.

I don’t quite understand what you mean by more effecient or a better way to go. Less money, less work? Why don’t you like your current approach?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Im experimenting with filtration. My idea is to remove all bio balls and filter socks from my diy wet/dry filter and just run an over size skimmer and cheato. Would this be adequate method of filtration? I see all the lfs just use this method and want to try this on my tank

That method works fine and many people use it. [emoji3]

 

[Captain Quint]

Great thread and as usual great input as well.

Any wet/dry I ever had with BioBalls was always replaced with LR...LR rubble, a good old ASM skimmer, cheato, and several mangroves (mainly for looks) considering how many it would actually require to make a big difference.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Great thread and as usual great input as well.

Any wet/dry I ever had with BioBalls was always replaced with LR...LR rubble, a good old ASM skimmer, cheato, and several mangroves (mainly for looks) considering how many it would actually require to make a big difference.

There are always alternatives and a method that works best for each individual. Bio balls although back in the day effective has been substituted with alternative methods and all this person wants is what we all want:
To find a method that works at a low cost and we all have tried a method, a light, a chemical, etc. We are always trying to have the most effective method with sustainability without breaking the bank or going stark crazy. This hobby is almost a method of continuous improvement not failure.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Captain quint actually hit it........... replace balls with live rock rubble. Will do wonders with established bacteria and reduction of those levels over time

 

[Captain Quint]

Captain quint actually hit it........... replace balls with live rock rubble. Will do wonders with established bacteria and reduction of those levels over time

Thanks for the kind words. I only 'hit it' because I've made so many mistakes keeping tanks since 1974. ugh...and I've made plenty. lol