Question on Tom Aquatics Rp3 wet/dry filter

[Mcgeezer]

I recently found this filter and it looks decent with the return built into the overflow box, and it also comes with a protein skimmer.

Ive heard this keep your water very clear, but, My main question is....it looks like its using 4 stage filtration between filter floss, carbon, bio balls, and ceramic rings. Isn't this a nitrate factory waiting to happen?

[Fish_wiz2]

This really depends. I find that many associate nitrate factories with bioballs and ceramic rings because of the maintenance required which many overlook. You have to keep them clean in order to prevent nitrate buildup. And from my experience with reefs and koi ponds, these are hard to keep clean. So its easier to just ditch them for liverock and sand. Otherwise, keeping the filter floss and bio media clean is just as effective.

[Mcgeezer]

Would it be ok to simply eliminate the bio balls and ceramic rings and replace them with live rock rubble in one chamber and just more floss/carbon in the other?

[Fish_wiz2]

That works but the same concept still applies, keep it clean. On my old 125, i filled the refugium to the brim with liverock without maintaining it or keeping detritus off the bottom and boy did it release nitrates like crazy.