Filter on return from tank to sump?

[jcmccue]

Well, my TBS tank has been up and running for about 8 weeks now. Things are starting to settle down, I think it is time to be patient and let it start to mature. Finally starting to get some coralline algae on the back glass.

Here is my question. What is the advantage of having a filter on the return line from my tank to the sump. I have tried both 100 micron felt and 200 micron mesh filters. Both types stop filtering in about 1-3 days. But even with these filters I am still getting brown "gunk" in the return section of the sump. So, is the filter really helping?

I was thinking about using a piece of 4 inch PVC pipe loaded with rubble to act as a bubble diffuser

Just wondering what all of you do.

Thanks - Craig

sump before adding rock

sump tonight (with new nano-clown)

recent tank shot

 

[noahm]

I don't run a filter sock, but just siphon out of the first chamber when I do water changes to get some of the detritus. I think it helps polish the water a bit, but it is definitely not a necessity. A rubble tube will help catch some, but will still need to get blown out or cleaned to keep it from becoming a nitrate trap.

 

[jeffreylesser]

I run a filter sock, but sometimes question it's validity in the setup. It seems that putting things like phyto and zoo in the tank just equates to decaying matter in the sock, when you really would like it to circulate throughout the tank. I also wonder if 0 nitrates are even possible without changing the sock on a daily basis. With that said, they seem to be invaluable after a water change and blasting the rocks, because they trap all that gunk that comes out.

 

[jcmccue]

Thanks for the responses. I think that I am going to take the filter out for awhile and see how things respond.

One thing that I have been doing is using the sock as a filter to vacuum the display tank. I start a siphon using a 3/8 inch tube and let the tube exit into the sock filter. This I can clean as long as I like and not lose any water. I do the same thing in th esump except that I use a small powerhead and have a 6-8 inch tube on the suction side