filtration question

[EvilE]

I have a 30 gallon tank recently set up and currently cycling--I am learning a ton around here--thanks to all! I currently am using a Emperor 400 (double bio-wheel) filter, and also a aquaclear powerhead with sponge on the intake--is this good enough filtration for a small SW tank?? The emperor 400 is rated for 80 gallons......

 

[ljsreptiles]

if this is a reef tank, take off the biowheels

 

[EvilE]

it's gonna be a FOWLR I believe.......

 

[Scuba_Steve]

In a reef, filters are not nessesary and can actually cause problems with nitrates. All the filtration you need is in your live rock, and the flow that moves water around them. I would take off the emperor completely, and add another powerhead or 2.

 

[EvilE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9497340#post9497340 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ljsreptiles
if this is a reef tank, take off the biowheels

...and just out of curiosity--why???

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Sorry, replace reef with fowlr. Same concept

 

[ljsreptiles]

it will just create nitrate problems. On small reefs i just use live rock for filtration. if you want, i like using an aquaclear 110 to put carbon, poly filter...I just take the sponge out.

 

[EvilE]

So, I should use no power filter at all?? Just live rock and powerheads???

 

[EvilE]

I was thinking of taking out all of the filter material in the back of the emperor, and filling it with live rock rubble--so water circulates through the live rock rubble---good idea or no??

 

[EvilE]

delete

 

[sjj80]

I would rid of the emperor and get a HOB nano skimmer. www.marinedepot.com has a decent selection of nano skimmers and ultimately this is the main filtration/waste removal method for all Saltwater setups. Emporor type filters trap debris that breaks down and pollutes the water and they do nothing to rid of organic waste produced by the breakdown of various debris. A good skimmer is your best investment.