Is this good circulation?

[mjc041800]

I have two small powerheads, a 50 gallon filter, and a skimmer. I want this tank to be a reef tank. Here is a picture so you can see. Also I have some black stuff growing on some parts of the rock, is that from bad circulation. Please help! Suggestions? Thank you.

 

[mjc041800]

I have two small powerheads, a 50 gallon filter, and a skimmer. I want this tank to be a reef tank. Here is a picture so you can see. Also I have some black stuff growing on some parts of the rock, is that from bad circulation. Please help! Suggestions? Thank you.

Woops! Forgot the picture.

 

[whosurcaddie]

What model maxi jet is that?

Also if your power filter has any type of bio media or a bio wheel you can remove it. The rock is your filter. You can run carbon and GFO in the filter though.

 

[thegrun]

List your equipment, a picture tells us very little about your system.

 

[mjc041800]

What model maxi jet is that?

Also if your power filter has any type of bio media or a bio wheel you can remove it. The rock is your filter. You can run carbon and GFO in the filter though.

I don't know what model it is, it was a hand down. I have a bio wheel in the filter. What do you think about the circulation and water flow, is it goodue enough for a reef? Like I said I have this black stuff appearing on the rock, but the tank just started cycling a couple of days ago so I don't know.

 

[mjc041800]

Also would just a small air stone in a QT be OK for the oxygen level or do I absolutely need a power head? Do I need water flow in a QT if it is only for fish?

 

[mjc041800]

Oh wait here it is, I have a MJ-400 Cobalt Powerhead, a SeaClone 100 Protein Skimmer, a 50 gallon Marineland Penguin 280 Filter, and a 25-40 gallon King 160 Petco Powerhead that pumps 160 gallons per hour. My tank is a 30 gallon bowfront. Thank you.

 

[platypusklr]

You should be ok as long as you converge the filter and pump outlets. Gonna be restrained on stocking when considering a "reef" system without very careful consideration to stocking and growth potential.

 

[whosurcaddie]

I would take the bio wheel off. You should be ok with that flow. Stick to easy corals at first. Some of the cheaper zoanthids mushrooms soft corals in general are easier.

What type of lighting do you have?

 

[mjc041800]

You should be ok as long as you converge the filter and pump outlets. Gonna be restrained on stocking when considering a "reef" system without very careful consideration to stocking and growth potential.

What do you mean by "converge"?

 

[mjc041800]

I would take the bio wheel off. You should be ok with that flow. Stick to easy corals at first. Some of the cheaper zoanthids mushrooms soft corals in general are easier.

What type of lighting do you have?

I have a 24" Coralife T8 17watt 50/50 10,000k

 

[mjc041800]

I would take the bio wheel off. You should be ok with that flow. Stick to easy corals at first. Some of the cheaper zoanthids mushrooms soft corals in general are easier.

What type of lighting do you have?

And would it still be OK just to leave the wheel on?

 

[whosurcaddie]

It will only raise nitrates. The live rock is a much more effecient filter. You can keep the power filter to run carbon or any filter media you need.

 

[mjc041800]

It will only raise nitrates. The live rock is a much more effecient filter. You can keep the power filter to run carbon or any filter media you need.

To keep it from becoming a nitrate factory how much would I need to rinse it? And how do I rinse it?

 

[Irishman360]

To keep it from becoming a nitrate factory how much would I need to rinse it? And how do I rinse it?

You would need to rinse it every 2-3 days, would almost be the same as a filter sock. Just throw it in the washer with no additives.