Is this a good idea?

Elan · Apr 10, 2009

I was just assembling my Tunze nano skimmer reef package (that comes with an overflow filterbox) into my 20g frag tank. Because of my lighting (wich is a t5 fixture) the skimmer is on one side and the filter box is on another. I was just thinking i could substitute the microfibers it comes with, with cheato algae. All i would have to do is keep the top off of it and light will be able to reach inside. waalah! I now have a fuge. Would this work (will the pump get clogged) or will it be more efficient to run carbon and phos? I have a phos reactor lying around but i can only run carbon or phos (not at the same time, right?). Input on this idea will be greatly apreciated.

Thanks, Elan

ZOABOY · Apr 10, 2009

Dont run phos unless its a true sps tank.

SaraB · Apr 10, 2009

ZOABOY said:
Dont run phos unless its a true sps tank.

Curious about the reasonings why you say that? I run it in non SPS tanks with no issues. I understand LPS can handle and also likes more dirty water, but why let pesty algae grow with high phosphates?

ahayes13 · Apr 10, 2009

personally i would run the phos reactor. like sara said i guess why would you not. if you can lower or eliminate phosphates in your system, how could that be a bad thing??? i think the filter box with chaeto in it would be fine. ive seen lots of people use them that way. or for that matter you could pick up another cheap one, and run one with the filter floss and the carbon and do the other as the fuge. just a thought.....

gparr · Apr 10, 2009

No matter what you're growing, if you have algae, you need to take steps to eliminate it. If you don't have algae, you need to prevent it. I grow primarily LPS and leathers and run carbon and phosphate (gfo) remover on both tanks. I have since added chaeto on a reverse cycle in my 65, in addition to the gfo, and have seen a marked difference in the film algae that grows on the glass in less than a week. I was not having a problem with algae on other surfaces. My water clarity has improved measurably, too. I'm now adding chaeto to my 40 on a reverse cycle.

Elan, no reason you can't mix some gfo with carbon in your reactor. Most people change out their gfo less frequently than their carbon, so two chambers makes sense. If you don't mind throwing away the gfo with the carbon, go ahead and mix them. Your next question will be What proportions? I can't answer that because it depends on your needs. Just don't overdo the gfo initially because, if you remove too much phosphate too fast, your corals won't like it. I get my carbon and gfo at Bulk Reef Supply.
gary

Elan · Apr 10, 2009

I am well aware of gfo and carbon quantaties and use. I have two reactors on my 75. The thing is this is a frag tank, so space is limited. I think i will run the reactor with both and turn the box into a fuge.

Thanks, Elan

gparr · Apr 10, 2009

Sorry, didn't mean to offend you. Hope it works out.
Gary

Elan · Apr 10, 2009

sorry i didnt mean it in that tone. Didnt offend me at all. Sorry for accidentally offending you by seeming offended. Just didnt want you to write too much. (weird how that turned out eh?)

Sorry, Elan