What to get next?

C-Russ · 10/20/2009, 02:24 PM

Hi everyone, NooB here. I got my first aquarium up and cycling.
Its 50 Gal with 50 lbs Live rock, Trickle filter model 75 sump (currenlty with the Bioballs). I got this on a trade so its actually been about 4 months of reading and studying before I even put water in it, but I finally took the plunge.

Now I need to get a Protien skimmer and thinking of adding a canister filter and replacing the bioballs with more live rock or something else better. Also I only have that cheap blue filter pad and its not really doing the job in keeping the water clean kind of a yellow tint to it.

So my questions are

1) Which model in sump Protein Skimmer for Trickle Model 75 (like this http://www.candybass.net/newtank4.jpg) shoudl I get?

2) I want to clear up the water clarity, should I get micron felt media and put it in the Sump and overflow tube or would a canister filter be better?

3) I have only been cycling for a week now, is it safe to remove bioballs and replace with uncured or cured Live rock NOW or should I wait till cycle is over and put in cured rock?

Thanks for the advice,

C-Russ

Gary Majchrzak · 10/20/2009, 03:34 PM

WELCOME TO RC!
my suggestions: remove bioballs.

with LR in the DT there's no reason you must replace the bioballs with LR.

IMO the skimmer's a great idea and the canister filter is a waste of money.
Get a 100 micron filter and if you want chemical filtration use a GAC/GFO reactor.

thegrun · 10/20/2009, 04:18 PM

I would replace the bio-balls with LR. I do believe it will help your system in the long run. Bio balls will trap debris that will lead to higher nitrates. LR will do the same, but have the advantage of actually containing oxygen depleted pores where some de-nitrifying activity will take place. If you do replace the bio-balls as recommended, do it as soon as possible, adding live rock latter may start another cycle.
The micron filter will help but remember any filter media you use will need to be cleaned every 3 days or so to prevent it from becoming a biological filter that will add to your nitrates. I use a collection of 4 filter socks which I rotate through. I clean the socks after use and allow them to air dry. Running carbon will help remove the yellow from your water.

10/20/2009, 02:24 PM	#1
C-Russ Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 189	What to get next? Hi everyone, NooB here. I got my first aquarium up and cycling. Its 50 Gal with 50 lbs Live rock, Trickle filter model 75 sump (currenlty with the Bioballs). I got this on a trade so its actually been about 4 months of reading and studying before I even put water in it, but I finally took the plunge. Now I need to get a Protien skimmer and thinking of adding a canister filter and replacing the bioballs with more live rock or something else better. Also I only have that cheap blue filter pad and its not really doing the job in keeping the water clean kind of a yellow tint to it. So my questions are 1) Which model in sump Protein Skimmer for Trickle Model 75 (like this http://www.candybass.net/newtank4.jpg) shoudl I get? 2) I want to clear up the water clarity, should I get micron felt media and put it in the Sump and overflow tube or would a canister filter be better? 3) I have only been cycling for a week now, is it safe to remove bioballs and replace with uncured or cured Live rock NOW or should I wait till cycle is over and put in cured rock? Thanks for the advice, C-Russ

10/20/2009, 03:34 PM	#2
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	WELCOME TO RC! my suggestions: remove bioballs. with LR in the DT there's no reason you must replace the bioballs with LR. IMO the skimmer's a great idea and the canister filter is a waste of money. Get a 100 micron filter and if you want chemical filtration use a GAC/GFO reactor. __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

10/20/2009, 04:18 PM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I would replace the bio-balls with LR. I do believe it will help your system in the long run. Bio balls will trap debris that will lead to higher nitrates. LR will do the same, but have the advantage of actually containing oxygen depleted pores where some de-nitrifying activity will take place. If you do replace the bio-balls as recommended, do it as soon as possible, adding live rock latter may start another cycle. The micron filter will help but remember any filter media you use will need to be cleaned every 3 days or so to prevent it from becoming a biological filter that will add to your nitrates. I use a collection of 4 filter socks which I rotate through. I clean the socks after use and allow them to air dry. Running carbon will help remove the yellow from your water.