anyone have the ecosystem have a few question

[gandolf8]

Just got my ecosystem now have a few questions
1 Do you use the filter bag that came with it.
2 Do you use any of the bio balls
3 Do you use a skimmer on the system
Now I have my calcuim reactor hook up to the sump is this ok? now what maintanance do you pull on the system. thx

 

[candycane]

I think there is no filter bag, I think there is no bioballs and I think that it comes with a sedement that is supposed to do the work of all the other three. But you can still use a skimmer.

 

[gandolf8]

it did come with bio balls, bag and miracle mud

 

[ophiura]

I do not have one, and there is not doubt that I do not particularly think they are worth the money

I would not see why you would need the bioballs if you have LR and what amounts to a refugium. It may depend, however, on your ultimate tank set up and what you want to keep. If you are keeping predators, for example, I would absolutely use the bioballs. A reef? Probably not.
I personally would still use a skimmer.
The filter bag, perhaps, is a mechanical filter, - I haven't looked at one of these in awhile so I am not positive - in which case it might not be a bad idea to use, but should be rinsed frequently.

 

[ibew]

what size tank do you have and what model eco do you have also is it setup if so what micros are you using cheto or calurapa and I also do not think theres a need for bio balls if you have a established reef IMO the media bag I would use one or some form of a way to get some carbon in there It works for me IMO and also it says not to use a skimmer but I would and I do as far as maintance just trim the micro when it gets to high in the mud and after 2 years replace 50% of the mud and make sure to clean out your skimmer and also still do water changes once a week but don't do one for about a month of the break in cycle of the mud also it says not to add micro for the first 2 weeks and also keep the pc light off for that time period

 

[volcom69]

The ecosystem is used without a skimmer thats the whole ecosystems solutions that skimming takes to much nutirents out of the water, so if u use a skimmer u might as well not use the ecosystem.

 

[ibew]

I know thats what it says 2 do but I feel when your loaded with coral and fish a skimmer still benefits you with it then without thats just my 2 cents

 

[volcom69]

I agree i dont run the ecosystem, but to get ur money worth from it u shouldnt run the skimmer and use the filtration that they give u. I know many people who run that dont run a skimmer and the tanks are loaded and they are some of the best tanks ive ever seen.

 

[ibew]

I agree but the one im running isnt the true sump version which is the reason why I run a skimmer its a hang on version and doesnt hold enough micro to break down my trates if I had a 3012 I might not use a skimmer also I did try it without and did me good for awile but trates did catch up to me but my tank is loaded maybe if I didn't packed it to the extreme I wouldn't need one

 

[mygatt]

I was thinking about possibly getting one of these systems for my smaller 30 gallon tank - the one that hangs on the back - I believe it is called the ecosystem 40? I figured I would try it out, to see if I want to put the sump version in my larger 120 gallon tank. My Yellow tang has HLLE and I was thinking about putting him in my 30 gallon with this system for a little bit - I heard it works wonders for that disease. Can you start one of these things in a tank with fish in it, or would you need to start it in a tank and cycle it first? Does anyone know more about this Setup - thanks in advance for anyones help!