Filtration-Canister

[zoasguy]

Other than the DSB and live rock, the only extra filtration I currently have is an Eheim 2215. My question is, what kind of media should I be running in the filtration? When should I run carbon? This will be a reef tank with softies and LSP with a clown pair, plus one or two additional small fish (yet to be determined) and CUC.

Thanks.

 

[Atilla_87]

Other than the DSB and live rock, the only extra filtration I currently have is an Eheim 2215. My question is, what kind of media should I be running in the filtration? When should I run carbon? This will be a reef tank with softies and LSP with a clown pair, plus one or two additional small fish (yet to be determined) and CUC.

Thanks.

It depends a little on your size/setup. Running media isn't necessary. Lots of folks (myself included) run successful reef tanks with only live sand and rock. I also run filter socks off and on just to keep up on particulate matter. I don't think there is any downside to running carbon, as it can help removed dissolved organics from the water. I have a couple reactors I will run carbon and/or GFO in intermittently. I would look into a good protein skimmer (if you don't already have one) before I considered messing with carbon though, as they are a much more important aspect of the filtration system, IMO.

 

[lewisrhoades]

If you plan on having softies I've been told that carbon is definitely beneficial to help remove the toxins produced by the softies. I have been running chemipure blue and it has done wonders for my reef, perhaps look into running that as well. A heads up, canisters need to be cleaned out regularly to not produce nitrates.

 

[DrPheel]

most people will run Carbon - GFO (or some type of phosphate remover ) - filter floss - de-nitrate (if nitrates are a issue)

thing is with small canisters you don't want to leave them unattended too long so that they become a nitrate factory or start releasing what they leached out of the water. On my first SW tank I only had sand - live rock - a HOB skimmer and a AC70 HOB that I used for my mechanical filtration. I used to layer the following from bottom to top

• Carbon bag
• ROWAphos bag
• Half of a ac70 sponge
• Filter floss ( Organic cotton )

Now the carbon and phosphate media I changed every month, filter floss is the one you want to change most often, depending on your bio-load id say every 5-6 days. Keep a eye on it you will see it brown out ! I used to be able to tuff it out 7 days when I had a low bio load and I would change it with my regular water change. The sponge - carbon and phosphate media can be rinsed in your water change old water to get debris out and move the media. Its a great way to export nutrients and have crystal clear water but if left unattended can lead to big troubles in little time depending on tank size.

Happy Reefing ! :bum:

 

[zoasguy]

Wow having to take apart the filter once a week seems like quite the chore. I cleaned the filters once a month on my freshwater 220g when I had that. Hmm... makes me wish I would have maid the canister easier to get to. If I decide to go filterless, or perhaps just run it part time, what are the things I'd have to do differently?

Those that go filterless, what kind of water changes do you?

 

[zoasguy]

A question about live rock curing as well. The rock I got from the LFS, was fully cured and had no foul smell. It was in my tank 30 minutes after I bought it, so I am doubtful of any die off. This morning I put 3 diced shrimp tails in the tank to add some organics. Is this a bad idea?

 

[DrewHaus]

Those that go filterless, what kind of water changes do you?

It's going to vary from person to person, everyone's system has slightly different needs and goals.

I personally do a 10% water change every week. I think that's a good starting point.

What size is your aquarium?

 

[zoasguy]

It's going to vary from person to person, everyone's system has slightly different needs and goals.

I personally do a 10% water change every week. I think that's a good starting point.

What size is your aquarium?

It is a 20g tall. But with the background I made plus the DSB and rock, it's closer to 15g.