Bio-load relief

[90g-reefer]

My question pertains to bio-load, I am going to be setting up a FOWLR tank and most of the fish i like are large carnivores. So 3-4 fish will stress my bio-load. So if I am looking to lessen the stress on my tank without increasing tank size what are so other methods? Obviously a larger skimmer would be the first step? if I have a 100g capacity skimmer what would I want to go up to? 2x, or 3x the capacity? and of course money is an option so I dont want to spend 1000 on a skimmer. Secondly would increasing the water volume help, (bigger sump) 100ga display, and the biggest sump I can fit? Any other thoughts?

 

[Stuart60611]

Do some research on carbon dosing (both solid (pellets) and liquid (vodka, vinegar)), refugiums/macro algae, activated carbon, GFO, denitrators, zeolit, and algae scrubbers. In addition to what you have mentioned, these are all other popular techniques to manage bioload.

 

[tylorarm]

More water volume won't help much unless you're exporting nutrients. However, larger sump allows larger skimmer, GFO reactor and easier water changes. Bigger skimmer gets rid of organics before they break down, so obviously a good start. Lots of cheap knock offs or used skimmers out there. Cheapest way to get rid of nitrates is probably remote deep sand bed or RDSB. Salt or other bucket with about 8-12" of sand, a small pump to feed water (usually from water after skimmer) and uniseal and some pvc or other tubing for drain . The RDSB works best in conjunction with GFO, as RDSB only works on nitrates and GFO on phospates.

 

[90g-reefer]

More water volume won't help much unless you're exporting nutrients. However, larger sump allows larger skimmer, GFO reactor and easier water changes. Bigger skimmer gets rid of organics before they break down, so obviously a good start. Lots of cheap knock offs or used skimmers out there. Cheapest way to get rid of nitrates is probably remote deep sand bed or RDSB. Salt or other bucket with about 8-12" of sand, a small pump to feed water (usually from water after skimmer) and uniseal and some pvc or other tubing for drain . The RDSB works best in conjunction with GFO, as RDSB only works on nitrates and GFO on phospates.

So I am assuming my biggest battle will be nitrates and phosphates? But can you explain what a remote deep sand bed is?