Question about Filtration

SaltyWenStirred · 11/28/2012, 08:15 AM

I have a 38G Innovative Marine Nuvo tank.

It has two overflow filter baskets in the back. Each filter basket is designed to hold a 3-stage sponge. From top to bottom, it's a yellow mechanical sponge, activated carbon and a phosphate sponge.

You can see it here:

http://innovative-marine.com/nuvo-aq...mbo-packs.html

Each 3-in-1 combo sponge is $20. The manufacturer recommends replacing them once a month. So theoretically, that would be $40 a month on sponges to replace both baskets.

However, I have replaced one basket entirely with a protein skimmer. That's the only place it will fit and the one they sell is designed to go into that space. Each space will actually hold two baskets, so I put both into the one basket space on the right side, opposite the skimmer.

In one basket, I filled it with extra rock pieces that I had.

However, in the other basket, I have replaced the sponges twice since August, when I started the tank.

My parameters are great. Everything in the tank is doing great. When I'm cleaning the tank, I'll rinse the mechanical filter out in RO/DI water and put it back in.

I added a powerhead (small) to the tank too.

My water is clear, and I don't have an algae problem, but there are some particulates in the water that I'd prefer not to be floating around in my quest for perfectly clear water.

However, I refuse to pay $20 for that 3-in-1 sponge combo.

Any suggestions on what to stick in there? Anything? I can buy mechanical filtration sponges in bulk for much cheaper. Do I need carbon if I'm running a protein skimmer? What about the phosphate sponge?

thegrun · 11/28/2012, 08:43 AM

If you are going to use a sponge filter at all it should be cleaned at least twice a week or it is likely to become a source of nitrates in your tank. You do not need to run any of the treated sponges unless you start to see a problem with something like phosphates, at which point you could use a treated sponge filter designed to help with your specific issue (like phosphates). Carbon is not required but if your water starts to show signs of a yellow tint or you are keeping several different types of corals adding a bag of carbon to your system would be a good idea.

11/28/2012, 08:15 AM	#1
SaltyWenStirred Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 245	Question about Filtration I have a 38G Innovative Marine Nuvo tank. It has two overflow filter baskets in the back. Each filter basket is designed to hold a 3-stage sponge. From top to bottom, it's a yellow mechanical sponge, activated carbon and a phosphate sponge. You can see it here: http://innovative-marine.com/nuvo-aq...mbo-packs.html Each 3-in-1 combo sponge is $20. The manufacturer recommends replacing them once a month. So theoretically, that would be $40 a month on sponges to replace both baskets. However, I have replaced one basket entirely with a protein skimmer. That's the only place it will fit and the one they sell is designed to go into that space. Each space will actually hold two baskets, so I put both into the one basket space on the right side, opposite the skimmer. In one basket, I filled it with extra rock pieces that I had. However, in the other basket, I have replaced the sponges twice since August, when I started the tank. My parameters are great. Everything in the tank is doing great. When I'm cleaning the tank, I'll rinse the mechanical filter out in RO/DI water and put it back in. I added a powerhead (small) to the tank too. My water is clear, and I don't have an algae problem, but there are some particulates in the water that I'd prefer not to be floating around in my quest for perfectly clear water. However, I refuse to pay $20 for that 3-in-1 sponge combo. Any suggestions on what to stick in there? Anything? I can buy mechanical filtration sponges in bulk for much cheaper. Do I need carbon if I'm running a protein skimmer? What about the phosphate sponge? __________________ Innovative Marine 38g Nuvo Tank; Skkye 92W LED light Innovative Marine AuqaGadget - Skimmate Protein Skimmer, midsize Innovative Marine MiniMax All-In-One Media Reactor (PhosGuard) Nikon D90 35mm

11/28/2012, 08:43 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	If you are going to use a sponge filter at all it should be cleaned at least twice a week or it is likely to become a source of nitrates in your tank. You do not need to run any of the treated sponges unless you start to see a problem with something like phosphates, at which point you could use a treated sponge filter designed to help with your specific issue (like phosphates). Carbon is not required but if your water starts to show signs of a yellow tint or you are keeping several different types of corals adding a bag of carbon to your system would be a good idea.