Nano Filtration Media / Methods

[ToadSprocket]

Being very new to the hobby, I am unclear on a few things regarding filtration in these smaller tanks. I was hoping someone could point me to a good post, or provide some feedback here. (Currently have a JBJ 24g)

First off as seemingly most people know, in these nanos there are sponges covering carbon which in turn is covering bio balls. I see people removing the carbon, some people removing the sponges, and possible even removing the bio balls. Can anyone provide the reasoning behind all these decisions? If these decisions are based on what is being kept, I am wanting to keep zoa's mostly, if that makes a difference.

I know there are debates about floss vs. sponges which I don't want to get into, but why would someone remove the sponge altogether? (I know I've read about some folks removing at least one of the sponges, and leaving the other in)

I thought the bio balls kept the beneficial bacteria. Do they also harbor nitrates or some such?

As for removing carbon, something about they don't wan't too much filtration? Does this depend on coral types?

I'm sure these things are spelled out in other places, but as it pertains to these nanos, can someone shed some light?

Really enjoying these forums so far for the wealth of knowledge they contain.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks a lot.

 

[Illuminati]

If you do a good job cleaning the sponges weekly to make sure no debris is in there you can get away with using them. Most people (myself included) prefer to just toss the floss

Bioballs both keep the bacteria and harbor nitrates. If you have enough live rock there is no need for bioballs.

For me carbon doesn't last long enough. I prefer chemi-pure (fancy carbon) and purigen (that can be recharged). Both can last 6 months in our tanks.

If you want to do some reading check out:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=999069

A cool little thread that covers just about everything.

 

[ToadSprocket]

colinadam - Thanks, good stuff. I'll be sure to read through that thread.

Regarding amount of live rock, how much is generally considered enough? (I've read 1 to 1.5 per g, that sound right to you?) I am up to 30 lbs in my 24g.

Thanks again.

 

[Illuminati]

30 would be good. I have right around 30 in mine.

Live rock is the main filtration method so the more the better but you don't want to cram it so tight you can't do any cool aquascaping.

Both chemi-pure and purigen are worth their weight in gold for me. I'd look into both of them.

If you want to see my tank pics I have some around page 15 in that link, also on page 1 or 2 I give a link to my tank build.

Hope it helps.

 

[ToadSprocket]

Thanks a bunch. Definitely have given me something to go on.

Appreciate the help.

 

[slam308]

Exactly which purigen product do you guys use? I've seen a half dozen different types.
I have the floss, basically pillow stuffing from Wal-Mart, with the pack of chemi-pure underneath it. So, which purigen should I put where?
I've got two small pieces of LR in the second chamber of the 24 AP and 22 lb in the main display.

 

[Illuminati]

Purigen can be found on Dr. Foster and Smiths website, it's made by seachem.

I would take the rock out of the back chamber and find a home for it in the display, you can add the purigen media bag to the 2nd chamber.