Mechanical filtration

Jon B · 10/12/2012, 04:20 PM

Hi Guys and Gals,

I am new to this forum, and I've got to say, it seems like a terrifically helpful place. I don't currently have any equipment, though I was in the hobby about 20 years ago. I am seriously considering starting a reef tank somewhere in the range of 40-75 gallons.

I have a question regarding mechanical filtration. In reading these forums for a couple of weeks, it seems that some people are using a cannister type filter, and others are simply using a filter sock in the sump.

What are you personally using for filtration (or perhaps some of you don't use mechanical filtration at all).

Anyway, thanks to all.

Jon

Zappo · 10/12/2012, 04:35 PM

I don't use any mechanical filtration, as it's just more work. Filter socks need to be cleaned very frequently. Same goes for the pads in canister filters. Several times per week is best if you want to keep nitrate levels under control. Live rock and a protein skimmer have been enough for me, though my nitrate levels are still in the 10-15 ppm range usually.

gone fishin · 10/12/2012, 04:37 PM

I use live rock and a skimmer. after water changes I will use a cannister filter to polish the water sometimes if I feel like it.

thegrun · 10/12/2012, 04:40 PM

Filter sock, skimmer for me. If you are not willing to change the socks 3 times a week don't use them.

Ptyochromis · 10/12/2012, 04:57 PM

I have had my tank up for roughly 2 months. I have 2 HOB filters on either end of the tank. I run no skimmer and have old/broken hobs on the back for fuges that are full of chaeto.

What I have experienced so far is I had more nitrate with a fine mesh. Now I only have 1 filter with somewhat course mesh and the other with nothing other then chaeto and a heater and have seen significant reduction in nitrates; from 15ppm to now under 5ppm.
I do have some NPS that I feed a block of cyclops to daily. My stocking is 6 blue leg hermits, 1xCBS, 2 pepermints, assorted hitchhiker clams + hitchhiker emerald crabs. My sessiles are Oculina patagonica, Monti cap, Zoa, Phyllangia americana and mushroom anemone.
Tank size is 29g with 38lbs of LR and 40lbs of live oolite.

gbru316 · 10/12/2012, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zappo

I don't use any mechanical filtration, as it's just more work. Filter socks need to be cleaned very frequently. Same goes for the pads in canister filters. Several times per week is best if you want to keep nitrate levels under control. Live rock and a protein skimmer have been enough for me, though my nitrate levels are still in the 10-15 ppm range usually.

I second this approach, but took it a step further and decided to avoid sand as well.

Detritus collects in one spot in the front corner of the tank, which takes a whole 30 seconds to siphon out.

I like to keep maintenance to a minimum, and I know myself. I'd start changing out filters every few days to remove detritus, then I'd become complacent and the filter cleaning frequency would slowly decrease.

Jon B · 10/13/2012, 05:50 AM

When I get to the point of setting up, I think I feel more comfortable going without a canister filter.

Thanks everyone.

sponger0 · 10/13/2012, 06:34 AM

Your primary filtration is skimmer, water changes and live rock/sand. That should be good enough along with filter socks.

10/12/2012, 04:20 PM	#1
Jon B Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Greenfield, WI, USA Posts: 70	Mechanical filtration Hi Guys and Gals, I am new to this forum, and I've got to say, it seems like a terrifically helpful place. I don't currently have any equipment, though I was in the hobby about 20 years ago. I am seriously considering starting a reef tank somewhere in the range of 40-75 gallons. I have a question regarding mechanical filtration. In reading these forums for a couple of weeks, it seems that some people are using a cannister type filter, and others are simply using a filter sock in the sump. What are you personally using for filtration (or perhaps some of you don't use mechanical filtration at all). Anyway, thanks to all. Jon

10/12/2012, 04:37 PM	#3
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	I use live rock and a skimmer. after water changes I will use a cannister filter to polish the water sometimes if I feel like it. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

10/12/2012, 04:57 PM	#5
Ptyochromis Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Tampa Posts: 467	I have had my tank up for roughly 2 months. I have 2 HOB filters on either end of the tank. I run no skimmer and have old/broken hobs on the back for fuges that are full of chaeto. What I have experienced so far is I had more nitrate with a fine mesh. Now I only have 1 filter with somewhat course mesh and the other with nothing other then chaeto and a heater and have seen significant reduction in nitrates; from 15ppm to now under 5ppm. I do have some NPS that I feed a block of cyclops to daily. My stocking is 6 blue leg hermits, 1xCBS, 2 pepermints, assorted hitchhiker clams + hitchhiker emerald crabs. My sessiles are Oculina patagonica, Monti cap, Zoa, Phyllangia americana and mushroom anemone. Tank size is 29g with 38lbs of LR and 40lbs of live oolite. __________________ WPG is a lie. Don't misidentify Phyllangia sp. as Aiptasia. Current Tank Info: skimmerless, sps dominant 29gal+20gal fuge. 100% NNR

10/13/2012, 05:50 AM	#7
Jon B Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Greenfield, WI, USA Posts: 70	Thanks everyone When I get to the point of setting up, I think I feel more comfortable going without a canister filter. Thanks everyone.

10/12/2012, 04:35 PM	#2
Zappo Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Minnetonka, MN Posts: 582	I don't use any mechanical filtration, as it's just more work. Filter socks need to be cleaned very frequently. Same goes for the pads in canister filters. Several times per week is best if you want to keep nitrate levels under control. Live rock and a protein skimmer have been enough for me, though my nitrate levels are still in the 10-15 ppm range usually.

10/12/2012, 04:40 PM	#4
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Filter sock, skimmer for me. If you are not willing to change the socks 3 times a week don't use them.

10/13/2012, 06:34 AM	#8
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	Your primary filtration is skimmer, water changes and live rock/sand. That should be good enough along with filter socks.