Input about filtration system

[ek9vboi]

So I was reading RC last night and came across a member saying that they don't run filters in their tank because they have LS, LR, a skimmer and a good flow. Is this a good idea? I am thinking about doing the same in my Eclipse Hood. Lately I've been really into modding my eclipse hood to that it will take care of my tank's needs.

Rough quickie picture:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...rartion004.jpg

29 gallon tank
Eclipse hood
Retro-fitted 65 watt PC lighting (50/50 bulb)
Uses Aqua-glo and Marine-glo bulbs in the stock location
No more bio-wheel since last night (member told me it was a nitrate factory at work)
Heater about 100 watts
ViaAqua powerhead (low GHP)

Has 5 turbo snails for now, 4 scarlet crabs, and 2 damsels (will be removing before corals, etc are introduced)

To come/In the works:
Moon lights
Skimmer is coming in
New digital temp. sensor
Maybe an overflow over to eliminate surface scum
Add 1 more powerhead or 2 for more flow

Anyways, that just to let you know what the tank is and has. My question is can I run a filterless system? I want to remove the filter cartage that came with the eclipse hood and replace it with something else like bio-balls or some such that will help keep nitrate levels down.

Pictures:

Bio-wheel removed Fitted with a custom filter to slow down the water flowing into the tank. It caused a lot of micro bubbles


As you can see, right now the rocks are on top of the filter. It was an idea brought up by another member.

[smleee]

Originally posted by ek9vboi
My question is can I run a filterless system? I want to remove the filter cartage that came with the eclipse hood and replace it with something else like bio-balls or some such that will help keep nitrate levels down.

Bio-balls will cause the same nitrate factory as the bio-wheel. As long as you have enough LR and adequate flow, that will be enough filtration. I would continue to use the carbon filter up top though and change them every 3-4 weeks, but rinse out the gunk build up in the blue floss weekly. (I used to run the same Eclipse 3, though I put 2x65w PC's in there.

eee

[smleee]

Upon second look, it seems as if you have your PC retro exposed to the tank water. Is there anything below the PC and between it and the water? I mounted the 2x65 pc's in the stock lighting location. Is the water level in your tank all the way up? The reason I ask is because when the water level drops you will get micro bubbles from the output of the filter, but if you keep it pretty full you shouldn't have a problem.

eee

[ek9vboi]

Originally posted by smleee
Bio-balls will cause the same nitrate factory as the bio-wheel. As long as you have enough LR and adequate flow, that will be enough filtration. I would continue to use the carbon filter up top though and change them every 3-4 weeks, but rinse out the gunk build up in the blue floss weekly. (I used to run the same Eclipse 3, though I put 2x65w PC's in there.

eee

I was thinkning of doing 2 x 65w PCs, but I already had the extra stuff to make everything fit and work. Looks like it provides enough lighting, I can always upgrade later.

As for the blue floss, it was put in to slow down the water flow from the eclipse filtration. due to the fact it was flowing way too much which cause a lor of micro bubbles on my rock and it irratated the hell out of me. i will be adding more powerheads to increase flow. oh yeah, im getting a skimmer, so i dont think i will have to clean the blue floss out as much. actually i dont want to clean it b/c i always see pods and so on it.

[ek9vboi]

Originally posted by smleee
Upon second look, it seems as if you have your PC retro exposed to the tank water. Is there anything below the PC and between it and the water? I mounted the 2x65 pc's in the stock lighting location. Is the water level in your tank all the way up? The reason I ask is because when the water level drops you will get micro bubbles from the output of the filter, but if you keep it pretty full you shouldn't have a problem.

eee

The tank is pretty filled up high. I had no idea what was cause it, but then I looked closer and thought it over. The stock filtration system! so thats why i took out the biowheel and used blue floss as well as a custom bracket/strainer to prevent jamming and clogging where the water returns into the tank. the rocks on top are just to help hold the floss in place as well as helping out the tank w/ the filtration system. thanks for input!

btw how did u make 2 65w PCs fit??? pics?

[smleee]

Originally posted by ek9vboi
actually i dont want to clean it b/c i always see pods and so on it.

Yeah, just dump the pods back in then clean out all the junk (leaving it in will cause elevated nitrate levels, just like the bio-wheel, etc.).

eee

[smleee]

Originally posted by ek9vboi
btw how did u make 2 65w PCs fit??? pics?

I can check but I don't think I have any pics of it. I was able to fit both reflectors in the stock location by folding one side of each reflector back to flat (you know how they are angled to direct light back into the tank). And then slid one under the other so the reflector overlap but the bulbs are just side by side. It's a tight fit, but you can put the plastic guard back on and it's nice and sealed away from the elements of the tank. Only problem is the plastic cover starts to warp after about 4 months or so, but they are really cheap to buy from the manufacturer.

Another thing you might consider (as I wish I would have done at that point). Is buying a matching canopy to your stand and mounting the retro's (you can fit a lot more than 2x65) in that with your hang-on skimmer out the back. You can even buy a hang on filter to use carbon with (again taking out the bio-wheel).

Just some thoughts from someone who's gone down the whole "modding" out the Eclipse 3 road.

eee

[ek9vboi]

No I really like the Eclipse hood, its clean and almost an all 1 one type of thing. In my mind, I like a clean and simple looking tank. Maybe someday when I move out I will get a bigger tank and do everything properly. This is just a "fun" tank. lol