Plenum Filtration

Uncle99 · 07/26/2018, 07:56 PM

For as long as I can remember, or at least for more than 25 years, in addition to live rock, I run a plenum area under my sand, and pull my water through the sand, up a stack, and back in the DT.

While I have never encountered a problem with this setup, I wonder these days if it has any benefit at all considering LR, is really the filter. Some tell me it creates a large area for filtration and I guess that makes sense, but, in the end, I have not found anyone else doing the same. My tank is not drilled and I have no place for a sump.

So I ask, is there any value at all in keeping this process active, or should I just Shut the flow to this area down??? Or maybe it doesn't matter? I don't know...

Comments...

saveafish · 07/26/2018, 08:38 PM

From what Ive always understood is a Plenum is the same to the now called cryptic zone. Ive never heard of a Plenum system crashing or having a life. DSB has about 6-10yrs lifespans. Some of the longest. Running stable systems has. A Plenum system. I. Think Bob Gomans is his name. Has one he sat up in. The 1950's. It's. a solid system.

lapin · 07/27/2018, 10:43 AM

User Subsea has one for many years. I think he runs his in reverse. You might message him. He is usually found in the plant macro section.

thegrun · 07/27/2018, 09:36 PM

The problem with undergravel filtration is that it tends to trap detritus and tends to lead to higher nitrates. The reverse plenum where you pump water under the sand rather than pull it down through the sand is a little better, but it still leads to elevated nitrates.

LPS_Blasto · 07/28/2018, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle99

For as long as I can remember, or at least for more than 25 years, in addition to live rock, I run a plenum area under my sand, and pull my water through the sand, up a stack, and back in the DT.

While I have never encountered a problem with this setup, I wonder these days if it has any benefit at all considering LR, is really the filter. Some tell me it creates a large area for filtration and I guess that makes sense, but, in the end, I have not found anyone else doing the same. My tank is not drilled and I have no place for a sump.

So I ask, is there any value at all in keeping this process active, or should I just Shut the flow to this area down??? Or maybe it doesn't matter? I don't know...

Comments...

What you're describing sounds like an undergravel filter, and NOT the same thing as a plenum. A plenum has no acrive flow through it.

A reef plenum is often said to be "cryptic". All flow through a cryptic reef plenum is passive.

They are 2 completely different types of filters, operate in different manners, and achieve different results, with regard to the notification process.

07/26/2018, 07:56 PM	#1
Uncle99 Crab Free Zone Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,906	Plenum Filtration For as long as I can remember, or at least for more than 25 years, in addition to live rock, I run a plenum area under my sand, and pull my water through the sand, up a stack, and back in the DT. While I have never encountered a problem with this setup, I wonder these days if it has any benefit at all considering LR, is really the filter. Some tell me it creates a large area for filtration and I guess that makes sense, but, in the end, I have not found anyone else doing the same. My tank is not drilled and I have no place for a sump. So I ask, is there any value at all in keeping this process active, or should I just Shut the flow to this area down??? Or maybe it doesn't matter? I don't know... Comments...

07/26/2018, 08:38 PM	#2
saveafish Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: indiana Posts: 873	From what Ive always understood is a Plenum is the same to the now called cryptic zone. Ive never heard of a Plenum system crashing or having a life. DSB has about 6-10yrs lifespans. Some of the longest. Running stable systems has. A Plenum system. I. Think Bob Gomans is his name. Has one he sat up in. The 1950's. It's. a solid system. __________________ If it was'nt for the sea I could not see or sing ( Jimmy Buffet ) I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other Reefing is'nt how long you been in it. It is how deep you get in it. Current Tank Info: 400g display build, 300g sump, 75g ATO, 75g refug and a few more. Close to a 1000g. 200g mixing station.

07/27/2018, 10:43 AM	#3
lapin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Austin Posts: 801	User Subsea has one for many years. I think he runs his in reverse. You might message him. He is usually found in the plant macro section. __________________ Tank sizes, 2-10's a 55 and one that's about 500gal Current Tank Info: Interior decorating happening

07/27/2018, 09:36 PM	#4
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	The problem with undergravel filtration is that it tends to trap detritus and tends to lead to higher nitrates. The reverse plenum where you pump water under the sand rather than pull it down through the sand is a little better, but it still leads to elevated nitrates.