How much filtration is too much.

[Troublekitty]

I was looking at HOBs, particularly the Fluval c series. I'm starting up a 10g minimal bioload reef tank. The c4 is rated for 40-70 G with 240gph. Is too much filtration an issue?

 

[nereefpat]

I wouldn't use any filters in a 10 gallon tank, just live rock and a couple powerheads.

 

[mcgyvr]

I agree..
I wouldn't use any mechanical filters in any saltwater tank except maybe during "cleaning" time..

 

[homer1475]

i wouldn't use any filters in a 10 gallon tank, just live rock and a couple powerheads.

+1

i agree..
I wouldn't use any mechanical filters in any saltwater tank except maybe during "cleaning" time..

+2

 

[Troublekitty]

I wouldn't use any filters in a 10 gallon tank, just live rock and a couple powerheads.

Ok but is there a downfall to having a mechanical filter running?

 

[WatDatThing]

Yes, cleaning or lack thereof.

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[Troublekitty]

Yes, cleaning or lack thereof.

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What do you mean?

 

[HaKs310]

For something that small take a look at the AquaClear20. You can also do google searches throwing in "aquaclear", "DIY", and "mod" to see all the crazy things you can do with it.

 

[OldReefGuy]

IMO, The filtration portion isnt the issue on this one, it would be waterflow......thats alot of water moving around in a 10G

 

[nereefpat]

Ok but is there a downfall to having a mechanical filter running?

They are not necessary, and if not cleaned every few days, they trap organic matter (by design) which becomes fertilizer for algae.

I suppose they can be used to polish the water occasionally, or you could run activated carbon or GFO in them.

 

[HaKs310]

They are not necessary, and if not cleaned every few days, they trap organic matter (by design) which becomes fertilizer for algae.

I suppose they can be used to polish the water occasionally, or you could run activated carbon or GFO in them.

Bingo.
In small saltwater tanks you will see that they are mainly used to run chemical filtration and a bump in flow.

 

[Sk8r]

Go to the setting up sticky and read the bits on live rock and sandbed. A general understanding of the nitrogen cycle is a good thing in this hobby: basically it's how sufficient live rock and sand house bacteria that take care of your waste. As you cycle your tank prior to putting anything live in it BUT bacteria, the bacteria increase to a level they can handle a certain amount of nitrate and break it all down past ammonia to bubbles of nitrogen gas. That's essential knowledge for the way a marine tank works. A filter pad builds up waste and then loses it in cleaning and the tank never stabilizes: it's not enough, compared to the processing power of a sandbed/live rock---which you don't clean.