Filtration system for 15 gallon?

[Austrarhyncus]

I am trying to decide what filtration setup to use on my upcoming 15 gallon nano reef. My filter media is to be either activated carbon or Purigen, so it won't take up a lot of space, meaning that the filter shouldn't have too much space for media.

Thanks

 

[heathlindner25]

Little of both?

 

[Austrarhyncus]

Are there any advantages to using both? Is it even safe to?

 

[heathlindner25]

I might have misspoken , I was thinking of the Seachem product "sea gel" .
It's a combination of activated carbon and phosguard. Check it out.

 

[Austrarhyncus]

Will it counter chemical warfare between corals?

 

[Austrarhyncus]

Also, is it rechargeable?

 

[kevin21]

Your live rock and water changes along with a protein skimmer should be all the filtration you need on a 15g nano.

 

[Austrarhyncus]

But would weekly water changes be enough to export the toxins from the corals?

 

[kevin21]

Yes of course. I have a 28g. I have a protein skimmer rated for up to 50 gallons. I was only doing monthly 5g water changes. Ran into issues. Hair algae, cotton candy algae etc. I started worrying about my filtration and flow. This was not the case. In such small tanks, weekly 5g water changes can make a worlds difference in nitrate/phosphate reducing. Not to mention if you are using a reef based salt like IO reef crystals (I recommend), you will be replacing alk/mag/ca at a nice efficient rate for your corals. In a 15, depending on the type of corals you us, you most likely will not need to even dose. For example, I keep some LPS, mostly softies, everything is thriving and all I do is my 5g weekly water changes along with running my skimmer.

 

[PsychoticBeauty]

Like mentioned above the rock you put in the tank will be your primary biological filter. Having a protein skimmer will definitely help, but it's not really needed. Having a HOB filter is also a good idea if you ever need to run things like GAC or GFO. You can also put a sponge in this during your water changes to help polish the water for you. Once the tank is clear go ahead and remove it.

 

[Austrarhyncus]

Yeh, the Red Sea salt is what I'll be using, according to the description, it contains all the trace elements needed, so yes, dosing won't be necessary.

I do not have room for a protein skimmer, as my tank isn't one of those with a build in sump at the back, and an external sump would be impractical for such a small tank. An internal protein skimmer would be unsightly, so I'll just stick to water changes of around 30% per week.

So pretty much all I need in terms of filtration is a good powerhead, quality live rock and a HOB for temporary use after water changes?

 

[heathlindner25]

Yes

 

[Austrarhyncus]

Cool, what flow rate should my powerhead be rated for? I'll be keeping zoanthids and softies

 

[BrotherNature]

What are the dimensions of your tank? Some of those powerheads out there can be kind of bulky. You probably don't want to spend an arm and a leg for one either.

 

[kevin21]

A couple Koralia nanos facing each other on different sides of the tank will be more than fine for what you want. I forget what they are called though. Maybe Koralia nano 240? Cheap enough. Buying two and facing them towards each other should be a nice chaotic flow.

 

[Austrarhyncus]

The dimensions are 19 x 10.5 x 16 (so a little less than the 15 gallons I originally estimated.

A chaotic flow? Is that really needed for softies and Zoas?

 

[kevin21]

Chaotic flow is good because it can keep detritus and such suspended in the air longer. The less build up under/inbetween the rocks or around the bottom the better. Most softies like moderate flow. Two koralia 240 wont be too much at all.

 

[Austrarhyncus]

True, I just don't want a giant whirlpool in my tank.

Thanks

 

[CapeMayReefer91]

Fyi

Fyi

I am trying to decide what filtration setup to use on my upcoming 15 gallon nano reef. My filter media is to be either activated carbon or Purigen, so it won't take up a lot of space, meaning that the filter shouldn't have too much space for media.

Thanks

I have a 15 gal nano without a skimmer . I used a filter sock, fudge with chaeto, and purigen that's it

 

[Austrarhyncus]

Thanks for your input, but I intend to equipment to a minimum, with just a couple powerheads, though I was originally going to have a hang-on refugium with chaeto.