One,Two,Three,Four .. i need help with FILTER!

[Jare86cmp]

Hello there REEF2REEFER's,

I've recently started cycling my tank a JBJ 30 gal rimless , It is basically 25 lbs BRS reef saver dry rock , about 25 lbs caribe sea ocean direct sand, 150 watt neo therm heater and a a sicce 2.o pump .

While i wait on the tank to cycle i want to get my filtration in order . i don't want to do the same thing i did on my other tanks before this one , which is basically use a Media basket with filter floss, purigen and chemipure elite.. seems like everywhere i read or search that seems to be the safe route to go with all in one tanks . I was thinking of running 2 media reactors and a protein skimmer . one running GFO and the other carbon . do you think that is sufficient ?

I also cant make up my mind on which media reactor i should go with . its a toss up between the aquamaxx or the minimax FR-S. and for the skimmer everyone seems to point me to the tunze 9004

anyone here have experience with any of these things mentioned or perhaps know something that is better and fits in the rear chambers of these tanks.

Thank you in advance for any input JARED​

 

[EriksOasis]

I have the jbj45 and run a tunze 9004 dc and it’s awesome I really like it. I run the stock media basket with filter floss and matrix in the middle and bottom. The chamber to the right of the media basket I have chaeto growing and that’s it for filtration. I upgraded the return pump to a single sicce 3.0.

 

[Jare86cmp]

I recently purchased an aquamaxx reactor from another user and was wondering if that reactor is any better than the mínimas reactor . Also I’m wondering if anyone have equipment for a jbj 30rl tank for sale .. I’m interested in an ATO another reactor a 9004 skimmer maybe a reefkeeper if the price is right .... I would post in the marketplace but it doesn’t allow me to ..

 

[EriksOasis]

I would search the marketplace and see what’s there. Also if you use Facebook you may have some local reef groups you can ask or check and see if they have anything for sale.

 

[Jare86cmp]

can i add a reactor with GFO and another one with Carbon before there is any trace of phosphates? or would i have to wait to add the GFO. tank is currently in the ending stages of cycling .

 

[PatW]

I use several methods.

I have an over sized protein skimmer. Also I have a light bioload.

I dose vinegar. It provides food for bacteria. They multiply and suck up phosphates and nitrates. The skimmer removes them. This method really works on nitrate reduction.

I have a sump with filter socks. They are good at removing particulates. I can use a turkey baster to blow stuff off of and from under rocks. Also I scrape the glass and that stuff ends up in the socks. You could use filter floss in a HOB filter to do this.

I have macroalgae in the sump. You could do this on a hang on the back and I think you can get HOB algae scrubbers also. The growing algae absorbs nutrients and every so often you pitch out some algae.

You can also export nutrients by large water changes.

By the way, having an RODI system to produce top off water and mix salt water is really convenient and pays for itself.

I have run GFO in a reactor. It is the most reliable method I have found to reduce phosphates.

I have not bothered with running activated charcoal. I don’t have any soft corals. They tend to use chemical warfare against other corals. My water is pretty clear. There is an easy test. You get a 5 gallon food grade pail. Fill it up with water from the tank in your water change. If you have chemicals, the water will have a brownish tint. Pristine water has a slight blue tint. My water is not quite perfect but close. It must be the skimmer.

You have obviously given this matter a deal of thought and your plan looks decent. Good luck to you.