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FAQs on Reef Filtration Brands/Manufacturers
Related Articles: Reef Filtration,
The ZEOvit System: A
New Concept in Reefkeeping by Alexander Girz,
Marine Filtration: Mechanical,
Physical, Use of/ Plenums, Reef
Systems, Reef Set-Up, Refugiums,
Nutrient Control and Export, Central Filtration Systems,
Technology:
Putting on the Brakes: How much is too much? By
Tommy Dornhoffer,
Related FAQs: Reef Filtration 1,
Reef
Filtration 2,
& FAQS on Reef Filtration:
Designs,
Installation, Maintenance,
DIY,
Troubleshooting/Repair,& By Type of System:
Small Tank Setups,
Large System Filtration/Circulation/Aeration,
& By Aspect and Gear:
Biol.:
Biological
Filtration,
Denitrification/Denitrifiers,
Fluidized
Beds,
DSBs,
Plenums,
Algal Filtration,
Mech.:
Marine Mechanical Filtration,
Power Filters, Outside
Power Filters,
Canister, Cartridge Filters,
Undergravel Filters, Wet-Dry Filters,
Phys.: Ultraviolet Sterilizers,
Ozone,
To
Skim or Not to Skim, Best Skimmer
FAQs,
Chem.: Nutrient
Control and Export, Chemical Filtrants (e.g. Polyfilter,
Chemipure, Purigen),
Carbon,
Mud/Algal
Filtration ,
Phony: Magnetic Field
Filtration,
& Troubles:
Bubbles,
Noise, &
Reef Systems 1,
Reef Systems 2,
Reef Set-Up 1, Reef Set-Up 2, Reef
Set-Up 3, Reef Set-Up 4, Reef
Set-Up 5, Reef Set-Up 6,
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"Many roads lead to Rome..." And to the several possible modes and
modifications therein to provide marine reef filtration.
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Skimmer options for Reef tank 8/3/05
Hi crew, I have been reading over your articles for the past few days on
skimmers and I feel even more confused then before!!
<Sometimes it is hard to wade through the sea of info! No pun intended <g>.>
I recently converted my 75 gallon freshwater tank to a reef setup and before I
start to stock it with corals and some fish I am trying to get a good skimmer
squared away. I'm currently using a sea clone 150 (I know bad call) and I am
noticing that it does not seem to skim......at all. <This skimmer really does
perform poorly. Many aquarists have modified them to perform better, but such
tinkering shouldn't be required and still results in mediocre performance.>
I have algae forming which the crabs I got are taking care of, and my tank has
just recently finished cycling with 30 lbs of live rock, live sand, and 2
(started with 5) blue/green gobies.
<All good, although it was not necessary to sacrifice the gobies for the
cycle. Live rock die off produces plenty of ammonia to cycle on it's own.>
Ph is 8.2, Salinity is just slightly high past 32, and 0 nitrite and about 10ppm
nitrate. Don't have calcium measure yet as I'm awaiting the test kit for it.
