Advice regarding filter(no sump)

Lemeshianos · 01/12/2010, 03:51 AM

Hey guys, I need your advise again.

aquarium is 75 gallons.
No sump, no skimmer.
55 lb of base rock.
water from RO/DI unit + salt
1x Hydor Koralia 2
1x Hydor Koralia 3

I would like to ask if it is possible to run a FO until I save enough for the sump pump and the skimmer.

I also have a trickle filter on the said aquarium, but not sure if I should run it or not. I don't have LR and don't plan on buying before setting up a sump and skimmer.

This will be fish only so I would like your input on whether it is possible to manage to run a FO and if I should leave the filter on or if I should just go with the rock I have and wait for it to become live.

pmcadams · 01/12/2010, 06:52 AM

Use the filter and do partial water changes on a regular schedule. Live rock does not replace mechanical filtration.

Aqua Keepers · 01/12/2010, 06:53 AM

Yes, you can run the system w/out a sump or skimmer. You'll just need to make sure you don't skimp on water changes as this will be your only nutrient export method. However, once you get into corals, I would highly recommend a skimmer.

I wouldn't bother with the trickle filter. Again, just keep up with water changes and you should be fine for a FO.

Your base rock will turn into live rock on it's own, but if you are just setting this tank up, I recommend tossing in a piece of raw shrimp to speed to process up.

dawaterboy · 01/12/2010, 10:45 AM

You can run a reef tank w/o a skimmer, or sump, but both will make things a lot easier. I ran sumpless for six months on my first tank. The advantages of a skimmer, and sump far outweigh not having one, but if you can learn to things in check w/o them the whole thing is going to be so much more simple, and enjoyable once you do.

01/12/2010, 03:51 AM	#1
Lemeshianos Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Limassol, Cyprus Posts: 468	Advice regarding filter(no sump) Hey guys, I need your advise again. aquarium is 75 gallons. No sump, no skimmer. 55 lb of base rock. water from RO/DI unit + salt 1x Hydor Koralia 2 1x Hydor Koralia 3 I would like to ask if it is possible to run a FO until I save enough for the sump pump and the skimmer. I also have a trickle filter on the said aquarium, but not sure if I should run it or not. I don't have LR and don't plan on buying before setting up a sump and skimmer. This will be fish only so I would like your input on whether it is possible to manage to run a FO and if I should leave the filter on or if I should just go with the rock I have and wait for it to become live.

01/12/2010, 06:52 AM	#2
pmcadams Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 126	Use the filter and do partial water changes on a regular schedule. Live rock does not replace mechanical filtration. __________________ Paul

01/12/2010, 06:53 AM	#3
Aqua Keepers Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Clearwater,Fl Posts: 2,915	Yes, you can run the system w/out a sump or skimmer. You'll just need to make sure you don't skimp on water changes as this will be your only nutrient export method. However, once you get into corals, I would highly recommend a skimmer. I wouldn't bother with the trickle filter. Again, just keep up with water changes and you should be fine for a FO. Your base rock will turn into live rock on it's own, but if you are just setting this tank up, I recommend tossing in a piece of raw shrimp to speed to process up.

01/12/2010, 10:45 AM	#4
dawaterboy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: waterford, mi Posts: 214	You can run a reef tank w/o a skimmer, or sump, but both will make things a lot easier. I ran sumpless for six months on my first tank. The advantages of a skimmer, and sump far outweigh not having one, but if you can learn to things in check w/o them the whole thing is going to be so much more simple, and enjoyable once you do.