No filter!!

[808jaymakoa]

Just curious but recently I've heard alot of discussion of people with no filter and just running a skimmer. Is this common or bad advice? I'm just curious as I want to learn but to me a filter would be the most important piece of equipment other than a tank itself. I don't mean to offend anyone with this but my common sense is saying why?

 

[Reef Pets]

What kind of filter do you have in mind? Many people use a filter sock which is simple but it works as a filter.

 

[808jaymakoa]

I have a filter. Cascade cannister filter. This post was just for my personal learning About different set ups people have. I'm relatively new to this hobby and just want to learn

 

[Reef Pets]

I think a canister filter does a great job as an all in one unit. The trays in a canister unit can hold media such as carbon and also filter pads. Many people have taken it to the next level by using a reactor for media such as carbon and then use a filter sock which serves the same function as filter pads. In reality they are using the same type filtration but consider it filterless because a filter unit such as a canister is not used. On the other hand there are some people that rely on water changes and doe not use a filtration nor do they use a skimmer. Myself, I use filter socks and a reactor for carbon and also a skimmer.

 

[glb]

I've read that the concern with canister filters is that they can produce a lot of nitrates as debris accumulates. But I've also seen that people use them successfully if they're kept clean. But a skimmer removes things that a filter won't, so I would get a skimmer. I don't know about tanks that have both. Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in. Good luck!


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[808jaymakoa]

Hmm interesting. I guess I never thought about not having a cannister filter on my tank. I have a cannister filter and also run a skimmer and uv sterilizer. And my water is crystal clear and clean. I was just unaware off how many people didn't have cannister filters. Me being a rookie I just assumed filters were a must

 

[mike007]

I only use a skimmer on my tank with strong circulation and live rock. This tank has been set up for years and is doing great.

 

[bfam4t6]

This tank has been set up for about a year and 4 months. Never had a filter. Just a hang on back skimmer.

 

[navila06]

I use a filter sock and a skimmer only. I used to have a canister, but I got incredibly lazy with it and my trates were always around 40ppm, since removing the canister and only running a sock and skimmer, my nitrates are undetectable on a red sea test kit.

 

[Battlecorals Verified Sponsor]

A skimmer would qualify as a filter

 

[reefer newby]

My tank is only 4 months old. I run a flu val 305 canister with an octopus hob skimmer rated for twice the size of my tank , which is a 55 gal tank. I do clean my canister every 10 days religiously. I run a cut to fit poly filter in the 2 bottom trays. My nitrates are all but undetectable. My water is so crystal clear , you can't even tell it has water in it. I also use 2 - 700gph water circulators. As Phil Robinson says , I'm happy , happy , happy. And so are my fish.

 

[Mr. D]

The basics of what is needed in a reef aquarium is proper flow through the live rock, and it can be argued, a skimmer to remove organics yet dissolved. Filter socks, hang on the back filters, running carbon etc. are more for aesthetics, but do serve the purpose of removing particulates in the water column or removing various toxins secreted by the corals (the use of carbon) among other things.

Hope that helps!

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[JetStarheart]

Ok.. Please explain what "running a sock" means?

 

[Mr. D]

Ok.. Please explain what "running a sock" means?

It means placing a filter sock (a fine mesh sock) where your water enters the sump area. This catches particles out of the water. There are different sizes;sole catch down to 100 microns.

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[808jaymakoa]

Would u say a filter sock is more efficient than a good cannister filter

 

[glb]

Would u say a filter sock is more efficient than a good cannister filter

The nice thing about the sock is it's much easier to clean and change than any medium in a canister filter.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[johnanddawn]

20+ years without the type of filtering your talking about. I don't even have a sock.

My filtration system is far more complex then most people have room for though. I have a skimmer tank, a lit refugium tank, a cryptic tank (dark with just live rock, sponges, and other filter feeders) lots of flow in the tank, bb, and plenty of settling areas for detritus out side the display.

However;
I think if you use it properly and keep it clean - it will benefit your tank. But there are easier ways to accomplish the same thing in the long haul and eventually you'll get tired of cleaning that thing weekly.