live rock filter

[hoopsdaddy]

I have built in overflow filtration on my 165gal reef tank. I have been warned about putting foam and bio balls in this filter.
Can I put live rock and live sand in it to help improve filtration?
Any help would be appreciated.

I am putting a 50gal DIY sump under it soon. I will keep you posted as to how that goes.

Thanks

 

[BurntOutReefer]

IMO....rock rubble.....the sand might clog the filter

 

[crvz]

I wouldnt put anything in it for the same reason that you're not putting bioballs or filters. If detritus gets trapped throughout the live rock, you're going to have a potential for increased nitrate levels.

 

[hoopsdaddy]

what consumes nitrate in the reef tank?
I understand that ammonia becomes nitrite, and then nitrite becomes nitrate. ( I realize it is a little more complicated than that). Wouldn't a pile of live rock in the fuge I am building get detrius trapped in and under it? Thus producing nitrate.
Not trying to be tacky just don't understand how to reduce the last part of the cycle??????

 

[PVChick12]

Macro algae. and WATER CHANGES! =]

 

[abarksdale]

I wouldn't put anything in there. Water changes cure all.

 

[1fishkeeper]

I dont know if I would go with just water changes cure it all. In a large tank that is not overstocked and a good fuge on it you would be suprised how well it will run and not have anything in the water as for NO2, and NO3

 

[hoopsdaddy]

Thanks for the input

Thanks for the input

Thanks again!!

 

[Saltz Creep]

Large peices of live rock will export nitrates due to anerobic bacteria living deep inside. I'm not confident rock rubble will do this as the smaller diameters increase oxygen exposure.

 

[cloak]

Check this out.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rs/feature/index.php