Live rock in external canister filter pros/cons?

[1979fishgeek]

Hi guys

I have been running a 50l Nano for about 4 months, it started as my 'pest' tank a place to put corals that need trimming back in my 900l DS. But it started to look pretty cool in its own right, its full of Paly, Zoa, Xenia, GSP, Toadstool leathers, Sinularia, encrusting Gorgonia. Few chunks of live rock, clean up crew of 5 hermits. I am hooked on Frogfish decided to put a Clown/Wart frogfish in it next week, its tiny at present only 2 - 3 cm and will be eating very small mysis sized foods.

Currently my only filtration is a Red Sea Prizm Deluxe Protein Skimmer (which I owned since the 90's!) and live rock. I want to put a large external filter on the tank removing all the foam and media and just putting some very mature live rock in it from my other sump as it's covered fauna.

Can anyone see if this will cause a problem, in theory is it still going to process waste biologically and be a safe for mysis to breed which I have a big colony of....thinking it's like a dark refug in a sump?

Good idea or not.... ?

 

[cloak]

It will most likely turn into a cryptic refuge of sorts, but I don't think you need it on the tank if all is well now. What are your parameters?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

you just have to keep the detritus down. so that means regular cleaning. if it runs well and does not collect funk its probably fine. keep an eye on you Nitrates. building funk =nitrate factory.

 

[ebushrow]

I'm not sure if the flow would be too strong for the mysis....my guess is yes in a canister filter....the flow across the live rock may also be too rapid for efficient nutrient exchange/biological breakdown of wastes...and of course as said above, you will really need to clean it well and fairly often so it does not become a nitrate sink.

My personal theory...."if it is not broke, why fix it". I know many reefers that have had really nice tanks that start to chase an issue only to crash the tank...remember in reefing, it is all about stability and proactive practices, and hopefully less reactive practices...

 

[1979fishgeek]

I suppose as it's only ever housed inverts. I am hoping the additional canister will provide more capacity (as it increases the tank from 50l to nearer 60l) so more water more stability. I have had issues balancing flow rates and the small wave maker will send a frogfish flying or worse suck it in. The canister gives excellent flow but it's less aggressive.

I got mysis everywhere in the main sump, including inside the biopellet and GFO/carbon reactors. Can see tiny perfect little shrimp swimming up and down dancing to each other, I assume they are mysis but could be from my Peppermints spawning. Was hoping when I move some of the live rock over they go to, if they can deal with Bio Pellet Reactor they can easy live in a canister.

Parameters have been very stable, I just been doing weekly water changes of 25l. I top up daily with RO as evaporation is this tanks biggest issue.