<Please also get an alkalinity test kit and maintain proper alkalinity. IMO,
this is the most important thing to measure besides pH and salinity and may be
the most under appreciated water parameter in reef tanks!>
Back to my question though....a sump is out of the question for me at the moment
as I don't feel I understand them enough, and I don't feel I have the room. I
feel this is limiting my options in skimmers, but that's the situation at the
moment. <There isn't much to understand. The water drains from the tank to the
sump and is pumped back. There are many benefits, and in most cases a perfectly
adequate sump will fit nicely right under the tank. Nothing special is required
either, a plain standard glass aquarium or even a plastic storage container can
work well. Having the display drilled for drains is helpful, but hang on
overflow units work fine too. A sump is by no means necessary, but do at least
consider looking into it!>
I'm not sure which type of skimmer/pump combo would work good. I'm really not
wanting to spend more than about 200-300 dollars on a skimmer/pump combo. Any
recommendations? <Aqua-C Remora pro would be my first choice and a CPR BakPak
II would be distant second. Both of these skimmers have a low profile and don't
require a lot of clearance. Deltec's are outstanding, but very expensive. Most
other models cannot be recommended.>
I sent the original note before and forgot to include another question I
had! For mechanical filtration I am using two emperor 400's, one of the reasons
I went with the sea clone was a space constraint on the back of the tank. After
looking at some other skimmers, I was wondering if it would be viable to take
down one of the emperor 400's and replace wit with a CPR BAK-PAK2? Would I be
giving up too much mechanical filtration? Thanks again! <Many reef keepers
forgo all mechanical filtration, especially if the tank and/or sump contain a
sand bed where living organisms can process particulate waste. Also, the highly
aerobic conditions in power filters tend to cause nitrate accumulation by out
competing live rock for ammonia and nitrite processing.>
Thanks for the help! John
<Glad to! Best Regards. AdamC.>
Skimmer and Pump for Reef part 2 8/9/05
Ok, I have been doing some reading and a sump does seem like it may be an
option now. I found an old 30 gallon aquarium I'm going to use. <This will work
very well!>
Would you still recommend the same skimmers? <Probably not. Although the hang
on units have in-sump counterparts, I would choose a model designed for in-sump
use. IMO, Aqua-C and Euroreef are top notch in ease of use and performance and
have realistic ratings. Again, Deltec is top of the line, but quite expensive.>
If I have it right I need to put live sand in the sump as well as the
skimmer. Add in a pump to pull and return the water from the display into the
sump. I think that's right. <The sump can be as simple as an empty box, but is
useful for holding a skimmer, heaters and other equipment that is inconvenient
or unsightly to keep in the display. No live sand is required, but some folks
do choose to also use their sump as a refugium, in which case, various sand,
rock and algae may be kept. Water drains passively from the display tank to the
sump and then actively pumped from the sump back to the display.>
Also, lighting, what type of lighting do I have to have for the sump if its
under the main tanks display stand? I'm assuming it needs to have some. <If it
is only to function as a sump, then no light is required. If you would like to
also use the sump as a refugium, then lights may be required.>
Thanks a lot Adam I really appreciate your help. The people at the LFS have
great fish, but are always just trying to sell me something that I may not
always need! <Glad to help out! Best Regards. AdamC.>
Skimmer and Pump for reef part 3 8/12/05
Thanks for the reply Adam. Just figured I would send you an update. I
found a local shop that does custom marine setups. All from fabricating stands
and drilling tanks to stocking them. The owner was very nice and loved
supporting the local people as well as businesses wanting to setup tanks.
<Outstanding! A local place that provides good products and knowledgeable
service is well worth supporting!>
I brought in my 29 gallon tank I had and we are adding partitions to make it a
refugium. I also ended up purchasing an AquaC Urchin Pro they had to install in
it. Should be done by the weekend or so for me to pick up. Thanks again for
your advice Adam, much appreciated. <I am sure you will be very pleased with
your new system! Glad to have been of assistance. AdamC.>
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Reef Set-Up/Filtration 12/28/05
Happy holidays!
<Same to you Ed.>
OK, so the wife and I went into the LFS and were astounded by the coral.
<Amazing isn’t it?>
We thought about a nanocube and did some research and decided that it was not
the way to go.
<Yes they are nice “novelty” items but I find it hard to take them seriously
when they recommend it for marine use without installing a protein skimmer. It
is definitely not for beginners.>
There are only 3 LFS stores in the city selling salt water/marine. In two the
tanks are filthy and in the third we get different advice depending on who we
ask.
<Differing advice in the marine aquarium, no couldn’t be….Seriously though this
is why WWM and other information exists so you can research for yourself and
come to your own logical conclusion.>
We have now spent several hundred dollars on reference books and maybe its too
much information but we're confused.
<Can never have too much.>
We are looking at a 55 g Tenecor marine ready or a 70 g Oceanic reef ready Tech.
<Both are good sizes and reputable companies.>
We would like to keep the tank to 36 inches. We plan to use about 100
lb. of LR and do a 3 inch live sand bed. We plan to do the closed loop
manifold system you recommend.
<Good.>
We'd like to add a sump to hide the heaters, chiller (we are planning MH),
and skimmer and to increase the amount of water.
<Very good.>
Both Tenecor and Oceanic
have recommended sumps including wet/dry filtration.
We have been reading forums in which writers stated that with LR/LS filtration
additional filtration may
actually be detrimental. What is your opinion?
