Question about filtration

[gabrito]

Hey guys. I recently bought a skimmer for my 10G tank. Prior to that I only had a small HOB filter with carbon and some powerheads. My question is: now that I have the skimmer do I still need the HOB filter running carbon?

 

[ek9vboi]

It would be ideal, but not needed IMO. A skimmer will remove proteins in the water. Carbon removes chemicals and so on. So I would say its up to you if you want to run it or not.

I don't and have never ran it, but people who have will say to run it.

 

[Fish2reef]

I would, it is only going to contribute to better water quality.

 

[gabrito]

thanks!

 

[titus164]

well since we are asking this, I have a wet/dry and was thinking about putting a small canister filter to filter the water even more. Would this be to much??

 

[z00crazy]

i never heard of too much filtration?

 

[coralfragger101]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9908668#post9908668 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by titus164
well since we are asking this, I have a wet/dry and was thinking about putting a small canister filter to filter the water even more. Would this be to much??

IMO this would not be a wise move. Canister filters are too easy to plug in and forget and if they are not cleaned on a very regular basis will end up being a nitrate factory and doing more harm than good to your system.

Actually, the same goes for those bio-balls in your wet dry. It is better to completely remove them.

BASICS: Quality salt mix
Sufficient live rock for filtration
A kick *** skimmer
Lighting to match the livestock you want to keep

 

[titus164]

Makes sense, seems like it would be more upkeep for little results

 

[db_triggerfish]

Without chemical filtration the water will get a yellowish look to it you really don't see it when the aquarium lights are on, more so with just the room light. Look at something like Pura Filtration Pad it claims to be better than polyfilter. It removes phosphates with its Beta Ferric Oxide Hydroxide, it also has carbon for organics. It is a small tank i can't think of a good protein skimmer for it. Well water changes. I got my at ReefLife for less than marinedepot. I change my weekly so it doesn't become a nitrate trap.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=MN3311