Filters

[CrayolaViolence]

I would like to do just a Zoe garden with my old tank after I upgrade to the 180. The old tank is shallow and I will be using T5 lighting on it (until I find something better). Right now it runs a skimmer and sump. I was wondering if I can set up an HOB filter in the sump and use it with the Zoes. I've been told by several they do better without a skimmer. Same with Goniapora, which if true, will be in there as well.
If a HOB filter or mechanical filter of some sort will work I would really appreciate some suggestions on brands and types.

Thanks

 

[CrayolaViolence]

no input on filters?

 

[organism]

In a 180 you'd be in for the mother of all algae outbreaks if you let nutrients build up in there. Personally I'd recommend keeping the skimmer, my zoas grow faster than I can sell them and they're in a super clean SPS tank, colors are awesome too. imo growing zoas has everything to do with good water movement and bluer light spectrum, and not much to do with skimmers. Odds are pretty good you'll get rid of the HOB filter and replace it with a skimmer, an HOB wouldn't do much of anything on a tank that size either way.

 

[CrayolaViolence]

In a 180 you'd be in for the mother of all algae outbreaks if you let nutrients build up in there. Personally I'd recommend keeping the skimmer, my zoas grow faster than I can sell them and they're in a super clean SPS tank, colors are awesome too. imo growing zoas has everything to do with good water movement and bluer light spectrum, and not much to do with skimmers. Odds are pretty good you'll get rid of the HOB filter and replace it with a skimmer, an HOB wouldn't do much of anything on a tank that size either way.

This won't be in a 180. It will be in an 80 gallon that I already have set up.
The 180 is a different tank that I will be setting up with different coral. I just wanted a zoe garden for the 80 gallon.

 

[CrayolaViolence]

So is a media filter possible with an 80 gallon zoe garden with only zoes and maybe some mushrooms and no live stock or not?

 

[cloak]

Just manipulate the rock... KISS. GL.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/feature/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/filtration.php

 

[CrayolaViolence]

Just manipulate the rock... KISS. GL.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/feature/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/filtration.php

I've actually read most if not all of those articles. And I am trying to "keep it simple stupid" by asking others for their experiences.

 

[organism]

My reply would be the same for anything over 30-40 gallons, you're welcome to try whatever you'd like though there's lots of opinions out there.

 

[bshow24]

Avoid the HOB filter, keep the skimmer. Although Zoas like dirtier water than SPS, they'll still grow with a skimmer being used. Plus, if you feed them, it'll dirty the water and you'll be fine.

I run my mixed reef at 10 nitrates 0 phosphates, and both SPS and Zoas grow like crazy.

 

[Fourstars]

They seem to be the filter, just have a light fish load. Right now I only run an algae tuff scrubber. I like KISS :love1:

 

[cloak]

Just out of curiosity, couldn't you just avoid the algae altogether? I'm assuming you are using the purest water on earth, (RO/DI) so what's the problem, human error?

 

[carrots]

I have been running a bare bottom 125 gallon SPS & LPS mixed reef for 4 years with great success. I have two MP40s for current and a Aqua 300 hang on filter. No sump or skimming. I have to do a 5 gallon water change and filter sponge cleaning weekly to maintain parameters.

 

[Fourstars]

Just out of curiosity, couldn't you just avoid the algae altogether? I'm assuming you are using the purest water on earth, (RO/DI) so what's the problem, human error?

No problems here. The Zoa garden is part of a larger system that's SPS dominate. There are many other positive effects you get from a turf scrubber then just skimming. Read up in the advance section.