bio-reactor/skimmer question

[Remmers]

Im laying out my Epic final build I swear this time LOL

So far I am going with a 180 gallon single overflow into a basement sump set up( about 7ft total of return) its a quad basement

I am looking to do a mixed reef and want to make sure I do it right.

One thing I picked up from a store that closed down was a bashsea Bio-reactor

I want to incorporate this into my system, so my first question is having a bio-reactor in the system going to cause me to need a smaller skimmer or do I still go with a skimmer rated for the tank (volume)

Now I have a line on a bashsea 8-30 skimmer but there rated For aquariums up to 320 gal (1200 L) heavily stocked - 660 gal (2500 L) lightly stocked

With the sump I might have 250 gallons total, but I do plan on having it heavly stocked in due time


So is there such a thing as too much filtration when using a set up like this?

 

[GimpyFin]

It's hard to really over-do it on your skimmer, so going a little big is fine. Never really seen Bashsea equipment before, looks pretty hardcore. The bio reactor looks more or less like a reactor version of a bioball tray. IMO, they're more useful on fish only tanks than reefs unless maybe you choose to use a different media type in it. It also won't have any effect on skimmer sizing for your tank.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

I always go with a oversized skimmer. Never had a problem. If bio-reactor, you mean bio pellets, then you need to exhaust from the bio reactor going straight into the skimmer. That way the skimmer collects the fines and they don't get into the water column. I planned my system with a bio pellet reactor but have not brought it online because my nitrates are still low due to a small bio load. Not sure I am going to use it now, since I am not doing a low nutrient SPS tank.


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[Remmers]

Here is a link to the bio-reactor

http://www.bashsea.com/products/standard-series/bio-reactor

he Bashsea Bio-Reactor was designed to be the ultimate biological filter.

Bashsea is the first company to manufacture a biological filter utilizing Moving Bed Technology for the marine aquarium. The Bashsea Bio Media provides the maximum active surface area for the bacteria to colonize, more than other types of static media. It is this process that removes harmful ammonia and nitrite from the water.

As the Bio-Media moves within the filter, it causes old dead bacteria on the surface to be removed. This makes space for new heavier feeding bacteria to rapidly colonize. Within the media is a protected surface which allow bacteria to follow their natural life cycle driving the latter stages of the nitrification cycle.


100% self cleaning bio media- ZERO MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Bashsea engineered water injection plate provides perfect Bio-Motion
Rubber Membrane Air Diffuser will never clog or need to be replaced
Precision CNC Key Hole Flanges
True O-Ring Seals
Included gate valve for precise water level control
Designed and hand built in the U.S.A. using 100% American Made Acrylic Construction
Available sizes - 8-18", 8-24", 8-30", 10-24", 10-30", 12-24", 12-30"
All Bio-Reactors are fully customizable in any size and configuration to meet your specific requirements.

 

[GimpyFin]

Yes, I did go to their page and looked at the reactor before I posted earlier. It is very similar to bio balls, just in a reactor. They can be a great bio filter for breaking ammonia/nitrite to nitrate, but do nothing to break it down further leading to elevated nitrate levels over time. Fish only tanks can tolerate higher nitrate levels, but not so much in a reef. This is why people don't usually use them in reef tanks.

 

[Remmers]

Yes, I did go to their page and looked at the reactor before I posted earlier. It is very similar to bio balls, just in a reactor. They can be a great bio filter for breaking ammonia/nitrite to nitrate, but do nothing to break it down further leading to elevated nitrate levels over time. Fish only tanks can tolerate higher nitrate levels, but not so much in a reef. This is why people don't usually use them in reef tanks.

Thanks for your input. I appreciate it

 

[sde1500]

Why not use a bio-pellet reactor instead? Many have success pulling nitrates and phosphates way down with it.

 

[Remmers]

Why not use a bio-pellet reactor instead? Many have success pulling nitrates and phosphates way down with it.

Because this is sitting in my garage, it came with a package I bought from a store closing.

Wonder if I could convert it to a different type of reactor?

 

[GimpyFin]

You'd have to test it, but if that reactor creates a nice tumbling flow for biopellets, you could use it for that. I use biopellets on my tank and they do work quite well for me. However, they're not necessarily for everybody so I'd maybe get more familiar with them if you choose to go that route.