Where to go next

rownsurf · 01/24/2012, 09:53 PM

So I was basically out of the hobby for the last few years. I lost most of my 75 g reef tank after a move and the one clownfish and a few crabs didn't live a very happy existence for a few years. My wife finally told me to either fix the tank or take it down, so I got off my butt and got it going again. I've enjoyed getting back into the hobby and have things running fairly smoothly now.

It seems I've missed some changes in the hobby while I was away (or maybe even while I still had it running and wasn't paying attention!). I hear a lot about ULNS now..biopellets, bacteria, zeovit, vodka, other carbon sources etc etc. It seems ULNS may not be ideal for me as I'm short on time and may not be able to keep up with neccessary dosing, shaking, water changes etc. So, while I understand these ideas, I wonder if they are really THAT much better than my current filtering setup (sulfur nitrate reactor, phosphate reactor, carbon, oversized skimmer, basic in-sump refugium)? Has any other new technology come along that could enhance my existing setup or could aspects of ULNS be incorporated? I know I could add UV, but other than that was looking for other ideas, keeping in mind that I have little room for huge detached systems. I plan to upgrade to a bigger tank in the next year or so, so any ideas may eventually be useful. Appreciated any thoughts!

Thanks,

Justin

myaerica · 01/24/2012, 09:56 PM

ulns is more for sps tanks.

rownsurf · 01/26/2012, 09:08 PM

So if I'm working on more of a mixed reef I'm better off sticking with the various filtration methods I'm using? I'm currently running carbon in a hang on back...would a media reactor be more effective in any way? Any other new medias or technologies that are worthwhile?

divewsharks · 01/26/2012, 09:24 PM

Just to be clear if you have an SPS tank, it doesn't have to be ULNS. But either way, you need not do one if you don't want too.
I don't run a sulfate reactor or UV, but everything else is still good. I prefer my GFO & carbon reactors down next to/in my sump, just so that they are out of the way; but as long as you are getting water flowing thru the carbon, it doesn't matter if its a reactor or a hob.
Biopellets are an option, but not necessary.

01/24/2012, 09:53 PM	#1
rownsurf Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Norfolk, Va Posts: 47	Where to go next So I was basically out of the hobby for the last few years. I lost most of my 75 g reef tank after a move and the one clownfish and a few crabs didn't live a very happy existence for a few years. My wife finally told me to either fix the tank or take it down, so I got off my butt and got it going again. I've enjoyed getting back into the hobby and have things running fairly smoothly now. It seems I've missed some changes in the hobby while I was away (or maybe even while I still had it running and wasn't paying attention!). I hear a lot about ULNS now..biopellets, bacteria, zeovit, vodka, other carbon sources etc etc. It seems ULNS may not be ideal for me as I'm short on time and may not be able to keep up with neccessary dosing, shaking, water changes etc. So, while I understand these ideas, I wonder if they are really THAT much better than my current filtering setup (sulfur nitrate reactor, phosphate reactor, carbon, oversized skimmer, basic in-sump refugium)? Has any other new technology come along that could enhance my existing setup or could aspects of ULNS be incorporated? I know I could add UV, but other than that was looking for other ideas, keeping in mind that I have little room for huge detached systems. I plan to upgrade to a bigger tank in the next year or so, so any ideas may eventually be useful. Appreciated any thoughts! Thanks, Justin

01/24/2012, 09:56 PM	#2
myaerica Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Eau Claire,WI Posts: 461	ulns is more for sps tanks.

01/26/2012, 09:08 PM	#3
rownsurf Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Norfolk, Va Posts: 47	So if I'm working on more of a mixed reef I'm better off sticking with the various filtration methods I'm using? I'm currently running carbon in a hang on back...would a media reactor be more effective in any way? Any other new medias or technologies that are worthwhile?

01/26/2012, 09:24 PM	#4
divewsharks Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,905	Just to be clear if you have an SPS tank, it doesn't have to be ULNS. But either way, you need not do one if you don't want too. I don't run a sulfate reactor or UV, but everything else is still good. I prefer my GFO & carbon reactors down next to/in my sump, just so that they are out of the way; but as long as you are getting water flowing thru the carbon, it doesn't matter if its a reactor or a hob. Biopellets are an option, but not necessary.