Natural filtration

[jdpeters]

I just pulled my RO 150 classic off my 42g cadlights. Even with a moderate fish load it is still super oversized and isn’t pulling the best skimmate. I would like to go back to live rock or live rock rubble in the sump as a cryptic way of filtration primarily. Any thing I should do to the dry dead rock I have? I have a assortment and figured I’d break it up into rubble. Anything I should do to clean it prior or should I just rinse the rock off and throw it in? Thanks reefers

 

[Waters]

I just pulled my RO 150 classic off my 42g cadlights. Even with a moderate fish load it is still super oversized and isn’t pulling the best skimmate. I would like to go back to live rock or live rock rubble in the sump as a cryptic way of filtration primarily. Any thing I should do to the dry dead rock I have? I have a assortment and figured I’d break it up into rubble. Anything I should do to clean it prior or should I just rinse the rock off and throw it in? Thanks reefers

The live rock and Skimmer both perform different functions of filtration. I assume you already have live rock in your DT that is providing enough bacterial filtration. If anything, I would just stop using the skimmer if you want and keep watching water parameters. It doesn't sound like the rubble is needed in the sump at all (I have never been a fan of using it in the sump....just collects a ton of detritus). If you do want to use it though, I would just wash it, throw it in, and again watch water parameters.

 

[jdpeters]

The live rock and Skimmer both perform different functions of filtration. I assume you already have live rock in your DT that is providing enough bacterial filtration. If anything, I would just stop using the skimmer if you want and keep watching water parameters. It doesn't sound like the rubble is needed in the sump at all (I have never been a fan of using it in the sump....just collects a ton of detritus). If you do want to use it though, I would just wash it, throw it in, and again watch water parameters.

I understand one is biological and one is mechanical. I ran this tank about 3 years without a skimmer and the LR in the tank is that old. I don’t care a whole lot about detritus I’ve had undetectable nitrates and phosphates forever.
So rinsing should be good enough?

 

[Matt Carden]

I too am working towards a natural filtration system. I am just starting my tank so I cant give any advice. However Paul B has a shining example of natural filtration but yet still uses a skimmer. He has went so far to make it look natural that he added broken half bottles and a rusty chain to his display tank. Just saying that there are so many ways to make a tank work.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

I am in the school that believes there is no such thing as too much rock. The biggest negative about putting dry rock straight in your sump is it will cycle. Depending on how much you put may cause a cycle in the entire tank. What I would recommend is cycling the dry rock for 3-4 months in a plastic container and monitoring it for ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates. Once completely cycled you can put it into your system, but you want to be very sure it is not leaching phosphates.

 

[jdpeters]

I am in the school that believes there is no such thing as too much rock. The biggest negative about putting dry rock straight in your sump is it will cycle. Depending on how much you put may cause a cycle in the entire tank. What I would recommend is cycling the dry rock for 3-4 months in a plastic container and monitoring it for ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates. Once completely cycled you can put it into your system, but you want to be very sure it is not leaching phosphates.

If I was to do a vinegar bath for the rock and then thoroughly rinse it would it stop the possible cycle?

 

[fermentedhiker]

Clean dry rock won't start a cycle in an existing tank. If it is old dry live rock with lots of organics sure it could cause a problem short term. Some dry live rock(pukani possibly) will have trapped phosphate that will leach into the system but not start a cycle. Mined rock like reef saver or marco rocks won't cause an issue.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

If I was to do a vinegar bath for the rock and then thoroughly rinse it would it stop the possible cycle?

I was referring to dried out live rock. Once a tank is setup I typically cure rock in a separate bin before introducing into my tank. Things leach out and I prefer that happen in an isolated container. It can help to clean it well with an acid before introducing, but any significant amount of rock I would cure separately.

 

[jdpeters]

Clean dry rock won't start a cycle in an existing tank. If it is old dry live rock with lots of organics sure it could cause a problem short term. Some dry live rock(pukani possibly) will have trapped phosphate that will leach into the system but not start a cycle. Mined rock like reef saver or marco rocks won't cause an issue.

Ok it’s clean dead live rock.