Do you run mechanical filtration?

[windom]

Do you run some type of mechanical filter in your reef tank?

I prefer to in order to get that really clear water, but I wonder if that's hurting my filter feeders.

 

[pjf]

My filtration includes a skimmer, a GAC/GFO reactor (not pictured) and a chaetomorpha refugium that acts as a mechanical filter:

All water passes under the first baffle and through the chaetomorpha. Periodically, the chaetomorpha must be rinsed clean of the debris that it catches. Note that there is very little debris on the bottom of the sump. A Lee's or Penn Plax mesh tank divider is propped up against the second baffle by the flow and keeps the chaetomorpha from creeping into the next compartment. The mesh does provide some mechanical filtration but the chaetomorpha traps more detritus.

You can also use a filter sock for mechanical filtration.

 

[reefscape15]

NOPE! Just lots of live rock, high flow, and HOB skimmer and Fuge. It's all i need

 

[noboddi]

I use a filter sock

 

[DocG]

No I don't because for it to work well and not be counterproductive it has to be cleaned all the time. I found that I was too lazy to clean it often enough so I don't run it all the time. I will throw on a filter sock occasionally (3-4 times a year), but I remove it after a couple of days.

 

[125G Reefer]

I use a Magnum 350 canister. I do not have a sump. As long as its cleaned once a week, my trates are nil.