My reef filtration...Please read and comment!

[lakee911]

Re: Re: My reef filtration...Please read and comment!

Re: Re: My reef filtration...Please read and comment!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9023107#post9023107 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RandyStacyE
I never have and never will use bio balls or any other type of rubble for that matter. I just don’t see the need for it. Your live rock and sand is all the biological filtration you’ll ever need. I’ve heard many say “remove the bio balls VERY SLOWLY, little at a time”. I don’t understand why that is said so much either.

I wouldn't ever use them either. You remove them slowly so other bacteria can expand (in count) to handle the excess. Your bioload is only so much so you have so much bacteria. Take 1/2 the bacteria out and now you have 1/2 bioload too much. Sorry, not explained well.


The tank is only 6 weeks old? You might have too much bioload too soon.

Good luck!

Jason

 

[RandyStacyE]

I would actually let it age a while before stocking it more. If it is still relatively new ... I would definitely wait. When I first started my 55 gal tank I couldn’t wait to buy fish. I eventually had quite a few fish and learned many lessons the hard way. Now I only have 3 fish, but have a decent collection of corals.

Fish are polluters in general and take take take. Corals in general give give give. Corals reproduce, do not pollute and after a while you’re trying to figure out what to do with all your frags that they drop.

A bigger sump helps with tank maintenance and convenient operation of the system. It gives you more versatility.

A good skimmer is very nice to have. You wouldn’t believe the nasty gunk that a more powerful one will pull out.

Instead of buying a bunch of stuff to stock the tank ... it might be a better idea to expand the system itself and allow your biological filtration to build up to allow you to stock it they way you want to in the future.

For instance a good RO/DI unit, upgrade the skimmer and a bigger sump if you want to expand.

None of the above will kill off anything. You wouldn't believe how tough a reef tank is. If you have solid biological filtration ... you could literally go 2 years without a water change. Not a good idea, but the system takes care of itself as long as you do not overstock.

 

[HookedOnReefing]

Michael,

I think you are on the right track with your filtration system.

With the amount of livesand and live rock you have in your 90 gallon tank, you don't need the bio-balls. I would take them out and use that wet/dry filter as a sump. You don't have to replace the lost bio balls with more live rock either as you have plenty.

Your MTC skimmer is a good one. Very well made and a good performer. I had one a long time ago and when correctly tuned and correctly matched with an airpump and water feed pump, it's a GREAT little skimmer.

Right now looking at the picture, it could skim much better. Make sure that you feed it with a water pump that provides it with a maximum of 135 gallons per hour = 1.5 x total water system water volume per hour. Get some new wooden airstones and replace the old ones. Old airstones gunk up and clog. Try to do this every month. It's cheap and keeps your skimmer working at peak performance. Get a stronger airpump for your skimmer.

Regardless of how good a filtration system you employ, you should NEVER stock the sh!t out of your tank as you are asking. Overstocking stresses out the animals in your tank, especially fishes. Stressed fishes will get sick. Don't due it, waste of money.

As far as your current stocking level is concerned, I think you have already overstocked your tank. I count 7 fishes off which 2 are lionfishes which grow large 15 inches large within 18 months! I also count 2 tangs which also grow rather large albeit much slower then the lions. I strongly advise you to not add anymore fishes then you already have in that tank.

I think you stocked your tank too much too fast. That's a large bioload to support. So what I would do is ditch the wet/dry not right now but wait. Unless your Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrates all read zero.


Nice tank BTW.

Alex

 

[scaryperson27]

A bigger sump can help dilute all of the deteriorates also, you can get all that nasty algae to grow in your sump rather than your tank which can make it a little easier to control. A refugium will let you handle a bigger biological load because the macro algae (as well as any type of algae) will suck up all the nutrients in your tank.

 

[michael43]

Changed the UV

Changed the UV

to a 18w and upgraded the air pump on the skimmer

 

[michael43]

And took out almost all the bioballs

And took out almost all the bioballs

and added to mechanical pads and a phosphate pad. Better?

 

[RandyStacyE]

You can plumb a Maxi Jet to your skimmer to give you more air and make it recirculating.

 

[michael43]

i am using a maxijet to feed the skimmer now

i am using a maxijet to feed the skimmer now

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9037730#post9037730 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RandyStacyE
You can plumb a Maxi Jet to your skimmer to give you more air and make it recirculating.

i think you can see it in my first new pic above

 

[scaryperson27]

I would raise the water level until the bioballs and other mechanical filtration is submersed.