live rock filter

hoopsdaddy · 08/08/2008, 10:37 AM

I have built in overflow filtration on my 165gal reef tank. I have been warned about putting foam and bio balls in this filter.
Can I put live rock and live sand in it to help improve filtration?
Any help would be appreciated.

I am putting a 50gal DIY sump under it soon. I will keep you posted as to how that goes.

Thanks

BurntOutReefer · 08/08/2008, 10:40 AM

IMO....rock rubble.....the sand might clog the filter

crvz · 08/08/2008, 03:12 PM

I wouldnt put anything in it for the same reason that you're not putting bioballs or filters. If detritus gets trapped throughout the live rock, you're going to have a potential for increased nitrate levels.

hoopsdaddy · 08/08/2008, 03:20 PM

what consumes nitrate in the reef tank?
I understand that ammonia becomes nitrite, and then nitrite becomes nitrate. ( I realize it is a little more complicated than that). Wouldn't a pile of live rock in the fuge I am building get detrius trapped in and under it? Thus producing nitrate.
Not trying to be tacky just don't understand how to reduce the last part of the cycle??????

PVChick12 · 08/08/2008, 09:15 PM

Macro algae. and WATER CHANGES! =]

abarksdale · 08/08/2008, 09:41 PM

I wouldn't put anything in there. Water changes cure all.

1fishkeeper · 08/08/2008, 11:36 PM

I dont know if I would go with just water changes cure it all. In a large tank that is not overstocked and a good fuge on it you would be suprised how well it will run and not have anything in the water as for NO2, and NO3

hoopsdaddy · 08/09/2008, 08:55 AM

Thanks again!!

Saltz Creep · 08/09/2008, 09:57 AM

Large peices of live rock will export nitrates due to anerobic bacteria living deep inside. I'm not confident rock rubble will do this as the smaller diameters increase oxygen exposure.

cloak · 08/09/2008, 11:12 AM

Check this out.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-0...ture/index.php

08/08/2008, 10:37 AM	#1
hoopsdaddy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Texas Posts: 21	live rock filter I have built in overflow filtration on my 165gal reef tank. I have been warned about putting foam and bio balls in this filter. Can I put live rock and live sand in it to help improve filtration? Any help would be appreciated. I am putting a 50gal DIY sump under it soon. I will keep you posted as to how that goes. Thanks

08/08/2008, 03:12 PM	#3
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	I wouldnt put anything in it for the same reason that you're not putting bioballs or filters. If detritus gets trapped throughout the live rock, you're going to have a potential for increased nitrate levels. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

08/08/2008, 09:15 PM	#5
PVChick12 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: rancho palos verdes, ca and la jolla, ca when I'm in school.... Posts: 562	Macro algae. and WATER CHANGES! =] __________________ &hearts; Laura &hearts; Current Tank Info: 60 gal w/ 30 gal sump. Coralife SS 65, 2 150w MH. 2 clarkii clowns, coral beauty, purple firesfish, sand sifting star, cleaner shrimp. mostly LPS and softies with a few SPS frags that im not all that interested with....

08/08/2008, 11:36 PM	#7
1fishkeeper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Spanaway, WA Posts: 1,101	I dont know if I would go with just water changes cure it all. In a large tank that is not overstocked and a good fuge on it you would be suprised how well it will run and not have anything in the water as for NO2, and NO3 __________________ "You can run but you will only die tired" U.S. Army Snipers

08/09/2008, 08:55 AM	#8
hoopsdaddy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Texas Posts: 21	Thanks for the input Thanks again!!

08/08/2008, 10:40 AM	#2
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	IMO....rock rubble.....the sand might clog the filter

08/08/2008, 03:20 PM	#4
hoopsdaddy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Texas Posts: 21	what consumes nitrate in the reef tank? I understand that ammonia becomes nitrite, and then nitrite becomes nitrate. ( I realize it is a little more complicated than that). Wouldn't a pile of live rock in the fuge I am building get detrius trapped in and under it? Thus producing nitrate. Not trying to be tacky just don't understand how to reduce the last part of the cycle??????

08/08/2008, 09:41 PM	#6
abarksdale Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 6	I wouldn't put anything in there. Water changes cure all.

08/09/2008, 09:57 AM	#9
Saltz Creep Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hickville, FL Posts: 3,728	Large peices of live rock will export nitrates due to anerobic bacteria living deep inside. I'm not confident rock rubble will do this as the smaller diameters increase oxygen exposure. __________________ veni, vidi, vici piscis merda

08/09/2008, 11:12 AM	#10
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	Check this out. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-0...ture/index.php