<Bio-media after a period of time tend to accumulate nutrients and it’s just not
as efficient as a breeding grounds for nitrifying bacteria, in either words
except in certain applications…they are becoming less favorable. The surface
area on live rock is more than ample at providing a breeding grounds for
nitrifying bacteria and the bio-media is not necessary. Bio-media is great at
breaking down ammonia and nitrite but not so great with nitrite. Also
macro-algae/microfauna refugiums are of much more benefit to the reef tank. I
would look into these.>
One of the manufacturers recommends an in sump pump. It is my understanding
that we would be better off if the pump were outside the sump. What is your
opinion?
<I prefer “dry” pumps as opposed to wet pumps, they tend not to transfer as much
heat to the water and give you more room in your sump for the equipment and
refugia mentioned above.>
Thanks,
Ed
<Quite welcome, Adam J.>
Filtration on 80gal Bowfront
12/29/07
Hello Crew,
<Hello, Scott V. with you.>
Thank you for the time and experience you share with all of us.
I've always been interested in keeping a saltwater and tank and was encouraged
to pursue my interest last year when given a 20gal tank. I started up the tank
in September last year with a basic filter, powerhead, heater and live rock. In
October I added a couple yellow-tail damsels and then added a couple of False
Ocellaris Clownfish in November. I was able to maintain good levels and healthy
fish and I had a nice growth of coralline algae. In the spring of this year, I
added a mushroom and then during this last summer, I added a Xenia, which I
unfortunately watched suffer. It was only at its demise that I became more aware
of the need to test for calcium.
<And alkalinity?>
During the summer I also noticed an outbreak of red slime algae and decided it
was time to invest in a skimmer (AquaC Remora).
<Good move.>
Now that the skimmer is running and I've kept up on water changes, I have been
able to maintain a healthy Kenyi tree that is spreading all over the tank, a
leather finger and a leather coral. All this said to say that I am fascinated
with the craft decided I have to expand .I now have an 80 gal. bowfront awaiting
decisions on a filtration system.
Since all I have known is hang-ons, I've been reading up and am leaning toward a
sump and a separate refugium.
<Yes, if you are going to upgrade, this is the way to go.>
Please review and let me know your thoughts on the current design. I would like
to house a reef tank with a medium load of fish, and LR. In terms of corals, I
would like to consider clams, anemone, brain coral, leathers, Acropora, torch
coral, xenia. This is just a sampling of what I am interested in and want to
design for.
<I would skip the anemone and limit mixing the soft corals with hard.>
Since my stand is a bowfront, I am somewhat limited in space. The opening on the
back is 27.5" wide and 30.5" tall and the interior space is 32" wide x 12" deep
by 30.5" tall
1) Sump - Reef Devil Reef Sump by AE Tech (28 x 11x 16)
Compartment 1 - micron bag, skimmer, skimmer pump
Compartment 2 - will use mechanical or chemical filtration as appropriate
Compartment 3 - pump back to tank
<OK>
2) Skimmer - AquaC EV120 or Euro-Reef RS100 (not sure if I should be considering
the EV180). Should I consider anyone of these more than the other. I would like
the quietest if there is a difference as this tank will be in the family room.
<The EuroReef in my opinion.>
3) Pumps - I have not even looked at pumps yet (will once again be interested in
quiet operating pumps)
<Considering space limitations, a submersible, Eheim hands down.>
4) Lighting - 48" Corallife Aqualight Pro (2x150W HQI MH (10,000K) + 2 96W PC +
3 LED)
<Will be fine.>
5) Water Flow - for additional water movement, I am installing a closed loop
system of 1" pvc pipes buried in the base sand (3" bed) with 8-45 degree angles
forcing water into the tank from all sides. I will also have 2 outlets in the
top rear corners. Both the lower and upper system will be run off pumps located
under the tank. These are in addition to the outflow from the sump.
