Filtration and Flow

johnsonbrianh · 03/29/2009, 10:57 AM

I was just wanting opinions on what kind of filtration and how much flow to have in a 55 gal..and im really not quite sure i understand what the refugium tanks are for?? would appreciate any input since i am just starting and learning

Michael · 03/29/2009, 11:21 AM

id suggest 70 pounds in weight of live figi rock for filteration and 2 decent powerheads for flow, perhaps 2 tunze nanos would be a good start, refugiums are tanks under the aquarium which is full of macro algaes like cheato, these aid nutrient removal and will benefit the system

PRDubois · 03/29/2009, 11:23 AM

Also need a protien skimmer that is rated for 90gal or more.

Michael · 03/29/2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PRDubois
Also need a protien skimmer that is rated for 90gal or more.

oh-yes and that, thanks paul, +1

johnsonbrianh · 03/29/2009, 12:21 PM

i got about 60 lbs of rock in there right now and about 1.5-2" of aragonite sand..i just started the tank a week ago..i have a 70 gal power filter in there right now and am going to get a skimmer..where would you put the powerheads at??

Michael · 03/29/2009, 12:24 PM

power filter?

1 each side pointing at each other and slightly to the front

johnsonbrianh · 03/29/2009, 12:26 PM

ok cool..not sure why u put power filter?

Michael · 03/29/2009, 12:30 PM

you said 70 gallon power filter, im unfamilliar with power filters, what are they

johnsonbrianh · 03/29/2009, 12:34 PM

its just a normal hang on the back filter..sucks up water from the tank and has a filter sponge in it and pumps water back in the tank..ive been told that i can keep that on there for now with a skimmer..whats everyone think about that???

johnsonbrianh · 03/29/2009, 12:36 PM

oh and the powerheads..should they be pointed down towards the rock, up toward the surface???

woogy · 03/29/2009, 02:56 PM

I just run a power filter with some filter floss and change it out every few days. Sometimes I throw a carbon bag in it as well. You have to clean the sponge often or replace them or they become a nitrate trap.

johnsonbrianh · 03/29/2009, 04:46 PM

ok cool..so ill just leave the power filter for now but i do want a skimmer..and the powerheads, where does everyone point the flow? i know on each side toward the middle but up or down?? im not sure if it will mess with the rock or any corals on the rock once i get them in there if the head is pointed on the rock

Michael · 03/29/2009, 11:18 PM

well its trial and error, point them slightly up so the surface gets some movement to start, you then will have to decide if they need re-positioning, its not really anything to be concerned about, ive moved my phs about dozens of times, all part of the fun

johnsonbrianh · 03/30/2009, 06:58 AM

oh ok i just didnt want to mess anything up

03/29/2009, 10:57 AM	#1
johnsonbrianh Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 21	Filtration and Flow I was just wanting opinions on what kind of filtration and how much flow to have in a 55 gal..and im really not quite sure i understand what the refugium tanks are for?? would appreciate any input since i am just starting and learning

03/29/2009, 11:21 AM	#2
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	id suggest 70 pounds in weight of live figi rock for filteration and 2 decent powerheads for flow, perhaps 2 tunze nanos would be a good start, refugiums are tanks under the aquarium which is full of macro algaes like cheato, these aid nutrient removal and will benefit the system __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

03/29/2009, 11:23 AM	#3
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	Also need a protien skimmer that is rated for 90gal or more. __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank

03/29/2009, 12:21 PM	#5
johnsonbrianh Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 21	i got about 60 lbs of rock in there right now and about 1.5-2" of aragonite sand..i just started the tank a week ago..i have a 70 gal power filter in there right now and am going to get a skimmer..where would you put the powerheads at?? __________________ Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worth while, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy. -John F. Kennedy Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef

03/29/2009, 12:24 PM	#6
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	power filter? 1 each side pointing at each other and slightly to the front __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

03/29/2009, 12:26 PM	#7
johnsonbrianh Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 21	ok cool..not sure why u put power filter? __________________ Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worth while, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy. -John F. Kennedy Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef

03/29/2009, 12:30 PM	#8
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	you said 70 gallon power filter, im unfamilliar with power filters, what are they __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

03/29/2009, 12:34 PM	#9
johnsonbrianh Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 21	its just a normal hang on the back filter..sucks up water from the tank and has a filter sponge in it and pumps water back in the tank..ive been told that i can keep that on there for now with a skimmer..whats everyone think about that??? __________________ Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worth while, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy. -John F. Kennedy Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef

03/29/2009, 12:36 PM	#10
johnsonbrianh Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 21	oh and the powerheads..should they be pointed down towards the rock, up toward the surface??? __________________ Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worth while, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy. -John F. Kennedy Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef

03/29/2009, 02:56 PM	#11
woogy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western PA Posts: 986	I just run a power filter with some filter floss and change it out every few days. Sometimes I throw a carbon bag in it as well. You have to clean the sponge often or replace them or they become a nitrate trap.

03/29/2009, 04:46 PM	#12
johnsonbrianh Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 21	ok cool..so ill just leave the power filter for now but i do want a skimmer..and the powerheads, where does everyone point the flow? i know on each side toward the middle but up or down?? im not sure if it will mess with the rock or any corals on the rock once i get them in there if the head is pointed on the rock __________________ Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worth while, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy. -John F. Kennedy Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef

03/29/2009, 11:18 PM	#13
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	well its trial and error, point them slightly up so the surface gets some movement to start, you then will have to decide if they need re-positioning, its not really anything to be concerned about, ive moved my phs about dozens of times, all part of the fun __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

03/30/2009, 06:58 AM	#14
johnsonbrianh Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 21	oh ok i just didnt want to mess anything up __________________ Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worth while, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy. -John F. Kennedy Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef