Rowaphos, Purigen, Carbon, and Skimmer discussion

[ilyad]

Hello all,

I wanted to get your opinion on the combination of things to run in my tank.

Some background first. 25 gallon mixed reef with about a 3 gallon sump. I try to do a 5 gallon water change weekly, and most of the time I do well. However, every once in a while I may have to go 2 or 3 weeks without a water change. I try to dose amino acids and coal food daily. Feed the tank almost every day some flake and pellets. The tank is stocked on the heavier side.

I have a small skimmer that is rated for 30 gallon when stocked heavy or 50 gallons light stock. I do not have a reactor and can only add the media listed above in a passive manner.

My understanding is that purigen pulls out organic waste, so does the skimmer. Rowaphos pulls phostphates. Carbon is for impurities and chemicals.

Currently I run all 3 media plus skimmer. My skimmer does not produce much skimmate, but I suspect because of the media. Should I remove one of some of them?

My nitrates and phosphates are very low, and I think I may even need to reduce some filtration as some of the coral are on a slightly paler side. The question then becomes, which ones?

My only experience is skimmers seem to be good to be used. So is carbon, especially in a mixtures reef.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Carbon and Purigen will remove similar, but not identical organic chemicals. They may both be worth using together, but one or the other may be adequate for that purpose.

If phosphate might be too low, use less or no GFO (such as Rowaphos brand of GFO).

Skimming helps aeration too, not just export.

 

[ilyad]

Thanks Randy!

I do plan to run the skimmer still as it does aerate the water too, as you mentioned.

So would you recommend taking the rowaphos out?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks Randy!

I do plan to run the skimmer still as it does aerate the water too, as you mentioned.

So would you recommend taking the rowaphos out?

If you think phosphate might be too low, I'd reduce or eliminate it, yes. It serves no other important purpose.