Replacing live rock in DT with a different biological filtration in sump

[acidflea]

I have a 125g DT with 75g sump currently that has been setup for about 2 years. I want to remove part of my LR for a more Minimalist look. I noticed a thread about Marinepure blocks and was thinking of using something like that in my sump to replace the LR in the DT. I know that i will need to add it to the sump and let it seed for a while before I could start removing LR. Is anyone using the Marinepure blocks or something else in their sumps for biological filtration as a replacement to LR in your tanks? If so what are you using and what are your thoughts?


Thanks

 

[Ztous]

I use that artificial reef rock in my sump. Those marine pure blocks seems overpriced in my opinion.

 

[eshtog]

I absolutely love the Marinepure blocks. I have a Red Sea Reefer 525XL with a coral insert and 3 of the big blocks and 2 smaller blocks in my sump. I know its overkill, but I feed a lot 3 times a day and I still don't get nitrates over 5.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=FD1ABED786C6C909!45895&authkey=!AFDw0bI5UBgtyAI&ithint=folder,

 

[eshtog]

I use that artificial reef rock in my sump. Those marine pure blocks seems overpriced in my opinion.

They may be overpriced, but their square shape and surface area make them ideal for the sump.

 

[acidflea]

They may be overpriced, but their square shape and surface area make them ideal for the sump.

The shape and surface area is what made me interested in them.

 

[cougareyes]

Why don't you just move the live rock from the display to the sump if you feel like you need that much biofiltration. You could then slowly remove the amount of rock until you are satisfied. Any of the other media is just a substitute for live rock, so why not just use what you already have.

 

[davocean]

A lot of minimalist tanks simply place LR in sump

 

[acidflea]

Why don't you just move the live rock from the display to the sump if you feel like you need that much biofiltration. You could then slowly remove the amount of rock until you are satisfied. Any of the other media is just a substitute for live rock, so why not just use what you already have.

Most of the LR that i have is large pieces of FIJI and i think the Marinepure or another solution would take up way less sump space. I plan on just selling the LR that I have when i remove it.

 

[cougareyes]

Most of the LR that i have is large pieces of FIJI and i think the Marinepure or another solution would take up way less sump space. I plan on just selling the LR that I have when i remove it.

Hammer and chisel.

 

[Sapelo]

I have been very impressed with the results of Marinepure in my sump. I do feel it provides excellent filtration and has helped to lower phosphates in my tank.
I did not decrease my live rock amount, but I do carry a heavy bioload and feel that I need both.
For me, Marinepure has been excellent.

 

[acidflea]

I am thinking about putting an 8x8x4 in my sump. Also thinking to add some seachem matrix in media bags. I will be able to rinse out the media bags when doing water changes. Any thoughts?

 

[Pmj]

The big 8x8x4 blocks are the only ones that are advertised for lowering nitrates. I have one in my sump but system has only been up for about 2 months, hoping for good results in time.

 

[cougareyes]

I use the seachem matrix, have used it in many tanks, I think it works well. I have very rarely rinsed a bag, I believe once the nitrates have converted in your tank whatever dietris is in that media is inert, it is good to keep relatively clear for better flow. When it comes to lowering nitrates, I believe the density of those pieces much be such as to create a low oxygen space for the de-nitrate bacteria to grow. If this is the case I would like to hear from people that have used it for a while. If it is similar to de-nitrate in a reactor it will saturate then leech the nitrates back into the tank. My experience with de-nitrate.

 

[Sk8r]

I have an 8x8 block. I've not seen it do much good, honestly, but then I already have a pretty good load of live rock.