<How much flow do you plan to run through these? Given the size of the tank,
eight outputs low and two above is just too many. If your pump is sized to your
tank this will provide very little dynamic flow. If your pump is sized to your
outputs, this will be way too much flow. Also, I assume you plan to drill this
tank. If you do please check to see if the bottom is tempered, it likely is. If
so, you will not be able to safely drill it. >
6) UV Sterilizer (to be added in the future)
<I would skip this.>
7) Refugium - Ecosystem Refugium 100M (24 x 8 x 8) - considering adding this in
the future on top of the sump
<I suppose this could work. For the money spent on both the refugium and sump, I
would consider having one made that simply incorporates both into one design, or
possibly fabricating yourself.>
Sorry for the lengthy post. I'm just really wanting to do this as right as
possible the first time.
<No problem.>
Thank in advance.
Jason
<Welcome, good luck, Scott V.>
Filtration Recommendations
<< Thank you for your advice. I have probed the internet heavily for anything
that I could find on your suggesting an algae scrubber means of filtration,
and I came up with the Leng Sy method found at www.ecosystemaquarium.com. I
was wondering, is this what you are speaking of? The reason I ask is because
they say that no additional filtration, such as a protein skimmer, should be
incorporated with their method. What do you think of this? I am really quite
confused about this system, as it is completely foreign to me.
Also, could I mix dead sand with live sand to cut costs?
My last question is what you think of denitration units (the not-natural
kind, such as that by NatuReef).
Thank you very much,
Brian Towers >>
Yes, this is exactly the type of filter system I am/was referring to... and some people do run such systems without, with, or temporarily or scheduled on/off a skimmer.... I run mine with... but they are not (the ones I use) very "efficient"...
Yes to the dead sand becoming live... no problem with mixing some or placing the live on top.... it all will become live.
I am not a big fan of electronic and the drip/sugar anaerobic box types of denitrators... and especially don't agree with much of the advertisement claims of many of these products.... Water changes do more than just rid systems of nitrates... and are by far cheaper and better ways of preserving water quality.... and live rock, deep(er) sand beds, live macroalgae, anaerobic/hypoxic media (like
Ehfi-mech, Siporax Beads...) are far better than these expensive, unpredictable products...
Bob Fenner
110 gallon reef-filtration
This is the email I meant to send you. I am not sure
if you received it so I am sending it again. Thanks-
<Ah, figured there was more.>
Hello there, I have, of course, a million questions to
ask and your response to any of them would be great.
I have read your column and recent Q&A and have
already answered numerous other questions.
I have had numerous tanks during the past fifteen
years, mainly brackish and fresh as well as one fish
only salt. Now I am setting up my first reef tank.
Actually it is going to be a half reef/half fish tank.
I have always wanted to keep several anemone's and
clownfish, a few tangs (purple and yellow, I know they
may not be compatible, gobies, etc. and a few corals (some of the hardier, beginner types, not stony
polyps to begin with).
My tank is a 110 gallon glass Oceanic tank. not the
reef ready version, also undrilled) (60x18x24) I
purchased a Hamilton Tech ABS hood that has 2 175 watt
MH (5500k) and four 55 watt power compact actinics.
I paid an extra 30 for a second fan because I plan on
placing this directly on the glass canopy of the
aquarium. Extra heat should not be a problem, should
it?
<Hope not... only actual practice will tell.>
My light may be a little excessive for what I
want to keep, but it was a gift and I really enjoy the
shadow effect you get with MH as compared to all PC.
My big question relates to filtration. I have nearly
a dozen Marine/Reef books (including yours) and three
magazine subscriptions and have been debating this for
the past six months prior to purchasing my tank. I
also, over years in the hobby, have purchased and
still have much equipment.
<You, me, and a whole lot of other folks, I'll warrant.>
I come across great deals
and buy things that I save to use I the future. I
have Eheim wet/dry filters.
<Unfortunately, IMO, not one of their greater developments.>
One rated for tanks up to
90 gallons and the other for tanks up to 160. These
use a substance call Eheim Substrat. Small porous
stones or rocks to conduct biological filtration. I
like these because of the their ease in use and
maintenance and the way they return water causing a
wave. I have thought about using the larger one with
a hang on protein skimmer (considering buying a reef
devil III) as my filtration. Even thought about
hooking up both Eheim filter and placing them on each
side of the tank. Lots of water movement, along with
a few pumps on the bottom of the tank for more
movement. Would this work well?
