Why no moving bed filters?

jason.stephens · 05/14/2012, 12:05 PM

I don't see any moving bed filters. What is the reason for this? I already read some posts that suggest it isn't good for a reef setup. How is this different than live rock?
Thanks

sirreal63 · 05/14/2012, 12:40 PM

A fluidized filter does an excellent job at creating nitrates but then there is nothing to address the nitrates because there is available oxygen throughout the filter. Live rock takes it one step further because it also has anoxic areas that allow the bacteria to convert the nitrates. There is little reason to use one of those filters unless it was a fish only system. A setup with live rock will complete the nitrogen cycle as well as aid in final conversion of the nitrates, though the rock probably will not convert all of it.

This is not to imply that all you need is a lot of live rock, you still have to export whatever is not consumed or converted, usually nitrates and phosphates. A sand filter is redundant and not needed. Google the Berlin Method, most of us are using a modified version of it.

05/14/2012, 12:05 PM	#1
jason.stephens Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 15	Why no moving bed filters? I don't see any moving bed filters. What is the reason for this? I already read some posts that suggest it isn't good for a reef setup. How is this different than live rock? Thanks

05/14/2012, 12:40 PM	#2
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	A fluidized filter does an excellent job at creating nitrates but then there is nothing to address the nitrates because there is available oxygen throughout the filter. Live rock takes it one step further because it also has anoxic areas that allow the bacteria to convert the nitrates. There is little reason to use one of those filters unless it was a fish only system. A setup with live rock will complete the nitrogen cycle as well as aid in final conversion of the nitrates, though the rock probably will not convert all of it. This is not to imply that all you need is a lot of live rock, you still have to export whatever is not consumed or converted, usually nitrates and phosphates. A sand filter is redundant and not needed. Google the Berlin Method, most of us are using a modified version of it. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.