In reef tank, do I need a filter before my chiller?

[fishnerd01]

I am moving my 50 gallon reef tank into the garage. There is lots of room, pre built sturdy shelf and at some point I can upgrade and add a sump etc.

It is Southern California so outside (and non insulated garage) temp ranges from 40 degrees to 95 degrees. I bought a chiller, but after reading the directions it says I should be using a FILTER before the water reaches the chiller. I thought you don't want any filters for use in reef tanks. I just have a skimmer.

I plan on using it with no filter for now, but how do reef tank people use chillers without a filter? How does it work in the sump? Do you just have a filter you clean every week? I debated getting a canister filter but can;t I just clean the chiller more often instead?

 

[mcgyvr]

I thought you don't want any filters for use in reef tanks.

In general thats really just not true.. Thousands of people run filter socks/canister filters,etc..
Filters are fine when maintained properly.. Its really the lack of maintenance thats the "issue"

You can have filters if you want and if I had a chiller that stated one should be used in the manual I would have a filter if I wanted the warranty and to help with the lifespan/efficiency of the filter..

Debris can clog the heat exchanger over time.

 

[MondoBongo]

did they give any details on what kind of filter they meant?

it sound like they want to keep particulate out of the chiller, which makes sense. that to me would suggest some kind of filter screen, sock, or other type of filter material on the inlet of the chiller, not necessarily that you should have a canister filter.

 

[ReefMaster48]

I agree, they likely mean something to catch debris before it enters the chiller. Floss, sock, etc etc.

 

[fishnerd01]

Ok, that makes sense. What is a good pump that has a screen type filter? I don't see many pumps online that have the ability to use a filter unless it uses a canister filter of some kind. I ordered a Quiet One Lifegard Aquarium Pump, 317 GPH but have not installed it yet.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

If you feed from the return pump, or the return section of the sump, I think the sump counts as the filter. You just don't want to be sending chunks of algae debris, food etc directly into it. Don't run it on your drain line.


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[ca1ore]

I certainly have a screen on the pump that feeds my chiller - to protect both the pump and the chiller.