<Again, not a big fan of Eheim's wet-dry efforts... would build/buy a sump,
add gear to it... like a needle-wheel skimmer...>
I also have a LifeGuard fluidized bed filter. Would it be overkill
to use that with the Eheim and the prot. skimmer?
Could I have eventual nitrate problems? The kicker is
that I do plan to have live rock in the tank as well.
<This unit is also not well designed or constructed... but will work as a
beginning "box">
As for that, I am contemplating using 75-100 lbs of Carib sea reef rock as my base and then purchasing
50-60 lbs of live rock to place on top. Thus, I guess I could stop using the live fluidized bed after
all the live rock was seeded. Can you have to much biological filtration?
<Actually yes... hard to balance aerobic, hypoxic and very low oxygenated
bacterial actions in a closed system... better to not overdrive any... instead
rely on lower stocking densities, less vs. more feeding, using plenty of live
rock, purposeful or incidental live substrates... >
Alternatively, I could use a sump. I have a 20 gallon
long tank, as well as an ultra reef hang on prefilter
with a double return. I also have a Zambezi 1000 in
sump skimmer. This skimmer is 26 inches tall and
about 6 inches in diameter. It uses a RIO 2100 pump.
My hesitation in setting up a sump is the higher risk
of flooding than with the Eheims and maintenance. The Zambezi is a tough fit into my cabinet and
I am
working with limited space in the area where the tank
is.
<Know we're starting to get somewhere.>
Have you heard anything about Zambezi skimmers?
It is made by Marine Enterprise International, makers
of Crystal Sea salt. I know that most reefers
following the Berlin method insist upon a sump and
there are benefits as far as placing your heaters in
there, dosing, water changes etc. What are your
thoughts?
<Rate these skimmers about in the "middle" quality and function
wise.
Also, would it be too much to set up the
sump and run one of the Eheim Wet/Dry's for added
filtration, water movement etc.
<Hearing what gear you have, I would...>
Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thank you in
advance-
Jim >>
<You're welcome. Bob Fenner>
Seeking equipment advice for 55 gal
Hi Bob,
I've been reading your website on equipment information etc. but I wanted to
ask your recommendations as it pertains to my tank set up I have on order.
I've recently purchased a SeaClear acrylic 55 gallon tank which I am going
to fill with live rock and the following fish: 2 percula clownfish, hippo
tang, Banggai cardinal and a flame angel.
<Okay>
I've purchased the type of tank that has the pre-filter box inside the back
corner of the tank as I'm going to have all equipment tubes etc. under the
tank in the cabinet.
<Sounds good>
I'm seeking your recommendations on the following equipment I plan on buying
as to which brands of the below listed items would be suitable for my tank:
1. Wet/Dry Filter
<Most any... I like the CPR line (Creative Plastics Research, CPRUSA.com) for design, value... but many others will/would do.>
2. Protein Skimmer (free standing outside of the wet/dry filter
type)
<Hmm, well the tank is a bit small for one of the larger units... but if you think you might go to a larger system in future, a Turboflotor 1000... if not, maybe just a CPR unit here as well... will be fine when the live rock settles in>
3. Canister Filter for additional mechanical filtration (I'm going to get an EHEIM here)
<Best choice on the planet>
4. Appropriate pumps for the skimmer and the wet/dry (I'm really
uncertain here)
<Eheim's would be best... service, reliability and value in the longer haul (last for years, lower energy consumption... whisper quiet)... outside pumping? Probably the low or semi-corrosive magnetic-drive series of Little Giants that are offered in the trade (the other lines produce too much waste heat, noise, and more volume and pressure than you require... direct drives are out>
5. How many powerheads would you recommend for a 55 gallon and which
type would be good ??
<Two to four... Instant Oceans and Hagen's are best volume, service factor wise...>
I'm buying with Quality and Ease of maintenance being my top priorities. I
don't mind spending the money up front for quality equipment that will help
keep my fish healthy.
<I'm in the same club, of the same mind>
Thanks in advance for your advice and guidance !
<Glad to be here. Bob Fenner> Filter for reef tank...
