Ecosystem tanks?

Level 4 · 06/27/2007, 11:53 AM

Any pics or stats for an Ecosystem run tank?What would you have done diff.?Would you do it again?
Thanks Level 4

pledosophy · 06/27/2007, 12:21 PM

Do you mean Ecosystem as in the company Ecosystems who manufactors refugiums, substrates, and foods?

If you do I have been using the Miracle mud for years, it is awesome. There Reef solution is also a quality product.

I didn't buy there sump as I didn't see it that different from one I could make and since I can make my own couldn't justify the price. There little HOB thing is cool too.

I've got to meet Leng a few times, he's a nice guy.

Gdevine · 06/27/2007, 12:23 PM

I run a 65g Ecosystem with a 35g refug with miracle mud. My tank thrives! I run a powerful skimmer, phosphate reactor and UV sterilizer.

While you don't need a skimmer with this system do in part to the mud, the best results that I've read so far use them. In fact, Leng is offering his own skimmer now.

I love this system and wouldn't change a thing. Very happy indeed

sirjohn · 06/27/2007, 12:41 PM

I think he wants to know how well (or how bad) a "pure" Ecosystem tank runs. That is, one without the skimmer or UV filter.

Gdevine · 06/27/2007, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sirjohn
I think he wants to know how well (or how bad) a "pure" Ecosystem tank runs. That is, one without the skimmer or UV filter.

I ran like you describe above for 3 months...no problems. It's done all the time. Some run a skimmer just few hours a day.

jpeconsult · 06/27/2007, 01:38 PM

I am currently running this method on a 58 rr Oceanic with 12 g refugium that houses one 7" filter sock and caleurpa and submersible ocean runner 3500 return pump. This sytem strived for about 7 or 8 months. With some claiming that no water changes are necessary, I refussed to do them, and did not do any water changes for the first 7 or 8 months, until one fish died, and started triggering chemistry imbalances. Ion a 70 g system, I was changing 15 to 20 gallons a week until nitrates, etc balanced. Since they have been balanced 2 or 3 months ago...I have not done any more water changes.

My buddy has the same system with a 65 g show tank and 12 g refugium...He eventually had the same chemistry malfunctions, and did the same water changes I did. He decided to add the ASM Mini Skimmer to his refugium and has had great success with removing "crap" out of the water. After seeing what the Mini is removing...go with the skimmer. With my system...it may be doing fine...but I know I have that much more "crap" in my water than my friends.

jpeconsult · 06/27/2007, 01:41 PM

And by the way...(if I am not mistaken)...the Miracle Mud/Ecosystem method was started because Leng was searching for a "natural" filtering method...a more balanced habitat. I think he has done awesome, however, we can only be as natural as our artificial lighing, and artificial wave makers, etc. Great idea, but if our systems already have artificial lights, pumps, etc., than why (as earlier posts show) is Leng inventing his "artificial" skimmer?

Note...upgrading from 58 to 240 built-in...getting away from Miracle Mud

Gdevine · 06/27/2007, 02:53 PM

You need to do regular water changes with any closed system. I do weekly 10g's with NSW. BTW, I was floored when I saw what my skimmer put out the first few days. YUCK

Miracle Mud really does ROCK!

wayne in norway · 06/28/2007, 08:21 AM

I actually think it's a positive for the ecosystem method that Leng is selling his own skimmers - surely it shows he's open to experimentation, improval of 'his' method, rather than dogmatically sticking to one thing even when he knows it's wrong.

06/27/2007, 11:53 AM	#1
Level 4 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 56	Ecosystem tanks? Any pics or stats for an Ecosystem run tank?What would you have done diff.?Would you do it again? Thanks Level 4

06/27/2007, 12:21 PM	#2
pledosophy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Beaverton Posts: 5,290	Do you mean Ecosystem as in the company Ecosystems who manufactors refugiums, substrates, and foods? If you do I have been using the Miracle mud for years, it is awesome. There Reef solution is also a quality product. I didn't buy there sump as I didn't see it that different from one I could make and since I can make my own couldn't justify the price. There little HOB thing is cool too. I've got to meet Leng a few times, he's a nice guy. __________________ 120g mixed reef 90g QT

06/27/2007, 12:23 PM	#3
Gdevine Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pompano Beach, FL Posts: 1,232	I run a 65g Ecosystem with a 35g refug with miracle mud. My tank thrives! I run a powerful skimmer, phosphate reactor and UV sterilizer. While you don't need a skimmer with this system do in part to the mud, the best results that I've read so far use them. In fact, Leng is offering his own skimmer now. I love this system and wouldn't change a thing. Very happy indeed __________________ What's good having a monkey if you can't play with it? Current Tank Info: 65g Mixed Reef - 35g Fuge - EcoSystem Method

06/27/2007, 12:41 PM	#4
sirjohn Feeding Frenzied Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: miami, fl Posts: 516	I think he wants to know how well (or how bad) a "pure" Ecosystem tank runs. That is, one without the skimmer or UV filter. __________________ "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." -- Ronald Reagan Current Tank Info: Elos 160XL (200 gal) -- Mixed Reef

06/27/2007, 01:38 PM	#6
jpeconsult Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 90	I am currently running this method on a 58 rr Oceanic with 12 g refugium that houses one 7" filter sock and caleurpa and submersible ocean runner 3500 return pump. This sytem strived for about 7 or 8 months. With some claiming that no water changes are necessary, I refussed to do them, and did not do any water changes for the first 7 or 8 months, until one fish died, and started triggering chemistry imbalances. Ion a 70 g system, I was changing 15 to 20 gallons a week until nitrates, etc balanced. Since they have been balanced 2 or 3 months ago...I have not done any more water changes. My buddy has the same system with a 65 g show tank and 12 g refugium...He eventually had the same chemistry malfunctions, and did the same water changes I did. He decided to add the ASM Mini Skimmer to his refugium and has had great success with removing "crap" out of the water. After seeing what the Mini is removing...go with the skimmer. With my system...it may be doing fine...but I know I have that much more "crap" in my water than my friends. __________________ Why does Nemo get all the attention when Marlin had the lead role? Current Tank Info: 240g in-wall w/ filter room

06/27/2007, 01:41 PM	#7
jpeconsult Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 90	And by the way...(if I am not mistaken)...the Miracle Mud/Ecosystem method was started because Leng was searching for a "natural" filtering method...a more balanced habitat. I think he has done awesome, however, we can only be as natural as our artificial lighing, and artificial wave makers, etc. Great idea, but if our systems already have artificial lights, pumps, etc., than why (as earlier posts show) is Leng inventing his "artificial" skimmer? Note...upgrading from 58 to 240 built-in...getting away from Miracle Mud __________________ Why does Nemo get all the attention when Marlin had the lead role? Current Tank Info: 240g in-wall w/ filter room

06/27/2007, 02:53 PM	#8
Gdevine Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pompano Beach, FL Posts: 1,232	You need to do regular water changes with any closed system. I do weekly 10g's with NSW. BTW, I was floored when I saw what my skimmer put out the first few days. YUCK Miracle Mud really does ROCK! __________________ What's good having a monkey if you can't play with it? Current Tank Info: 65g Mixed Reef - 35g Fuge - EcoSystem Method

06/28/2007, 08:21 AM	#9
wayne in norway Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Stavanger, Norway Posts: 1,271	I actually think it's a positive for the ecosystem method that Leng is selling his own skimmers - surely it shows he's open to experimentation, improval of 'his' method, rather than dogmatically sticking to one thing even when he knows it's wrong.