Fluidized sand filter

[PAZE]

I run a fluidized bed sand filter instead of bio balls in my freshwater set up, keeps my nitrates down and ammonia down as well. Sand covers 10 times or higher the surface area of bio balls. My bed runs under my system clear pvc filled with sand, water enters from the bottom and exits the top into my sump slowly, and works amazing. My question is has anybody used one on saltwater? I want to set one up and just need know if will work the same way as freshwater.

 

[bertoni]

It'll work as well at reducing ammonia to nitrate as it does in freshwater, or at least it'd work. The problem would be exporting the nitrate.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

There generally is not much need for more ammonia reduction capability in a tank with sufficient live rock and sand, but if you plan a very minimalist bare bottom tank with little rock, it might be a fine plan. As Jonathan mentions, it does nothing for nitrate.

 

[PAZE]

OK I plan on having just sand, and maybe some rubble in the sump, Im going to give it a try Ill let you guys no how it works out. Thanks again

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

FWIW, I'm not sure how you will know if the fluidized sand is doing anything useful unless you set the tank up without it first and determine a need.

 

[PAZE]

OK Ill set it up first just the bed, now is there any type of sand I should use, or just the coarse reef sand?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

What else is going to be in the tank?

Too coarse of sand allows a lot of detritus to accumulate in it.

 

[Plato]

I use them in Jelly fish tanks. Doesn't hurt that the LD50 for ammonia on jelly fish is something like 70ppm.

 

[Steve175]

I have seen them used on heavily stocked FOWLR with success. I believe that Deltec makes one. It would not particularly be useful for a reef IMO.