Hi Bob...quick question for you. I bought a tank that is about 2 years old and it came with a Sea Clone (which will become a hospital tank skimmer) and an AquaClear filter (also for the hospital tank). It's a 70-gallon tank and I've ordered the Aqua C Remora (hang-on, as I will have no sump on this tank...tempered glass bottom can't be drilled and I don't want to risk a flood). Any recommendations on a good power filter to use for it? Planning to have about 80 lbs of live rock and a full reef tank.
There are just so many out there, and it gets to be overwhelming. I figured you might have a favorite with this situation (got the Remora per your advice).
<Hmm, any idea what sorts of organisms you might be wanting to keep? At the zenith I would utilize a sump and an overflow box (see the CPR site here for pix)... along with a couple or three internal pumps/powerheads to move water about... next down the line I would use one of the beefier hang on filters rigging it up as a lighted refugium (like Leng Sy's Ecosystem units) plus pumps as above... on the lowest end, good sized canister/s or hang on power filters could do>
Thanks for the help!
Kind regards,
Misty Johnson
<Be chatting. Bob Fenner>
Re: filter for reef tank...
I forgot to mention that I have already purchased four MaxiJet 1200's for
water movement.
<Ah, good products>
Initial life forms (as this is my first tank) will be my clean-up crew,
maybe a cucumber, and about 5 fish (nothing big...love gobies, damsels and
clowns, added gradually, of course). Then as $$ and tank progress permits,
I'll upgrade the lighting to accommodate corals, mushrooms, other non-fish
things. And after 6 months to a year, I really want a mandarin (or a
pair...I could watch them all day)!
I've heard nightmares about overflow/sumps flooding, but will do more
research and add this if I can find something with which I'm comfortable.
By then, I may have upgraded to a drilled tank.
<Yes...>
I've also found a nice-sized acrylic refugium at my LFS that I might get (as
suggested down the line). Still figuring out the exact purpose of a
refugium (is it just that...a refuge for smaller inhabitants?)
<Many... see the piece on these tools on the WWM site>
Need one of those little confused faces to put here!
Thanks for the (continuing) help.
<A pleasure. Bob Fenner>
:-)Misty
Eco-Wheel Opinion
Me again Bob,
I was wondering if I could get your opinion on AE Inc's Eco-wheel
product? http://aquaticengineers.com/index.htm I was considering using
one of these along w/an Ecosystem mud setup.
<Have only heard two accounts re these (expensive) units... both positive. No personal experience. Bob Fenner>
thanks again Bob!
Skimming and UV Selection
Hi, first of all your site is absolutely fantastic! Thank you for it.
<Glad that you find it enjoyable! We sure have a blast bringing it to you!
Scott F. with you today>
I'm going to be setting up my first Reef Aquarium (70gal).
<Ahh...the addiction begins!>
Currently I have Fluval 404 filter and I was looking for something that would
have protein skimmer and UV and filtration all in one...
I came across ViaAqua Multi-skimmer, which is a skimmer and 5W UV light. I'm not
certain who makes it and I have no idea what their web page is.
<Not 100% certain, but you may want to search under "commodity
Axis", which I believe is the master distributor for their products...Do
check this out!>
Are you familiar with it? what are your thoughts on that filter?
<Not familiar with this particular skimmer, although Via Aqua does offer some
good products. I am not familiar with any other manufacturer offering a
combination UV Sterilizer and Protein Skimmer. There are
skimmer/"filter" combinations, such as the CPR Bak Pak. You may just
want to keep it simple and opt for a good protein skimmer and basic sump
system...>
If negative, could you recommend an all in one filter most importantly with v.
good wet/dry filtration and skimmer together, but one that I would not have to
set up a sump for?
<Okaayyy- so you don't want a sump...Well, then I'd look for one of the
hang-on-the-back units, like the Aqua C Remora (just a skimmer, but a good one),
or the Tunze skimmers and related accessories...Do consider a sump though- they
do offer remarkable flexibility, and need not be expensive or complex..>
What kind of UV light would you recommend for the filter you suggest?
<Well, lots of factors go into selecting and utilizing UV in an aquarium.
Factors such as water flow into the unit, tank size, etc., etc., etc. all figure
into the equation. DO a little research on the WWM site to help you decide what
you need.>
Thank you very much, Luke
<A pleasure, Luke! Good luck! Regards, Scott F>
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